Student Handbook
2022-2023
STUDENT HANDBOOK
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME ........................................................................... 1
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT ............................................................................... 2
A. PREAMBLE .................................................................................................................... 2
B. GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE FLETCHER COMMUNITY................................................... 2
C. SCOPE (JURISDICTION) OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT ................................................... 3
D. SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY POLICIES INCLUDED WITHIN THE CODE OF CONDUCT ... 4
D1. Student Safety Policies .................................................................................................. 4
D2. Working with Others Policies...................................................................................... 4
D3. Community Living Policies ......................................................................................... 4
D4. Information Technology Policies ................................................................................. 5
D5. Student Organization Policies ...................................................................................... 5
E. CONDUCT NOT ADDRESSED BY THE CODE OF CONDUCT ............................................. 5
E1. Sexual misconduct ......................................................................................................... 5
E2. Discrimination .............................................................................................................. 5
E3. Violations of academic or professional integrity ........................................................... 5
E4. Grievances against a faculty member or administrator affiliated with Fletcher ............ 6
F. PROCEDURE REGARDING VIOLATIONS OF THE FLETCHER CODE OF CONDUCT ........... 6
F1. Code of Conduct Committee ....................................................................................... 6
F2. Disciplinary Action and Fair Process ............................................................................ 6
F3. Reporting Violations of the Code of Conduct .............................................................. 6
F4. Anonymity ................................................................................................................... 7
F5. Initial Review of an Allegation ..................................................................................... 7
F6. Interim Actions ............................................................................................................. 8
F7. Stay Away Requests ...................................................................................................... 9
F8. Cases Presented to the Code of Conduct Committee without a Hearing..................... 9
F9. Cases Presented to the Code of Conduct Committee with a Hearing ........................ 10
F10. The Code of Conduct Hearing ................................................................................. 11
F11. Committee Deliberation and Decision ..................................................................... 11
F12. Outcomes and Sanctions ........................................................................................... 11
F13. Appeal Process .......................................................................................................... 13
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREES .....................................................................14
DEFINITIONS ......................................................................................................................... 14
Residential Programs ......................................................................................................... 14
Online Programs ............................................................................................................... 15
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FIELDS OF STUDY .................................................................................................................. 15
Global Affairs Fields of Study ........................................................................................... 15
International Business Fields of Study for MIB Students .................................................. 16
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER IN GLOBAL AFFAIRS.................................... 16
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN LAW AND DIPLOMACY ............ 18
MALD Divisional Breadth Requirements ......................................................................... 18
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS .................... 21
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF LAWS IN INTERNATIONAL LAW ............ 22
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS ...................................................... 22
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF GLOBAL MASTER OF ARTS........................................ 22
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN TRANSATLANTIC AFFAIRS ....... 23
Coursework requirements for MATA Students completing year one at Fletcher ............ 23
Coursework requirements for MATA Students completing year one at College of Europe
.......................................................................................................................................... 23
Degree Requirements for all MATA Students in Addition to Coursework ..................... 23
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF GLOBAL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION .... 23
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE FOR MASTER OF ARTS IN HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE 24
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CYBERSECURITY AND
PUBLIC POLICY ..................................................................................................................... 26
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE FOR DUAL AND JOINT DEGREES .................................... 27
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE JOINT PHD IN ECONOMICS AND PUBLIC POLICY ........................ 28
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY ........................................ 29
PhD Coursework Phase for MALD/MIB Graduates ....................................................... 29
PhD Coursework Phase for Direct-Admit Students ......................................................... 29
Petitioning for Equivalency .............................................................................................. 30
PhD Plan of Study and PhD Coursework for All Students .............................................. 30
Post-Coursework PhD Requirements ............................................................................... 31
PHD INFORMATION ............................................................................................................ 31
LANGUAGE STUDY ............................................................................................................... 31
ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ............................................................32
HONOR CODE ...................................................................................................................... 32
Section 1: Purpose, Principles, and Application ................................................................ 32
Section 2: Prohibitions ...................................................................................................... 32
Section 3: Honor Committee ............................................................................................ 34
Section 4: Reports Concerning Potential Violations ......................................................... 34
Section 5: Committee Procedure and Hearings Concerning Reports of Potential
Violations .......................................................................................................................... 36
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Section 6: Action by the Dean .......................................................................................... 38
Section 7: Committee Procedure and Hearings Concerning Student Petitions Under
Section 4(a)(5) .................................................................................................................... 39
Section 8: Rights of Accused Students ............................................................................... 39
Section 9: Student Pledge of Compliance .......................................................................... 40
Section 10: Effective Date; Amendments .......................................................................... 40
STUDENT STATUS.................................................................................................................. 40
Full-time Enrollment ........................................................................................................ 40
Part-time Enrollment ........................................................................................................ 41
Reduced Course Load ....................................................................................................... 41
Continuation ..................................................................................................................... 41
Summer Extension ............................................................................................................ 42
Reinstatement ................................................................................................................... 42
Joint Degree ...................................................................................................................... 43
Dual Degree ...................................................................................................................... 44
Exchange ........................................................................................................................... 44
Cross-Registration ............................................................................................................. 45
Employee Registration ...................................................................................................... 45
Non-Degree ....................................................................................................................... 45
ACADEMIC STANDING AND SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS ..................................... 45
Good Academic Standing .................................................................................................. 45
Academic Alert ................................................................................................................. 46
Academic Probation .......................................................................................................... 46
Satisfactory Academic Progress ......................................................................................... 47
Financial Aid Implications ................................................................................................ 48
Student Visa Implications .................................................................................................. 49
COMMITTEE ON STUDENT ACADEMIC PROGRAMS (CSAP) .................................................. 49
Petitions Requiring Full Committee Review .................................................................... 50
Petitions Requiring Administrative Review ...................................................................... 51
CONVERSION OF DEGREE PROGRAM TO MA ....................................................................... 51
PROCEDURES TO APPLY FOR DEGREE PROGRAM CHANGE .................................................... 51
One-year programs (MA, LLM, GMAP) to two-year programs (MALD and MIB) ......... 52
MGA to MALD or MIB ................................................................................................... 52
Two-year programs (MALD and MIB) to one-year programs (MA, LLM) ...................... 52
CSPP, MAHA, and MATA to MALD or MIB ................................................................ 53
MIB to GBA ...................................................................................................................... 53
SELF-DESIGNED FIELDS .......................................................................................................... 53
TRANSFER CREDIT AND EXAM CREDIT ................................................................................ 54
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Transfer Credit .................................................................................................................. 54
Dual-degree candidates ...................................................................................................... 56
Course Equivalency Exams ............................................................................................... 56
COURSES AND GRADING ...................................................................................................... 57
Course Enrollment ............................................................................................................ 57
Attendance Policy ............................................................................................................. 57
Course Examinations ........................................................................................................ 57
Grades ............................................................................................................................... 58
Repeating Courses ............................................................................................................. 58
Failing Grades ................................................................................................................... 58
Incomplete Grades ............................................................................................................ 59
Course Withdrawal ........................................................................................................... 60
REGISTRATION ...................................................................................................................... 61
Policy on Overlapping Courses ........................................................................................ 61
Policy on Concurrent Enrollment .................................................................................... 61
Registration Holds ............................................................................................................ 61
Fifth Course Enrollment Policy ....................................................................................... 61
Waitlist Registration ......................................................................................................... 62
Independent Study Courses 300-399.................................................................................. 62
Independent Study Courses for Online Programs ............................................................ 63
Capstone ........................................................................................................................... 63
PhD Reading and Research Courses ................................................................................. 64
Half Courses (Modules) ..................................................................................................... 64
Cross-Registration for Residential Programs .................................................................... 64
Audits ................................................................................................................................ 65
Language Instruction Courses ........................................................................................... 66
Pre-Session Courses ........................................................................................................... 66
Summer Courses ............................................................................................................... 67
Early Registration ............................................................................................................. 67
General Registration ......................................................................................................... 67
Late Registration ............................................................................................................... 68
Course Drops .................................................................................................................... 68
TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID ............................................................................................. 68
Payment of Tuition and Fees ............................................................................................ 68
Refund Policy .................................................................................................................... 69
HEALTH AND WELLNESS FEE ............................................................................................... 69
GRADUATION ....................................................................................................................... 70
Marching ........................................................................................................................... 70
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Application to Graduate ................................................................................................... 70
Diploma Mailing ............................................................................................................... 70
Diploma Reorder .............................................................................................................. 71
Transcripts and Apostille .................................................................................................. 71
RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS (INCLUDING DATA) ........................................... 71
ACCESSIBILITY AND ACADEMIC RESOURCES ........................................................................ 72
Accessibility Services ......................................................................................................... 72
POLICY ON CAPRICIOUS GRADING ...................................................................................... 73
Prohibition against capricious grading .............................................................................. 73
Definition .......................................................................................................................... 73
Filing of a Student Complaint ........................................................................................... 73
Action by the Academic Dean .......................................................................................... 74
Action by the Honor Code Committee ............................................................................ 74
Procedure before the Honor Code Committee ................................................................ 75
Appeals .............................................................................................................................. 76
WITHDRAWALS, LEAVE OF ABSENCE, PARENTAL ACCOMMODATION AND
LEAVE, MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, AND HOSPITALIZATIONS ...........................76
WITHDRAWALS ..................................................................................................................... 76
LEAVE OF ABSENCE .............................................................................................................. 77
Personal Leave of Absence ................................................................................................ 78
Medical Leave of Absence ................................................................................................. 78
How to Request a Medical Leave of Absence ................................................................... 78
How to Return from a Medical Leave of Absence ............................................................ 79
Considerations for Medical Leave ..................................................................................... 80
PARENTAL ACCOMMODATION AND LEAVE ......................................................................... 81
Parental Accommodation.................................................................................................. 81
Parental Leave ................................................................................................................... 82
Lactation Rooms ............................................................................................................... 84
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND HOSPITALIZATIONS ............................................................... 84
STUDENT SAFETY POLICIES ....................................................................................84
WEAPONS AND VIOLENCE-FREE UNIVERSITY POLICY STATEMENTS .................................... 84
Weapons ............................................................................................................................ 84
Violence-Free University Policy Statement ...................................................................... 85
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS POLICY ............................................................................... 85
Alcohol Policy .................................................................................................................. 85
Adult-Use and Medical Marijuana ..................................................................................... 86
Prohibited Substances ....................................................................................................... 86
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Amnesty Through Responsible Action............................................................................. 87
Required Action in Alcohol- or Other Drug-Related Medical Emergencies ..................... 88
Smoking ............................................................................................................................ 88
DISORDERLY CONDUCT ....................................................................................................... 88
PHYSICAL ABUSE AND RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT ............................................................. 88
UNIVERSITY-AFFILIATED TRAVEL SAFETY ........................................................................... 89
THREATS ............................................................................................................................... 89
THEFT ................................................................................................................................... 89
UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS ...................................................................................................... 89
FIRE SAFETY, LIFE SAFETY EQUIPMENT, AND RESIDENCE HALL SECURITY DEVICES .......... 90
COMMUNITY HEALTH .......................................................................................................... 90
Preamble ........................................................................................................................... 90
Public Health Measures to Ensure Community Safety ..................................................... 91
WORKING WITH OTHERS POLICIES ......................................................................91
ACCOMMODATION POLICY .................................................................................................. 91
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY ............................................................................................. 91
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY ............................................................................................. 92
Prohibited Conduct .......................................................................................................... 93
University Response to Allegations of Sexual Misconduct ............................................... 93
Support and Interim Measures .......................................................................................... 94
Prohibition Against Retaliation ........................................................................................ 95
Reporting Obligations of Responsible Employees ............................................................ 96
Reporting Options and Support Resources ....................................................................... 97
OEO Complaint Procedures ............................................................................................. 97
Other Resources ................................................................................................................ 98
RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS POLICY ............................................................................. 98
HARASSMENT ........................................................................................................................ 99
HAZING ................................................................................................................................ 99
RETALIATION...................................................................................................................... 103
WORKING WITH ONE ANOTHER POLICY ........................................................................... 103
STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE .................................................................................... 104
COMMUNITY LIVING POLICIES ............................................................................ 104
DISRUPTION OF COMMUNITY WELL-BEING ....................................................................... 104
DISRUPTION OR OBSTRUCTION OF A COMMUNITY ACTIVITY ........................................... 105
GATHERINGS, PROTESTS, AND DEMONSTRATIONS ............................................................ 105
TUFTS UNIVERSITY DECLARATION ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION .................................... 106
OFF-CAMPUS DISTURBANCES ............................................................................................. 107
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PROPERTY DAMAGE AND VANDALISM ............................................................................... 107
UNAUTHORIZED RECORDING ............................................................................................ 107
TUFTS UNIVERSITY POLICY ON POLITICAL ACTIVITIES ..................................................... 108
Student Publications ........................................................................................................ 108
Individual Involvement in Political Campaigns .............................................................. 108
Use of Facilities and Resources ....................................................................................... 109
Fundraising ..................................................................................................................... 110
Voter Registration ........................................................................................................... 110
Gifts and Lobbying ......................................................................................................... 110
CONTROVERSIAL SPEAKERS AND PROGRAMS ..................................................................... 110
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A UNIVERSITY OFFICIAL ......................................................... 110
GAMING AND GAMBLING ................................................................................................... 110
PUBLIC NUDITY .................................................................................................................. 111
LIBRARY AND IT POLICIES .................................................................................... 111
RESPONSIBLE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.......................................................... 112
EMAIL AS MEANS OF OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION; ACCOUNTS AND FORWARDING ......... 112
TUFTS EMAIL ACCOUNT POLICIES ..................................................................................... 113
EMAIL DISTRIBUTION LISTS ................................................................................................ 113
Fletcher Listservs............................................................................................................. 113
DIRECTORY POLICIES ......................................................................................................... 114
ACCESS TO EMAIL AND IT SERVICES AFTER GRADUATION ................................................ 115
USE OF TUFTS’ AND FLETCHER’S NAME, BRAND, AND MARKS .......................................... 115
USE OF THE FLETCHER SCHOOL BRANDING AND LOGOS FOR PERSONAL SOCIAL AND
DIGITAL MEDIA
(SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS, BLOGS, ETC) ................................................... 115
CLASS VIDEOTAPING POLICY ............................................................................................. 115
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND EVENTS POLICIES....................................... 116
FLETCHER TREK POLICY .................................................................................................... 116
Trek Approval Requirements & Timeline ...................................................................... 116
Trek Application ............................................................................................................. 116
High-Risk Travel Destinations ........................................................................................ 117
Tufts Travel Registry ...................................................................................................... 117
Establish Funding Sources ............................................................................................... 118
Crowdfunding Application ............................................................................................. 119
Consult with a Healthcare Professional .......................................................................... 119
Announcement Transparency ......................................................................................... 119
Application Transparency ............................................................................................... 120
Points of Contact ............................................................................................................ 120
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FUNDRAISING (GENERAL) .................................................................................................. 120
STUDENT COUNCIL ............................................................................................................ 121
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS ................................................................................................ 121
Student Organization Non-Discrimination Policy ......................................................... 121
Creating a New Student Organization ............................................................................ 122
Guidelines for Hosting an Event ..................................................................................... 122
Restrictions on Use of Club Funds ................................................................................. 122
POLICY ON RSVPS AND NO-SHOWS AT EVENTS ................................................................ 123
ROOM-BOOKING PROCESSES .............................................................................................. 123
For Regularly Scheduled Classes ..................................................................................... 123
For All Other Events ...................................................................................................... 123
POSTING NOTICES .............................................................................................................. 124
Restrictions ..................................................................................................................... 124
VIOLATIONS OF OTHER UNIVERSITY POLICIES .................................................................. 124
APPENDICES ............................................................................................................. 125
CRIME AWARENESS AND CAMPUS SECURITY ACT .............................................................. 125
UNIVERSITY GUIDELINES CONCERNING RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES .................................. 125
Religion or Creed ............................................................................................................ 125
Undue Hardship.............................................................................................................. 125
Religious Accommodation .............................................................................................. 125
FERPA: NOTICE OF STUDENT RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO EDUCATION RECORDS ........... 126
Purpose ........................................................................................................................... 127
Scope ............................................................................................................................... 127
Policy Statement ............................................................................................................. 127
Definitions ...................................................................................................................... 127
Release of Your Records to Third Parties ....................................................................... 128
Complaint Procedure ...................................................................................................... 129
TUFTS UNIVERSITY THREAT ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT (TTAM) PROGRAM ......... 129
CLASS SUSPENSION DUE TO WEATHER OR EMERGENCY .................................................... 130
FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................ 130
COMMITTEES....................................................................................................................... 131
Committee on Admissions and Scholarships .................................................................. 131
Honor Code Committee ................................................................................................. 131
Code of Conduct Committee.......................................................................................... 131
Committee on Career Services ........................................................................................ 131
Faculty Committee on Diversity and Inclusiveness ........................................................ 131
Standing Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion .............................................. 132
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Committee on the PhD Program .................................................................................... 132
Committee on Student Academic Programs ................................................................... 132
Faculty Search Committees/Student Advisory Committees .......................................... 132
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Introduction and Welcome
Dear students,
One of the most unique aspects of The Fletcher School is the diversity of identities, cultures,
values, beliefs, and aspirations represented by our students, faculty, and staff. We deeply value
the diversity of our community and look to you to help sustain the Fletcher culture that
cherishes inclusion. The perspective and background of every member contributes to the
strength of this community and indeed defines it as we come to know each other in our
vibrant social and intellectual environment. We encourage you to share your views, listen
carefully, and be respectful in your words and actions.
Academically, we are trained to analyze and make sense of the complex issues that abound in
this world. Many of those issues, including events that may occur during the school year, can
provoke intense feelings. In our academic pursuits, in class or out of class, in our debates
electronically or in person, it is easy to forget that some members of the community may be
impacted on a very personal level and we can inadvertently be insensitive to their realities. In
our discussions and debates—electronically or in person—courtesy, respect, and collegiality
should be foremost in our minds.
Mastering civility and mutual respect, finding common values and building community
cannot be taught in a classroom or acquired by reading a textbook. These traits are the very
core of diplomacy and require experience to manage situations well. This uniquely diverse
community provides the opportunity to develop and hone characteristics that will serve your
academic, professional, and personal life regardless of where your ultimate career path leads
you.
Above all, we expect that your time at Fletcher will help you to develop the skills, expertise,
and relationships that prepare you for a fulfilling career and enable you to contribute to the
betterment of the world. We look forward to seeing what you make of your Fletcher
education—both during your time as a student and after commencement.
We expect every student to read this handbook in its entirety prior to the start of each
semester. In the event of any questions, students are invited to contact the relevant offices
(Registrar’s Office, Office of Equal Opportunity, etc.). The content of this handbook is
designed to provide every student with a clear understanding of what is expected during their
time at Fletcher, and of the processes in place to help navigate a variety of circumstances.
Best wishes for enjoyable and productive Fletcher experience!
Sincerely,
Laurie Hurley, Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs
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Student Code of Conduct
A. Preamble
The Fletcher School at Tufts University is a broad community of students, faculty,
administrators, and many visitors. The long-standing mission of the School is:
• to educate professionals from around the world and to prepare them for positions of
leadership and influence in the national and international arenas;
• to increase understanding of international problems and concerns through teaching,
research, and publications;
• to serve local, national, and international communities in their search to develop
relationships of mutual benefit, security, and justice in an increasingly interdependent
world
.
Fletcher students are expected to be responsible citizens of the School and should exercise
good judgment and ethical behavior in their academic, professional, and personal lives. A
professional, ethical environment requires a common set of behavioral expectations, the
participation of all students, and adherence to Tufts University and Fletcher School policies.
The Fletcher Code of Conduct encompasses School and University policies that are designed
to ensure that all students share a collective responsibility for maintaining the highest ethical
standards and professional conduct. The Code of Conduct sets forth a process to ensure
accountability, in order to reinforce the need for all students to comply with University
policies and federal, state, and local laws of the surrounding cities in which they live, study,
work, and visit.
The Code is supplemented by the Guiding Principles of The Fletcher School, which are set
forth immediately below.
B. Guiding Principles of the Fletcher Community
The Guiding Principles of the Fletcher Community are values that students are expected to
honor in their time at the School. These Principles are not formally part of the Code of
Conduct but rather complement it by providing guidance on matters of broader concern that
may arise within our community. Some actions that community members might find uncivil,
rude, or disrespectful cannot be dealt with under the Code of Conduct Procedures set forth in
Section E below. However, such concerns may be addressed in other ways, such as through
counseling, mediation, and/or school-wide conversations to raise awareness of the perceived
problems.
Accordingly, Fletcher students are expected to uphold the following Guiding Principles:
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• Community—Build and enhance the community by fostering inclusiveness and
collaboration. Treat all members of the community fairly.
• Compassion—Show kindness and compassion to others. Seek to interact with and
understand people who are different from yourself. Understand and appreciate how
your decisions and actions impact others.
• Integrity—Maintain the highest standards of academic and professional integrity, as set
forth in the Code of Academic Integrity.
• Respect— Respect yourself, others, property, and the community, which includes
respecting others’ safety, privacy, and personal autonomy. In both the intellectual and
social community, respect transcends disagreement and facilitates learning and
understanding.
• Responsibility—Be accountable for your decisions and actions, and do not abuse any
position of authority or responsibility. Refrain from decisions and/or actions that
would interfere with University activities or would expose the University to legal risk.
Do not engage in any activity that would damage the health, safety, or welfare of
anyone.
C. Scope (Jurisdiction) of the Code of Conduct
Fletcher’s Code of Conduct applies to all students, degree and non-degree, at The Fletcher
School. Alleged violations of the Code of Conduct will be considered under the Procedure
Regarding Violations of the Fletcher Code of Conduct set forth in Section E below.
The Code of Conduct applies during regular academic terms; during academic breaks, such as
the summer or winter breaks; during internships; and while students are on personal, medical,
or other leave. The Code of Conduct applies to behavior that occurs on any of
Tufts' campuses, off campus, and online; it applies to students who are cross-registered at
other universities or who are studying abroad. The Code of Conduct applies to all Fletcher
student organizations.
In the event of serious misconduct committed while enrolled but reported only after the
accused student has graduated, the University may invoke and utilize the Procedure
Regarding Violations of the Fletcher Code of Conduct detailed in section E. Should the
former student be found responsible for misconduct, the University may impose penalties up
to and including revocation of that student’s degree.
In some instances, an action that violates Fletcher and/or Tufts policy may also violate
the laws of Massachusetts or of federal or local governments. Any such violation of
law may be pursued in civil or criminal court simultaneously with and separate from
the resolution of a complaint through the Procedure Regarding Violations of the Fletcher
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Code of Conduct. A pending legal action shall not delay University action, nor shall the
outcome of a civil or criminal case determine the outcome of a University proceeding.
D. School and University Policies Included Within the Code of Conduct
Students are expected to abide by all published University policies, including the following Fletcher
and Tufts University policies, which taken together make up the Fletcher Code of Conduct. All of
the policies below are set forth or summarized in the Fletcher Student Handbook.
D1. Student Safety Policies
• Weapons & Violence Free University
• Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Smoking
• Disorderly Conduct
• Physical Abuse and Reckless Endangerment
• University-Affiliated International Travel Safety
• Threats
• Theft
• Unauthorized Access
• Fire Safety, Life Safety Equipment, and Residence Hall Security Devices
• Community Health
D2. Working with Others Policies
• Accommodation Policy
• Nondiscrimination Policy
• Sexual Misconduct Policy
• Consensual Relationship Policy
• Harassment
• Hazing
• Retaliation
• Working with One Another Policy
• Student Grievance Procedure
D3. Community Living Policies
• Disruption of Community Well-Being
• Disruption of a Community Activity
• Gatherings, Protests, and Demonstrations
• Declaration on Freedom of Expression
• Off-Campus Disturbances
• Property Damage and Vandalism
• Unauthorized Recording
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• Tufts Policy on Political Activities
• Controversial Speakers and Programs
• Failure to Comply with a University Official
• Gaming and Gambling
• Public Nudity
D4. Information Technology Policies
• Responsible Use of Information Technology
• Tufts Email Account Policies
• Email Distribution Lists
• Directory Policies
• Class Videotaping Policy
• Use of Tufts’ and Fletcher’s Name, Brand, and Marks
D5. Student Organization Policies
• Fletcher Trek Policy
• Fundraising
E. Conduct Not Addressed by the Code of Conduct
E1. Sexual misconduct
Allegations of a sexual misconduct policy violation are resolved using the sexual misconduct
adjudication process (SMAP). Information about the SMAP is available online at
https://oeo.tufts.edu/policies-procedures and is summarized in the Student Handbook.
E2. Discrimination
Allegations that University non-discrimination policy was violated are investigated by the
Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO). Information about the OEO’s non-discrimination
investigation and resolution procedures are available online at https://oeo.tufts.edu/policies-
procedures and is summarized in the Student Handbook.
E3. Violations of academic or professional integrity
Allegations of violations of standards of academic or professional integrity are governed by
the Code of Academic Integrity (“Honor Code”) and resolved under that Code. The Code of
Academic Integrity is available within this Student Handbook and available for current
Fletcher community members at https://myfletcher.tufts.edu/fletcherconnect/school-
governance-and-policies/.
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E4. Grievances against a faculty member or administrator affiliated with Fletcher
Grievances against Fletcher faculty member or administrator are governed by the Student
Grievance Procedure set forth in the Student Handbook.
F. Procedure Regarding Violations of the Fletcher Code of Conduct
Alleged violations of the University or Fletcher policies embodied in Fletcher’s Code of
Conduct by any Fletcher student, as witnessed by any employee, student, or other individual,
will be handled as described in the following section, unless otherwise indicated in the
relevant policy. Allegations of failure to conform to the Guiding Principles (Section B above)
are not subject to these Procedures.
F1. Code of Conduct Committee
At the beginning of each academic year, the Dean of The Fletcher School shall appoint a Code
of Conduct Committee composed of five people drawn from the School. Three members of
the committee shall be members of the faculty; one member shall be a second-year Fletcher
student, elected by the student body of the School; and one member shall be the Fletcher
Director of Student Affairs or her/his designated representative. When a matter is referred to
the Code of Conduct Committee, the Committee shall evaluate the information presented
and determine an appropriate outcome or sanction, if any, pursuant to the following
procedures. Decisions regarding a violation of the Code of Conduct are based upon the
preponderance of the evidence (whether it was more likely than not that policy was violated
by the conduct alleged).
F2. Disciplinary Action and Fair Process
The procedures described in this section and the following sections ensure that a fair review
has taken place and that the information presented by the complainant, respondent, and any
witnesses has received full consideration.
The University makes every effort to protect the privacy of each individual. The Committee
shall give due consideration to such privacy interests and will conduct its work accordingly.
Official records of disciplinary investigation and action are maintained in the Office of the
Registrar. These records are generally considered private and internal. They may be released
to third parties pursuant to University policies and federal law, including the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. These policies currently provide
that information may be released “[w]hen the information is a record of a campus disciplinary
proceeding.”
F3. Reporting Violations of the Code of Conduct
An allegation is a written assertion that a violation of the Code of Conduct may have
occurred. Any employee, student, faculty member, or visitor of the University may present
an allegation to the Director of Student Affairs. Each allegation should describe, with as much
specificity as possible (e.g., dates, names, locations, occurrences), the particular factual events
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that constitute the alleged violation. If such specificity is missing, the person making the
allegation will be asked to supplement as appropriate.
Should community members wish to report violations of the Code of Conduct anonymously,
they may do so through EthicsPoint, by calling EthicsPoint toll-free at 866-384-4277 or
visiting http://tufts-oeo.ethicspoint.com.
F4. Anonymity
Students or others who submit only information that is of a general or descriptive nature and
that does not arise from their personal observation or knowledge may request to remain
anonymous. They should indicate this desire when they deliver the information to the
Director of Student Affairs, and the remainder of the process will use reasonable efforts to
maintain the anonymity of these students or others. However, anonymity cannot be
guaranteed. In most circumstances, students or others who provide information regarding
alleged Code of Conduct violations in the form of their own observations cannot remain
anonymous.
F5. Initial Review of an Allegation
The respondent must not contact the complainant with respect to the alleged violation. Any attempt
to influence the complainant or to retaliate is itself a violation of the Code of Conduct and is subject
to being considered under these Procedures.
Dishonesty in any stage of the Committee process could lead to further sanctions.
Upon receiving an allegation or complaint, the Director of Student Affairs will consider the
information received. After reviewing the allegation or complaint and any other
documentation s/he deems appropriate, the Director of Student Affairs will determine
whether the grievance is within the jurisdiction of the Code of Conduct. If the Director
determines that the allegation may allege conduct that, if confirmed, might violate the Code
of Conduct, the respondent will be immediately notified of the substance of the allegation,
either orally or in writing.
If the alleged policy violation is a minor infraction, the Director of Student Affairs, in
consultation with the Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs, may:
1. dismiss the case based on a lack of evidence;
2. meet with the complainant and respondent and come to an informal resolution based
on the requests of the complainant and the nature of the complaint; or
3. advise and/or provide a verbal or written reprimand in cases when the facts are not
disputed.
For all other allegations, the Director of Student Affairs will consider the complaint with the
Code of Conduct Committee Chairperson. Code of Conduct Committee members also may
be consulted to assess the allegation and assist in the decision to either:
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1. dismiss the case based on a lack of evidence;
2. meet with the complainant and respondent and come to an informal resolution based
on the requests of the complainant and the nature of the complaint;
3. advise and/or provide a verbal or written reprimand in cases when the facts are not
disputed;
4. forward the case to the appropriate department at Tufts for further review and
handling;
5. forward the case to the Code of Conduct Committee and, if necessary, further
investigate the allegation; or
6. determine any outcomes or impose sanctions identified in sections E10(a) through
E10(d).
An additional investigation pursuant to subparagraph 5 may include interviewing the
respondent, the complainant, and witnesses, as well as gathering and reviewing pertinent
documents and any other information. The Chairperson and/or individuals selected by the
Chairperson (including but not limited to the Tufts University Police Department) will
investigate the allegations.
The Committee Chairperson, after consulting with Committee members, will decide to
proceed with or without a hearing, depending on the severity of the allegation and/or possible
sanctions.
In all cases, a Report shall be prepared that summarizes the allegations, the information
obtained from the investigation, and the decision to dismiss or proceed with the case.
F6. Interim Actions
Complaints of student misconduct occasionally require the School to take immediate action
in order to protect the health, safety, or wellbeing of individuals or the community; to uphold
University values; to end ongoing or prevent further misconduct; to separate individuals
involved in a case; or for other similar reasons. To that end, the Director of Student Affairs,
the Code of Conduct chairperson, and their respective designees, are each authorized to
impose immediate interim measures when, in their judgment, such measures are necessary and
appropriate under the particular circumstances.
Possible interim measures include without limitation interim suspension of a student from the
University, interim suspension from a student organization, no-contact orders, restricting a
student's access to certain campus locations, or changes to academic or work schedules.
Interim measures will usually remain in place pending the resolution of the complaint.
Interim suspension of an individual student may only be imposed if, in the judgment of the
Director of Student Affairs the Code of Conduct chairperson, or their respective designees,
there is evidence or information which appears reliable suggesting that the respondent
violated a policy and that interim action is necessary: (1) to ensure the safety and well-being of
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members of the University community or preservation of University property; or (2) to
ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being; or (3) if the student
poses an ongoing threat of disruption of, or interference with, the normal operation of the
university.
While a student is on interim suspension, the student is not permitted to access any building,
facility, or activity of the University, including classes, residence halls, and extracurricular
activities.
F7. Stay Away Requests
The Director of Student Affairs or designee may issue Stay Away Requests (SARs) on behalf
of students who would like to provide formal notice to another student that they do not wish
to have further direct or indirect communication or contact with them. An SAR can be
initiated by contacting the Office of Student Affairs.
1. An SAR prohibits direct or indirect communication or contact between the parties,
including in person, mail, email, telephone, messaging, social media, or contact through
friends, and is designed to secure the integrity of the adjudication process.
2. SARs stay in effect until further notice is given to the involved parties.
3. An SAR is a directive, not a disciplinary action, and it has no disciplinary consequences. It
is not in itself a finding of responsibility for any disciplinary action, nor does it preclude
future disciplinary action.
4. However, failure to abide by the terms of an SAR will likely result in serious disciplinary
action, including a strong consideration of loss of privileges, probation, and suspension.
Disregard of an SAR can also be used as evidence in a claim of harassment. Any party
responsible for retaliation or threats of retaliation will also be subject to disciplinary
action by the School.
5. An SAR does not necessarily restrict a student from being on campus or place restrictions
on any academic or co-curricular activities of either party.
i. There is no minimum distance that must be maintained between the two.
ii. However, provisions regarding certain spaces on campus may be added to an
SAR at the discretion of staff members in the Office of Student Affairs, and
should the parties unexpectedly encounter one another, they are both expected to
maintain the maximum distance possible and must not initiate direct or indirect
communication with one another.
iii. The person who arrives second to a closed space is expected to leave that space.
F8. Cases Presented to the Code of Conduct Committee without a Hearing
The Code of Conduct Committee will meet, and the Chairperson will present the Report to
Committee members. The respondent will be provided a copy of the Report and will be
invited to submit a written explanation of the situation to the Committee.
The discussion will be followed by a vote in which a majority of the Committee will decide to
either dismiss the case, hold a hearing as described in sections E7 through E9, or find that a
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violation has occurred. If the Committee finds that a violation has occurred, it may, but need
not, impose a sanction (see section E10 below). However, the sanction(s) imposed may not
include suspension or expulsion. If the Committee decides to consider a sanction that includes
suspension or expulsion, the Committee must hold a hearing.
Whatever the outcome, the Committee Chairperson will notify the respondent and the
complainant in writing of the Committee’s decision and any next steps.
F9. Cases Presented to the Code of Conduct Committee with a Hearing
Prior to the hearing, the Chairperson will provide the respondent with a written letter of
notification which shall include the following:
1. the time of the hearing (no sooner than ten business days from the date of
notification);
2. the location of the hearing;
3. the allegation(s) to be considered;
4. the range of disciplinary sanctions that could result;
5. the names of the witness(es) and/or complainant(s) expected to meet the Committee;
and
6. a copy of the Report prepared at the end of the Initial Review of an Allegation (see
section F5 above) and any other written or documentary information that the
Committee will consider.
The complainant and respondent will be invited to appear at the hearing either in person or
via video/phone and be given the opportunity to:
1. present information personally or through the testimony of witnesses, provided that
written notice of the identities of these witnesses is provided to the Chairperson of the
Committee five business days before the scheduled hearing;
2. submit further written or documentary information for the consideration of the
Committee, provided that s/he does so at least two business days before the scheduled
hearing;
3. question any person who presents information, except in cases when a person not
physically present at Fletcher provides only a written statement rather than appearing
in person;
4. make an oral or written statement presenting his or her position(s) to the Committee;
and
5. be accompanied by a support person who is a current member of the faculty or
administration. Written notice of such accompaniment must be given to the
Committee at least two business days before the hearing and must include the name of
the support person. The support person will be present only to advise the respondent
and will not be allowed to address the Committee. The support person cannot be a
member of the Committee and must sign a confidentiality agreement that prevents
disclosure of any information from the hearing.
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F10. The Code of Conduct Hearing
The Chairperson of the Committee or some other Committee member appointed by the
Chairperson will conduct the hearing. The hearing will proceed as set forth in the Committee
Chairperson’s letter of notification (described in section E7), beginning with a presentation of
the Report. After all information is presented, the respondent will be invited to make a
statement to the Committee and respond to its questions. Upon request, the complainant also
may address the Committee and answer questions. Upon request, the complainant may
participate in the hearing outside the presence of the respondent, subject to the approval of
the Committee. In such circumstances, the respondent shall be provided as soon as is
practicable with a written transcript of any statement(s) made by the complainant and may
respond thereto.
Code of Conduct hearing procedures are intended to be as flexible and informal as practicable.
There are no formal rules of evidence. The Committee may consider any information that it
deems relevant and may attach whatever weight, if any, it deems appropriate to such
information. Any such information submitted to or considered by the Committee shall be
transmitted to the complaint and respondent, who may comment thereon. When s/he deems
it appropriate, the Chairperson of the Committee will conclude the end of the hearing.
No audio or visual recording of any kind is allowed during the hearing; no transcript of the
hearing should be made, unless otherwise provided herein. A documentary record of the
proceedings will be kept in the files of the Office of the Registrar. This record should include:
(1) the complaint and the respondent's response, (2) all documents submitted at the hearing,
and (3) the decision letter. This record does not summarize or otherwise attempt to preserve
the hearing or deliberative discussions.
F11. Committee Deliberation and Decision
After the hearing, the Committee will deliberate in private and make a decision by majority
vote. Any Committee decision that finds a violation or imposes a sanction must be
accompanied by a short summary of the case and a reasoned explanation for the decision. This
summary and explanation will be provided to the complainant (if any) and respondent.
F12. Outcomes and Sanctions
Any or all of the sanctions below may be applied by the Committee.
(a) Counseling: The student will be counseled by members of the Committee or by a
person or persons appointed or authorized by the Committee. Counseling is not
considered a punishment or penalty; it is designed to help the student understand how
his/her actions violated the Code of Conduct and how to avoid further violations.
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(b) Verbal Reprimand: The student will receive a verbal reprimand from the
Chairperson, a written record of which shall be documented but not noted on the
student’s transcript.
(c) Written Reprimand: The student will receive a written reprimand from the
Committee and signed by the Chairperson. The reprimand will not be noted on the
student’s transcript, but the student will not be eligible for graduation honors or
awards.
(d) Restitution: Where the student has damaged, converted, or otherwise impaired
the value of the property of The Fletcher School, Tufts University, a Fletcher/Tufts
University affiliate, or individual, the student may be required to make adequate
restitution any injured party. Restitution may be by monetary compensation or by the
student taking appropriate action, as specified by the Director of Student Affairs or
Chairperson of the Committee, to redress the situation. The fact that restitution was
ordered shall not be noted on the student’s transcript.
(e) Loss of Privileges: A student or student organization may lose privileges for a
specified period of time. Such privileges include but are not limited to access to
campus, the ability to have a car on campus, parking privileges, participation in certain
events, access to electronic resources, or use of Tufts-owned equipment. Loss of
privileges also may entail the loss of membership or leadership positions in academic
committees or student organizations.
(f) Probation: The student will be placed on probation for a specified period of time.
The Committee may take appropriate steps, including requiring the student to appear
regularly before the Committee or designated member(s), to ensure that the student is
acting in accordance with the applicable Code policies. Probation will be noted on the
student’s transcript.
(g) Limited Suspension: The student will not be permitted to continue as a registered
student for a specified period. At the expiration of this period, the student shall be re-
enrolled upon his/her request. The student will receive credit only for those courses
that were completed and passed prior to the suspension. At the discretion of the
Committee, the student may be permitted to complete courses in progress, the current
semester, or the current academic year before beginning the term of suspension.
Suspension will be noted on the student’s transcript.
(h) Indefinite Suspension: Indefinite suspension is a sanction just below dismissal and
is given to a student who must demonstrate to the Committee that s/he merits re-
entry to Fletcher. Students who are suspended indefinitely must be given specific
assignments, benchmarks, requirements (for example, a verification from a healthcare
professional), and/or tasks that they must accomplish, and a time frame, not to exceed
two years, within which they must meet them. The Committee must decide by
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majority whether to allow the student’s re-entry, continue the suspension, or dismiss
the student. If the student does not fulfill all of the conditions for re-entry set by the
Committee, the indefinite suspension converts to permanent dismissal without the
right to re-apply, at the expiration of the time set for fulfilling the conditions. This
action will be noted on the student’s transcript.
(i) Dismissal with the Possibility of Re-Application: The student will be dismissed
from the program but will be permitted to re-apply for admission to Fletcher, subject
to all the conditions of the regular admissions process. This action will be noted on the
student’s transcript.
(j) Permanent Dismissal: The student will be permanently dismissed from the
program and not permitted to re-apply or re-enroll. This action will be noted on the
student’s transcript and shall be reported to the Student Exchange Visitor Information
System (SEVIS), as needed.
(k) Suspension of Student Organization Status: Suspension of student organization
status is the temporary termination of the School’s recognition of a student
organization. While a student organization is suspended, it may not exercise any of the
benefits of recognition, including the use of University facilities, the use of the
University or School's name or logo, the use of the University's electronic resources
(including web hosting), access to University funds or banking, room reservations, etc.
(l) Additional Sanctions: Such additional sanctions may be imposed as the Code of
Conduct Committee deems appropriate.
F13. Appeal Process
Either a complainant or a respondent may appeal a decision made by the Code of Conduct
Committee to the Dean of The Fletcher School. The appeal must be made within one month
of being notified of the decision. The appeal must state the specific grounds for the appeal and
present any relevant information or evidence in support of the appeal.
The appeal process is designed to ensure that decisions reached by the Code of Conduct
Committee are fair and consistent with Code of Conduct procedures. The appeal is not a re-
hearing or reconsideration, but rather a review of the record.
There are only three grounds on which a decision may be appealed. They are:
1. Newly Available Information. There exists substantive and relevant information that
was not available to the complainant or respondent at the time of the resolution of the
complaint or that could not have been discovered through due diligence at the time of the
resolution.
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2. Denial of Fair Process. There was a substantial departure from the procedures outlined
in the Procedures Regarding Violations of the Fletcher Code of Conduct that
significantly affected the fairness of the process.
3. Disproportionate Consequences. The sanction(s) imposed vary significantly from the
range of sanctions appropriate in the situation and have disproportionate consequences
on the student concerned.
The Dean can review the appeal and make a final decision or may appoint an ad-hoc appellate
committee for a second review. The Dean or appellate committee may:
1. deny the appeal and uphold the original decision;
2. accept the appeal and return the case to the Code of Conduct Committee (in situations
where new information has become available); or
3. accept the appeal and revise the original decision and/or accompanying sanctions, with a
reasoned explanation for the decision and revision(s).
The appellate decision is final and cannot be appealed further.
Nothing in this Code of Conduct is to be construed as contradictory to present or future University
policies and procedures. In the event of any conflict, University policies and procedures will prevail.
Approval of this Code of Conduct does not constitute approval or disapproval of the underlying
Fletcher or University policies. Any amendment to this Code must be approved by the Fletcher
faculty.
Requirements for the Degrees
Definitions
Residential Programs
For the purposes of this handbook, “residential” refers to students enrolled in the following
programs whose primary mode of instruction is in-person:
Master in Global Affairs (MGA)
Master of Arts (MA)
Master of Arts in Humanitarian Assistance (MAHA)
Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD)
Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs (MATA)
Master of International Business (MIB)
Master of Laws in International Law (LLM)
Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Public Policy (CSPP)
PhD in Economics and Public Policy
PhD in International Relations
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Online Programs
For the purposes of this handbook, “online” refers to students enrolled in the following
programs whose primary mode of instruction is online:
Master of Arts (GMAP)
Master of Global Business Administration (GBA)
Fields of Study
Fields of study are areas of specialization or concentration and are the basic building blocks of
the Fletcher curriculum. Fields of study enable students to develop a specific set of skills
related to a functional topic or geographic area. MALD and MIB students are required to
graduate with two fields of study. MGA students are required to graduate with one field of
study.
Beginning with students admitted in fall 2021, fields of study appear on the official transcript
in the semester in which they are declared to the Registrar’s Office. In cases where only one of
two fields is declared in a semester, or a student changes their field or fields of study, those
changes will be reflected on the transcript in the semester in which the student submits the
Update Field of Study form to the Registrar’s Office.
Global Affairs Fields of Study
Students starting at Fletcher in September 2021 will choose from the following eleven fields of
study. These enhanced interdisciplinary fields will enable students to specialize in the
substantive knowledge and skills required for particular careers. MGA students will be
required to take 5-6 courses in their one field of study, including a practicum in their final
semester. MALD and MIB students will complete two fields of study with 3-4 courses per
field.
• Comparative and Regional Studies (regional tracks in Europe, Latin America, Middle
East, or Pacific Asia)
• Gender and Intersectional Analysis
• Global Governance and International Organizations
• Human Security and Humanitarian Affairs (tracks in Humanitarian, Migration,
Conflict and Political Violence)
• International Business (tracks in Banking and Finance, Strategic Management and
Consultancy, Business for Social Impact, and Marketing)
• International Development and Environmental Policy (tracks in International
Development and Environmental Policy)
• International Economic Relations
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• International Legal Studies (tracks in Public International Law and International
Business and Economic Law)
• International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
• International Security
• Technology and International Affairs (tracks in Cyber Policy, International
Information and Communication, Technology and Sustainable Development)
MALD students may fulfill two tracks within a field of study. In such cases, the courses taken
toward each track may not double-count.
Students in the MALD and MIB programs may request to change their field of study until the
first day of instruction of their last semester using the form provided by the Registrar’s Office.
The request to change the field of study will be denied if, upon reviewing the student’s
academic record, there is no realistic means for the student to satisfy the new field of study. In
general, MGA students may not change their field of study once admitted to the program, and
exceptions will only be granted under exceptional circumstances.
Students who started at Fletcher prior to September 2021 and completed at least one semester
of coursework are ineligible to complete the fields of study from this list and should consult
with the Fletcher Registrar on the list of fields available at their time of entry to Fletcher.
International Business Fields of Study for MIB Students
Students in the MIB program must complete one of these four International Business fields of
study along with one of the Global Affairs fields of study listed above. MGA and MALD
students may not complete an International Business Field of Study and should satisfy the
International Business field instead.
• Business for Social Impact
• International Finance and Banking
• Marketing
• Strategic Management and International Consultancy
Double-counting courses towards the Fields of Study:
Courses may not double-count between two fields of study for the MALD and MIB.
However, courses may double-count towards both breadth requirements and one field of
study.
Requirements for the Degree of Master in Global Affairs
All MGA students must complete 14 full-semester courses or the equivalent and 42.0 credits
(Semester Hour Units) in order to receive their degree. The following course requirements
must also be met in addition to the credit requirement.
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• One Field of Study
• Breadth Requirements
o One (3.0 credits) ILO course
o One (3.0 credits) DHP course
o Economics
EIB E201 Intro to Economic Theory OR
EIB E211 Microeconomics OR
Pass the E201 Equivalency Exam and take a higher-level full credit (3.0
credits) EIB course from the following list: E211, E212M, E213, E214,
E220, E221M, E230, E240, E241, E242, E245, E246, E247, E248, or E262
o Quantitative Reasoning
One of the following courses from DHP P203, EIB B205, B206, E210M,
E213, or B262 OR
Pass either the E210M or B205 Quantitative Reasoning equivalency
exam
o Skills
Complete 1 (3.0 credits) course listed as a Skills course and complete a
complete a practicum course associated with the field of study
• One summer of enrollment in either two courses (6.0 credits) OR one course (3.0
credits) and one approved internship for credit (3.0 credits) for full-time MGA
students. Part-time MGA students complete two summers of two courses (6.0 credits)
in each summer.
• Participate in the Professional Development Program (PDP). Grading is satisfactory /
unsatisfactory
Notes on the MGA Degree Requirements:
• Courses listed as a Skills courses cannot be used to satisfy a breadth requirement.
• Courses listed as a Skills course can satisfy the field of study in addition to the Skills
requirement.
• DHP P203 Analytic Frameworks for International Public Policy Decisions may not be
used to satisfy the DHP requirement.
• EIB E213 Econometrics may be used to satisfy either the EIB divisional requirement or
the Quantitative Reasoning requirement, but not both.
• Equivalency does not constitute transfer credit; it does not entitle the student to count
that course for credit; nor does it affect normal distribution requirements.
• Self-designed fields are not allowed for the MGA degree.
• MGA students may complete one (3.0 credits) independent study course.
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Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy
All MALD students must complete 16 full-semester courses or the equivalent and 48.0 credits
(Semester Hour Units) in order to receive their degree. The following course requirements
must also be met in addition to the credit requirement.
• Two Fields of Study
• Breadth Requirements:
o One (3.0 credits) ILO course from a designated list
o DHP requirement
One (3.0 credits) DHP course from a designated list
One additional (3.0 credits) DHP course
DHP P203 Analytic Frameworks for Public Policy Decisions cannot be
used to meet the DHP division requirement
o Economics requirement
EIB E201 Intro to Economic Theory OR
EIB E211 Microeconomics OR
Pass the E201 Equivalency Exam and take a higher-level full credit (3.0
credits) EIB course from the following list: E211, E212M, E213, E214,
E220, E221M, E230, E240, E241, E242, E245, E246, E247, E248, or E262
o Quantitative Reasoning
One of the following courses: DHP P203, EIB B205, B206, E210M,
E213, or B262 OR
Pass either the E210M or B205 Quantitative Reasoning equivalency
exam
o Complete a capstone project
o Participate in the Professional Development Program (PDP). Grading is
satisfactory / unsatisfactory.
MALD Divisional Breadth Requirements
Division of Diplomacy, History, and Politics (DHP)
Each MALD student is required to take two courses (6.0 credits) from the DHP division. One
of those courses must be one of the following list. For the second course, students may choose
any full credit course(s) with a DHP designation with the exception of DHP P203 Analytic
Frameworks for Public Policy Decisions:
• DHP H203 U.S. Foreign Policy, 1898 to Present
• DHP H205 The Historian's Art
• DHP D210 The Art and Science of Statecraft
• DHP D220 Processes of International Negotiation
• DHP P200 International Relations: Theory and Practice
• DHP P201 Comparative Politics
• DHP P214 Gender Theory and Praxis
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• DHP P217 Global Political Economy: Macroeconomic Perspectives
• DHP P218 Global Political Economy: Comparative and Critical Perspectives
• DHP P219 International Political Economy of Development
• DHP P240 The Role of Force in International Politics
Division of International Law and Organizations (ILO)
Each MALD student is required to take one (3.0 credits) of the following ILO courses:
• ILO L200 The International Legal Order
• ILO L209 International Treaty Behavior: A Perspective on Globalization
• ILO L210 International Human Rights Law
• ILO L216 International Humanitarian Law
• ILO L220 International Organizations
• ILO L222 Selected Issues in Law of the Sea
• ILO L223 International Environmental Law
• ILO L232 International Investment Law
• ILO L240 Legal and Institutional Aspects of International Trade
• ILO L250 Law and Development
Division of Economics and International Business (EIB)
To satisfy the Economics Breadth Requirement, each MALD student is required to
successfully complete one of the following options: (1) EIB E201 Introduction to Economic
Theory; (2) E211 Microeconomics; or (3) pass the EIB E201 Equivalency Exam and then take
one full-credit course (3.0 credits) of the higher-level economics courses listed below or two
modules (1.5 credits each) to meet the requirement.
Students who pass the E201 Equivalency Exam may still choose to enroll in EIB E201 if
they feel that their economics background is weak or needs refreshing, or they may take the
more challenging course, E211 Microeconomics rather than enroll in one of the higher-level
economics courses listed below. Please carefully review the course descriptions for
information on other prerequisites for the upper-level economics courses.
• EIB E211 Microeconomics
• EIB E212M Macroeconomics
• EIB E213 Econometrics
• EIB E214 International Economic Policy Analysis
• EIB E220 International Trade and Investment
• EIB E221M Advanced International Trade and Investment
• EIB E230 International Finance
• EIB E240 Development Economics: Macroeconomic Perspectives
• EIB E241 Development Economics: Policy Analysis
• EIB E242 Development Economics: Micro Perspectives
• EIB E245 Econometric Impact Evaluation for Public Policy and Social Programs
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• EIB E246 Environmental Economics
• EIB E247 Econometric Impact Evaluation for Development
• EIB E248 Agriculture and the Environment
• EIB E262 The Economics of Global Health and Development
Notes on the Economics Breadth requirement:
• EIB E213 Econometrics may be used to meet either the Economics or the Quantitative
Reasoning requirement, but not both.
• If a module is taken in fulfillment of the upper-level Economics requirement, a second
module must also be taken, ex. EIB E212M and E221M must both be taken. The
requirement is fulfilled with the completion of 3.0 credits.
• Economics coursework completed prior to Fletcher does not exempt students from
the Economics Breadth requirement, and students with previous economic
coursework are encouraged to take the equivalency exam and fulfill the requirement
through enrollment in a higher-level economics course.
Quantitative Reasoning
Each MALD student is required to pass one of the Quantitative Equivalency Exams (E210M
or B205) or take one of the following courses (1.5 or 3.0 credits):
• DHP P203 Analytic Frameworks for International Public Policy Decisions
• EIB B205 Data Analysis and Statistical Methods
• EIB B206 Data Analysis and Statistical Methods for Business
• EIB B262 Marketing Research and Analysis
• EIB E210M Quantitative Methods
• EIB E213 Econometrics
Notes on the Quantitative Reasoning requirement:
• Equivalency does not constitute transfer credit; it does not entitle the student to count
that course for credit; nor does it affect normal distribution requirements. The option
to obtain equivalency for a required course exists for the purposes of demonstrating
proficiency in the course content. Students may not seek equivalency for required
courses through cross-registration in similar courses at Harvard or at other institutions
during the academic year.
• EIB E213 Econometrics may be used to meet either the Economics or the Quantitative
Reasoning requirement, but not both.
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Requirements for the Degree of Master of International Business
All MIB students must complete 18 full-semester courses or the equivalent and 54 credits
(Semester Hour Units) in order to receive their degree. The following course requirements
must also be met in addition to the credit requirement.
• Two Fields of Study. One field of study must be from the International Business fields
of study and the second field of study must be from Global Affairs fields, excluding the
International Business field of study.
• Business course requirement (12.0 credits). Each MIB candidate is required to complete
the following courses:
o EIB B238M Pre-Session: Strategic Management and International Consultancy
(1.5 credits)
o EIB B200 Foundations in Financial Accounting and Corporate Finance (3.0
credits)
o EIB B207 Financial Statement Management (3.0 credits)
o EIB B263M Marketing (1.5 credits)
o One of the following: EIB B206 Data Analysis and Statistical Methods (3.0
credits) OR pass the B206 equivalency exam and enroll in EIB E213
Econometrics (3.0 credits)
• A Regional Studies elective (1.5 credits). Commonly offered Regional Studies courses
are listed below. Additional regional studies electives may be approved by the MIB
program.
o DHP P266M The Islamic World
o DHP P287M Political Economy and Business of the EU
o DHP P294M Political Economy and Business Context of Latin America
o DHP H252 Russia and the World from Peter the Great to Putin
o EIB B272M The Political Economy and Business Environments of Greater
China
• Economics requirement: Each MIB candidate is required to complete either:
o One microeconomics course (either EIB E211 or E217M)
o One macroeconomics course (E212M)
o Students who pass the equivalency exam for E212M and/or E217M must still
take a higher-level economics course (3.0 credits) above EIB E201 to satisfy the
requirement
• One ILO course (3.0 credits) either ILO L230 or ILO L233
• One course from the DHP division (3.0 credits)
• The Business, Government, and Society Requirement: Each MIB student is required to
complete one course from the list below:
o DHP P217 Global Political Economy: Macroeconomic Perspectives
o DHP P219 International Political Economy of Development
o DHP P236 Cyber in the Civilian Sector: Threats and Upheavals
o DHP P238 Technology, Development, and Regulation
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o DHP P257 Corporate Management of Environmental Issues
o DHP P251 Energy, Entrepreneurship and Finance
o EIB E220 International Trade and Investment
o EIB B223 Informal and Underground Finance
o EIB B232 Work and Employment Relations in the 21st Century
o ILO L232 International Investment Law
o ILO L240 Legal and Institutional Aspects of International Trade
• Complete a capstone project
• Participate in the Professional Development Program (PDP). Grading is satisfactory /
unsatisfactory.
Requirements for the Degree of Master of Laws in International Law
All LLM students must complete 8 full-semester courses or the equivalent and 24.0 credits
(Semester Hour Units) in order to receive their degree. The following course requirements
must also be met in addition to the credit requirement.
• 5 courses (15.0 credits) and no more than 6 (18.0 credits) courses taken within the ILO
division
• One course (3.0 credits) from the DHP division
• One course (3.0 credits) from the EIB division
• Complete a capstone project
• Participate in the "high table" colloquiums
Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts
All MA students must complete 8 full-semester courses or the equivalent and 24.0 credits
(Semester Hour Units) in order to receive their degree. The following criteria must also be
met within those 24 credits:
• 3.0 credits from each of the Fletcher three divisions (ILO, EIB, DHP)
• Complete a capstone project
Requirements for the Degree of Global Master of Arts
All GMAP students must complete the 11-course core curriculum totaling 24.0 credits
(Semester Hour Units) in order to receive their degree, as well as complete a capstone project.
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Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs
Coursework requirements for MATA Students completing year one at Fletcher
• 8.5 full-semester courses or the equivalent and 25.5 credits (Semester Hour Units),
including a minimum of 3.0 credits from each of Fletcher's three divisions (ILO, DHP,
and EIB)
• Integrate into one of College of Europe's study programs in the final (fourth) semester:
o European Economic Studies
o European Interdisciplinary Studies (Natolin campus only)
o EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies
o European Legal Studies
o European Political and Administrative Studies
Coursework requirements for MATA Students completing year one at College of Europe
• Coursework in one of College of Europe's study programs:
o European Economic Studies
o European Interdisciplinary Studies (Natolin campus only)
o EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies
o European Legal Studies
o European Political and Administrative Studies
• 4 full-semester courses or the equivalent and 12.0 or 13.5 credits (Semester Hour Units)
from Fletcher course offerings in the third or fourth semester (course division does not
matter)
Degree Requirements for all MATA Students in Addition to Coursework
• Year one - Completion of joint transatlantic course (3.0 credits) and related project
course (1.5 credits)
• Third semester - 3-4 month high-level internship related to transatlantic affairs with
associated graded report
• Completion of thesis related to transatlantic affairs
• Participate in the Professional Development Program (PDP). Grading is satisfactory /
unsatisfactory.
Requirements for the Degree of Master of Global Business Administration
All GBA students must complete 36.0 credits (Semester Hour Units) in order to receive their
degree. The following course requirements must also be met in addition to the credit
requirement.
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• Core Courses (6.0 credits)
o B200: Corporate Finance in Global Capital Markets (3.0 credits) [required]
o B236: International Strategy and Innovation (3.0 credits) [required]
• Business Foundations – one course (3.0 credits)
o B209: Beyond Balance Sheets (3.0 credits)
o B212: Starting New Ventures (3.0 credits)
o B250: Sustainable Business Dynamics (3.0 credits)
o B260: Global Marketing Management (3.0 credits)
o B281: International Supply Chains: Connecting the Developed and Developing
Worlds (3.0 credits)
• Global Context - 2 courses (6.0 credits)
o E212: International Macroeconomics (3.0 credits) [required – option 1]
o P217: The Politics of the Global Economy (3.0 credits) [required – option 2]
o P240: International Security (3.0 credits)
o P292: Economic Policy Challenges in Emerging Markets (3.0 credits)
o B295: Negotiating Leadership (3.0 credits)
• International Law – 1 course (3.0 credits)
o L230: International Business Law (3.0 credits)
o L237: Mergers and Acquisitions (3.0 credits)
• Analytical Tools - 1 course (3.0 credits)
o E217: Managerial Economics (3.0 credits)
o P207: Decision Analysis for Business (3.0 credits)
o B207: Data Analytics and Statistical Methods (3.0 credits)
• 3 Additional Elective Courses (9.0 credits)
• Capstone Immersion and Course (4.5 credits)
o B299M: Capstone Immersion: [month and year] (1.5 credits)
o B300: Capstone Lab (3.0 credits)
• International Immersion or Course Alternative (1.5 credits)
o B293M: Leadership Development Program (1.5 credits)
o B297M: Seminar: Fl. Reads the News. (1.5 credits)
o B298M: International Immersion: [city] (1.5 credits)
Requirements for the Degree for Master of Arts in Humanitarian
Assistance
All MAHA students must complete 24.0 credits (Semester Hour Units) in order to receive
their degree. The following course requirements must also be me in addition to the credit
requirement.
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• Core Courses (9.0 credits)
• NUTR 0223 Seminar in Humanitarian Issues
• NUTR 0229 (DHP D230) Humanitarian Action in Complex Emergencies
• NUTR 0308 Nutrition in Complex Emergencies
• Core Electives (9.0 credits)
• NUTR 0202 Principles of Nutrition Science
• NUTR 0207 Statistical Methods in Nutrition Science and Policy
• NUTR 0210 Survey Research Nutrition
• NUTR 0217 Monitoring and Evaluation of Nutrition and Food Security Projects
• NUTR 0222 (DHP D232) Gender, Culture, and Conflict in Complex
Humanitarian Emergencies
• NUTR 0228 Community and Public Health Nutrition
• NUTR 0231 Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• NUTR 0238 Economics for Food Policy Analysis
• NUTR 0243 Forced Migration
• NUTR 0301 Nutrition in the Life Cycle
• NUTR 0304 Nutrition, Food Security, and Development
• NUTR 0324 International Humanitarian Response
• DHP D220 Processes of International Negotiation
• DHP D221 International Mediation
• DHP D223 Theories of Conflict and Conflict Resolution
• DHP D231 Gender and Human Security in Transitional States and Societies
• DHP D235M Overview of Research Methods
• DHP P222 Development Aid in Practice
• DHP P225M Design, Monitoring and Evaluation
• DHP P297 Engaging Human Security
• DHP P298 Conflict in Africa
• ILO L210 International Human Rights Law
• ILO L216 International Humanitarian Law
• ILO L224 Peace Operations
• Additional Electives (6.0 credits) with approval from MAHA Program Director
• NUTR 0299 Capstone Project (6.0 credits)
• Training in Protection of Human Subjects (CITI) Degree Requirement (complete prior
to first semester)
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Requirements for the Degree for Master of Science in Cybersecurity and
Public Policy
All CSPP students must complete 30.0 credits (Semester Hour Units) in order to receive their
degree. The following course requirements must also be met in addition to the credit
requirement.
• Core Courses (21.0 credits)
• CS 0201 (DHP D291) Cyber for Future Policymakers (4.0 credits)
• CS 0202 (DHP D292) How Systems Work (4.0 credits)
• CS 0203 (DHP D293) How Systems Fail (4.0 credits)
• CS 0183 (DHP P237) Privacy in the Digital Age (3.0 credits)
• DHP P249 International Cyber Conflict (3.0 credits)
• CS 0182 (DHP P236) Cyber in the Civilian Sector OR CS 184 (ILO L235)
Cyberlaw and Cyberpolicy (3.0 credits)
• Group 1 Electives (9.0-12.0 credits)
• CS 0105 Programming Languages
• CS 0111 Operating Systems
• CS 0112 Networks and Protocols
• CS 0114 Network Security
• CS 0115 Database Systems
• CS 0116 Introduction to Security
• CS 0117 Internet-Scale Distributed Systems
• CS 0118 Cloud Computing
• CS 0121 Software Engineering
• CS 0150 Topics Vary
• CS 0151 Topics Vary
• CS 0155 Topics Vary
• CS 0165 Cryptography
• CS 0119 Big Data
• One of CS 0135 Introduction to Machine Learning, CS 0137 Deep Neural
Networks, CS 0138 Reinforcement Learning, CS 0152 Natural Language
Processing, or CS 0171 Human-Computer Interaction
• DHP D290 Cyber Risk Management
• DHP P231 International Communication
• DHP P238 Technology, Development, and Regulation
• DHP P240 Role of Force in International Politics
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• DHP P267M Big Technology and Development: Digital Development in the Age
of Internet Giants
• EIB B242 Innovation Models for Building Inclusive Businesses
• Group 2 Electives (up to 3.0 credits)
• CS 0122 Parallel Computing
• CS 0131 Artificial Intelligence
• CS 0135 Introduction to Machine Learning
• CS 0133 Human-Robot Interaction
• CS 0135 Introduction to Machine Learning
• CS 0137 Deep Neural Networks
• CS 0138 Reinforcement Learning
• CS 0152 Natural Language Processing
• CS 0171 Human-Computer Interaction
• CS 0181 Compilers
• DHP H204 Classics of International Relations
• DHP P205 National Security Decision Making: Theory and Practice
• DHP P217 Global Political Economy
• DHP P244 Modern Terrorism and Counterterrorism
• DHP P295 Introduction to Human Security
• EIB B231 International Business Strategy and Operations
• EIB B232 Work and Employment Relations in the 21st Century
• EIB B252 Corporate Social Responsibility in the Age of Globalization
• ILO L200 The International Legal Order
• ILO L201 Public International Law
• ILO L220 International Organizations
• ILO L221 Actors in Global Governance
• ILO L230 International Business Transactions
• ILO L240 Legal and Institutional Aspects of International Trade
Requirements for the Degree for Dual and Joint Degrees
Dual and joint degree requirements may vary depending on the program. Fletcher requires
that the following four criteria be met:
1. The student is admitted separately to each school.
2. The student spends three semesters and takes a minimum of 36.0 credits (four courses
per semester for full-time) at Fletcher.
3. The student requests transfer credit for a maximum of four courses from the partner
institution for the degree before their graduating semester.
4. The student completes the Capstone.
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Joint degree requirements vary by degree.
Requirements for the Joint PhD in Economics and Public Policy
First Year Coursework: The first year of coursework is completed in the Economics
department. All students are required to take a two semester sequence in micro theory, a two
semester sequence in macro theory, statistics and econometrics. In addition, students are
required to enroll in a yearlong research seminar class which includes mandatory seminar
attendance and written assignments.
Second Year Coursework: In the second year of the program, students declare a field among
the following: development, environmental or political economy. Students are required to
take two advanced courses in their chosen field. These courses must be approved by the
students’ advisor. Students are also required to enroll in the yearlong second year paper course
designed to give students a head start on the research process. The fourth course is an elective
chosen by the student in consultation with the students’ advisor.
Field Exams: At the end of the second year, students are required to pass a field exam. The
timing of this exam is jointly determined between the professor(s) administering the exam and
the students taking the exam. It may be taken as early as June or as late as September of the
students’ third academic year.
Doctoral Candidacy: Students may apply for admission to doctoral candidacy upon successful
completion of the following:
1. Coursework as described above;
2. A major research paper in the second year;
3. Defense of a dissertation prospectus, and;
4. Commitment by one faculty member from Economics and one faculty member from
Fletcher to serve as primary dissertation advisors.
Graduation from the program requires that students successfully defend their thesis in a
public forum and before their full thesis committee. Students who do not proceed to doctoral
candidacy will receive a joint terminal master's degree in Economics and Public Policy to be
granted by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
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Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
PhD Coursework Phase for MALD/MIB Graduates
MALD/MIB graduates who are admitted to the PhD Program are required to spend one year
in residence following their admission and enroll in at least four courses (12.0 credits). During
their first year they enroll in the required methodology courses, which are in addition to
other courses they need to meet program requirements, including:
• Two fields of study (four courses per field)
• DHP P201 Comparative Politics
• DHP P200 or H204 International Relations Theory
• EIB E213 Econometrics
PhD Coursework Phase for Direct-Admit Students
Applicants who are directly admitted to the PhD program without pursuing the MALD or
MIB first are generally able to complete all pre-dissertation coursework requirements in three
semesters.
The following six steps apply to Direct Admit PhD students. They must:
1. Complete a minimum of eight and, normally, a maximum of 12 courses (24.0-36.0
credits). Nine of the 12 courses must be Fletcher courses; only three of the 12 may be
cross-registered courses. Direct Admit students can petition for equivalency credit for
up to four PhD course requirements (12.0 credits). See the note below on equivalency.
2. Meet division requirements applicable to MALD and PhD students, which are to
take two courses in each of two divisions and one course in the third division.
3. Complete two Fletcher fields of study, with four courses per field, of which only one
course per field can be an “exception” (non-Fletcher course, independent study,
equivalency credit, etc.).
4. Submit a thesis for evaluation by a Fletcher faculty member. A master’s thesis written
prior to enrollment at Fletcher may be submitted in lieu of a MALD thesis. In either
case, the evaluating faculty member must assign a grade that will form part of the basis
for continuation of PhD student status. The grade should be reported to the Fletcher
Registrar and the PhD Program Director.
5. Pass the School’s reading and oral foreign language examinations as well as the
statistics exam.
6. Achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.6 in the courses taken as an enrolled Fletcher
student. Students with a GPA of less than 3.60 at the end of the coursework phase will
be withdrawn from the PhD Program.
7. Upon completion of the requirements listed above, the student would proceed to
Comprehensive Examinations. Direct-admit students are not eligible to receive a
MALD or MA degree.
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Petitioning for Equivalency
PhD students who did not previously complete the MALD/MIB can petition for equivalency
for up to four classes (12.0 credits) taken in a previous master’s degree program, potentially
reducing their coursework requirement to only eight classes (24.0 credits) toward the Fletcher
PhD.
There are five opportunities to gain equivalency toward the 12 required courses in the
program, which are:
1. First field of study – Students can petition for equivalency for one course of the four
required. The field supervisor would make the decision on the petition.
2. Second field of study – Students can petition for equivalency for one course of the four
required. The field supervisor would make the decision on the petition.
3. International Relations Theory – Students can petition for equivalency from Prof.
Drezner.
4. Comparative Politics (DHP P201) – Students can petition for equivalency from Prof.
Katrina Burgess, field supervisor.
5. Econometrics (DHP E213) – Students can petition for equivalency from Prof. Aker or
Prof. Schaffner.
All other courses must be taken while the student is in the Fletcher PhD program.
Equivalency courses are treated the same as cross-registration courses; that is, students who
receive equivalency for three or more PhD courses would not be able to receive any further
cross-registration privileges. If they receive equivalency for only one course, they could cross-
register for up to two courses, and if they received equivalency for two courses, they could
cross-register for one course.
PhD Plan of Study and PhD Coursework for All Students
Before beginning the PhD coursework phase, all PhD students in International Relations
must submit to the PhD program office a PhD Plan of Study indicating their two fields of
study and the other courses to be taken during the coursework phase.
By the completion of the coursework phase, all PhD students are required to have completed:
• Two fields of study with at least four courses per field with only one “exception” per
field. The four courses should include the core course for each field.
• Four half-course methodology modules, generally the first three in the sequence
offered by Professors Wilson, Mazurana, and Jacobsen.
• DHP P201 Comparative Politics
• EIB E213 Econometrics
• An international relations theory course, generally either DHP P200 or H204.
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All PhD students who have not taken and passed statistics at Fletcher (EIB B205 or B206)
must take and pass the B205 Equivalency Exam, offered during Orientation before the fall and
spring semesters.
Both the PhD Program Director and the student’s PhD Advisor must endorse the Plan of
Study. All course requirements, the thesis, and the language examination must be complete
before a student can take comprehensive exams.
Post-Coursework PhD Requirements
After completing coursework, PhD students must complete comprehensive examinations,
composed of two written exams and an oral exam. After they have successfully completed
their comprehensive exams, students are granted PhD candidacy and have five years to
research, write, and defend their dissertation.
PhD Information
Information for students applying to or enrolled in the PhD program is available on the
doctoral program website, https://sites.tufts.edu/fletcherdoctoral/ (Tufts login required).
Language Study
During the academic year, Fletcher students in residential degree programs who wish to
pursue foreign language learning may enroll in language courses at Tufts University through
cross-registration. Students may enroll in up to one foreign language course for credit towards
their degree requirements. Permission to cross-register is at the discretion of the course
instructor and the registration deadlines for both schools must be met. Enrollment for credit
in a language learning course counts towards the student’s semester course load and is subject
to all course load and cross-registration policies. Students in two-year programs may petition
the Committee on Student Academic Programs (CSAP) for a second foreign language course
for credit if they believe that they may benefit from a second course for academic and/ or
professional reasons.
In order to be eligible to receive credit for language study, the following criteria must be met:
a) Foreign language instruction should be appropriate for both the student’s Fletcher
academic experience and their professional career objectives.
b) Foreign language credit will be given for a maximum of two courses.
c) Language study encourages a multi-cultural approach to language learning.
d) The enrollment in a foreign language course does not hinder the student’s progress
towards other degree requirements.
Additionally, students in residential degree programs are eligible to audit one Tufts language
course per term in addition to their normal course load. Audited language courses do not
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appear on the student’s transcript. Enrolling in a language course either for credit or audit
requires instructor permission.
Academic Policies and Procedures
Honor Code
Adopted by the Faculty of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University on May 16,
2019 to take effect on September 5, 2019.
Section 1: Purpose, Principles, and Application
(a) The purposes of this Code are to—
(1) codify and clarify the rights and obligations of Fletcher students with respect
to the preservation and protection of academic integrity;
(2) inform Fletcher students, faculty, and administrators with respect to such
rights and obligations;
(3) set forth procedures for judging and punishing offenses against academic
integrity; and
(4) safeguard the rights of students who are accused of such offenses.
(b) The School seeks to promote and preserve a vibrant community of ideas. Integral
to assessing the origins, value, and implications of an idea is its attributability. Attribution
requires identifying and respecting the distinctive contributions of all participants and the
sources on which they rely. Students who claim credit for intellectual work must therefore
uphold the highest standards of intellectual honesty by ensuring that work attributed to them
is their own and by acknowledging the work of others.
(c) The provisions of this Code shall apply to all students, including non-degree
candidates and cross-registrants, who study at the Fletcher School.
Section 2: Prohibitions
(a) No student may claim credit explicitly or implicitly for the intellectual work of
another.
(b)(1) In preparing written work for academic evaluation, no student may, even
inadvertently—
(A) engage in plagiarism, which means the appropriation of another person’s
ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit; or
(B) submit any written product that would mislead a reasonable person as to
the source or origin of work for which such student asserts authorship; or
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(C) falsify data, information, source material, or citations.
(2) Except as an instructor may expressly authorize, a student—
(A) shall, with the exception of matters within common knowledge, identify
the source of all factual data, including all written information, all internet and
electronic data, and all work or material that is the product of another person,
including all ideas, facts, data, interpretations, and other information and opinions
derived from others, whether published or unpublished; and
(B) may not receive or provide any undue or excessive assistance or any advice
or guidance that has the effect of vitiating the crediting of such work to such student.
(3) Except as an instructor may expressly authorize, a student may not submit for
scholarly evaluation at the School any work, or any part of any work, that has been
previously published or written for compensation or submitted for scholarly evaluation at
another institution or in another course at the School.
(c) In taking examinations, except as an instructor may expressly permit, no student
may—
(1) seek, offer, allow, give, or receive any assistance of any kind;
(2) communicate during an examination in any way with anyone for any
purpose;
(3) exceed the specified time limit; or
(4) access any unauthorized material or source or any device, including any
computer, cell phone, smart watch, or any other electronically-powered device or any
other item or thing that may be of potential assistance.
(d) A student shall consult the instructor in the event any doubt or uncertainty arises
concerning what is permitted or prohibited in the preparation of written work or the taking
of an examination.
(e)(1) The materials in the Ginn Library are for the use of the entire Fletcher
community.
(2) No student may—
(A) remove library materials without the authorization of the library;
(B) stow library materials in book lockers or sections of the stacks not
corresponding with the call numbers assigned to the materials; or
(C) use or alter library materials in such a way as to significantly disadvantage
other users of those materials.
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Section 3: Honor Committee
(a) There is established an Honor Committee, which shall carry out the duties
provided by this Code.
(b) (1) The Committee shall consist of four members of the Executive Committee of
the Fletcher faculty and one administrator, all of whom the Dean shall appoint at the
beginning of each academic year; and two Fletcher students, both of whom the students shall
elect at the beginning of each academic year.
(2) The Dean shall also appoint an administrator and a member of the Executive
Committee of the Fletcher faculty, and the students shall also elect a Fletcher student, who
shall serve as alternate members of the Committee in the event a member of the Committee is
unable to be present for a meeting of the Committee.
(3) The Dean shall appoint a chair of the Committee from among its faculty members.
(4) A quorum shall consist of four members, except that in no case shall a quorum exist
if faculty members do not comprise a majority of members present. The Committee may
conduct no meeting in the absence of a physical quorum. Committee members may not
participate by telephone or videoconference or submit proxy or absentee votes.
(5)(A) If a reasonable person would conclude that a member of the Committee cannot
be impartial with respect to a matter before it, such member shall recuse himself or herself
from participating in the consideration of such matter by the Committee.
(B) In the event of such recusal, the Dean shall appoint a faculty member, student, or
administrator, as the case may be, as an ad hoc member of the Committee for the
consideration of such matter.
(C) Respondent may challenge the impartiality of a member of the Committee by
petitioning the Dean to appoint an ad hoc replacement, in which case the Dean may, after
consulting with such member, appoint such replacement in the event the Dean determines
that such member cannot be impartial with respect to the matter under consideration.
(6) The Committee may adopt such rules and procedures as it may deem appropriate
to carry out the provisions of this Code, consistent with principles of efficiency and due
process.
Section 4: Reports Concerning Potential Violations
(a)(1) In the event an instructor has—
(A) first-hand, direct evidence that a student has violated this Code; or
(B) the facts concerning a violation are not in dispute as between such
instructor and student;
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the instructor may reduce the grade of such student to a grade, including failure, that is
proportionate to the gravity of such violation.
(2) No instructor may reduce a grade under this sub-section unless such student has
been provided notice and an opportunity to respond.
(3) Such instructor shall report any such grade reduction to the Academic Dean, the
Executive Associate Dean, and the Fletcher Registrar, who shall maintain a record of such
reduction, separate from the transcript of such student, in the repository maintained under
section 5(b)(6)(B) of this Code.
(4) In the event the instructor or the Academic Dean believes that an additional
penalty beyond grade reduction would be appropriate, the instructor or the Academic Dean
may refer such report to the Committee, which shall consider such report in accordance with
section 5(a)(1) of this Code.
(5)(A) Any such student who believes that such instructor has reduced any such grade
in violation of the provisions of this Code may petition the Committee in writing, setting
forth a reasonable factual basis for such belief and asking the Committee to redress such grade.
(B) Any such student is strongly encouraged to discuss the matter with such instructor
before initiating such petition.
(C) The Committee shall consider such petition in accordance with section 7 of this
Code.
(b)(1) In the event an instructor has—
(A) no first-hand, direct evidence that a student has violated this Code, or the
facts concerning a violation are in dispute as between such instructor and student; but
(B) a reasonable factual basis for believing that a student has violated this Code;
the instructor may report such belief to the Academic Dean.
(2) Following the transmittal of any such report, the Academic Dean or the instructor
may, upon giving notice to such student and an opportunity to respond, refer such report to
the Committee, which shall consider such report in accordance with section 5(a)(1) of this
Code.
(c) In the event the Academic Dean or the Executive Associate Dean receives
information providing a reasonable factual basis to believe that a student has violated this
Code, the Academic Dean or Executive Associate Dean shall report such belief to the
appropriate instructor, who shall provide such student with notice and an opportunity to
respond, and who may thereafter refer such report to the Committee, which shall consider
such report in accordance with section 5 of this Code.
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(d) In the event a Fletcher student receives information providing a reasonable factual
basis to believe that a violation of this Code has occurred, such student may report such belief
to the Academic Dean, Executive Associate Dean, or appropriate instructor, who shall
proceed in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.
Section 5: Committee Procedure and Hearings Concerning Reports of Potential
Violations
(a)(1) Upon receipt of a report under section 4(a)(4), section 4(b)(2), or section 4(c), a panel
consisting of the Academic Dean, Chair of the Committee, and a student member of the
Committee designated by the Dean shall determine whether a reasonable factual basis
supports such report.
(2) If such panel determines that such basis exists, the Committee shall—
(A) notify respondent in writing, describing such basis with specificity and
identifying the specific provision of this Code that may have been violated;
(B) provide respondent with a copy of this Code and such other materials as the
Committee may deem appropriate; and
(C) hold a hearing to determine whether such report is supported by clear and
convincing evidence, according respondent a presumption of innocence.
(b)(1) At such hearing, the Committee shall examine respondent and such witnesses it
may deem relevant and consider such evidence it may deem relevant, except as provided by
paragraph (5)(B)(i) of this subsection, and shall accord respondent an opportunity to be heard
and present such witnesses as respondent may deem relevant.
(2)(A) Respondent may be represented by an advocate, who may be an attorney,
friend, family member, or Fletcher faculty member. The School will not provide respondent
with an attorney or interpreter, but respondent may use an interpreter. The School may use
an attorney as it deems appropriate.
(B) Respondent’s advocate may attend any hearing before the Honor Committee and
consult with respondent throughout, subject to the following limitations:
(i) Such advocate may not participate directly in such hearing, except to give
respondent’s closing statement if respondent so chooses.
(ii) Respondent shall notify the Chair of the Committee not less than 48 hours
before any scheduled hearing if respondent intends to be represented by an advocate at
such hearing. Such notice shall include the identity and affiliation of such advocate.
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(3) Unless respondent requests that such hearing be open, such hearing shall be closed
except to members of the Committee; respondent; respondent’s advocate and interpreter, if
any; any witnesses; and, at the discretion of the Committee, University counsel.
(4)(A) No participant in any hearing or related proceeding or process may reveal the
identity of—
(i) respondent to any non-participant unless expressly permitted to do so by
respondent; or
(ii) a witness who requests anonymity upon providing evidence of independent
significance with respect to its authenticity, probity, and reliability.
(B) Violation of clause (i) or clause (ii) of this sub-paragraph by a student shall
constitute an offense against this Code.
(5)(A) At such hearing, respondent or respondent’s representative may confront and
cross-examine any witness who provides evidence unless such evidence is of no independent
significance with respect to its authenticity, probity, and reliability, such as evidence
concerning plagiarism under section 2(b) of this Code.
(B)(i) The Committee may not consider any evidence provided by any person if such
person is unable or unwilling to appear in person for such purposes at a reasonable date and
time.
(ii) All hearings shall be held during the fall or spring semesters.
(iii) Respondent may call such witnesses that respondent deems appropriate, except
that the Committee may not take testimony from character witnesses.
(iv) The Committee may not permit any person to participate or be included in any
hearing by telephone or videoconference.
(6) The Committee may, at its discretion, direct that any such hearing or any part
thereof be recorded, in which case—
(A) the person who prepares such recording may attend such portions of the
hearing that may be recorded;
(B) the Fletcher Registrar shall retain custody and control of such recordings,
which shall be included in a repository of records of all Honor Committee reports
transmitted to the Dean under paragraph (7)(D) of this subsection;
(C) the Committee may direct the production of such transcripts as it may
deem appropriate; and
(D) the Committee shall make such recording, or a copy thereof, available to
respondent upon respondent’s request within a reasonable period of time thereafter.
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(7)(A) The Committee shall determine, after the conclusion of such hearing, whether
respondent has committed an offense against this Code with respect to the notice transmitted
under subsection (a)(2)(A) of this section.
(B)(i) The Committee may not make such determination unless four members of the
Committee concur that it is supported by clear and convincing evidence.
(ii) Ignorance of the provisions of this Code shall not constitute a defense to a violation
thereof.
(C) The Committee shall describe such evidence with specificity in a finding of facts
that supports such determination.
(D) Not later than fourteen calendar days following the last day of the hearing, the
Committee shall report to the Dean and respondent, in writing—
(i) such determination and findings of fact;
(ii) a recommendation concerning which penalty, in any, it considers
appropriate, as provided in section 6(c)(1); and
(iii) the separate opinion, if any, of any Committee member who does not
concur.
(E) After making a determination under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph but before
recommending a penalty under subparagraph (D)(ii) hereof, the Committee shall review
records of any prior offenses of respondent maintained in the repository under subparagraph
(B) of paragraph 6 of this section.
Section 6: Action by the Dean
(a) Upon receipt of a report under section 5(b)(7)(D) of this Code, the Dean shall
accord respondent a reasonable period of time in which to reply.
(b) After considering respondent’s reply, if any, the Dean may—
(1) direct the Committee to re-convene the hearing; or
(2) impose a penalty under subsection (c) of this section, taking into account
whether respondent has committed any prior offenses.
(c)(1) Penalties that may be imposed by the Dean include but are not limited to
reprimand, grade reduction, failure of a course, censure, suspension, and expulsion.
(2) Any such penalty may be imposed with or without notation on respondent’s
official transcript, as the Dean may determine.
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(3) The Dean may examine the registry maintained by the Fletcher Registrar under
section 4(a)(3)(B) to determine the propriety and consistency of a contemplated penalty.
(d) The imposition of a penalty by the Dean may not be appealed, except that, after
imposing a penalty, the Dean may re-convene the hearing or modify or remove such penalty
in the event the Dean becomes aware of new evidence indicating that such penalty was
unsupported by the totality of all probative evidence.
Section 7: Committee Procedure and Hearings Concerning Student Petitions Under
Section 4(a)(5)
(a) Upon receipt of a student petition under section 4(a)(5) of this Code, the
Committee shall transmit such petition to such instructor and accord such instructor a
reasonable period of time in which to respond.
(b) After considering any such response, a panel consisting of the Academic Dean,
Chair of the Committee, and a student member of the Committee designated by the Dean
shall determine whether a reasonable factual basis exists to believe that such instructor
reduced such grade in violation of the provisions of this Code.
(c) In the event such panel determines that such basis exists, the Committee shall hold
a hearing to determine whether such petition is supported by clear and convincing evidence.
(d) In the event the Committee determines that such evidence—
(1) does not exist, it shall so inform such instructor, such student, and the Dean;
or
(2) does exist, it shall recommend that the instructor consult with the Dean with
a view to adjusting such grade.
(B) The Dean may make such adjustment if satisfactory accommodation is not reached with
such instructor, in which case the Dean shall so inform such instructor, such student, and the
Fletcher Registrar.
Section 8: Rights of Accused Students
(a) In accordance with the provisions of this Code, every student has the right to—
(1) specific notice of the elements of an offense, as provided by section 2;
(2) impartial judgment, as provided by section 3(b)(4);
(3) notice and an opportunity to respond, as provided by section 4(a)(2), section
4(b)(2), section 4(c), section 5(a)(2)(A), section 5(b)(7)(D), section 6(a), and section
6(b)(1);
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(4) a presumption of innocence that may be rebutted only by clear and
convincing evidence, as provided by section 5(a)(2)(C) and section 5(b)(7)(B);
(5) representation, as provided by section 5(b)(2);
(6) confidentiality, as provided by section 5(b)(3) and section 5(b)(4)(A);
(7) call, confront, and cross-examine witnesses, as provided by section 5(b)(5)
and section 5(b)(5);
(8) any hearing recording or transcript that may be produced, as provided by
section 5(b)(6)(D);
(9) a specific finding of facts that is prepared independent of awareness of any
prior offenses, as provided by section 5(b)(7)(C); and
(10) incur no grade reduction in violation of the provisions of this Code, as
provided by section 4(a)(5) and section 7.
(b) The Dean may, under section 6 of this Code, impose a lesser penalty or no penalty
in the event the Dean determines that any such right has been violated.
Section 9: Student Pledge of Compliance
Every Fletcher student shall, as a condition to enrollment, sign a pledge stating as follows: “I
affirm that I have read and understand the Fletcher School’s Honor Code and I solemnly
promise to comply with it.”
Section 10: Effective Date; Amendments
(a) This Code shall become effective, and the earlier Code of Academic Integrity shall
be repealed, on the first day of classes in the semester following the semester in which this
Code was approved by the faculty.
(b) No amendment to this Code may take effect unless approved by the faculty.
Student Status
Full-time Enrollment
In most cases, full time students enroll in a minimum of 12.0 credit to meet rate of work and
make satisfactory academic progress. Students in the residential master’s degree programs can
be considered full-time enrolled when taking 9.0 credits or greater in a semester. For visa
purposes, international students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9.0 credits. The definition
of full-time for the purposes of financial aid eligibility may differ. Students who are enrolled
in 10.5 credits or greater pay the published tuition rates for a full semester of coursework.
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Students enrolled over 12.0 credits may be subject to additional tuition charges depending on
their degree program.
Students who plan to enroll in fewer than 10.5 credits in a semester should consult with the
Fletcher Registrar prior to the start of the semester.
Part-time Enrollment
Students in residential master’s degree programs are considered part-time enrolled when
approved for an enrollment of 6.0 credits per semester.
Reduced Course Load
Reduced course load may be requested for one semester by completing a reduced course load
petition. A new petition must be submitted each semester in which the student is requesting
reduced course load. Students taking 9.0 or 6.0 credits in a semester will be billed on a per-
course basis. In exceptional circumstances, students may be approved to enroll in 3.0 credits in
a semester and be billed on a per-course basis. Financial aid will be prorated to the number of
enrolled credits.
Students approved for reduced course load are expected to extend their degree program by no
more than one semester. Module overload enrollment (7.5 and 10.5 credits) is not permitted
for students on approved reduced course load. Auditing while on reduced course load is not
permitted. All academic regulations apply, and students are encouraged to review the Student
Handbook before requesting reduced course load. The deadline to return the Reduced Course
Load Petition to the Fletcher Registrar is 10 days priors to the start of the term in which
reduced course load is requested. Students must comply with all tuition deadlines regardless of
the timing of the submission or approval of their petition.
Students considering reduced course load should consult with the financial aid office and the
International Center (if applicable) before submitting a petition.
Continuation
Continuation status allows for the completion of degree requirements in the fall or spring
semester after student’s expected graduation term. Continuation status is available for students
in all programs except the PhD and GBA. Students in the GMAP program may continue on
continuation status for one calendar year or three consecutive terms. There is no charge for
the continuation semester provided the student is not enrolled in credit-earning courses.
Students enrolled in credit-earning courses or cross-registration will be charged at the current
per-course rate. Students who have not completed their degree requirements after the end of
the continuation semester will have their student record discontinued and must petition for
reinstatement in order to graduate. Audits are not permitted on continuation.
Students in residential degree programs on continuation status will have a hold placed on their
record at the start of the semester and must contact the Fletcher Registrar for all enrollment
transactions.
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Students who are approved for continuation are considered active students.
Under extenuating circumstances, PhD and GBA students may request a semester of
continuation status.
Summer Extension
Residential students may request a summer extension for the completion of degree
requirements in the summer following their final spring semester. There is no charge for the
extension and the student may not enroll in credit-earning or audit courses at Fletcher or
elsewhere in the summer term. Students who have not completed their degree requirements
by the deadline set in the Academic Calendar for the summer in which extension is granted
may be placed in continuation status in the fall. If students are ineligible for continuation for
any reason, they will have their records discontinued and must petition for reinstatement in
order to graduate.
Students who are approved for a summer extension are considered active students.
Reinstatement
Students whose records have been discontinued may petition for reinstatement for the
purposes of graduation or to continue their academic career at Fletcher. It is expected that all
students (except for doctoral candidates) will complete their degree within seven years of their
initial matriculation date, which is the first day of instruction in the semester the student
began taking classes. Students may only reinstate for the spring or fall terms. Students may
not reinstate for the summer term, except for the GBA program as noted below.
Petitions for reinstatement for the purposes of graduation must be received by the Fletcher
Registrar by the last day of instruction for the semester in which they plan to graduate. If
approved, reinstated candidates will be charged a reinstatement fee during the semester that
their candidacy is extended. This fee must be paid before the diploma will be issued to the
student. Students who reinstate for the purposes of graduation are not considered enrolled and
are not eligible for loan deferral.
Petitions for reinstatement for the purposes of students continuing their academic career at
Fletcher must be received by the Fletcher Registrar no later than the first day of instruction in
the semester in which they plan to enroll. A reinstatement fee may be waived during the
semester that they enroll in courses as a student at Fletcher. Reinstated students who enroll in
coursework may be eligible for loan deferral depending on registration status (part-time, half-
time, or full-time).
Petitions for reinstatement within seven years of initial matriculation are reviewed and
approved by the Fletcher Registrar. Students who petition to reinstate after seven years must
have their petition reviewed and approved by the Committee on Student Academic Programs
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(CSAP). If the student’s petition is received after the last CSAP meeting for the semester, the
student may be required to reinstate in the following term. Students reinstated after seven
years may be required to take additional courses to meet current degree requirements. In all
cases, students who intend to reinstate are encouraged to contact the Fletcher Registrar as
early as possible in the semester in which a petition will be submitted.
Reinstated students in residential degree programs will have a hold placed on their record at
the start of the semester and must contact the Fletcher Registrar for all enrollment
transactions.
Students who do not return by the date listed on their leave of absence petition will have their
records discontinued and will need to apply for reinstatement.
Doctoral candidates who do not maintain active student status either through payment of the
PhD course tuition fee or payment of the PhD enrollment fee will be eligible to petition the
PhD Committee for reinstatement of degree candidacy based on their stage in the program
and the time lapse since their separation. If reinstatement is approved, PhD candidates will be
charged the reinstatement fee in addition to their PhD tuition or enrollment fee charges.
Students who were placed on academic probation in their last semester before discontinuation
must petition CSAP for reinstatement.
GBA students who do not resume studies after an approved leave of absence may petition to
reinstate their degree candidacy within seven years of the program withdrawal date. Students
must submit the GBA Reinstatement Form at least one month prior to the start of the
intended term of return.
If the reinstatement is approved, students will be a charged a reinstatement fee in addition to
tuition. Once reinstated, GBA students will be considered enrolled at The Fletcher School and
may be eligible for loan deferral depending on registration status (part-time, half-time, or full-
time). Reinstated students are not eligible for a leave of absence unless the leave is due to
medical or compassionate reasons.
Joint Degree
A joint degree student is enrolled in one degree program that is co-sponsored by Fletcher and
another school. Only one diploma is issued for joint degrees. Each joint degree program has
its own degree requirements. Students may fulfill their Fletcher requirements by direct
enrollment at Fletcher, through cross-registration or enrollment in cross-listed courses.
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Dual Degree
A dual degree student is enrolled in two degree programs concurrently. The student is
responsible for admission to both degree programs and satisfying the requirements for each
degree program. Dual degree requirements may vary depending on the program. Students
should submit the dual degree notification form to the Fletcher Registrar as soon as they are
admitted to the second degree program.
Dual degree students are awarded both degrees in the same semester, one from Fletcher and
one from the second institution. There are established dual degree programs for students in
the MALD, MIB, and LLM degree programs. MGA students are not eligible for dual degree
because of the intensive nature of the degree.
Students in the MALD and MIB programs may design an ad hoc dual degree. To accept an ad
hoc dual degree, Fletcher requires that the following four criteria be met:
1. The student is admitted separately to each school.
2. The student spends three semesters and takes a minimum of 36.0 credits at Fletcher for
the MALD and spends three semesters and takes a minimum of 42.0 credits at Fletcher
for the MIB.
3. The student requests transfer credit for a maximum of four courses from the second
institution for the MALD or MIB degree by submitting an official transcript prior to
graduation. All transfer credit policies apply.
4. The student completes the Capstone requirement prior to graduation.
All students interested in dual degree programs must apply to Fletcher and the partner
institution separately. Each school will admit students according to their own policies and
qualifications. Each school will approve the student’s graduation based on the degree
requirements and academic regulations of their institution. Tuition will be charged by and
scholarships will be awarded by the school in which the student is registered in courses.
Students in dual degree programs may not attend both schools in the same semester, except
for dual degree programs with Harvard graduate schools where cross-registration is approved.
Exchange
Fletcher offers a number of exchange programs with partner institutions around the world.
MALD and MIB students have the option of studying at one of our exchange partner
institutions in their third or fourth semester. In addition to submitting an application for
exchange to Fletcher by the published deadlines, students are responsible for meeting all
application deadlines set by the host school.
As part of the exchange application, the student’s academic record will be considered.
Students need to be in good academic standing in the semester prior to participating in
exchange.
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During the exchange semester, Fletcher students pay full tuition to Fletcher and financial aid
is granted by Fletcher. Students are assessed the health insurance and health services fee
through Tufts. Participants are expected to cover all travel and living expenses during their
exchange semester. The exchange institution may change activity or other fees.
During the exchange semester, students are expected to take a full course load equivalent to
12.0 Fletcher credits at the host institution and will earn 12.0 credits towards the degree.
Students submit an official transcript to Fletcher after the end of their exchange term. Courses
taken on exchange will appear on the Fletcher transcript without grades, and are not factored
into the students GPA.
Students are not eligible for exchange in a semester after a leave of absence.
Cross-Registration
The Fletcher School only accepts cross-registrants from Tufts University and Harvard
University. All students who take courses are Fletcher through a cross-registration agreement
are subject to all the policies outlined in this Student Handbook.
Employee Registration
Employees must be officially enrolled to take courses at Fletcher, either in a degree-seeking or
non-degree status.
Non-Degree
Students may enroll at Fletcher through non-degree student status. All students who take
courses are Fletcher are subject to all the policies outlined in this Student Handbook. Non-
degree students are responsible for all applicable tuition and fees.
Academic Standing and Satisfactory Academic Progress
All policies are implemented, enforced, and may be amended by Fletcher’s Academic Council.
Good Academic Standing
Tufts University defines a student as being in “good standing” as long as they remain actively
enrolled and not on academic alert, academic probation and/or disciplinary probation. In
general, students remain in good standing when they are making satisfactory academic
progress towards their degree program, meeting rate of work and earning satisfactory grades
in all courses. Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing to be eligible for
cross-registration, study abroad on exchange, or to audit a course. Transfer credit toward the
Fletcher degree will be accepted only from students who are in good academic and
disciplinary standing at the time of credit transfer, and in accordance with all transfer credit
policies.
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Academic Alert
A full-time residential student may be placed on an academic alert at the end of any semester
in which the student does not meet one criteria of satisfactory academic progress: failing to
meet rate of work for their degree program or earning one failing grade (including modules).
Students may be placed on academic alert if they receive incomplete grades “I” in more than
half their courses in one semester. If student is on a Registrar-approved reduced course load,
an academic alert will be issued if the student earns 3.0 credits fewer than total number of
attempted credits. A GBA student will be sent an academic alert at the end of any semester in
which that student has failed one course. Incompletes are not earned credits. A permanent
notation of academic alert will be recorded on the student’s unofficial transcript only for the
semester they are on academic alert.
Students may not be on academic alert for two consecutive semesters. At the conclusion of a
semester of academic alert, the student academic record is reviewed and students either return
to good standing or are placed on probation in the semester after they are on academic alert.
Students on academic alert may be subject to academic leave or dismissal in certain cases
where continuous academic concerns impede progress towards the degree.
At the discretion of the Fletcher Registrar, students in residential degree programs on
academic alert will have a hold placed on their record at the start of the semester and must
contact the Fletcher Registrar for all enrollment transactions. A hold preventing the student
from ordering transcripts may be placed in lieu of or in addition to any other penalties
outlined in this section.
Students in dual degree programs may be placed on academic alert for academic reasons in
either degree program.
Students who are on academic alert are not eligible for cross registration or to study abroad on
exchange or to audit a course.
Academic Probation
A full-time residential student will be placed on academic probation at the end of any semester
in which that student earned 6.0 credits or fewer or failed to make satisfactory academic
progress. If student is on a Registrar-approved reduced course load, the student will be placed
on academic probation at the end of any semester in which the student earns 6.0 credits fewer
than total number of attempted credits. To return to good academic standing, in the following
semester the student must complete 12.0 credits and earn satisfactory grades in all courses
attempted. If student is on a Registrar-approved reduced course load, good academic standing
is achieved by completing all credits attempted in the following semester and earning
satisfactory grades in all courses attempted. Additionally, the student must submit an
academic plan to the Fletcher Registrar to outline how the student will make up missing
credits from prior semesters.
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At the discretion of the Fletcher Registrar, students in residential degree programs on
academic probation will have a hold placed on their record at the start of the semester and
must contact the Fletcher Registrar for all enrollment transactions. A hold preventing the
student from ordering transcripts may be placed in lieu of or in addition to any other
penalties outlined in this section.
After a semester on academic alert, a GBA student may be placed on academic probation at
the end of a second semester in which the student has failed more than one course or earned
fewer than 3.0 credits or failed to make satisfactory academic progress. To return to good
academic standing, in the following semester the student must satisfactorily complete all
credits attempted in the following semester. Additionally, the student must submit a plan to
the GBA program to make up any missing credits from previous semesters.
Academic probation can affect financial aid, eligibility for cross-registration for residential
students, and other privileges on a case-by-case basis. A permanent notation of academic
probation will be recorded on the student’s official transcript for the semester they are on
academic probation. Students who remain on academic probation for two or more
consecutive semesters are subject to review by the Committee on Student Academic Programs
(CSAP) and may be subject to academic leave or dismissal. If a student returns from a required
withdrawal and is placed on academic probation in any semester after the return, the student
will be subject to a permanent academic withdrawal, determined by the CSAP.
Students who are on academic probation are not eligible for cross-registration or to study
abroad on exchange, or to audit a course.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Satisfactory academic progress is met when the student meets rate of work in a semester and
earns satisfactory grades (B- or higher) in all courses. All grades lower than B- are considered
failing grades. Students who are not taking courses towards their degree requirements may
also be considered not making satisfactory progress. Normal rate of work for full-time
students in residential programs is 12.0 credit hours. MGA students have a summer course
requirement. MIB students have additional credit requirements in their first and second year.
Most courses at Fletcher are 3.0 credit hours. Module courses are 1.5 credit hours. For
residential and GMAP students, capstone courses are non-credit, graded courses. Courses
taken at Fletcher prior to June 2018 will be converted to the current credit system in effect
since fall 2018 for the purpose of meeting satisfactory academic progress and degree
requirements.
GBA and GMAP have their own rate of work as outlined below. If student is on a Registrar-
approved reduced course load, they meet rate of work by completing all attempted credits in a
semester.
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Credits earned after each semester to meet rate of
work
MGA (full-
time)
MGA (part-
time)
MALD
MA
LLM
MIB
MATA
Semester 1
12
6
12
12
12
12
12
Semester 2
24
12
24
24
24
24
24.5
Summer
30
18
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Semester 3
42
24
36
N/A
N/A
39
36
Semester 4
30
48
N/A
N/A
54
48
Semester 5
36
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Semester 6
42
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Credits earned after each semester to meet rate of
work*
GBA
GMAP (Aug
start)
GMAP (Jan start)
Semester 1
3
9
9
Semester 2
6
18
15
Semester 3
9
24
24
Semester 4
12
Semester 5
15
Semester 6
18
*For GBA and GMAP students, the term “semester” is synonymous with “term”
Students who are not making satisfactory academic progress may be reviewed by CSAP at the
discretion of the Fletcher Registrar or the Academic Dean. A student will have the
opportunity to submit a petition explaining their academic plan for completing the degree
requirements and submit to CSAP any supporting documentation from Fletcher faculty or
staff or other relevant documentation. CSAP will review the student’s academic record and
petition and may, at its discretion, recommend that the student is placed on academic alert or
that the student is additionally reviewed by Academic Council for academic leave or dismissal.
At the discretion of the Fletcher Registrar, students in residential degree programs who are
not making satisfactory academic progress will have a hold placed on their record at the start
of the semester and must contact the Fletcher Registrar for all enrollment transactions.
Financial Aid Implications
According to federal regulations and Tufts policy, the student must be making satisfactory
academic progress towards their degree in order to be eligible for federal and state financial
aid. They must accumulate at least the number of credits in the table above by the end of each
semester and maintain a 2.7 cumulative GPA. Transfer credits and summer credits may be
used to satisfy these requirements. Repeated courses can only be used to satisfy these
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requirements in cases where the student receives course credit for the repeated course.
Progress will be reviewed at the end of each term in which the student is enrolled.
If the student does not meet the satisfactory academic progress guidelines, they will be given
one semester on Financial Aid Warning. If they do not meet the guidelines by the beginning
of the following semester, they will be ineligible to receive any federal or state financial aid,
including Federal Direct Loans. They may regain eligibility if they meet the guidelines in
subsequent semesters.
If the student returns from a leave of absence after making unsatisfactory progress, they will
be placed on Financial Aid Probation and must agree to an academic plan that requires
completing at least 12.0 credits in each subsequent semester. GBA students would need to
complete at least 3.0 credits in each subsequent semester.
Student Visa Implications
According to the U.S. Federal immigration regulations, F-1 or J-1 visa bearing students must
be making normal academic progress during the academic duration and are expected to meet
the graduation requirements by their visa document (I-20 or DS-2019) end date.
It is not authorized for an international student to request an extension of the visa document
end date due to failing or incomplete courses. If such condition occurs and the international
student is not able to graduate before the visa document end date, they need to request a leave
of absence and depart the United States as soon as possible. If school policy allows, they may
be able to request a new visa document in order to apply for a new visa and return to The
Fletcher School to resume the incomplete courses or academic requirements.
An international student with a F-1 or J-1 visa will lose their visa status when the school
permanently dismisses the student effective immediately on the dismissal date. There is no
“grace period” given for such a situation, and the student’s visa status will be terminated
immediately. Once the student’s visa status is terminated, they must leave the United States
as soon as possible regardless of the visa documents validity (e.g., F-1/J-1 visa or I-20/DS-2019
validity). The visa status termination record will be registered with the U.S. Immigration
database, such as SEVIS (maintained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and
could affect the student’s future U.S. visa applications.
Committee on Student Academic Programs (CSAP)
The Committee on Student Academic Programs reviews all student requests for exceptions to
academic requirements excluding those petitions related to PhD requirements, which are
handled by the PhD Committee. CSAP normally meets once each month during the fall and
spring semesters between September and April. CSAP does not meet during the summer.
Student inquiries about CSAP petitions should be directed to the Fletcher Registrar.
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Petitions include a written statement from the student. In general, this statement should
address:
• What degree requirements the student must still fulfill in order to graduate
• How the student will fulfill the degree requirements (including faculty endorsement)
• How the student’s petition helps the student advance their academic and professional
goals
Additional information needed for the petition statement may vary depending on the
petition. Students submitting a petition to CSAP are encouraged to contact the Fletcher
Registrar at least two weeks prior to submitting their petition.
Petitions Requiring Full Committee Review
Petitions regarding the following matters must be submitted to CSAP and should be endorsed
in writing by a Fletcher faculty member. In some cases, students may need endorsement from
a field advisor or degree program director. The Fletcher Registrar will advise students on the
appropriate faculty endorsement for their petition. In no case will a petition be heard by
CSAP without a faculty endorsement.
At the Fletcher Registrar’s discretion, the petitioning student’s Fletcher grades may be shared
with CSAP as part of their petition. Students will be notified in advance if their grades will be
shared with CSAP unless they indicate on the petition that their grades may be released.
1. Petitions for reinstatement to degree candidacy more than seven years since last
enrollment at Fletcher. In the case of incomplete work, endorsement of the Fletcher
faculty who originally taught the course must be sought if reasonable to do so. If
approved, the student will be expected to meet the current academic requirements
when the petition is presented.
2. Petitions for self-designed fields. Self-designed fields must include at least three courses
(9.0 credits) and include endorsement of the instructor of the core course. Only one
course in a self-designed field may be from cross-registration or transfer credit.
a. Petitions for self-designed fields should be submitted prior to the first day of
instruction of the student’s last semester.
3. Petitions for change of degree program. See section below for details. Note that
MATA students are not permitted to change degree programs except in exceptional
circumstances.
4. Petitions for transfer credit taken more than five years ago. An official transcript from
the transfer institution must be submitted with this petition.
5. Petitions for exceptions and substitutions for breadth requirements and division
requirements.
6. Petitions to take a second language course for credit. Residential students may petition
to take a second course in a language other than English for credit if the following
conditions are met: language study is relevant for student’s academic program or
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professional goals; language study is a continuation of previous language training;
student receives endorsement of their faculty advisor.
7. Petitions for exemptions of any degree requirement.
8. All other requests for academic exceptions other than those listed in the section on
administrative review below.
In limited cases, CSAP may provisionally approve a petition subject to conditions the student
must satisfy. In these cases, the student may not be required to re-petition CSAP, but the
Fletcher Registrar will be empowered to verify the conditions of a petition decision are
satisfied before a petition is considered approved.
Petitions Requiring Administrative Review
The Fletcher Registrar is empowered to review petitions for the following exceptions:
1. Requests for substitutions to core courses for the degree, with approval of course
instructor and director of degree program.
2. Requests for substitution of quantitative reasoning requirement with statistical
methods course equivalency, with approval of statistical methods instructor.
3. Petitions for self-designed fields of study in Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation;
Energy; GIS; International Human Rights Law; Latin America; Marketing, Migration;
and Russia and Eurasian Studies are submitted directly to the Fletcher Registrar for
review. Fletcher faculty endorsement is required. Petitions for self-designed fields
should be submitted prior to the first day of instruction of the student’s last semester.
4. Petitions for transfer credit and review of transfer courses for eligibility as transfer
credit. In cases where students are requesting transfer courses to count towards
breadth, course, or field of study requirements, faculty endorsement is required.
Students are encouraged to submit their petition for transfer credit prior to enrollment
at the transfer institution to ensure they will receive credit for their courses.
5. Petitions for substitutions for fields of study. The substitution of courses that are not
listed as fulfilling a field of study must include endorsement of the instructor who
taught the course and endorsement of the field advisor. Students may only request one
substitution per field of study with permission of the field advisor. Students seeking to
substitute more than once course need to submit a petition to CSAP.
Conversion of Degree Program to MA
Students admitted to other programs will not be awarded the degree of Master of Arts (MA) if
circumstances preclude the completion of their degree program.
Procedures to apply for degree program change
It is important for students to know that a change of degree program will likely change their
scholarship award. Change of degree petitions should be submitted by April 1 to assure the
student is considered for scholarship aid for the correct degree program the following year.
Students can request a degree change after four full courses have been completed. Petitions
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received after Apr 1 may not be eligible to start in the new degree program or begin part-time
status in the following summer or fall term. Petitions received after Nov 1 may not be eligible
to start in the new degree program or begin part-time status in the following spring term.
Admissions criteria for the newly sought degree program will be taken into consideration in
the committee’s decision. As part of their petition, the student should submit a new resume,
articulate their goals in pursuing the new program, outline how they intend to fulfill new
requirements, and explain why they have the background to pursue the new program.
All academic regulations and degree requirements are applicable to the student after approval
to start a new degree program.
One-year programs (MA, LLM, GMAP) to two-year programs (MALD and MIB)
Students in the MA or LLM degree programs may petition to transfer to the MALD or MIB
after completing one semester in their current degree program and prior to the conferral of
their degree. The petition should be initiated as early as possible in the student’s second
semester. Upon approval of the petition, the student will have two semesters in the second
year to complete the remaining degree requirements for the two-year program. Because of
differences in the admissions process, students in the GMAP program may be unable to
change degree programs to the MALD or MIB prior to the conferral of their degree.
Students in the MA, LLM, or GMAP programs may petition to transfer to the MALD or
MIB after the conferral of their degree. If the petition is received and approved within two
years of the date when the one-year degree was awarded, the student will be required to enroll
in two consecutive semesters of coursework and earn 24.0 credits to complete MALD
requirements or 27.0 credits to complete the MIB requirements. If it is more than two years
after the date on which the one-year degree was awarded, the student will be required to
enroll in three consecutive semesters of coursework and earn 36.0 credits to complete MALD
or and 42.0 credits to complete the MIB requirements.
MGA to MALD or MIB
Students in the MGA degree program may petition to transfer to the MALD or MIB after
completing one semester in their current degree program and prior to the conferral of their
degree. The petition should be initiated as early as possible in the student’s second or third
semester. Upon approval of the petition, the student will have to complete the remaining
degree requirements for the two-year program.
MGA students may not transfer into one-year programs. Students may not transfer into the
MGA program from other degree programs.
Two-year programs (MALD and MIB) to one-year programs (MA, LLM)
Students in the MALD or MIB degree programs may petition to transfer to the MA or LLM
after completing one semester in their current degree program and prior to the conferral of
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their degree. The petition should be initiated as early as possible in the student’s first semester.
Upon approval of the petition the student will have one semester in the first year to complete
the remining degree requirements for the one-year program. Student must be mid-career to
transfer to the MA.
Additionally, for the LLM, law faculty will review the student’s petition, Fletcher transcript,
and materials previously submitted for application to the two-year program prior to the
review by CSAP.
LLM or MALD student requests to change to LLM/MALD dual degree program
The law faculty will review the student’s petition, Fletcher transcript, and materials
previously submitted for application to the two-year program prior to the review by CSAP.
LLM degree recipients requesting admission into the joint LLM/MALD degree program are
required to complete five semesters at Fletcher or three additional semesters of coursework
beyond the LLM.
CSPP, MAHA, and MATA to MALD or MIB
Because of the differences in admissions processes, students in the CSPP, MAHA, and MATA
degree programs may be unable to change degree programs to the MALD or MIB. Students
should contact their program office to discuss whether a petition may be considered.
Similarly, students in the MALD or MIB degree programs or one-year degree programs may
need to reapply to be considered for admission into the CSPP, MAHA, or MATA.
MIB to GBA
Students may petition to transfer from the MIB to the GBA program prior to receiving their
degree. Because of differences in the admissions process, students in the GBA may be unable
to change degree programs to the MIB.
Self-designed Fields
Field requirements may also be satisfied through the design of self-designed fields. Enrolled
students may apply to CSAP for permission to design fields to satisfy MALD, MIB, or PhD
degree requirements. Students in the MGA degree program may not have a self-designed field.
The student’s petition statement should include a list of at least three courses and 9.0 credits
being offered in the field and detail how each of the courses supports the design of the field
and how the courses in the field work together to create a cohesive field of study. Self-
designed fields for PhD students have additional requirements. The student should outline
what knowledge base will be gained through the self-designed field and address why their
goals cannot be achieved through Fletcher’s existing fields of study. Additionally, students
should indicate in their petition the closest established field of study to their self-designed field
and detail how the two fields are distinguished. Petitions for self-designed fields must be
presented to CSAP prior to the first day of instruction in student’s final semester at Fletcher.
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To be approved, a self-designed field must satisfy the following requirements:
• A member of the Fletcher faculty must assume responsibility for advising the
student on the self-designed field and must support the request in writing.
• The self-designed field must consist of at least three courses and 9.0 credits for the
MALD and MIB and at least four courses and 12.0 credits for the PhD.
• The self-designed field must include at least one (3.0 credits) Fletcher course as the
required course for the field.
• For PhD candidates, at least three courses and 9.0 credits in the field must be
Fletcher courses. The self-designed field should consist of a group of courses with a
clear methodology, a respectable volume of theoretical and applied literature, and
boundaries that enable a clear distinction to be made between the subject of the
self-designed field and related subjects outside the field.
• The field should have an international component and fit within the Fletcher
curriculum.
Transfer Credit and Exam Credit
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit is only accepted for students in the MALD and GBA degree program. Transfer
credit is not an option for all other degree programs: MGA, MIB, MA, LLM, MATA,
GMAP, and PhD candidates. Transfer credit for MIB candidates is only accepted for students
enrolled in dual or joint degree programs, or on approved exchange programs.
GBA students may petition for to transfer in up to nine credits from outside of Fletcher,
which may be applied to elective courses only. It is expected that students will petition for
transfer credit at least three months prior to the semester when they plan to reduce their
enrollment. Transfer credit approved from joint or dual degrees or exchange programs will be
updated in the student’s record at the time an official transcript is received by the Fletcher
Registrar showing final grades in all courses being transferred. In other cases, transfer credit
may not be updated in the student’s record until 50% of the Fletcher program has been
completed and an official transcript is received.
Students will earn a maximum of 12.0 credits towards the degree from transfer. Course
accepted for transfer will appear on the Fletcher transcript without grades and are not
factored into the student’s GPA. Students who apply to transfer credit to their Fletcher
record are not eligible to cross-register while at Fletcher.
Petitions for transfer credit will be reviewed providing:
The Fletcher Registrar reviews all petitions for transfer credit for courses completed in all
formal and ad hoc dual and joint degree programs as well as petitions to transfer graduate-level
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courses that were taken within the previous five years and not offered toward a prior degree.
The GBA program administrator reviews transfer credit for GBA students.
A course syllabus is required for review of transfer credit. In general, the criteria for courses
accepted as transfer credit:
1. The course was taken at an accredited graduate school and is comparable to course
offerings at Fletcher in rigor and contact hours consistent with a 3.0 credit Fletcher
course for a full-semester course or 1.5 credit Fletcher course for a half-semester course
2. The student was registered as a graduate student at the time the coursework was
completed
3. The grade received is a B- or better and an official transcript is submitted
4. A course description, reading list, or bibliography are submitted
5. The course is evaluated and approved by a Fletcher faculty member who offers
coursework in this area
6. The student presents a strong justification as to the relevance of the proposed transfer
credit to their academic program at Fletcher
7. The courses were not offered toward a prior degree
8. Whether offered in-person or online, course has synchronous class meetings
9. Course content fits within the Fletcher curriculum
A maximum of twenty-five percent of the required course credits for a student’s program may
be fulfilled with non-Fletcher courses. The maximum applies to courses taken through cross-
registration and courses accepted as transfer credit for degree programs that allow transfer
credit. Courses taken at Fletcher prior to admission to a degree program may count towards a
Fletcher degree provided the courses were not used towards a prior degree, up to the
maximum of twenty-five percent of their course requirement. This policy applies to Fletcher
courses taken as a non-degree student.
With the endorsement of a Fletcher faculty field advisor. courses taken at other institutions
accepted as transfer credit towards the Fletcher degree may count as one course towards a
student’s field of study. Students requesting to use a non-Fletcher course towards the breadth
and other course requirements for the residential degree programs must receive endorsement
of the appropriate Fletcher faculty for the area of study and petition CSAP for the
substitution of a course requirement. Petitions for substitutions to core courses for the degree
and substitutions to the quantitative reasoning requirement, with appropriate faculty
endorsement, may be received by the Fletcher Registrar.
Students who have taken courses at other institutions through dual degree programs must
receive the endorsement of an appropriate Fletcher faculty for the area of study to count
transfer credit towards their breadth and division requirements, and towards their field of
study if applicable.
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Dual-degree candidates
Students may transfer no more than the equivalent of four full-semester courses or 12.0 credits
(including cross-registration courses taken while enrolled at Fletcher). The only exception to
the four-course limit applies to students in Fletcher’s degree programs with the Diplomatic
Academy in Vienna and the University of St. Gallen; students in these programs may cross-
register for one course (3.0 credits) per semester.
Dual degree candidates are cautioned that courses they plan to offer for transfer credit should
not be taken during the same semester that they intend to graduate from Fletcher. Due to
differences in academic calendars, the final grades and official transcripts for these courses may
not reach the Registrar’s Office in time for degree conferral in that semester.
Course Equivalency Exams
Students in residential programs may take the following equivalency exams:
• EIB E201 Introduction to Economic Theory
• EIB B205 Data Analysis and Statistical Methods
• EIB B206 Data Analysis and Statistical Methods for Business
• EIB E210M Quantitative Methods
• EIB E212 Macroeconomics
• EIB E217M Managerial Economics
Passing the equivalency exam exempts students from taking the course at Fletcher. In cases
when an equivalency exam is offered by Fletcher, the only means of gaining equivalency is by
passing the equivalency exam. Registration for the equivalency exam is required in advance of
the exam of the date. Students may only receive credit for the course or the equivalency
exam, but not both.
When an equivalency exam for a course is not offered, students who have previously
completed graduate level work equivalent to the Fletcher course may apply for an equivalency
for the course. Such equivalency requires the written endorsement of the Fletcher faculty who
teaches the course for which equivalency is desired. Equivalency does not entitle the student
to count that course for credit.
MALD students may attempt the equivalency exam for the economics breadth requirement
and the quantitative reasoning breadth requirement. MALD students who pass the economics
equivalency exam are required to fulfill an upper-level economics course to satisfy the breadth
requirement.
For MIB students wishing to take equivalency exams in managerial economics, data analysis
and statistics, and macroeconomics, the exam must be taken and passed in the first year of
study. If they are not taken in the first year, the associated course must be taken in the first
year instead. All MIB students must take the EIB B206 Data Analysis and Statistical Methods
for Business course or pass the B206 Equivalency Exam by the end of their first year of study.
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Courses and Grading
Course Enrollment
Regardless of credit or audit status, all students attending a class must be enrolled and appear
on the class roster. Apart from the shopping period, Fletcher students may not sit in on a
course informally. Non-Fletcher students may not sit in on a course under any circumstances.
Attendance Policy
Students enrolled in Fletcher courses for credit or audit are expected to attend class and
participate regularly. Individual instructors may have an attendance and participation
requirement that is used in the grade calculation and students should consult the instructor or
review the course syllabus.
Course Examinations
Students must take course examinations at the regularly scheduled time with exceptions
granted only in extraordinary circumstances such as for medical reasons. This policy also
applies to final exams which take place after the last day of instruction. In cases where the
student is requesting an exception to this policy, the student must notify the Fletcher
Registrar and obtain approval from the course instructor at least five business days prior to
the exam date. For medical reasons, a note from a physician or the University Health Services
may be requested. Non-native English speakers may be allowed an additional 30 minutes to
complete exams with prior approval from the course instructor. Students with three final
exams scheduled in a 24-hour period during final exam week will be eligible to request to
move one exam to another date, subject to the approval of the instructor. This policy only
applies to exams scheduled through the Fletcher Registrar and may not apply to other
academic activities during final exam week.
The ability to make up an exam after the exam date is at the sole discretion of the instructor.
The Registrar’s Office does not proctor exams and arrangements for a proctor are the
responsibility of the student and the instructor. All rescheduled exams must take place after
the original exam date. Students who are absent from exams without prior approval for a new
exam date may receive a failing grade for the exam.
The Student Accessibility and Academic Resource (StAAR) Center provides reasonable
accommodations for students with disabilities. Any student requesting exam accommodations
should connect with the StAAR Center to complete the registration process at lease a week
prior to any assessments. Any student who is approved through StAAR for accommodations
is responsible for sharing their accommodation letter with their faculty member if they intend
to use accommodations in a course. StAAR recommends notifying faculty one week prior to a
scheduled exam in order to coordinate accommodations as needed.
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Grades
Passing grades at Fletcher have the following range: A, A-, B+, B and B-. Numerical
equivalents for letter grades are as follows: A = 4.0, A- = 3.67, B+ = 3.33, B = 3.0, B- = 2.67.
Grade point averages are not recorded on transcripts. For courses taken outside of Fletcher,
through Cross-Registration, non-letter grades will be accepted only if: 1) Letter grades are not
an option or 2) Non-letter grading (e.g. Pass/Fail or Credit/No Credit) is specifically
recommended by the program. For courses taken outside of Fletcher on dual degree,
exchange, or other transfer credit, the grade does not appear on the Fletcher transcript.
Repeating Courses
Students may not repeat a course in which they have already earned credit. Students may
repeat a course if they did not earn credit on the first attempt because of a failing grade or
withdrawal from the course. Independent study courses are exempted under this policy. The
original enrollment and any assigned grade from the first attempt remain on the student’s
record.
Student who repeats a course to earn credit, either under the Failing Grades policy or after a
withdrawal, must formally enroll in the course on SIS.
Failing Grades
Any grade less than B- is a failing grade. A failing grade must be offset by additional course
work taken for credit. This policy also applies to cross-registered courses even though grades
under B- are considered passing at other graduate schools. Students participating in any of our
formal exchange programs are subject to the passing standard applied at the host institution.
If a residential student fails a course taken at Fletcher, they may take a fifth course overload
one time without additional cost in the following semester at Fletcher in order to make up the
missing credit. Students on reduced course load are charged per course and are not eligible for
the fifth course exception. Online students may be eligible to retake a single failed course at
no charge, at the program’s discretion. Students in the GMAP program may only repeat the
same course to waive the tuition charge. Any additional failed courses, whether in the same or
in a subsequent semester, are subject to standard tuition charges.
Students whose failing grade is the result of academic or professional integrity violations are
not eligible to take a fifth course without cost.
For students in programs where the Professional Development Program (PDP) is a degree
requirement, students who do not complete PDP with two semesters may be assigned a
permanent unsatisfactory grade “U” on their transcript.
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Incomplete Grades
A student who, due to unusual circumstances, is unable to complete the work of a course by
the end of the semester, may request permission from the instructor to take a grade of
incomplete “I”. The decision to allow a grade of incomplete is at the discretion of the
instructor. The instructor has the authority to not to grant an extension, assign an incomplete
“I” grade, or accept work after the due dates indicated on the syllabus. It is the responsibility
of the student to request the incomplete from the instructor using the Incomplete Grade
Request Form provided by the registrar’s office. Once granted by the instructor, the form
should be signed and submitted to the registrar’s office. GBA students are required to submit
an Incomplete Grade Request Form for approval to the GBA program office.
Incompletes are generally granted when the student has been active in the class in a substantial
way including attendance; typically, that means only one assignment, a final project, or final
exam remains to be submitted. The instructor has the sole discretion to determine what
qualifies as substantial. The deadline to petition for an incomplete is the last day of instruction
in the term the student is enrolled in the course for which an incomplete is being requested. If
the student has not petitioned for an incomplete by the last day of the term, a final letter
grade, which may be a failing grade, will be assigned.
If an incomplete is granted, all work in the course must be completed and graded within one
year from the start of the semester in which the course was taken. If the student is unable to
complete the work by the stated deadline or after one year, then the grade for this course will
become a permanent incomplete “PI” grade. Course work submitted for an incomplete must
be reviewed and graded by the faculty member with whom the course was taken. If students
receive a grade of incomplete for a cross-registered course, they must adhere to the policy of
the host school.
Incompletes will not be granted solely to avoid a failing grade and will be granted based on the
student’s ability to reasonably make up missing coursework. Students who have attempted no
work in a course may not request an incomplete “I” grade and should either drop the course
with a withdrawn “W” grade before the drop deadline or receive a failing grade.
If the student does not make a request for an incomplete, a final grade will be assigned by the
instructor based on the work the student has done during the semester, including any
participation requirement. Both the student and instructor are encouraged to reach out to the
Registrar and Office of Academic Advising if any questions arise about an incomplete grade
and the student’s academic standing. At the end of each semester, the Fletcher Registrar will
review the academic records of all students. If, at that time, a residential student has two or
more incompletes in a semester, they will not be permitted to cross-register at Harvard or
Tufts until all coursework has received letter grades. In cases where a student fails a course
after receiving an incomplete grade, the student must submit an academic plan to the Fletcher
Registrar to outline how the student will complete their degree requirements. Students with
failing grades will not be permitted to cross-register until they have consulted with the
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Fletcher Registrar and are subject to all policies on satisfactory academic progress, academic
alert, and academic probation. Students on academic alert or academic probation or with
incomplete grades may not audit courses.
If an incomplete is received for the GBA core courses B200 Corporate Finance and Global
Capital Markets or B236 International Strategy and Innovation, the GBA student may take
elective courses in the following term, but must receive a final course grade before the
beginning of course registration for the next term (i.e. if the incomplete is received for B200 in
the spring, the student may take elective courses in the summer, but must receive a final
course grade for B200 before the start of course registration for the fall term). If a final grade is
not received for the core course before the registration deadline, the faculty member must
enter the course grade as the student currently stands. If the student does not pass the course,
the failure policy is implemented, and the student must take the core course again in the
following semester, in some cases at no additional charge.
Course Withdrawal
Course withdrawals are allowed during the late add period without penalty. See the Academic
Calendar for registration dates. After the end of the late add/drop period, students who drop a
course will be assigned a withdrawn “W” grade. Withdrawal from a course is not equivalent to
a course failure.
Residential master’s students who drop a course after the last day of the late add period and
receive a withdrawn “W” grade may be eligible to take a fifth course overload one time
without additional cost in the following semester at Fletcher in order to make up the missing
credit. Students on reduced course load are charged per course and are not eligible for the fifth
course exception. Any additional courses withdrawn and assigned a “W” grade, whether in the
same or in a subsequent semester, are subject to standard tuition charges.
Students whose withdrawn grade is the result of academic or professional integrity violations
are not eligible to take a fifth course without cost.
Students may withdraw from a course until the last day of instruction. Requests for drops
submitted after the last day of instruction must be endorsed by the instructor or the Academic
Dean and may require the student to submit supporting materials or petition CSAP for a
retroactive withdrawal.
Students in full-time status who drop from one or more courses after the first day of
instruction are not eligible for a tuition refund. The Tufts University refund policy only
applies to students who withdraw, are required to withdraw, or take a leave of absence from
Fletcher for the term. Students on reduced course load are charged per course and should
consult with the Fletcher Registrar before dropping a course after the first day of instruction.
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Registration
Policy on Overlapping Courses
The Fletcher School does not allow students to be enrolled in courses that overlap in time.
This policy applies to courses being taken for credit as well as to those being taken for audit,
and courses taken through cross-registration. Enrollment transactions that create a time
conflict on a student’s class schedule will not be processed.
Policy on Concurrent Enrollment
Fletcher students may not enroll at another institution in the same semester they are enrolled
and paying tuition at Fletcher. Courses taken at Harvard and Tufts through cross-registration
are excluded from this policy. Students in dual degree and exchange programs are expected to
enroll at each institution in different semesters and should submit their academic plan to the
Fletcher Registrar.
Registration Holds
Prior to registration, students are urged to check whether they have a hold on their account.
Students may not participate in the registration until all registration holds are resolved.
There are several reasons why an account might have a hold. These include:
• Outstanding financial obligations
• Health Service issues, including proof of health insurance or immunizations
• Student needs to update emergency contact or local address information in SIS
• Hold placed by the Fletcher Registrar
Students can review their holds by logging into SIS and reviewing their holds. Students must
then contact the office that placed the hold. Once the situation has been resolved, the hold
will be removed from the student’s account electronically.
Fifth Course Enrollment Policy
MALD and PhD candidates are permitted in two semesters to take five courses in a semester.
MGA, MA, MATA, and LLM candidates are permitted to do so once. Pursuing five courses
in a semester is optional and additional to normal course requirements. Optional means that
students are not required to take a fifth course. To enroll in the fifth course overload, students
complete the registration form and return it to the Fletcher Registrar.
MIB students are required to take a fifth course in two of their four semesters. MIB students
may enroll above 15.0 credits in a semester in accordance with the fifth or module overload
policy.
Students optionally take a fifth course solely for academic enrichment. The fifth course does
not allow a student to decrease their required course load in a future semester. Students are
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expected to enroll in full-time credits for their degree program unless on a Registrar-approved
reduced course load or approved part-time status. Grading and transcript policies are the same
for all courses. Fifth courses appear on students’ transcripts and are considered in student’s
satisfactory academic progress. If a student withdraws from an optional fifth course after the
drop deadline, a grade of “W” is recorded on the transcript. Students are charged the cost of
one course, in addition to the published tuition rates for a full-time student. Additional
financial aid may not be available for students taking an optional fifth course.
Waitlist Registration
Instructors are individually responsible for waitlist management in cases where a waitlist is
being used for the course. Students will be enrolled automatically in a course with a waitlist in
the order they are placed on the waitlist, provided the enrollment does not create a conflict or
overload on the student’s schedule. If the student is unable to be enrolled from the automatic
waitlist in SIS for any reason, then, the student may seek permission from the instructor for
permission to enroll when the enrollment limit is met or exceeded. Class listings will indicate
alternative procedures to instructor permission, including permission to enroll.
Independent Study Courses 300-399
Residential students may enroll in no more than 6.0 credits of independent study courses,
numbered 300-399, provided they continue to make satisfactory academic progress. One
independent study course may be offered in fulfillment of a field of study requirement with
endorsement of the faculty field advisor. A field exception form must be submitted to the
Fletcher Registrar. MGA students may complete one independent study course.
Independent study courses may earn 3.0 credits or 1.5 credits depending on the assignments
and final deliverable. Students should expect to spend between 8-12 hours per week for a 3.0
credit independent study course, roughly 180 hours total during the semester. Students should
expect to spend between 4-6 hours per week for a 1.5 credit independent study course,
roughly 90 hours total during the semester. Assignments, readings, and submitted work are
determined by the instructor. The deadline to submit all work for the semester is published
on the Academic Calendar. Independent study courses always earn a letter grade.
A 300-level course may not be substituted for a core course in the field of study and may not
be offered in satisfaction of breadth requirements. Students are not permitted to enroll in a
Fletcher independent study course based on coursework done at another institution.
Students may enroll, with faculty endorsement, in an independent study course in the same
semester as the capstone. While the capstone and independent study are graded separately, the
work for each may overlap. The same grade may be assigned to both the capstone and the
independent study at the faculty's discretion.
Independent study courses may not be taken for audit.
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Independent Study Courses for Online Programs
GBA students who are interested in pursuing an independent study course or independent
capstone project must submit the appropriate petition form accompanied by a written
proposal to the GBA Program Office. The petition must be received at least 4 weeks before
the start of the term. If approved, independent study courses cannot be completed pass/fail
and the student must receive a letter grade from the instructor at the end of the term to
receive credit for the course.
GMAP students may not enroll in independent study courses.
Capstone
Students in the MALD, MIB, MA, LLM, and GMAP programs require a capstone project and
will be enrolled in a non-credit, grade Capstone course. For MALD and MIB, students enroll
in their third semester. For MA and LLM, students enroll in their second semester. GMAP
students should contact the GMAP program office to discuss the timing of capstone
enrollment.
Completion of this course with a letter grade is required to graduate. Capstone may not be
taken pass/fail or for audit.
Extensions for capstones are entirely at the discretion of the capstone supervisor. If the
capstone grade will not be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the grading deadline listed in
the Academic Calendar, the student may receive an incomplete “I” grade.
All students may extend one semester past their expected graduation date to complete their
capstone and other degree requirements. Tuition is not charged for the continuation semester
provided the student is not enrolled in courses.
If the capstone is not completed by the end of the continuation semester, the student will be
discontinued and will need to petition for reinstatement, pay the reinstatement fee, and
submit any remaining work. Reinstatement beyond the continuation semester is required for
the student to be eligible to graduate.
Regardless of the semester in which the student finalizes the capstone project, students are
responsible for the original agreed upon capstone work and final assignment and must make a
new agreement with the instructor on any extension of deadlines for submission.
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PhD Reading and Research Courses
Students who are engaged in researching and writing their PhD dissertation will be enrolled in
IR 400, a 12.0 credit non-graded course that grants the student full-time status, each term
including in the summer.
Half Courses (Modules)
The Fletcher School has a limited number of half courses worth 1.5 credits offered every year
and designated by the letter “M” in the course number. Additionally, half courses are offered
at other institutions where Fletcher has cross-registration agreements. In an attempt to
encourage and allow students to take these half courses, residential students who are enrolled
full-time in 12.0 credits may take a 1.5 credit overload for a total of 13.5 credits once in their
Fletcher career with no additional tuition charge. MIB students may enroll in 13.5 credits in
each semester of full-time study, and may enroll to 15.0 credits in two semesters for a total of
54.0 credits. MIB students are also eligible for a module overload in one semester and fifth
course in up to two semesters.
Cross-Registration for Residential Programs
The Fletcher School only has cross-registration agreements with Tufts University and
Harvard University. As such, Fletcher students are not permitted to cross-register at any other
institutions.
Cross-registration is open to residential master’s students and external admit PhD degree
candidates. Up to a maximum of twenty-five percent of the required course credits for a
student’s program may be fulfilled with non-Fletcher courses. For students in two-year
programs, students may cross-register to a maximum of four full-semester courses or the
equivalent (12.0 credits). For students in one-year programs, students may cross-register to a
maximum of two full-semester courses or the equivalent (6.0 credits). MGA students may
cross-register to a maximum of two full-semester courses or the equivalent (6.0 credits). The
maximum applies to courses taken through cross-registration and courses accepted as transfer
credit for degree programs that allow transfer credit. Full-semester cross-registration courses
taken at a higher credit value will earn 3.0 credits for the purposes of meeting rate of work
and degree requirements. Half-semester cross-registration courses taken at another credit value
will earn 1.5 credits for the purposes of meeting rate of work and degree requirements.
Students in the MATA degree program who start at Fletcher may cross-register for up to two
full-semester courses or the equivalent (6.0 credits) while enrolled at Fletcher. Students in the
MATA degree program who start the College of Europe may cross-register for one full-
semester course or the equivalent (3.0 credits) while enrolled at Fletcher.
Cross-registration courses may not be offered to fulfill breadth requirements or other course
requirements. A maximum of one full-semester course or the equivalent (3.0 credits) taken
through cross-registration may apply towards a field of study with faculty field advisor
endorsement for MGA, MALD, and MIB students.
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A maximum of two full-semester courses (6.0 credits) may be taken through cross-registration
in one semester for students enrolled in full-time credits (12.0 credits or greater) at Fletcher.
Students on approved reduced course load of at least 6.0 credits may enroll in one full-
semester cross-registration course (3.0 credits) in the term they are part-time at Fletcher.
Courses offered during the January term at Harvard are considered spring term courses and
without exception must be credited toward a student’s spring term enrollment.
Additional cross-registration restrictions:
• LLM only - One of the two full-semester courses or the equivalent (3.0 credits) may be
taken at Harvard Law School (HLS). In such cases, the HLS course may count towards
the total number of law courses the LLM candidate is required to take. Courses taken
at HLS or other graduate programs at Harvard cannot be offered to fulfill the DHP or
EIB distribution requirements.
• MIB only - Two of the four full-semester courses or the equivalent (6.0 credits) may be
taken at Harvard Business School (HBS).
• Internal admit PhD students - Two full-semester courses or the equivalent (6.0 credits)
may be taken during their PhD coursework phase, regardless of the number of non-
Fletcher credits that were taken to meet MALD or MIB requirements.
• External admit PhD students – A maximum of three cross-registered full-semester
courses or the equivalent (9.0 credits) may be used to fulfill requirements. Any
accepted petitions for equivalence will reduce the number of cross-registered courses
permitted (e.g. equivalence granted for one course reduces the number of cross-
registered courses allowed to two).
• MATA (third or fourth semester at Fletcher) and Exchange students - Students may
cross-register at Harvard or Tufts for a maximum of one full-semester course or the
equivalent (3.0 credits).
• Online students are not permitted to cross-register for classes.
• Students may not audit a Harvard or Tufts graduate-level course.
Audits
Full-time (enrolled in 12.0 credits) residential students may, with the permission of the
instructor, register to audit one Fletcher course per semester. This is in addition to the normal
full course load. Upon satisfaction of requirements specified by the instructor, the audit will
be recorded on the student’s transcript as a Certified Audit “CA”. In all other cases, including
language courses for audit taken at Tufts, courses will be graded with Audit “AU” in SIS and
do not appear on the student’s Fletcher transcript. Audits may not satisfy degree require-
ments. There is no additional tuition charge for auditing a class. Audit registration forms will
not be accepted after the audit registration deadline indicated in the Academic Calendar.
Students who are reinstated for the purposes of graduation may not enroll in a course for
audit. Students who are reinstated for the purposes of continuing their academic career may
enroll in one course for audit in any semester where they are enrolling full time in
coursework for credit.
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Certified Audit “CA” grading basis is not available for independent study courses.
Students on part-time status, approved reduced course load or continuation may not take
courses for audit. Students on academic alert or academic probation may not take courses for
audit.
A student may switch a course from a credit to an audit until the last day of instruction with
the approval of the course instructor. The student should submit an audit registration form
signed by the course instructor to the Fletcher Registrar. At the end of the semester, the
student must receive a “CA” from the course instructor. Otherwise, the course will be
considered a withdrawal and result in a “W” grade assigned as the switch from credit to audit
was made after the drop deadline. No refund of tuition is permitted after the last day of
registration according to the Academic Calendar for students switching from credit to audit.
Students switching a course to audit after the late add period may not meet rate of work and
should discuss their academic plan with the Fletcher Registrar prior to submitting the audit
registration form.
Switching a course from audit to credit is not permitted after the late registration deadline.
Language Instruction Courses
All residential students may enroll in one language course (other than English) for credit
through cross-registration. Additionally, all students may audit up to one language instruction
course (other than English) at Tufts per semester during each semester enrolled at Fletcher
over and above all other enrolled courses. Consent to enroll in a language instruction course
for audit through cross-registration requires instructor permission. Auditing a course through
cross-registration at Harvard is not permitted under any circumstances.
Pre-Session Courses
Pre-session courses for residential students begin prior to the academic semester. In the fall,
this is typically in August and in the spring, this is typically in January. August courses count
as part of the fall semester course load and January courses count as part of the spring
semester course load. Given the condensed duration of these courses, the following policies
apply:
• All course sessions are mandatory. Students are not permitted to miss any class
meetings except for extenuating circumstances pre-approved by the course
instructor and the Fletcher Registrar.
• Registration must be finalized by the 1
st
day of the month in which the course
is offered. No late enrollments will be permitted after this date.
• The drop deadline for pre-session courses is 11:59 PM on the first day of
instruction. Any drops made after this deadline will result in a withdrawal code
of a “W.” Thereafter, all course withdrawal policies apply.
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Summer Courses
The Fletcher School offers a limited number of course offerings in the summer term. Course
offerings will vary each summer and the class schedule will be released prior to the end of the
spring term. See the Academic Calendar for summer term dates and deadlines. The number of
seats available in summer courses is limited. MGA students have priority for enrollment in
the summer.
Enrollment in the summer term for MALD and MIB students is by petition only and will be
approved on a seat available basis. MALD and MIB students approved to enroll in summer
will be billed in the fall term, and may be eligible to reduce the number of credits taken in the
subsequent fall term and should consult with the Registrar’s Office before submitting their
petition.
Early Registration
Fletcher offers an early registration period for all continuing students, including students in
joint and dual degree programs, to enroll in a preliminary class schedule. Continuing student
status is defined as students who will be in their second or later semester for the semester in
which they wish to enroll and are currently active in a Fletcher degree program at the time of
early registration. See the Academic Calendar for early registration dates.
Students with a registration hold may not register until the hold is resolved and removed by
the office that placed the hold.
Cross-Registration requests may be submitted during early registration but in most cases are
not approved until the general registration period.
General Registration
General registration is the period of open enrollment for all students, including students in
joint and dual degree programs, enrolling in Fletcher courses in the current semester,
excluding enrollment through cross-registration. General registration opens one to two weeks
prior to the first day of instruction and continues through the shopping period. See the
Academic Calendar for general registration dates.
Students enrolling through cross-registration will have their enrollment requests processed on
the first day of instruction in the order they are received. All cross-registration requests must
be approved by the student’s home institution and by the instructor of the course they wish
to enroll in. Cross-registration students are expected to adhere to the registration deadlines of
their home institution and Fletcher.
Students with a registration hold may not register until the hold is resolved and removed by
the office that placed the hold.
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Late Registration
During the online registration period indicated in the Academic Calendar for each semester,
known as the shopping period, students can add and drop courses through self-service in SIS.
After online course registration has closed, students must submit a registration form signed by
the instructor to add the course to their class schedule. The late add period is indicated in the
Academic Calendar. The late registration period for GBA and GMAP may differ from the
residential late add period.
Late registration forms will not be accepted after the late registration deadline. If the late
registration deadline has passed and a residential student is still missing the sufficient number
of credits needed for degree completion, the residential student may enroll in one or more
second half modules, cross-register at Harvard in a module, or may enroll in a half-semester
(1.5 credits) independent study with permission of a Fletcher instructor.
For second half modules, late registration forms will only be accepted until the second half
registration deadline published in the Academic Calendar. Drops after the published deadline
will result in a “W” for withdrawal being placed on the student’s record. Students should
follow the Harvard drop/add deadlines when registering for Harvard modules that start in the
second half of the semester.
GBA students must request permission to drop courses after the add/drop deadline.
Course Drops
During the online registration period indicated in the Academic Calendar for each semester,
known as the shopping period, students can add and drop courses through self-service in SIS.
After online course registration has closed, students must submit a registration form to drop
the course from their class schedule. Students who drop a course after the last day of the late
add period will receive a withdrawn “W” grade on their transcript. The late add period is
indicated in the Academic Calendar. The late registration period for GBA and GMAP may
differ from the residential late add period.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Payment of Tuition and Fees
Students in residential master’s programs are responsible for full-time tuition and fees in any
semester in which they are active at Fletcher, with the following exceptions:
• Students admitted to Fletcher on part-time status.
• Students on an approved reduced course load. Scholarship aid adjustments will be
based on the number of enrolled credits.
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• Students on approved extension or continuation may be placed in a no-charge term in
which no bill is generated, provided the student is not enrolled in classes.
• Students on approved reinstatement may be placed in a no-charge term in which no
bill is generated, provided the student is not enrolled in classes. In those cases, a
reinstatement fee will apply.
Payment deadlines and the availability of payment plans is at the discretion of Tufts
University. Students who have not paid their balance in full and are not on an approved
payment plan, may be withdrawn at the end of the semester in which they are carrying a
balance.
Students in the GBA and GMAP programs and PhD students should consult with their
program office on tuition and fees, payment deadlines, and per course billing.
Refund Policy
Refund policies vary by degree program. All programs except GMAP and GBA adhere to the
University guidelines listed here (
https://students.tufts.edu/financial-services/billing/tuition-refund-policy ) for students
withdrawing from the term or taking a leave of absence. GBA students are eligible for a 100%
refund through the end of the add/drop period. After the end of the add/drop period, no
refunds are offered.
GMAP students adhere to the following refund policy:
1
st
to the 12
th
calendar day after the start of
the reading period*
refund 80%
13
th
to the 19
th
refund 60%
20
th
to the 26
th
refund 40%
27
th
to the 33
rd
refund 20%
Thereafter
no refund
* In rare cases of admission after the first day of a reading period, the first day of the reading
period will be considered the day of acceptance of the admission offer.
Health and Wellness Fee
The Health and Wellness fee is a mandatory free assessed by Tufts University and is charged
to any student’s account in a semester in which they enroll in courses at Fletcher, including
during an exchange semester. There is no option to waive this fee, regardless of whether the
student is using University health insurance or has private health insurance.
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Graduation
Fletcher degrees are awarded by the Board of Trustees of Tufts University three times each
year in August, February, and May. University-wide commencement ceremonies are held one
time each year during May. Students who receive their degree in August or February are
invited to participate in the following May’s commencement exercises.
Marching
Students in the residential master’s programs and GMAP on approved continuation semester
(fall or spring) or extension for summer may participate in the May commencement
ceremony as a future degree recipient. Students in the GBA and PhD programs are not able to
participate in the May commencement ceremony prior to their conferral date. Graduates and
participants wear academic robes, march with their classmates, have their name printed in the
commencement bulletin, and be called forward by name to receive congratulations from the
Dean. Participants will receive their degree after their conferral date, on the first degree
granting date following completion of all degree requirements.
GMAP students have their own commencement ceremony, held annually in July. GMAP
students should contact GMAP’s Associate Director for marching guidelines.
Application to Graduate
During the first three weeks of the semester, all residential degree candidates will be invited to
apply for graduation using self-service in SIS. In addition to confirming their intention to
complete their degree requirements, the application to graduate allows students to indicate a
diploma name and a diploma address. Instructions for submitting a diploma name and address
are indicated in the application to graduate.
Online programs have their own application process and students are encouraged to contact
the degree program office at the start of the semester in which they intend to graduate.
All degree candidates should submit their name as they want it to appear on their diploma
using self-service in SIS. Fletcher reserves the right to edit or reject a diploma name for any
reason including the use of nicknames, punctuation, or capitalization. Additional earned
degrees will not be permitted to be listed on the diploma.
All degree candidates should submit the address where their diploma should be mailed to in
cases where they are unable to pick up their diploma at Commencement.
Diploma Mailing
When students are unable to pick up their diplomas in person, they will be mailed to the
diploma or home address indicated in SIS. Diplomas are mailed through domestic shipping
services and are not tracked or expedited, at no cost to the student. Students may purchase
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expedited shipping services by contacting the Registrar’s Office. There is no refund for
expedited shipping services.
Diploma Reorder
Generally, students requesting a diploma reorder must have a valid reason acceptable to the
Fletcher Registrar for making the request and may be responsible for the charges to reorder
the diploma and have it shipped to the student.
Students whose diploma is damaged may return the damaged diploma and have the diploma
reordered at no additional cost.
Transcripts and Apostille
The Registrar’s Office offers official transcript ordering in both paper and electronic formats.
Current and recently graduated students may order transcripts through SIS. Please refer to the
Fletcher Registrar’s website for other methods of ordering transcripts.
Apostille services are offered by the Registrar’s Office. Please contact the Registrar’s Office
for more information.
Expedited services at the student’s expense may be available by contacting the Registrar’s
Office. There is no refund for expedited services.
Research Involving Human Subjects (Including Data)
All members of the Fletcher community who are dealing with human subject data or who are
observing or interviewing human subjects for a thesis, dissertation, or other research agenda
need approval from the University’s Social, Behavioral & Educational Research Institutional
Review Board (SBER IRB).
The SBER IRB is a panel of Tufts faculty, staff, and community members that reviews all
human subject research to ensure the safety and welfare of research participants. The IRB
ensures that any research study under its jurisdiction is in compliance with federal, state, and
institutional regulations. Only the IRB has the authority to approve human subject research.
Student should discuss with their capstone advisor whether or not IRB approval is needed
well in advanced of starting research. For information on evaluating the need to go through
the IRB process and to view forms and deadlines, see here for full details. PhD students should
contact Monica Duffy Toft before they start the IRB process.
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Accessibility and Academic Resources
Accessibility Services
The Student Accessibility and Academic Resource (StAAR) Center supports Fletcher students
with disabilities taking classes in-person or remotely. The StAAR Center provides reasonable
accommodations to students who-qualify as having a disability under the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines disability as: “a physical or mental impairment that
substantially limits a major life activity; a record of such an impairment; or being regarded as
having such an impairment.”
The services provided to students registered with StAAR may include, but are not limited to:
• Coordinating services for students with disabilities, which includes verifying eligibility
for accommodations based on disability documentation and determining reasonable
accommodations as needed
• Providing advocacy support for students with disabilities
• Assisting members of the campus community in responding to disability related issues
and concerns
• Educating and training students on assistive technology resources
Students must register with the office to request accommodations. This includes submitting
documentation from a medical provider and meeting with a StAAR Center Accessibility
Specialist to determine reasonable accommodations through an interactive process.
Documentation guidelines, along with instructions on how to register, can be found on The
StAAR Center website.
The StAAR Center also encourages students who do not have a documented disability, but
believe they may have a disability, to request an appointment to discuss resources and support
that may be available. The StAAR Center can assist in the diagnostic evaluation referral
process. Please note that registration with StAAR is not indicated in a student’s academic
profile nor transcript.
Academic Coaching Program
The Student Accessibility and Academic Resource Center (StAAR) Center’s Academic
Coaching program includes:
• Academic skills workshops to help adjust to the demands of graduate school.
• Individual student meetings for support in executive functioning skills.
• A Graduate Student Success Canvas with resources for the transition to graduate
school.
Please contact the Student Accessibility and Academic Resource Specialist for The Fletcher
Schoolfor more information. Students can also call 617-627-4539 or email the StAAR Center.
The Writing Resources Program
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StAAR Center’s Writing Resources Program includes:
• One-on-one support for graduate-level projects such as Capstone projects, seminar
papers, qualifying papers, and research proposals.
• Graduate writing retreats that provide a supportive environment where students can
learn and practice healthy writing habits and focus on their writing.
• The Guided Writing Practice is a weekly small-group session that helps bilingual and
multilingual graduate students develop confidence and skills for writing in English.
• Workshops for graduate level writing, topics include developing a writing process,
introducing the Capstone Project, productive writing for Capstone writers, editing for
clarity and style, and providing feedback on others' writing.
Policy on Capricious Grading
Approved by the Faculty on February 24, 2010
Prohibition against capricious grading
Section 1. Capricious grading is prohibited.
Definition
Section 2. Capricious grading consists of the arbitrary and capricious assignment of a grade to
a student―
a. for reasons other than the student’s performance in the course;
b. through resort to more exacting or demanding standards than were applied to other
students in the course; or
c. by a substantial departure from the instructor’s previously announced standards for
the course.
Filing of a Student Complaint
Section 3.
a. A student who believes that his or her grade in a course constitutes capricious grading
undersection 2 of this Policy shall so notify the course instructor not later than 14
week days after the day on which the grade was posted, or after the first class has met
in the semester following the semester in which the course was taken, whichever is
later.
b. The student and the instructor shall confer promptly to seek a mutually acceptable
resolution.
c. (1) If no such resolution can be achieved, the student may file a preliminary complaint
with the Academic Dean not later than 14 week days after the day on which
notification occurred under subsection (a) of this section, or after the first class has met
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in the semester following the semester in which the course was taken, whichever is
later.
(2) Such preliminary complaint shall include a written statement specifying the factual
basis for the preliminary complaint and presenting any available supporting evidence.
Action by the Academic Dean
Section 4.
a. The Academic Dean shall review the preliminary complaint in question and shall
dismiss the preliminary complaint if―
1. the preliminary complaint does not allege actions which could constitute
capricious grading as defined in section 2;
2. the preliminary complaint was not filed within the period of time required under
section 3(c)(1);
3. the student has not conferred with the instructor required under section 3(b); or
4. the student has filed the same, or substantially the same, preliminary complaint
under another formal grievance procedure.
b. 1. In the event the preliminary complaint is not dismissed under subsection (a) of this
section, the Academic Dean shall seek to resolve the dispute informally.
2. In so doing, the Academic Dean shall not seek to determine the validity of the
preliminary complaint or to determine whether capricious grading occurred, but shall
act as a good-faith mediator in attempting to facilitate a mutually acceptable resolution
between student and instructor.
c. 1. In the event the Academic Dean is unable to facilitate such a resolution, he shall
determine whether substantial evidence exists to support the preliminary complaint.
2. In the event the Academic Dean determines that no such evidence exists, he shall
dismiss the preliminary complaint.
3. In the event the Academic Dean determines that such evidence does exist, he shall
refer the preliminary complaint to the Honor Code Committee.
d. 1. Not later than 10 week days following such referral, the student shall file with the
Academic Dean a written complaint specifying in full the basis for the allegation of
capricious grading and presenting any available supporting evidence.
2. The Academic Dean shall immediately transmit the complaint and any
accompanying materials to the instructor.
3. The instructor shall transmit an answer to the complaint to the Academic Dean not
later than 10 week days following receipt of such complaint.
4. Not later than 20 week days following the date on which the instructor’s answer is
transmitted under paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Academic Dean shall transmit
to the Honor Code Committee, the student, and the instructor―(A) a copy of the
complaint, answer, and any accompanying materials; and (B) a statement summarizing
actions taken by the Academic Dean under subsection (b) of this section.
Action by the Honor Code Committee
Section 5.
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a. (1) The Honor Code Committee shall determine whether a complaint filed under
section 4(d)(1) of this Policy is supported by clear and convincing evidence.
(2) If the Committee determines in the negative, it shall dismiss the complaint.
(3) If the Committee determines in the affirmative, the Committee shall order an
appropriate remedy, which (A) may include the awarding of a new grade in the course
but only in the event of exceptional circumstances involving gross negligence or
intentional disregard of the prohibition in section 1 of this Policy; and (B) may not
constitute a reprimand or other disciplinary action against either the instructor or the
student.
(4) The Fletcher Registrar shall immediately record any new grade awarded by the
Committee under clause (A) of paragraph (3) of this subsection upon notification in
writing by the Chair of the Committee that such new grade has been awarded.
b. The Committee shall exercise due regard for the discretion accorded each instructor to
evaluate student performance in accordance with principles of academic freedom, and,
accordingly, shall not consider whether the grade in question was awarded incorrectly
or erroneously.
Procedure before the Honor Code Committee
Section 6.
a. (1) The Committee shall, prior to considering any complaint on the merits, (A)
determine not later than 20 week days after the date on which materials were
transmitted under section 4(d)(4) of this Policy whether it may exercise jurisdiction to
do so; and (B) invite the student, instructor, and Academic Dean to present arguments
in this regard in a form and manner that the Committee deems appropriate.
a. (2) To the extent feasible, the Chair of the Committee shall ensure that the
identities of the student and instructor remain confidential unless and until the
Committee finds that it may exercise jurisdiction under paragraph (1) of this
subsection.
b. If the Committee finds that it may exercise jurisdiction under subsection (a) of this
section, it shall convene to consider the complaint on the merits not later than 10 week
days thereafter.
c. (1) The student and instructor may attend any meeting of the Committee that the
Committee designates as directed at the finding of facts.
(2) In any such meeting, the student and instructor: (A) may present any
evidence relevant to the manner in which the grade was assigned, including
testimony by other persons; (B) shall have an opportunity to question or refute
any evidence presented; and (C) may each be accompanied a person of his or
her choice to assist in presenting evidence or advocating on his or her behalf.
(3)The Committee shall determine the admissibility of evidence and shall adopt
rules of procedure.
d. (1) The Committee shall make no decision in the absence of a quorum.
(2) A quorum shall consist of a majority of members of the Committee.
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e. All meetings of the Committee shall be closed to the public, and, except as authorized
herein, no member of the Committee may disclose publicly any information, written
or oral, that is learned, transmitted, or received in the course of the Committee’s
consideration of a complaint under this Policy.
f. The Committee shall transmit its decision in writing to the student, the instructor, and
the Academic Dean.
g. The Committee shall proceed as expeditiously as possible.
Appeals
Section 7.
a. Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the decision of the Committee is
final and may not be overturned, modified, or amended for any reason.
b. (1) Not later than 20 week days after the date on which the Committee transmits its
decision under section 6(f), the student or instructor may appeal to the Dean if any
provision of this Policy has been violated by the Academic Dean, the Committee, or
any member thereof.
(2) Any such appeal shall be in writing and shall state specifically the circumstances of
such violation.
(3) Not later than two week days following the receipt of an appeal under this
subsection, the Dean shall transmit such appeal to the Chair of the Honor Code
Committee and the Academic Dean and shall promptly notify the student.
(4) Not later than five week days following such notice, the Chair of the Honor Code
Committee or the Academic Dean, or both, may transmit an answer to the Dean,
which shall be in writing.
c. The Dean shall review such appeal and answer and shall determine―
(1) whether a material provision of this Policy was violated by the Academic Dean, the
Committee, or any member thereof to the prejudice of either party; and
(2) if so, whether such violation could reasonably be expected to have affected the
determination made by the Committee under section 5(a) of this Policy.
d. If the Dean so determines, he shall vacate such determination of the Committee, order
a new hearing, and take appropriate steps, including but not limited to the re-
constitution of the Committee, to ensure that no such violation recurs.
Withdrawals, Leave of Absence, Parental Accommodation and
Leave, Medical Emergencies, and Hospitalizations
Withdrawals
Students who wish to withdraw from The Fletcher School should notify the Fletcher
Registrar.
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Leave of Absence
A student may apply to take a leave of absence (LOA) for medical, academic, personal or
parental reasons. Because students’ circumstances differ, Fletcher handles each LOA on an
individualized, case-by-case basis.
The Director of Student Affairs, or the applicable Program Director for GBA or GMAP
students, should be contacted to initiate the medical or parental LOA process. The Registrar,
or the applicable Program Director for GBA or GMAP students, should be contacted to
initiate academic or personal LOA process. Each request for leave will be evaluated by the
Office of Student Affairs or Registrar’s Office in consultation with the appropriate academic
and administrative staff to determine the conditions of the leave, including duration of time,
effective date and return date. Students granted a LOA are expected to use that time to address
the life events and circumstances which precipitated the need for time away from the
curriculum.
Generally, a leave of absence is granted for up to one year except for medical leaves of
absence, which may last longer. Students on leave of absence are not considered to be actively
enrolled. As a result, students on leave do not regularly attend co-curricular student activities,
reside in university residence halls, or use university facilities or resources such as the library
and fitness center. Students who wish to use university facilities or attend university
sponsored activities while on leave should speak with the Office of Student Affairs about
whether or not such requests can be accommodated.
Students who do not return by the date listed on their leave of absence form will have their
records discontinued and will need to apply for reinstatement. In extraordinary
circumstances, requests for extensions will be considered by the Office of Student Affairs.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Students who leave the University during the first six weeks of classes are eligible for a refund
of a percentage of tuition in accordance with the schedule set by the Bursar. Students with
questions should contact the Bursar’s Office in the Student Services Center in Dowling Hall.
Students on financial aid should discuss the effect of a leave on their financial aid award or
loans prior to going on leave. Students should contact Tufts Student Financial Services for
questions about loans and Fletcher’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid for questions
about scholarships. Students on leave are neither eligible for loans nor loan deferral.
International Students
All leaves of absence must also be coordinated with the International Center, as a reduced
course load may impact your visa status.
On Campus Housing
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Students going on a LOA must move out of any on-campus residence (if applicable) within
five business days of requesting the leave.
• Please return keys to Residential Life.
• Tufts does not provide on-site storage.
• While on medical leave, students are not eligible to participate in the housing lottery
and cannot select a proxy.
Personal Leave of Absence
A student who has experienced a family emergency, illness, death, or who encounters other
unforeseen circumstances that require the student to take time off from school, may request a
personal leave of absence. Leaves may be granted for temporary jobs or internship
opportunities as well. The term of the personal leave may be for a period of up to one year.
Students who wish to take a Personal Leave should submit a leave of absence petition to the
Registrar’s Office or the applicable Program Office for GBA or PhD students, stating their
reason for the request, the departure date, and anticipated date of return. The Registrar’s
Office or the applicable Program Office for GBA or PhD students, in turn, will consult with
the appropriate academic and administrative staff in consideration of the request.
Students on a personal leave of absence are automatically returned from the leave prior to the
return date the student indicates on the leave of absence petition. Changes to their plans for
leave of absence should be communicated to both the Fletcher Registrar and the director of
the degree program. Students who do not return from leave in the semester specified on their
petition will have their records discontinued and will need to apply for reinstatement.
Medical Leave of Absence
A medical leave of absence is available for students who find it difficult to productively or
safely manage the demands of their academics, research, and campus life due to physical or
mental health concerns. The Office of Student Affairs facilitates the medical leave process and
approves medical leaves with input from the student’s treatment provider, who may be a
University clinician or an outside clinician engaged in the care of the student.
The term of the Medical Leave may be for a period of up to one year. The medical leave may
be extended for up to a second and final year, based upon the recommendation of the
student’s treatment provider in consultation with the Office of Student Affairs.
How to Request a Medical Leave of Absence
Although medical leaves may be initiated by the student, in certain cases, medical health
practitioners or physicians may recommend that it is not in the student’s or the community’s
best interest for the student to continue at the university. The Office of Student Affairs will
accept such documentation on the student’s behalf on a case-by-case basis.
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Student-Initiated Medical Leave
The student submits a note to the Director of Student Affairs requesting a medical leave of
absence. This note should indicate the reason for the leave (i.e. the medical condition that the
student is hoping to address on leave), how the student intends to spend their time while on
leave, and the expected duration. The Director of Student Affairs will review the request and
determine whether leave is to be granted. Before approval is granted the Office of Student
Affairs may consult with University and/or outside experts, as they deem necessary. Students
may be required to give permission for their care providers to speak to the appropriate
clinicians in Health or Counseling and Mental Health Services to apprise them of the
student’s treatment plan.
School-Initiated Medical Leave
The Director of Student Affairs or Executive Associate Dean may place a student on a medical
leave of absence if the student cannot safely or productively continue in the program. School-
initiated leaves may be for a period of up to one year. Students on a school-initiated medical
leave should use this time to address the life events and circumstances precipitating their leave
and to develop their independence and stability.
How to Return from a Medical Leave of Absence
A student on a medical leave of absence should notify the Director of Student Affairs of intent
to return by the date indicated in the chart below. The following steps must be taken for a
student to return from a medical leave of absence:
1. Letter Regarding Your Time Away. Submit a letter addressed to the Director of
Student Affairs summarizing the student’s time away from Tufts, the treatment and
care received (if any), and plans for returning to academic and co-curricular life. The
student may want to discuss the reasons for taking a medical leave, what has changed
in the intervening time, why they feel ready to come back, and any other relevant
information about how they have remained engaged and productive during their time
away. The student should specify in which semester they are requesting to return.
2. Supporting Documentation. Submit to Health Service or Counseling and Mental
Health Service the Clinical Progress Report Form from the primary treatment
provider summarizing the student’s treatment course during the leave, the current
treatment plan, an assessment of the student’s progress while away from Tufts, and
any recommendation for support structures that could be useful upon return (if any).
Students are required to provide the appropriate release forms to their treatment
providers for this form.
3. Meetings with Appropriate Staff
Upon submitting materials, students returning from Medical Leave will be required to
speak with the appropriate Tufts administrators attending to health and
academics. This may include:
• Your contact in the Office of Student Affairs.
• Counseling and Mental Health Service clinician for re-entry evaluation, if
applicable.
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• Medical Director of Health Services or clinical designee for re-entry evaluation, if
applicable.
• Your program Director.
Final decisions about the student’s return are made by The Fletcher School’s Office of
Student Affairs and if applicable, a designee determined by the Director of Student Affairs in
consultation with the Director of Tufts Health Service or Counseling and Mental Health
Service. Approval to return from Medical Leave will be based on the student’s ability to
demonstrate that they are ready to return to The Fletcher School.
Semester of
desired return
Last day to notify Director of
Student Affairs of intent to
return
Last day to receive all
documentation and
complete evaluative
interviews
Fall
June 1
July 1
Spring
October 1
November 1
Summer
February 1
March 1
Considerations for Medical Leave
Academics
A medical leave of absence provides time for students to focus on receiving treatment and
assistance for a health concern. Thus, students on medical leave may not be on the Tufts
campus without approval, which means that they are typically unable to complete in-person
coursework. Additionally, students may not attend co-curricular activities at the University
while on medical leave without approval. This practice is intended to help students fully
invest in addressing the health concern precipitating the leave.
A student taking a medical leave may choose to have all classes removed from their transcript
for the semester in which they seek to take the leave. Alternatively, if a student chooses to
complete one or more classes, all the classes for the semester will remain on the transcript and
the usual grading scale will be applied. Please note that a student’s medical leave status will not
appear on the student’s transcript.
Health Insurance
Students who have purchased the insurance plan offered through UnitedHealthCare Student
Resources for Tufts University and have met eligibility first will be able to continue on the
plan while on medical leave for up to one year from the start of their medical leave. Please
note that while on medical leave, a student will not be able to receive on-campus services,
including Health Services and Counseling and Mental Health Services.
Please check with the Health Insurance coordinator at Health Service or your private
insurance carrier if you have questions regarding your student insurance coverage.
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Parental Accommodation and Leave
Fletcher students are eligible for Parental Accommodation or Parental Leave following the
birth, adoption, guardianship, or fostering of a child. Parental Accommodation is for
semester-long relief from academic requirements, while maintaining active student
enrollment. Parental Leave is for up to a year-long leave, during which the parent is not
considered an active Fletcher student.
Parental Accommodation
Students in good standing may request one semester of parental accommodation. This policy
makes it possible for a student to focus on the responsibilities of new parenthood while
maintaining active registration status. Active status allows the student to keep benefits
associated with this status that are also part of their degree program benefits, such as loan
repayment schedules, housing eligibility, and health insurance.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a parental accommodation under this policy students must:
• Be in good standing at The Fletcher School and have completed at least one semester.
• Apply through the Office of Student Affairs (procedure below) and provide all
required documentation at least two months before the expected accommodation is
proposed to start. (Exceptions to the notice time frame are permitted in extenuating
circumstances.)
• Take the Parental Accommodation within six weeks of the birth, adoption, or
placement of the child.
• Take the accommodation during one full semester. (The accommodation period may
not span multiple semesters.)
Preparing for the Accommodation Period
Students should provide the Office of Student Affairs a brief letter documenting the
anticipated birth or placement at least two months in advance of the expected accommodation
period. Examples of documentation that would satisfy this requirement include a letter from a
doctor, social worker, or adoption agency, or a documentation from a court of law. Students
should then meet with the Director of Student Affairs or applicable Program Director for
GBA or GMAP students to discuss the upcoming accommodation.
International students must consult with the International Center in advance of a Parental
Accommodation for information regarding their compliance with applicable immigration
laws.
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Students should consult with the Tufts Student Financial Services and Fletcher’s Office of
Admissions and Financial Aid regarding their loan eligibility prior to the accommodation and
should understand that if they do not return following the expiration of an accommodation
period, that this may impact their loan repayment terms, including the expiration of any grace
period associated with applicable loans.
Students who require disability related accommodations under the University’s
accommodations policies should contact StAAR.
During the Accommodation Period
A qualified and eligible student already enrolled may continue health insurance coverage
during the parental accommodation period subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations of
the applicable plans in place.
Students may opt to take courses during their accommodation period. Any requests for
changes to coursework deadlines during this period must be arranged with individual faculty
members and will be at the faculty’s discretion.
Students may continue to have access to on-campus facilities.
Ph.D. students who receive stipends will be eligible to keep their stipends when using parental
accommodation, but those stipends might not be extended or increased as a result.
For students with questions about parental benefits for on campus jobs, please speak with
Tufts Support Services.
Parental Accommodation does not count toward your time to degree. Taking a Parental
Accommodation does not affect a student’s ability to later take a leave of absence.
Retaliation and Discrimination Prohibited
It is prohibited to retaliate or discriminate against any student for having exercised their rights
under this policy.
Parental Leave
Alternatively, a student may wish to take a Parental Leave for up to one year. Parental Leave
must be taken within one year of the child’s birth or within one year of the child entering the
home.
Students who wish to take a Parental Leave must first speak with the Director of Student
Affairs, or the applicable Program Director for GBA or GMAP students, and then complete
the Leave of Absence Form with the Registrar’s Office or the program office for online
programs. To request access to University services while on leave, please contact the Director
of Student Affairs.
Students will be expected to return from leave by the date determined at the time their leave
of absence is approved.
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Considerations for Parental Leave
Tuition and Financial Aid
Students who take a Parental Leave may be eligible for a refund of a percentage of tuition in
accordance with the schedule for their degree program. Students with questions should
contact the Bursar’s Office in the Student Services Center in Dowling Hall.
Students on financial aid should discuss the effect that taking a leave will have on their
financial aid award or loans prior to going on Parental Leave. Students should contact Tufts
Student Financial Services for questions about loans and Fletcher’s Office of Admissions and
Financial Aid for questions about scholarships. Students on leave are eligible for neither loans
nor loan deferral.
International Students
International students should contact the International Center to discuss any visa implications
for a Parental Leave.
Health Insurance
The student health insurance provided by Tufts University is in effect for 12 months
beginning in August. Students who have purchased the insurance plan offered through the
University will be eligible to continue the plan while on Parental Leave until the end of the 12
months. Please note that while on Parental Leave, a student will not be able to receive on-
campus services, including Health Services and Counseling and Mental Health Services.
Please check with the Health Insurance coordinator at Health Service or your private
insurance carrier if you have questions regarding your student insurance coverage.
Academics
A student taking a Parental Leave may choose to have all classes removed from their
transcript for the semester in which they seek to take the leave. Alternatively, if a student
chooses to complete one or more classes, all the classes for the semester will remain on the
transcript and the usual grading scale will be applied. A student’s Parental Leave status will
not appear on the student’s transcript.
Parental Leave does not count toward your time to degree. Taking a Parental Leave does not
affect a student’s ability to later take a personal or medical leave.
Campus Access
Students on a leave of absence continue to have access to Tufts systems that require a
username and password such as Box, Canvas, Fletcher CORE, and Library systems. Per
University policy, students on a leave of absence, however, are not enrolled and do not have
access to services for enrolled students, including opportunities to work for Fletcher or Tufts
departments, take or audit classes, access Ginn Library, access the Office of Career Services, or
serve in leadership positions in student organizations.
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Lactation Rooms
Tufts University is committed to supporting and meeting the needs of nursing individuals
returning to work, school, or visiting the campus. Any nursing individual who is a member of
the Tufts community (faculty, staff, students, patients, visitors, third parties or community
members) can use the lactation rooms. The Fletcher School has one lactation room, which is
open during building hours. For access, please contact the front desk receptionist. For further
information on lactation rooms, please see the University’s Lactation Policy.
Medical Emergencies and Hospitalizations
The following steps will be taken to assess a student’s readiness to return to Tufts after a
hospitalization or a stay in a treatment facility, an intensive outpatient hospital, or a
rehabilitation center. A student must be discharged to a parent, family member, sibling over
21, or a family friend chosen by the student’s family. A student cannot be discharged directly
to Tufts University.
The post-hospitalization discharge summary from the admitting hospital must be provided to
Counseling and Mental Health Services (CMHS) at Tufts University or Health Services (HS).
The student will need to sign an Authorization to Release Medical Records in the Student
Health Portal with their provider and with CMHS or HS should additional information be
needed. It may be necessary for a Tufts University clinician to speak with the student’s own
health care provider(s).
A meeting must be arranged with the Director of Student Affairs. The Director of Student
Affairs will make arrangements for additional interviews as necessary including a Tufts
University clinician or a clinical provider, etc. Following the meetings and the review of the
clinical discharge summary, the Tufts University Clinical Team or the Clinical Director of
Health Services will make a recommendation to the Director of Student Affairs as to whether
the condition necessitating the hospitalization has been resolved sufficiently that it seems
prudent for the student to return. The Director of Student Affairs will review the
recommendation and will make a determination as to the student’s readiness to re-engage in
the rigors of university life. The outcome will be promptly communicated to the student in
writing. Until this decision is communicated, the student may not be on campus, attend
classes, or participate in any school-related activities.
Student Safety Policies
Weapons and Violence-free University Policy Statements
Weapons
No individual other than a Tufts University police officer or other law enforcement official
may manufacture, transfer, sell, possess, carry, store, use, or have in his or her custody and/or
under his or her control, a firearm or other weapon defined within this policy anywhere on
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any Tufts University campus, grounds, in any university facility, or at any university
sponsored event. This prohibition exists whether or not a federal or state license to possess
the weapon has been issued to the possessor. The full University Weapons Policy, including a
list of prohibited weapons, is available on the Department of Public Safety website.
Exceptions to this policy will be rare, and granted only under extraordinary or unusual
circumstances. Exception requests must be made in writing to the Director of Public and
Environmental Safety or his/her designee. University Police will confiscate weapons and
violators may be subject to criminal prosecution and/or referral for university disciplinary
action, up to and including suspension, termination, or expulsion.
Violence-Free University Policy Statement
Tufts is committed to maintaining an environment in which individuals are safe to learn,
work, and live. In support of this commitment, we affirm that Tufts will not tolerate violence
or threats of violence anywhere on its campuses or in connection with university-sponsored
programs.
Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
Tufts students are responsible for conducting themselves safely, responsibly, and legally
regarding the use, possession, sale, or distribution of alcohol and other drugs. Tufts requires
students to follow state and federal laws related to alcohol and drug use; failure to follow the
law is a violation of this policy. See Section VIII: Appendix to learn more about the health
impacts of alcohol and drugs and federal and state law regarding alcohol and drugs. This
policy is designed to promote student safety and create useful social guidance for a campus
environment where most students are under the legal age for alcohol and adult marijuana use,
and where the use of marijuana remains prohibited under federal law.
Alcohol Policy
Students under the age of 21 are prohibited from possessing or consuming alcohol. Students
are prohibited from using false identification or making false statements in order to obtain
alcohol.
All students are prohibited from engaging in dangerous, illegal, and inappropriate behaviors
that result from the use of alcohol, including but not limited to driving while under the
influence of alcohol; public intoxication; vandalism; behaviors that require an intervention by
University officials or cause a disturbance; and behaviors that pose a risk to safety of self or
others or endanger property.
No student or student organization may provide alcohol to individuals under the legal
drinking age. No student, regardless of age, may possess or carry open containers of alcohol in
public or in open campus areas. Open areas of campus are any areas accessible to more than
ten people or that a reasonable objective person would judge to be open spaces; open areas
include residential hall lounges and hallways, outdoor space, classrooms, and other non-
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residential campus buildings. Residence hall assigned suites or living rooms are private spaces
for the students who live there and their invited guests, thus they are not considered open
campus areas.
Drinking games or other activities involving rapid and/or excessive consumption of alcohol
on campus or in University-approved housing are prohibited. Bulk alcohol dispensing sources
(e.g., kegs, punch bowls, coolers, or garbage cans) are prohibited.
Adult-Use and Medical Marijuana
Adult-Use Marijuana
Although the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has legalized adult use of marijuana by people
at or over the age of 21 with certain restrictions, Tufts must follow federal law, which
prohibits the possession and use of marijuana. In order to remain eligible for federal funding,
including student financial aid, Tufts must comply with the Drug-Free Schools and
Communities Act.
Tufts prohibits the use, sale, growing, manufacturing, distribution, possession, or facilitation
of the use of marijuana, products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the primary active
ingredient of marijuana), and products that contain other substances designed to create a
similar effect as marijuana or THC upon the user. This prohibition applies on campus, in
fraternities or sororities, and as part of any Tufts-sponsored activities off campus.
Tufts prohibits the selling and distribution of marijuana, regardless of location or age. Tufts
prohibits driving while under the influence of marijuana, regardless of location or age.
Medical Marijuana
Because the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act applies to the use of medical
marijuana, Tufts prohibits the use, possession, or distribution of marijuana, including for
medicinal purposes, on campus, in all fraternities and sororities, and as part of any Tufts-
sponsored activities. This prohibition applies even if the Massachusetts Department of Public
Health (DPH) has issued a Medical Marijuana Registry identification card to an individual,
authorizing that individual to possess and use marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Students who obtain a registration card from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
may submit a letter to the Dean of Student Affairs Office requesting to be released from their
University housing and dining contract. In such situations, students will be released from
their contracts with no financial penalty. Any payments made to the University for dining
services or housing facilities will be returned to the student in proportion to the remainder of
their time on a University meal plan or in University residence halls.
Prohibited Substances
Students and student organizations, regardless of age or location, are prohibited from
possessing, using, selling, growing, manufacturing, and facilitating the use of illegal drugs,
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controlled substances, and other illegal substances, as well as substances that are used to
impair, even though they may not be illegal.
Tufts prohibits the unlawful distribution, possession, social sharing, non-prescribed use, or
abuse of prescription drugs. Altering, tampering, or forging a prescription is prohibited.
Tufts prohibits driving while under the influence of prohibited substances, regardless of
location or age.
Tufts also prohibits the possession of drug paraphernalia.
Amnesty Through Responsible Action
As members of the Tufts community, students are expected to treat one another with
respect and care. In a situation where students seek medical attention for an alcohol or
drug-related medical emergency, Tufts will treat the intoxicated students’ use of
alcohol or prohibited substances as a health and safety matter, not as a disciplinary
incident. This policy, which is intended to reduce barriers to getting help, extends not
only to the student receiving medical attention, but also to the student(s) who call for
help. Students are expected to actively seek help, stay with the intoxicated student
until help arrives, cooperate with the emergency personnel and/or responding staff,
and cooperate with any follow-up from the Dean of Student Affairs Office.
Students who report that they witnessed or are the victim of a crime or a significant
violation of Tufts policy (e.g., sexual misconduct, hazing), even though they may have
been under the influence of alcohol or prohibited substances at the time of the
incident, will also be covered under Amnesty Through Responsible Action. Students
who are alleged to have violated other Tufts policies are not entitled to amnesty for
their non-alcohol or drug-related misconduct.
When a student has violated the alcohol and other drugs policy but is excused from
disciplinary action by the Amnesty Through Responsible Action provision, the
student will be required to complete follow-up substance abuse screening, assessment,
or treatment as appropriate and educational requirements. However, no disciplinary
findings or records will be created and no disciplinary action will be taken. When a
student organization has violated the alcohol and other drugs policy but is excused
from disciplinary action by the Amnesty Through Responsible Action provision, the
organization may be required to notify its advisor, provide a substance abuse screening
or assessment or educational program for its members, and/or change its processes for
hosting events. However, no disciplinary findings or records will be created and no
disciplinary action will be taken.
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There are limitations to this policy and requests for amnesty are not guaranteed.
Amnesty Through Responsible Action only applies to violations of policies relating to
the use of alcohol and prohibited substances, and therefore does not preclude Tufts
from taking disciplinary actions to address other serious or flagrant violations of Tufts
policy including, but not limited to, violence, sexual assault, harassment, serious
property damage, hazing, or the manufacture, sale, or distribution of prohibited
substances. It also cannot preclude or prevent action by police or other legal
authorities.
Required Action in Alcohol- or Other Drug-Related Medical Emergencies
Members of the Tufts community are responsible for summoning emergency medical services (by
contacting 911, the Tufts University Police, or the appropriate official) to obtain assistance and
evaluation for any person who is in their room or immediate presence and is, or is suspected to be,
under the influence of alcohol or other prohibited substances, when that person’s well-being and safety
is known to be or reasonably should be known to be in jeopardy. When an individual knows, or
reasonably should know, that another person is in jeopardy, failing to summon emergency medical
services when it was reasonably safe to do so or actively preventing the aid of emergency medical
services shall be considered a serious violation of this policy.
Smoking
Students are prohibited from smoking any substance in all University indoor spaces, all University
facilities, University residences, fraternities, or sororities, and all other areas designated as smoke-free.
Smoking includes but is not limited to use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, and personal
vaporizers or other devices associated with vaping.
In addition, smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of any building.
Disorderly Conduct
Tufts prohibits disorderly conduct. Disorderly conduct is defined as any unreasonable or
reckless conduct by an individual or group that is inherently or potentially unsafe to other
persons or property and/or conduct that interferes with the University’s normal business
operations.
Physical Abuse and Reckless Endangerment
Physical abuse of others and physical abuse of oneself that negatively affects others are
prohibited. Reckless endangerment of oneself or others is prohibited. Physical abuse is
violence of any nature against any person; fighting; assault; battery; the use or brandishing of
a knife, gun, or other weapon with the intent, effect, or reasonable possibility of injuring any
person; restraining or transporting someone against their will; or any action that threatens or
endangers the physical health or safety of any person or causes reasonable apprehension of
such harm. Reckless endangerment is conduct that could reasonably and foreseeably result in
physical injury even if no injury actually occurs.
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University-Affiliated Travel Safety
All members of the Tufts University community, including students, are subject to the
following policies when traveling abroad on university-affiliated business. This includes all
travel which is funded in whole or in part by the University, undertaken for academic credit,
or sponsored/approved by University faculty or administrators. Common examples of travel
at Fletcher that fall into this category include research trips, treks, and internships abroad
affiliated with the School or the University.
For Covid-19 related travel restrictions and updates, please see here. All Tufts-related
international travel must adhere to the Tufts International Travel Policy. All Tufts-related
international travel must be registered in the Tufts Travel Registry at least four weeks (eight
weeks for treks) before departure and before committing to travel-related costs. For full details
on the International Travel Policy on the Global Tufts website.
For information on international travel resources, including how to submit an application for
review, the Travel Registry, Tufts’ International Travel Policy, or the international travel
assistance program, visit the Global Travel website.
Threats
Threats, intimidation, coercion, and other verbal or physical conduct that can be reasonably
construed as an expression of an intent to endanger the mental or physical health or safety of
any person is prohibited, when such conduct is persistent, severe, or pervasive and is
subjectively threatening to the complainant and objectively threatening to a reasonable
person. Threats, intimidation, coercion, and other threatening conduct can occur in person,
by phone, through third parties, online, or in other venues.
To report threats or learn more, please visit the Tufts University Threat Assessment and
Management (TTAM) Program website.
Theft
Theft and possession of stolen property are prohibited. Theft is the unauthorized taking of
property. Possessing stolen property occurs when a student or students know or reasonably
should have known that property in their possession was obtained through theft.
Unauthorized Access
Tufts students are expected to exercise respect for the property of others, including the
University.
Tufts prohibits students from unauthorized entry into or use of any buildings, roofs,
property, or housing, including University property and private property belonging to
others. Unauthorized access is being present in any area that is posted to prohibit
unauthorized access, that is locked to prohibit unauthorized access, or that a reasonable
individual knows or should know is considered a private and/or unauthorized area.
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Unauthorized entry includes breaking and entering or entering an access-restricted area by
circumventing established security procedures (e.g., using another person's credentials,
tailgating authorized individuals into a restricted area).
Tufts prohibits unauthorized possession or duplication of means of access to any University
building, including keys or ID cards.
All University roofs are prohibited areas unless a person has obtained specific written
authorization from the Facilities Services Department and follows the specifications of
the Fall Prevention Program.
Fire Safety, Life Safety Equipment, and Residence Hall Security Devices
Tufts prohibits failing to evacuate during a fire alarm or drill; starting an uncontrolled fire; or
purposely issuing an alarm in the absence of fire or safety concerns.
The use of fire or flames on properties subject to Tufts University control is allowed for
indoor cooking, outdoor cooking permitted via a Tufts University Barbeque Permit,
laboratory usage of open flame devices, ceremonial candles allowed (per Code) in religion-
affiliated venues, and university authorized outdoor ceremonies utilizing candles. Any usage
of fire or flames not listed herein, on properties controlled by Tufts University must comply
with applicable public Codes and laws and Tufts University Fire Safety policies and with
documental approval by the Tufts University Department of Public and Environmental
Safety.
Tufts also prohibits tampering with or misusing life safety equipment and building security
features including fire extinguishers, fire alarms, fire protection sprinklers, or smoke
detectors, Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs), video monitoring equipment, blue light
phones, window security screens, intrusion detection alarms, and duress alarms.
Community Health
Preamble
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us to reimagine every aspect of the Fletcher
experience — academic, social, and personal. Taking steps to minimize the risk of COVID-19
infections, while preserving our sense of community and connection at Fletcher, is a shared
responsibility: our community is only as strong as its most vulnerable member, and we
commit to keeping ourselves and others safe.
As members of our community, we (students, faculty, and staff) commit to the proactive
behaviors described in this guide to protect ourselves and one another, as well as the broader
Tufts and local communities. Students living off campus have a heightened responsibility to
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adhere to current health guidelines, in order to protect the campus community and to protect
those individuals and families living in their neighborhoods.
Behaviors that violate these expectations jeopardize health and safety, increase the likelihood
of a viral outbreak on our campus and in the local community, and may result in actual harm
to one or more community members. We therefore encourage a commitment to shared
accountability – reminding others who might forget or ignore safe practices and doing so with
compassion and understanding.
Our mission at The Fletcher School is to educate professionals committed to maintaining the
stability and prosperity of a complex, challenging, and increasingly global society; and to
pursue just and mutually beneficial solutions to some of the world’s most intractable
challenges. At this crucial moment, let us recommit to this mission as we confront one of the
most significant public health crises of our lifetimes. It is up to each of us to do our part in
meeting this challenge.
Public Health Measures to Ensure Community Safety
All students who will access campus are required to follow all University COVID-19
mitigation policies, which may include but are not limited to, mask wearing, participation in
the university’s COVID-19 testing protocol, cooperation with contact tracing, isolation, and
self-quarantine, agreeing to share test results and other necessary medical information with the
University and other contact tracers, and following the directions of contact tracers, medical
staff, and the Tufts and Fletcher administration regarding these policies. For up-to-date
information during this academic year, visit https://coronavirus.tufts.edu/.
Working with Others Policies
Accommodation Policy
Tufts University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations with regard to:
• People with qualified disabilities
• People with sincerely held religious beliefs (see “Religious Accommodation” section)
• Nursing mothers
• Qualified service animal requests
• Immunization waivers for sincerely held religious beliefs
These policies can be found on the OEO’s webpage on accommodation policies.
Nondiscrimination Policy
This section provides a brief summary of the issues covered in more detail in the Non-
Discrimination Policy. The full text of this policy, as well as reporting procedures, can be
found on the Office of Equal Opportunity website.
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Tufts prohibits discrimination against and harassment of any student, employee, applicant for
employment, third party, patient, visitor or community member because of: race; color;
national or ethnic origin; age; religion; disability; sex; sexual orientation; gender; gender
identity and expression; including a transgender identity; genetics; veteran status; retaliation;
and any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law, herein called
“protected categories.” The university expects all Tufts employees, students, visitors, patients
and community members to join with and uphold this commitment.
Any member of the university community has the right to raise concerns or make a
complaint regarding discrimination or harassment under this policy without fear of
retaliation. It is a violation of university policy to retaliate against an individual for filing a
complaint of discrimination or harassment or for cooperating in an investigation of alleged
discrimination or harassment.
Managers, supervisors, faculty and other “responsible employees” of the university are
required by law to promptly report to OEO or other reporting officers (OEO liaisons or
Deans) any allegations of discrimination and/or harassment based on protected categories and
other forms of sexual misconduct that they observe or learn about in their capacity as
employees. The university defines “responsible employees” to include managers, supervisors
and officials with significant responsibility for student and campus activities including but not
limited to student housing, discipline and campus security.
Contact OEO immediately, at 617-627-3298 or OEO@tufts.edu, or file a report by calling
EthicsPoint toll-free at 866-384-4277 or completing the Tufts EthicsPoint form, if you feel
that you are being retaliated against for filing a complaint, participating in a complaint or
speaking out against a potential discriminatory practice. Retaliation is prohibited by Tufts
University policies and by state and federal anti-discrimination laws. Retaliation at Tuft
University is also subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination from
employment for employees or expulsion for students from Tufts.
Sexual Misconduct Policy
This section provides a brief summary of issues covered in more detail the Sexual Misconduct
Policy. The full text of the policy can be found on the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO)
website https://oeo.tufts.edu/policies-procedures/sexual-misconduct/.
Unlawful discrimination has no place at Tufts University. It violates the University’s core
values, including its commitment to equal opportunity and inclusion, and will not be
tolerated. Sex and gender based discrimination and harassment are prohibited by Tufts
University policy and can constitute violations of state and/or federal law. State and federal
law, including Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, prohibit sex and gender based
discrimination and associated retaliation in all of the University’s programs and activities, and
Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and its state counterpart, M.G.L. c. 151B, prohibits sex
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and gender based discrimination and associated retaliation in employment. Tufts University
policy, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), as amended, and other state and federal
laws prohibit sexual assault, stalking and relationship violence (including dating and domestic
violence).
Prohibited Conduct
Tufts is committed to providing a campus environment free of sex and gender based
discrimination, and sex and gender based harassment. To that end, Tufts prohibits sexual
misconduct, that, under this policy, can include: (1) sex and gender based discrimination; (2)
sexual and sex and gender based harassment (including a hostile environment based on sex or
gender); (3) sexual assault; (4) sexual exploitation; (5) stalking; and (6) relationship violence
(including dating and domestic violence). Under Tufts University policy, sexual misconduct
can occur in any sex or gender configuration (i.e., between the same sex or different sex or
gender) and regardless of actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression,
and/or sexual orientation. Tufts also prohibits retaliation.
Sexual misconduct is not limited to the workplace or the educational environment. It can
extend beyond University property and could occur at any University sponsored program,
activity, or event regardless of the location. It can occur out of state or country, such as at a
conference, off-site project, study abroad, field placement, or at an externship. Sexual
misconduct can occur between students, employees and third parties such as visitors, vendors,
contractors and other community members. Tufts’ Sexual Misconduct Policy applies broadly
and in many different circumstances. Tufts will consider the effects of the off-campus conduct
when evaluating whether there is a hostile environment on campus. More information about
what constitutes prohibited conduct please refer to the full text of each of the policies, which
can be found at: https://oeo.tufts.edu/policies-procedures/
University Response to Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
The University takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and is committed to
providing information, education, resources, support, interim measures, and clear direction to
Tufts community members to prevent and address such conduct. The University will always
respond to sexual misconduct that it knows or should know about in order to stop prohibited
conduct, prevent the recurrence of any conduct of concern, prevent and/or eliminate any
hostile environment, and, where appropriate, address any effects on campus from such
prohibited conduct.
Tufts University is committed to addressing and working towards preventing crimes of sexual
violence that are never acceptable and will not be tolerated.
Violations of the Sexual Misconduct Policy are subject to disciplinary action. Depending on
the nature of the violation, disciplinary consequences for violations of this policy may include
denial of privileges, disciplinary probation, suspension and expulsion for students, and may
include warnings (verbal or written), demotions, suspensions, and termination for employees.
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The conduct discussed in this policy may also constitute violations of the law, to which other
laws and regulations may apply beyond the scope of this policy and Tufts’ disciplinary
measures. Criminal definitions under state and federal law for some of the conduct described
under this policy such as relationship violence (including dating and domestic violence) and
stalking can be found in Appendix A to this Policy. Tufts University will abide by court
ordered restraining orders and orders of protection, and will assist individuals seeking these or
other law enforcement options. Tufts will honor a complainant’s/victim’s/survivor’s decision
either to pursue a law enforcement remedy or to decline to pursue that avenue of remedy.
It is the responsibility of the Tufts’ Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) to make inquiries
into reports of sexual misconduct on behalf of the University. Violations of this policy can be
filed through the applicable internal procedures and guidelines. The procedure that applies to
complaints against students is called the Sexual Misconduct Adjudication Process (SMAP). A
copy of the SMAP can be found at: https://oeo.tufts.edu/policies-procedures/sexual-
misconduct/smap/. The procedure that applies to complaints of a violation of the Title IX
Policy is called the SMAP-X. A copy of the SMAP-X can be found at: chrome-
extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://oeo.tufts.edu/wp-
content/uploads/SMAP-X-Process-2021.pdf. The Discrimination Complaint Processing
Guidelines (Guidelines) apply to complaints filed against employees and third parties. A copy
of these Guidelines can be found at: https://oeo.tufts.edu/policies-procedures/non-
discrimination/complaint-guidelines/. OEO will conduct investigations for matters brought
under the SMAP, SMAP-X, and the Guidelines. All violations of this policy will be decided
by the preponderance of the evidence standard (whether it was more likely than not that
University policy has been violated by the conduct alleged). Additional information about
OEO’s adjudication process can be found at http://oeo.tufts.edu/.
Information about how to file criminal and disciplinary claims is detailed in the full text of
the Sexual Misconduct Policy https://oeo.tufts.edu/policies-procedures/sexual-misconduct/.
Support and Interim Measures
Tufts is committed to assisting complainants/victims/survivors, accused students and
witnesses through many resources available to support them. Information about those
resources can be found on the Tufts’ Sexual Misconduct Resources website:
http://oeo.tufts.edu/ and through a confidential non-clinical resource in the Center for
Awareness, Resources, and Education (CARE): http://care.tufts.edu/. An individual
reporting a matter need not disclose any information or personal details to access information
or to receive resources and supports from CARE. To schedule an online appointment with
CARE, visit: http://care.tufts.edu/.
The University encourages those who wish to receive confidential support services regarding
sexual misconduct to seek assistance from: (1) the University’s Counseling Centers (for
students) or any other mental health services provider; (2) the University Health Services (for
students) or any other medical care provider; or (3) any Chaplain or other staff member in the
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Tufts University Chaplaincy. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential
counseling for employees, and employees are free to seek confidential assistance from other
health or mental health services providers as well as the University Chaplaincy or any off
campus religious or spiritual resource. Additional resources with different confidentiality and
reporting requirements can be found on the Tufts’ Sexual Misconduct Resources website:
https://oeo.tufts.edu/reporting/sexual-misconduct/ and in the full text of the Sexual
Misconduct Policy https://oeo.tufts.edu/policies-procedures/sexual-misconduct/
Tufts seeks to empower complainants/victims/survivors by informing them that there are
options to address sexual misconduct, both through our disciplinary process and/or through
the legal system. Complainants/victims/ survivors can use any or all of these options
simultaneously to address sexual misconduct. The University affirms the right of
complainants/victims/survivors to decide whether they wish to be involved in any process to
address sexual misconduct – or not. However, should the conduct at issue pose a threat to
campus safety (which includes but is not limited to threats of further violence, the use of
weapons and/or repeat offenders), the University must take action regardless of whether the
complainant/victim/survivor wishes to proceed with their individual employee or student
complaint. More information about Reporting Options can be found in the full text of the
Sexual Misconduct Policy https://oeo.tufts.edu/policies-procedures/sexual-misconduct/ or at
https://oeo.tufts.edu/reporting/sexual-misconduct/
The University will provide interim measures in response to sexual misconduct in order to
stop prohibited conduct, prevent the recurrence of any conduct of concern, prevent and/or
eliminate any hostile environment, and, where appropriate, address any effects on campus
from such prohibited conduct. Interim measures and other support options are available
regardless of whether disciplinary or criminal claims are pursued. In some instances, interim
measures may lead to a person’s immediate removal from campus. Various available and
appropriate interim measures and support options include, but are not limited to: health and
counseling services, stay away orders, no-contact orders, no trespass orders, schedule and
housing changes, academic supports or adjustments, and information about financial aid and
visa/immigration related issues. Tufts will make efforts to implement interim measures in a
manner that will minimize the burden on the complainant/victim/survivor whenever
possible. More information about available interim measures and how to seek them can be
found in the full text of the Sexual Misconduct Policy https://oeo.tufts.edu/reporting/sexual-
misconduct/.
Prohibition Against Retaliation
Retaliation against anyone who makes a good-faith report or complaint of an incident of
sexual misconduct, or in any way participates in an inquiry or investigation of sexual
misconduct under this policy is strictly prohibited. The prohibition against retaliation applies
to a reasonable objection to conduct an individual believes, in good faith, to be a violation of
law or policy. A person engaged in retaliatory conduct will be subject to disciplinary action
by the University. Depending on the nature of the retaliation found, discipline may include
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denial of privileges, disciplinary probation, suspension and expulsion, for students, and may
include warnings (verbal or written), demotions, suspensions, and termination for employees.
The University will also provide interim measures in response to retaliation-related concerns
in order to stop prohibited conduct, prevent its recurrence, prevent and/or eliminate any
hostile environment, and, where appropriate, address any effects on campus from such
conduct. In some instances, these measures may lead to an accused person’s immediate
removal from campus or other various available and appropriate interim measures. Conduct
prohibited by this section is further described in the full text of the Policy
https://oeo.tufts.edu/reporting/sexual-misconduct/.
Reporting Obligations of Responsible Employees
All employees of the University – with a few limited exceptions – are considered “Responsible
Employees” under this policy and as a result are required to promptly report allegations of
sexual misconduct that they observe or learn about to the Executive Director of the OEO and
Title IX/504 Coordinator, Jill Zellmer (email oeo@tufts.edu or call 617.627.3298) or to any
Title IX Liaison found on the OEO website https://oeo.tufts.edu/reporting/sexual-
misconduct/liaisons/. The Title IX Coordinator is charged with the responsibility of
coordinating Tufts’ efforts to comply with its obligations under Title IX, including addressing
complaints of sexual misconduct, coordinating investigations and providing appropriate
interim measures for the Tufts community.
Although Responsible Employees are required to report conduct under this policy to OEO,
they will otherwise maintain the privacy of the information related to the matter reported.
Responsible Employees may also report such conduct online through the EthicsPoint
reporting portal, providing all known details of the situation: http://tufts-
oeo.ethicspoint.com. All Responsible Employees are required to report any incident of sexual
misconduct, even if the person(s) concerned about or affected by the misconduct is unsure
about pursuing a disciplinary complaint. Reported allegation(s) will be reviewed by OEO staff
who will assess the report and consult with the complainant. Responsible employees who
knew about but did not report allegations of sexual misconduct may be subject to disciplinary
action.
Only employees of Tufts’ Counseling and Mental Health Services, Tufts’ Student Advisory
and Health Administration, Tufts’ Health Service, Tufts’ Chaplains and the EAP, all of
whom have legally defined confidentiality privileges, are exempt from these reporting
requirements. The Tufts University Sexual Misconduct Resource Specialist (SMRS) and the
Sexual Misconduct Prevention Specialist (SMPS) have limited confidentiality privileges and, as
such, is still required to report non-identifying information to OEO and TUPD about
violations of policy and criminal conduct, respectively. The SMRS and SMPS’s records may
also be subpoenaed in a civil or criminal legal matter.
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Reporting Options and Support Resources
A partial list of reporting options and support resources are listed below. For additional
information about confidential and other reporting options and supporting resources, both on
and off-campus, please visit the Tufts Sexual Misconduct Resources website:
http://oeo.tufts.edu/resources-guide/.
• Tufts University Police Department (TUPD): 617-627-6911 (emergency) and 617-
627-3030 (non-emergency)
• Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO): Call 617-627-3298; email [email protected]du; or
submit a report online with EthicsPoint (anonymous reporting option).
• Counseling & Mental Health Service: 617-627-3360 (confidential)
• Health Service: 617-627-3350 (confidential)
• Tufts University Chaplaincy: 617-627-3427 (confidential)
• Counselor-On-Call or Chaplain-On-Call: Via Tufts Police: 617-627-3030 (confidential)
• Director, Center for Awareness, Resources, and Education (CARE) Alexandra
Donovan: Call 617-627-5140; email alexandra.donovan@tufts.edu (confidential)
• Tufts’ Sexual Misconduct Reporting Liaisons (Title IX) are university employees who
are available to receive reports of sex discrimination at Tufts, including sexual
harassment and sexual assault. The liaisons can provide information regarding available
resources, but are not responsible for investigating reports. Rather, they will direct the
information they receive to the university’s Title IX Coordinator in the Office of
Equal Opportunity. A full list of Tufts’ Sexual Misconduct Reporting Liaisons (Title
IX) can be found at https://oeo.tufts.edu/reporting/sexual-misconduct/liaisons/
o On the above list, the Sexual Misconduct Reporting Liaison (Title IX) within
Fletcher this year are:
Laurie Hurley, Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs
Katie Mulroy, Director of Student Affairs
Kate Drizos Cavell, Assistant Director of Student Affairs
Adrian Thomas, Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion
Maribel Blanco, Executive Associate Dean
Andy Marx, Registrar and Director of Academic Advising
Henry Chambers, Program Administrator
See an expanded list of Tufts’ sexual misconduct resources for students on the Medford
campus here: https://oeo.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/Sexual-Misconduct-
Resources_Medford-Som-SMFA.pdf. This list includes campus resources as well as Boston-area
and national resources.
OEO Complaint Procedures
For the OEO complaint processing guidelines and the Sexual Misconduct Adjudication
Process, visit http://oeo.tufts.edu/. You may also request more information regarding these
processes by contacting OEO at (617) 627-3298.
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Other Resources
Complaints or inquiries concerning discrimination or harassment may be filed directly with:
For university employees:
1. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
JFK Federal Building
15 New Sudbury Street, Room 475
Boston, MA 02203
800-669-4000
Statute of limitations: 300 days
2. Massachusetts Commission against Discrimination (MCAD)
1 Ashburton Place, Suite 601
617-994-6000
Statute of limitations: 300 days
For the student community:
U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
5 Post Office Square, Eighth Floor
Boston, MA 02109-3921
617-289-0111
Email: OCR.Boston@ed.gov
Relationships with Students Policy
Tufts University seeks to maintain a professional work and academic environment dedicated
to promoting excellence in learning, teaching, and research. To advance that mission, it is
essential that those in positions of authority do not abuse or appear to abuse the power with
which they are entrusted. Faculty members, academic administrators, and other staff members
exercise power over students in many ways: through their teaching, grading, evaluating,
mentoring, coaching, advising and recommending of students for further studies or future
employment opportunities.
Accordingly, no employee of the university shall enter into a romantic or sexual relationship
with any undergraduate or with a graduate, professional or non-matriculated student over
whom that employee has academic or professional responsibility. Given the power
asymmetry of the parties, the university regards such relationships as inherently coercive,
constituting a conflict of interest and an abuse of authority under this policy. This policy
applies even when the relationship is considered consensual by the parties involved and may,
notwithstanding the consensual nature of the relationship, also result in violations under the
sexual harassment and sexual misconduct policies.
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To learn more about the Relationships with Students Policy and about reporting procedures,
visit: https://oeo.tufts.edu/policies-procedures/other/ .
Harassment
Under Massachusetts law, stalking and cyber-stalking are prohibited felonious acts. Stalking
includes a willful, malicious, and knowing pattern of conduct or acts over a period of time
directed at a specific person that seriously alarms or annoys the person and that causes a
reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress and makes a threat with the intent to
place the person in imminent fear of death or bodily injury. Stalking can be accomplished by
mail, telephone, electronic mail, Internet communications, and facsimile. Conduct that does
not include a threat of death or bodily injury is also illegal and considered criminal
harassment.
The Tufts University Sexual Misconduct Policy has a higher standard which governs
our community related to physical stalking and cyberstalking. The Office of Equal
Opportunity’s Sexual Misconduct policy defines stalking as persistent, unwanted or
unwelcome and repeated course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to
become fearful for the person’s safety or the safety of another, or suffer substantial
emotional distress. There does not need to be a threat or intent to harm another
person according to the definition of stalking as defined in the Sexual Misconduct
policy. For more information about this and for examples of stalking conduct, please
see Section E of the sexual misconduct policy, which is available online
.
Tufts University Police, the Office of Equal Opportunity, and the Director of
Fletcher’s Office of Student Affairs can explain the options for pursuing court
proceedings or internal disciplinary action for stalking and other forms of sexual
misconduct.
Hazing
Tufts prohibits hazing. Hazing is any activity that humiliates, degrades, or endangers the
mental or physical health of someone because that person is joining or continuing
membership in a group, team, or organization. Hazing is prohibited regardless of the person's
willingness to participate in the activity.
Hazing includes all behaviors that violate Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Sections
17-19 (reproduced in their entirety below).
Endangering mental health is defined as sleep deprivation, extended isolation, public
degradation, intimidation, creation of artificial and excessive stress, public nudity, and
other comparable behaviors that are reasonably likely to or do cause a significant
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degree of distress, humiliation, anguish, or interference with academic, professional, or
personal pursuits.
Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts and constitute
hazing as prohibited by this policy. Students and other members of the University
community are required to report incidents of hazing that they witness or for which
they were present. Incidents of hazing shall be reported to Tufts University Police and
the Dean of Student Affairs Office. Failure to report incidents of hazing is a violation
of this policy and, in some cases, is a violation of Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 269
Section 18).
Any retaliation or threats to retaliate against any person who reports, is a witness to, is
involved with, or cooperates with the investigation of hazing is strictly prohibited.
All groups, teams, and organizations are required to provide annual notice to all members
about the University’s hazing policy and state hazing law, and to certify that they have done
so to the Office of Student Affairs.
Research on hazing suggests the behavior exists on a spectrum ranging from
intimidation to harassment to violent hazing. Prohibited forms of hazing include but
are not limited to:
1. Intimidation Hazing: Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new
members and other members of the group or community. This is termed
“intimidation hazing” because these types of hazing are often taken for granted or
accepted as “harmless” or meaningless. Intimidation hazing typically involves activities
or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect and place new members
on the receiving end of ridicule, embarrassment, and/or humiliation tactics. Members
often feel the need to endure intimidation hazing to feel like part of the group or
community. Examples of intimidation hazing include but are not limited to:
• Deception
• Silence periods
• Deprivation of privileges
• Social isolation
• Name calling
• Assignment of duties not assigned to other members
2. Harassment Hazing: Behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort
in order to feel like part of the group. Harassment hazing often confuses, frustrates,
and causes undue stress. Examples of harassment hazing include but are not limited to:
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• Verbal abuse
• Threats or implied threats
• Sexual simulations
• Requiring situationally inappropriate attire
• Sleep deprivation
3. Violent Hazing: Behaviors that do or could cause physical or psychological harm.
Examples of violent hazing include but are not limited to:
• Placing students in the shower against their will
• Forced or coerced alcohol or other drug consumption
• Forced or coerced sexual acts
• Beating
• Paddling, or other forms of assault
• Forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances
• Bondage
• Kidnapping
• Expected participation in illegal activity.
The sanction of disciplinary suspension or disciplinary expulsion will be strongly
considered for students and student organization found responsible for harassment and
violent hazing and for situations where respondents use deception or collude with
others to obstruct a hazing investigation.
Massachusetts General Law 269
Section 17 Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as
defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or
by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such
fine and imprisonment.
The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall
mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on
public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or
mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping,
beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of
any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or
forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety
of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to
extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended
isolation.
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Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not
be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.
Section 18 Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in
section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person
can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an
appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails
to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand
dollars.
Section 19 Each institution of secondary education and each public and private
institution of post secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team
or student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the
institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by
the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student
organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided,
however, that an institution’s compliance with this section’s requirements that an
institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to
unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the
institution’s recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or
organizations.
Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and
sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges or applicants
for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team or organization, acting
through its designated officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested
acknowledgement stating that such group, team or organization has received a copy of
this section and said sections seventeen and eighteen, that each of its members, plebes,
pledges, or applicants has received a copy of sections seventeen and eighteen, and that
such group, team or organization understands and agrees to comply with the
provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.
Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post
secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver
to each person who enrolls as a full time student in such institution a copy of this
section and sections seventeen and eighteen.
Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post
secondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the board of higher
education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying
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that such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups,
teams or organizations and to notify each full time student enrolled by it of the
provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that
said institution has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and
participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate
emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution’s
policies to its students. The board of higher education and, in the case of secondary
institutions, the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content
and frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any
such institution which fails to make such report.
Retaliation
Retaliation by individual students, groups of students, or student organizations is prohibited.
Retaliation is a serious adverse action taken against an individual for reporting behavior that
may be prohibited by law or policy or participating in an investigation or resolution process
related to an allegation of misconduct. Retaliation is sufficiently severe or pervasive to create a
work or academic environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile,
or abusive and that adversely affects the victim’s educational, work, or living environment.
Working with One Another Policy
Tufts University reaffirms its commitment to the principle of equal opportunity and equal
treatment in education and employment regardless of a person’s race; color; religion; sex;
sexual orientation; gender; gender identity and expression, including a transgender identity;
age; genetics; disability; veteran status; ethnicity or national origin. In accepting either a
faculty or staff position at Tufts, an individual agrees to share this commitment in the
performance of his or her assigned responsibilities and in interaction with faculty and staff
colleagues, students and community members. Similarly, students, by way of admittance into
the Tufts community, also agree to share this commitment in their educational programs with
other students, faculty, staff members and community members.
Tufts University strives to provide all staff and faculty with a work environment that is free
of harassment or other unreasonable interference with the performance of their University
duties. Tufts also strives to provide students and community members with an educational
environment that is free of harassment or other unreasonable interference with the
performance of their chosen academic responsibilities. We aspire to be a community in which
mutual respect guides our day-to-day interactions. While the University respects an
individual’s right to self-expression, it expects that the rights and concerns of others who
work and study at Tufts are respected as well. At Tufts, there is no place in the work or
educational environment for conduct that demeans or belittles another person. For these
reasons, harassment of any kind, including retaliation, is unacceptable.
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Student Grievance Procedure
This procedure applies to grievances that are not covered by the sexual misconduct policy, the
nondiscrimination policy, or the capricious grading policy.
A student with a grievance should contact the individual faculty or administration member
with whom they have a grievance, or they may contact a designated grievance procedure focal
point: Katie Mulroy (Director of Student Affairs), Laurie Hurley (Associate Dean of
Admissions and Student Affairs), Andrew Marx (Registrar and Manager of Student Academic
Programs), or Adrian Thomas (Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion).
If the grievance cannot be resolved, the student should next contact:
• The Executive Associate Dean (Maribel Blanco) for any non-academic grievance;
• The Academic Dean (Kelly Sims Gallagher) for any academic grievance; or
• Other individual designated by the foregoing.
At this stage, a grievance must be submitted in written form.
The Academic or Executive Associate Dean will acknowledge the grievance within five
business days, and the student will be updated within 30 days regarding steps taken to resolve
the complaint.
If the respective Dean is unable to resolve the grievance, he or she will refer the problem to
the appropriate standing faculty committee or to the Dean of The Fletcher School.
If neither the standing faculty committee nor the Dean is able to resolve the grievance, the
Dean may appoint an ad hoc committee to review the grievance and report back with specific
recommendations.
In the course of resolving a complaint, the administration may need to consult with other
members of the community, while striving to protect the student’s privacy to the extent
practicable. Note that it may be necessary to share the student’s name with others in order to
resolve the complaint.
Community Living Policies
Disruption of Community Well-Being
Tufts expects that members of its community will not engage in behavior that compromises
or has serious negative effects on their physical and mental health, safety, academic progress,
or professional responsibilities, or that of others. In situations where a student's physical
illness or emotional difficulties effect not only the student but others in the community, the
University will consider the well-being of the community as well as the well-being of the
student when making decisions.
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Disruption or Obstruction of a Community Activity
Disrupting or obstructing normal University or University-sponsored or University-hosted
activities, including, but not limited to: studying, teaching, research, University
administration and operations; or disrupting fire, police, or emergency services is prohibited.
Disruption or obstruction can include disrupting a lawful meeting; blocking access or egress
to facilities; obstructing pedestrian or vehicle traffic; creating a hazardous situation; or
engaging in behavior that a reasonable person would view as substantially or repeatedly
interfering with the instructor’s ability to teach the class or the ability of other students to
benefit from the instruction.
Gatherings, Protests, and Demonstrations
Active citizenship, including exercising free speech and engaging in protests, gatherings, and
demonstrations, is a vital part of the Tufts community. See Freedom of Expression policy in
Appendix. Students engaging in protests, gatherings, or demonstrations are expected to
conduct themselves responsibly and in accordance with Tufts’ standards of behavior. These
standards include compliance with all University policies, adherence to all safety requirements
(e.g., safe occupancy limit of a building, room, or facility), and following relevant laws.
University policies which may be of particular relevance to students considering participating
in protests, gatherings, or demonstrations include:
• Disruption or obstruction of community activity
• Unauthorized access
• Disorderly conduct
• Property damage and vandalism
• Room reservation
Students are encouraged to contact Fletcher’s Office of Student Affairs with questions about
how these policies apply to a particular activity they are planning.
All events on campus—including protests, gatherings, and demonstrations-- are subject to
reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. For example, events that use amplified sound
or cause loud noise are prohibited within hearing distance of residential facilities between
midnight and 8 a.m. throughout the year and for longer times during Reading Days and final
exams each term.
Certain large campus events have additional restrictions to ensure safety for participants and
others in the community. For any campus event with over 25 attendees, the following
additional restrictions apply:
1. Open flames (e.g., torches, fire pits, etc.) are prohibited from all indoor and outdoor
spaces, unless the student or student organization has approval from the Department
of Public and Environmental Safety.
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2. Wearing masks, bandanas, or other material to cover a person’s face in order to
conceal their identity are prohibited, with the following exceptions:
o there is a declared public health emergency which requires the wearing of
masks to prevent the spread of disease;
o the student or student organization has approval from the Department of
Public and Environmental Safety;
o the item is allowed under the Office of Equal Opportunity’s Religious
Accommodation Policy.
3. Possession of sticks, clubs, bats, and other objects that may be used as a weapon are
prohibited, unless the student or student organization has approval from the
Department of Public and Environmental Safety.
Students who require a religious exemption to the any of these three restrictions should refer
to the Religious Accommodation Policy.
Tufts University Declaration on Freedom of Expression
Policy Statement as Approved by the Tufts Board of Trustees, November 7, 2009
Tufts University is an educational community that has as its paramount mission the discovery
and dissemination of knowledge and the pursuit of the arts through study, teaching, and
research. For this community to achieve its mission, all members must have full and equal
opportunity to pursue personal and intellectual growth. Freedom of expression and inquiry
are fundamental to the academic enterprise. Without freedom of expression, community
members cannot fully share their knowledge or test ideas on the anvil of open debate and
criticism. Without freedom of inquiry, community members cannot search for new
knowledge or challenge conventional wisdom.
Freedom of expression and inquiry are not absolute. The law, for example, provides that
freedom of expression does not include the right to slander the reputation of another, to
engage in specified forms of harassment, to threaten or obstruct a speaker who advances
unwelcome ideas, or to incite another person to violence. Scholarly inquiry also is limited by
federal and state regulation, ethical tenets, and professional standards designed to protect
human and animal subjects. In addition, the University seeks to ensure the orderly function of
the educational enterprise and to ensure that all members of the community have the
opportunity to participate in and benefit from the discovery and dissemination of knowledge.
Members of the Tufts community owe one another the basic respect and ethical obligations of
human beings engaged in a common endeavor. While not enjoying the force of law, these
obligations reflect three basic community values:
1. respect for the freedom of other community members to inquire and express
themselves fully;
2. the need to exercise freedom of expression and inquiry in ways that respect the
human dignity of others; and
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3. the importance of a climate at Tufts that is conducive to learning and in which all
community members, regardless of background, are free from behavior that
interferes with their ability to study, grow, and attain their full potential.
Members of the university community, including academic and administrative leaders, must
hold accountable those who do not respect these values. When community values are not
respected, every member of the Tufts community has an obligation to respond. Those who
are the target of such speech should not and must not bear the burden of responding alone.
An affront against any member of our community is an affront to all of us. It is only by
affirming our collective values that we can build a stronger, more cohesive, and more vibrant
community where differences are respected and all are made to feel welcome.
It is incumbent upon all members of the Tufts community, and especially the University
leadership, to educate the community about the diverse world in which we live and to
support and empower members whose rights are violated. In the end, freedom of expression
and inquiry is necessary but not sufficient on its own for learning to take place. Achieving our
educational mission requires an environment of respect, tolerance, and civil dialogue.
For more on this policy and the Tufts Board of Trustees, see here.
Off-Campus Disturbances
Students are expected to be good neighbors when living off campus in our local communities.
Behavior that causes a neighborhood disturbance or violates local ordinances is prohibited.
This includes but is not limited to creating excessive sound and vibration, hosting a number of
people in excess of the capacity of your building, improper care for pets that causes a
disturbance, or failing to maintain your residence in a habitable condition. Such disturbances
are prohibited by University policy and local laws.
Property Damage and Vandalism
Unauthorized conduct that is reasonably likely to or actually does cause damage, destruction,
or vandalism of Tufts property or the property of another individual is prohibited.
Unauthorized Recording
Making or attempting to make audio, video, or photographic recordings of a person who has
a reasonable expectation of privacy without (1) that person’s consent, or (2) authorization
under the Tufts video security policy is prohibited. Disseminating such recordings is also
prohibited. People have an expectation of privacy in private areas such as locker rooms,
residence hall rooms, and restrooms; and a person has an expectation of privacy if they ask
not to be recorded even if they are in a public area. Tufts prohibits unauthorized recording of
administrative or faculty meetings; to record a meeting, a student must obtain consent
of all recorded parties. Malicious or negligent disclosure of private personal information also is
prohibited.
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Tufts University Policy on Political Activities
The University is committed to free and open discussion of ideas and opinions. As part of its
dedication to active citizenship, Tufts encourages students, faculty, and staff to exercise their
civic rights to participate as individuals in the political process. At the same time, no member
of the University community should feel any institutional pressure to support a particular
candidate or position.
As a tax-exempt entity, Tufts is prohibited by federal law from participating in or attempting
to influence campaigns for any elective public office or any political initiative (such as a public
referendum). The University may not endorse a candidate or ballot proposal, provide or
solicit financial or other support for candidates or political organizations, or establish political
action committees.
This policy is adopted by the University in an attempt to balance these competing
considerations, based on advice of counsel and prevailing practices in the academic
community.
Should you have any questions relating to this policy, please contact the Senior Vice President
for University Relations at 617-627-4220 or the Office of Government & Community
Relations at 617-627-3583 or [email protected]u.
This policy only provides basic information regarding political activities. It is strongly advised
that you seek guidance before you sponsor a political event. For additional guidance on
political activities, please see the American Council on Education (ACE) Memo on Political
Campaign-Related Activities of and at Colleges and Universities.
Student Publications
Student publications may run editorials expressing the editors’ views on candidates for public
office, provided that the publication’s editorial policy is free of editorial control by University
administrators or faculty advisors. A statement on the editorial page must indicate that the
views expressed are those of the student editors and not those of the University.
Individual Involvement in Political Campaigns
Members of the University community who participate in political campaigns must do so in
their individual capacity. No member of the community should feel pressured to contribute
money or time to any political campaign, and no University function or publication may
support or endorse any political party or candidate (including members of the University
community running for political office).
At all events, individuals’ political activities must not create the appearance or fact of a
University endorsement of a political party or candidate.
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Use of Facilities and Resources
Use of University facilities and resources in support of a political candidate, party,
referendum, or political action committee (PAC) that could give the appearance that the
University is supporting one candidate or position over another is prohibited.
The following activities are specifically prohibited (note that this list is merely illustrative):
• Using official University stationery, word mark, seal, email, telephones, computers,
printers, and copiers.
• Providing mailing lists, office space, telephones, photocopying, computers or other
institutional resources.
• Posting a hyperlink on a University-administered website to a candidate or campaign
site.
• If the University believes that one or more postings on a University-administered
website (i.e., a website with a tufts.edu extension) create the impression that the
University has endorsed a particular candidate or a particular side of a public
referendum, it may request, as a condition of hosting the site, that a disclaimer be
posted on the site stating that the opinions expressed are attributed to the author and
do not represent the views of the University.
The following activities may be permitted:
• Subject to University policies on permission and scheduling, recognized student
groups may use University facilities for partisan political purposes so long as they
reimburse any costs the University may incur in providing such space, in accordance
with the policies established by Office of Student Life.
• If an appearance by a declared candidate for public office or a group supporting a
public referendum is broadly publicized to nonmembers of the Tufts community or
is co-sponsored or paid for by outside organizations, the sponsors must rent the
space from the University on the same terms that are available to any group wishing
to use such space as established by the Tufts Conference and Event Services. If space
is rented to a candidate in an election, any competing candidate would be able to rent
space on the same terms.
• Candidates may be invited to appear on campus in a non-candidate capacity, e.g., to
participate in a class, provided that no campaigning or fundraising is done at the
event and a non-partisan atmosphere is maintained.
• Candidate forums or debates may be held on campus as part of the University’s
educational mission, as long as all qualified candidates are invited to participate.
• Administration and faculty should take special care in relation to any above-
described activities, to avoid the appearance of institutional endorsement.
Any student, faculty or staff interested in inviting an elected official or political candidate
onto campus should notify the Office of Government & Community Relations at 617-627-
3780 or communityrelations@tufts.edu.
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Fundraising
Funds or contributions for political candidates or campaigns may not, under any
circumstances, be solicited in the name of Tufts University or on any University campus, and
University resources may not be used in soliciting such funds. If Tufts students, faculty, or
staff make political contributions, they must do so as individuals.
Voter Registration
Voter registration and “get out the vote” drives by University-sponsored organizations must
be done on a non-partisan basis (i.e., they may not focus on a particular party).
Gifts and Lobbying
Federal and Massachusetts laws prohibit gifts and honoraria for public officials, including
meals and tickets to sporting events.
Any lobbying on behalf of the University must be approved by the Vice President for
University Relations.
Controversial Speakers and Programs
Tufts is an open campus committed to the free exchange of ideas – even those that may be
considered offensive to some members of the community. In general, some community
members’ finding a speaker or program offensive will not be considered cause to prevent the
program from running; the University will strive to uphold the right of campus organizations
to host controversial programs and to hold them without interruption.
It is incumbent on event organizers to consider during their planning whether the nature of
an event suggests that disruption is likely, and, if so, should discuss the likelihood of
disruption with the Executive Associate Dean. A decision about whether special security
measures are necessary will be made by the Executive Associate Dean and the University’s
Director of Public Safety.
Other necessary arrangements, such as where the event should be held or how widely it
should be advertised, will depend on the nature of the program and be determined in
consultation with the Executive Associate Dean.
Failure to Comply with a University Official
Students are required to comply with the directives of University officials and emergency
responders during the performance of their duties.
Gaming and Gambling
Tufts prohibits illegal gambling. Students are expected to follow Massachusetts laws, which
prohibit some forms of gambling. Information about Massachusetts gambling laws can be
found at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-gambling-and-casinos.
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Public Nudity
Students are generally prohibited from engaging in acts of public nudity and public urination.
Public nudity is nakedness or exposure of one's intimate parts, such as genitalia, groin, breast
and/or buttocks in an open area of campus or public area or exposure that is visible from an
open area of campus or public area. Public nudity includes acts such as streaking, public
urination, and nude sunbathing. Open areas of campus are any areas accessible to more than
ten people or that a reasonable objective person would judge to be open spaces, such as
residential hall lounges and hallways, outdoor space, classrooms, and other non-residential
campus buildings.
There are some circumstances in which exposure of one’s intimate parts may be permissible
and appropriate, such as nude modeling for a fine arts class, certain art or drama
performances, or nursing mothers who are breastfeeding. Such activities do not constitute
public nudity under this policy. For more information on the University’s resources for
nursing mothers, please review the University's Lactation Policy.
Conversely, there are some circumstances in which exposing one’s intimate parts may
constitute more than mere public nudity and will, instead, become a violation of the Sexual
Misconduct Policy. When the exposure is sexual in nature (i.e., flashing, masturbating) and/or
is targeted at a specific individual or group of individuals without their consent, then the act
of public nudity will be considered Indecent Exposure, which is a violation of the Sexual
Misconduct Policy. Indecent Exposure may, but does not necessarily have to, include a sexual
act.
Library and IT Policies
The Edwin Ginn Library (Ginn) is one of seven libraries at Tufts. The libraries all work
collaboratively to provide students with access to the print and digital resources. Our
partnership with the other libraries enables us to provide even more access to databases,
journals, books, and skill building opportunities. Our resources can be used in person at one
of the Tufts libraries or from off campus. For information on Ginn and Tufts-wide library
collections, policies, and services, visit http://ginnlibrary.tufts.edu/.
Ginn Library staff provide services and support to students who use our physical space and to
students who attend Fletcher remotely. For questions about the library or to schedule an
appointment with a library staff member, visit our Ask a Librarian portal on the Ginn
Library website.
In addition to managing and sourcing library materials, Ginn Library is responsible for
School-wide technology and audio-visual (A/V) equipment and services. We collaborate with
colleagues from Tufts Technology Services (TTS) to ensure the Fletcher community has tools
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and access to technology systems. For more information about Tufts Technology Services,
visit https://it.tufts.edu/.
Responsible Use of Information Technology
As members of a University community, all Fletcher students are responsible for keeping
their School-related Internet and IT activities consistent with applicable laws, academic
standards, and Tufts’ policies on rights and responsibilities online. This responsibility covers
any activity conducted using University IT services (including hardware, software,
applications, networks, databases, websites, and social media), as well as any activity
conducted under the auspices of or pursuant to one’s education.
Tufts’ Information Stewardship Policy outlines policies that apply to all members of the Tufts
community who use, create, and/or manage information at Tufts. Compliance with the
policies is mandatory, and violations can result in severe consequences up to and including
loss of network access and civil or criminal prosecution.
In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Tufts’ Overview of Your
Rights and Responsibilities Online and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act & FAQ and to
understand their legal and policy obligations on issues including copyright law; libel; invasion
of privacy; obscenity, child pornography, and indecency; and hacking, cracking, and
spamming.
Students located in one of the countries that is a member of the European Economic Area
should review the EEA Privacy Statement and EEA Privacy Statement for Students. The two
statements provide information about how we collect and use personal information subject to
the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as well as a description
of the rights you have with regard to your personal information under the GDPR.
Any questions about information use, including copyright, safe computing, and managing
sensitive information should be directed to the Director of Ginn Library and Information
Technology.
Email as Means of Official Communication; Accounts and Forwarding
The University’s primary method of communicating with students is through email; in many
cases, including information about course information and expectations, registration, bill
payment, campus emergencies, special events, and Commencement, email may be the only
communication used.
It is therefore each student’s responsibility to check their Tufts email account regularly,
whether via the University-provided Outlook service or another email service of the student’s
choice. Visit Email for Students for information about Tufts email, including the accessing
webmail application, setting up email on your devices and forwarding your email.
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Tufts Email Account Policies
Email services are provided to the Tufts community to conduct University business. Use of
Tufts email services is subject to and bound by the Information Stewardship Policy and Tufts
Email Policy, applicable laws, and the Honor Code. In addition, all email users are expected
to maintain standards of professional and personal courtesy and conduct.
Violations of the Email and Tufts University Responsible Use policies will be subject to
disciplinary action and violators may have their email account suspended during any
investigation.
Email abuse may be reported to abuse@tufts.edu. Reports of abuse will be investigated and
handled as appropriate. In all cases, do not delete any evidence or message(s) as they can be
used as evidence.
Email Distribution Lists
Fletcher maintains several official, moderated mailing lists, as well as the official but
unmoderated Social List. Use of all email lists, including the Social List, is subject to the
Information Stewardship Policy, the purposes of the respective lists, and common standards
of personal, professional, and academic courtesy and conduct. All students are automatically
subscribed to and may not unsubscribe from official distribution lists. Subscription to the
Social List is at students’ discretion: students must request to join the list (with their Tufts
email only), and may request to unsubscribe at any time.
In general, mailing lists may be used for purposes related to teaching, coursework, research,
and administration at Fletcher/Tufts and School- or University-sanctioned student activities.
Commercial use of mailing lists, except for authorized School or University business, is
prohibited. Mailing lists may generally not be used for personal or School-related fundraising;
see the policy on fundraising elsewhere in this handbook for more details.
For more information on usage of and policies governing mailing lists, see the Tufts Mailing
List Policy.
Fletcher Listservs
Official Students Listserv: (FletcherStudent[email protected])
Purpose: For official School business and approved Fletcher or Tufts-related announcements
to the entire student body.
Subscribers: All enrolled Fletcher students (required), select faculty and staff.
Posting: Students may post non-event announcements to this list that are affiliated with an
official student organization, faculty or administrative department. This list is moderated
(messages must be approved to go out to the list) and is not a forum for discussion.
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Note: if you send a message to this list, please do not duplicate the message to the Fletcher
Social listserv. Official Fletcher and Tufts event announcements may be posted to the Official
List on the day of the event only.
List Owner: Fletcher School's Office of Communications, Public Relations & Marketing
(CPRM)
Social Listserv: (Fletcher[email protected])
Purpose: Optional, unmoderated forum for Fletcher student use.
Subscribers: Optional subscription open to enrolled Fletcher students, staff, and faculty.
Individuals must request to subscribe by sending a message to the list owner.
Posting: List is not moderated (i.e. messages need not be approved by list owner); however,
postings are limited to subscribers only.
List Owner: Fletcher School's Office of Communications, Public Relations & Marketing
(CPRM)
Fletcher Events: ([email protected]s.edu)
Purpose: For event announcements to the Fletcher community
Subscribers: All Fletcher students, faculty, and administrators
Posting: Students may request to send event notifications through this list. Posting is subject
to moderation and approval.
List Owner: Fletcher School's Office of Communications, Public Relations & Marketing
(CPRM)
Directory Policies
Tufts University publishes directory information, including email addresses for faculty, staff,
and students. Directory records, including students’ emails, are publicly visible. Students
appear in the directory once they matriculate and until they graduate or otherwise disaffiliate
from Tufts. Students who have walked but not graduated will remain listed on directories
(and distribution lists) until they administratively separate from the University.
Any Tufts University electronic and printed directories are provided solely for the purpose of
assisting individuals to contact one another. Information in the directories may not be
extracted by any means for the creation of distribution lists for use by businesses or other
organizations outside of Tufts. Use of directory information for solicitation of business or
donations is expressly prohibited.
Students who do not wish to appear in the directory may update their privacy settings in SIS.
Inquiries on privacy settings should be directed to the Fletcher Registrar’s Office. Privacy
settings may prevent a student from being listed in any online directories. Additionally,
students may not be able to use their name address alias (firstname.lastname@tufts.edu) and
must use their delivery-address email (username@tufts.edu).
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To edit their entry in the Tufts Directory, students should visit
https://directory.tufts.edu/edit.cgi .
Access to Email and IT Services After Graduation
Students retain access to all email and IT services for 90 days after formally graduating. (Those
who walk without having completed graduation requirements remain active until completing
all requirements and receiving a diploma.) After 90 days, students lose access to their student
email accounts and all IT services except SIS. Graduates will always have access to SIS and
may elect to set up an alumni email account.
For more information and instructions on email and IT services for alumni, visit Ginn
Library’s Information for Alumni webpage.
Use of Tufts’ and Fletcher’s Name, Brand, and Marks
Students are required to follow the University policy regarding use of university name and
insignias. No consulting or other outside arrangement grants the right to use the names “Tufts
University” or “The Fletcher School,” or any variant, or to identify Tufts in any advertising
or promotional sales or third party marketing context, without the prior written consent of
the Office of the President of Tufts University or, as appropriate, the Office of the Dean of
The Fletcher School.
In addition to University-wide policies, the School maintains its own style guide governing
use of the School name, logos, and wordmarks. Compliance with School and University style
and policy is mandatory; please visit https://fletcher.tufts.edu/communications and/or
contact the Office of Communications, Public Relations, and Marketing at
cprmsupport@tufts.edu for more information.
Use of The Fletcher School Branding and Logos for personal social and
digital media (social media accounts, blogs, etc)
Use of The Fletcher school name and marks requires prior written permission from the
Office of Communications. Requests for these uses should be submitted to
cprmsupp[email protected]
Class Videotaping Policy
No student may make any audio and/or visual recording of a Fletcher School class without
permission. Students may not download, copy, or otherwise duplicate recorded sessions of
online courses without permission. This policy reflects both wiretapping statues (see Mass.
General Law Ch. 272 Sec. 99) and pedagogical goals. Students may request official taping of
classes in limited circumstances by advance request in writing to the course instructor or
Academic Dean. Students wishing to record classes on the basis of an academic
accommodation should consult the relevant policy elsewhere in this handbook.
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Student Organizations and Events Policies
Fletcher Trek Policy
Fletcher Treks are student-organized educational or cultural tours of a country or region.
Treks can be rewarding experiences, but a successful trip requires advanced planning and
attention to detail. Please review the following policies and procedures before planning your
trek.
The Fletcher Office of Student Affairs welcomes applications for treks to all parts of the
world. All trek leaders must complete a short application to receive approval to plan a trek.
Additionally, all treks must follow all Tufts University procedures outlined below. Please
note that approval to plan a trek using school resources (email listservs, meeting space, etc.)
does not indicate that The Fletcher School endorses, approves of, or in any other way
sanctions the political, economic, social, or other policies of the country to be visited or the
trek’s funding sources.
Trek Approval Requirements & Timeline
• Trek Planning Application to the Fletcher Office of Student Affairs (required)
o At least 10 weeks prior to travel (or 16 weeks prior to travel if utilizing
crowdfunding as a fundraising option)
• International Travel Review Committee (ITRC) approval (required for all travel to all
high-risk travel destinations)
o At least 8 weeks prior to travel (or 15 weeks prior to travel if using
crowdfunding)
o If you don’t know if your destination is considered to be “high risk” by the
U.S. Department of State, please visit the Global Operations website.
• Register travel with the Tufts Travel Registry (required)
o At least 8 weeks prior to travel but after receiving ITRC approval, if applicable.
• Establish Funding Sources (required)
• Crowdfunding Application (optional)
o Recommended approximately 15 weeks prior to travel
• Consult with Healthcare Professional (recommended)
o At least 6 weeks prior to travel
• Announcement Transparency (required)
• Application Transparency (required)
Trek Application
• Submit your application to Fletcher Office of Student Affairs no later than 10 weeks
prior to travel. Applications submitted within 10 weeks of the proposed dates of travel
will not be considered.
o Note: if you are applying for Crowdfunding, please plan to submit your
application at least 4 months (or 16 weeks) prior to travel.
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o The Office of Student Affairs will generally review your application within 5
business days.
• After receiving the approval to plan a trek from the Office of Student Affairs,
organizers may take advantage of the following resources:
o Use of the Fletcher listservs (to advertise the trek)
o Fletcher/Tufts meeting space
o Fletcher name and affiliation (e.g. when soliciting sponsors, organizing
meetings, etc., students can convey that this is a Fletcher-affiliated trek)
• Approval to plan a trek using school resources (email listservs, meeting space, etc.)
does not indicate that The Fletcher School endorses or approves of the political,
economic, social, or other policies of the country to be visited or the trek’s funding
sources.
• Note: Students cannot send out any emails on Fletcher listservs (including the Social
List) until the trek has been approved by the Office of Student Affairs.
• If there is a change in trek leadership, please notify the Office of Student Affairs as
soon as possible. New trek leaders will be asked to submit an abbreviated application.
High-Risk Travel Destinations
• All Tufts-related international travel must adhere to the Tufts International Travel
Policy.
• Any student traveling to a country that falls under Tufts’ high-risk travel policy needs
to be approved by Tufts University in addition to the Office of Student Affairs. Trek
leaders must submit a Travel Review application for the entire group, which will be
reviewed by the Tufts International Travel Review Committee (ITRC). To find out if
the country you will be traveling to is considered high risk per the latest U.S.
Department of State travel advisories, please visit the Tufts Travel Review page.
o Trek leaders should submit applications for Travel Review as soon as they have
received approval from the Office of Student Affairs and no later than 2
months (or 8 weeks) prior to travel (or 15 weeks if applying for
Crowdfunding).
• Visit the Tufts Global Operations webpage for important information to review
before finalizing any travel plans or sending any announcements to the student body.
• Support from Global Operations entitles access to:
o International SOS support as Tufts’ travel assistance provider
Includes medical, security, and emergency assistance
o Location and group specific security and travel briefings
Includes real-time updates and alerts while on trip
o Group orientation and travel safety trainings managed by Global Operations
Tufts Travel Registry
• All student travelers must register in the Tufts Travel Registry: travelregistry.tufts.edu.
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• Global Operations will help enter treks into the Tufts Travel Registry as groups. The
trek leader should contact internationalsafety@tufts.edu.
• All trek participants will receive an email with instructions to finish their required
travel registration. Students should have their personal and emergency contact
information and passport details ready when completing their registration.
• Trek leaders are responsible for ensuring that all participants have registered.
• Students should register their travel with Global Operations as soon as they have
received approval from the Office of Student Affairs and no later than 8 weeks prior to
travel (or 15 weeks if applying for Crowdfunding).
• Global Operations Contact: Maureen Handrahan Assistant Director, International
Health and Safety maureen.handrahan@tufts.edu / 617-627-3099
Establish Funding Sources
• Determine whether a Fletcher Center or Program will manage your funds or you will
be managing your funds independently.
o If a Fletcher Center or Program is managing your funds:
The Center or Program must agree in advance to provide all necessary
logistical support (including but not limited to managing the group’s
finances, processing reimbursements, and coordinating with the Fletcher
Office of Finance and Administration, Office of Development and
Alumni Relations (ODAR), and Tufts Budget Center, as necessary.)
You will work with the Center or Program administrator (and
potentially ODAR) to deposit funds into a school Dept ID (a funding
account).
• If the trek does not already have a designated Dept ID, the
departmental administrator must request one with Susan Lagasse,
Senior Budget Analyst.
Soliciting Funding:
• You may apply for funding from other centers, programs, or
departments within Tufts. Note: Any department with an
account in the central Fletcher budget (e.g. Office of Career
Services, Student Affairs, etc.) cannot provide funding for treks.
• If you plan to secure financial support from external
organizations, alumni, or other individuals, you must first secure
approval from the Office of Development and Alumni Relations
(ODAR).
• You may apply to use the Crowdfunding platform.
o If you are managing your funds independently of a Fletcher Center or
Program:
Funds cannot be deposited into any school account, nor can Tufts
crowdfunding be used.
Even if managing funds independently, if you plan to secure financial
support from external organizations, alumni, or other individuals, you
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must first secure approval from the Office of Development and Alumni
Relations (ODAR).
Trek organizers will be responsible for managing all travel booking and
associated costs, logistical support, and any reimbursements.
Crowdfunding Application
• Crowdfunding at Tufts is a platform to help student initiatives raise money from
individuals. Tufts University Advancement approves crowdfunding applications and
manages the online platform.
• Before applying for crowdfunding you must:
o Complete other steps on the Fletcher Trek timeline including securing Fletcher
Office of Student Affairs approval, consulting with Global Operations, and
registering the group’s travel on the Tufts Travel Registry.
If you are planning travel to a destination deemed to be high risk by the
U.S. Department of State and an ITRC review is required, University
approval must be obtained before submitting a crowdfunding
application.
o Review the crowdfunding guidelines for eligibility requirements.
Students are only eligible for crowdfunding if a Fletcher Center or
Program has agreed to manage the trek’s funding. (Please see “Establish
Funding Sources.”)
o Please note that crowdfunding approval is not guaranteed.
• The application review process may take up to 10 business days. If approved, trek team
leaders will be responsible for the trek’s crowdfunding page content development. This
will determine the length of time from approval to project launch.
• Please note: Crowdfunding projects launch on the 1
st
of February, April, September
and November. Exceptions may be made for an out-of-cycle crowdfunding project
launch by request.
• Approved projects will have up to 30 days to raise funds. Funds raised via
crowdfunding will be transferred to the trek’s Dept ID on a bi-weekly basis.
Consult with a Healthcare Professional
• Visit Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to check which vaccines are recommended
for your travel destination.
• Make an appointment with Tufts Health Services or a travel doctor for a consult about
your travel plans and to receive any recommended vaccinations.
• Additional information on vaccines and travelers’ health can be found here.
Announcement Transparency
• Trek organizers must be transparent about funding sources and selection criteria when
communicating with the student body.
• All trek announcements should include information related to funding sources and
selection criteria in any communications on the Official and Social email listservs:
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o Funding Sources:
All sources of funding (or the intended funding sources if the trek is still
seeking funding).
• Students are encouraged to note if any of the funding sources
have a relationship with any national government and the nature
of that relationship.
o Selection criteria:
The criteria the funders and/or trek organizers will apply in selecting
participants for the trip.
Application Transparency
• All treks must disclose how they will select participants.
• Participant applications must include the following questions (or slight variations):
o What do you expect to gain from attending the trek? / How does this relate to
your career or personal goals?
o Are you willing to abide by all School and University policies related to treks?
o What prior experience or knowledge do you have with the region and
language? (optional)
o Have you participated on a Fletcher trek before? (optional)
• Organizers should consider using a blind admittance policy when reviewing trek
participant applications.
• Trek leaders should provide applicants with an estimated total cost for the trek.
Points of Contact
Fletcher Student Affairs: Katie Mulroy, Director
Global Operations: Elisabeth Keegan, Assistant Director, International Safety
ODAE: Alyssa Cooper, Director, The Fletcher Fund; Paulina Kusiak, Assistant Director,
The Fletcher Fund
Fundraising (General)
Tufts University defines fundraising as “the collection of money through donations, sales,
and/or event programming for the purposes of charitable donation or organizational budget
enhancement.” No student may conduct any fundraising activity for their personal benefit on
campus or using University resources.
Students wishing to conduct fundraising must:
• First notify and be granted permission by Katie Mulroy, Director of Student Affairs
(katie.mulroy@tufts.edu)
• Set a date and reserve space ahead of time for any fundraising activity (within Fletcher,
space can only be reserved on the first floor of Cabot; no fundraising is permitted in
the Hall of Flags)
• Use any and all funds raised in one of two ways:
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o Offsetting the costs of planned student organization activities within the same
semester, with all funds deposited into the organization’s account
o Donation to a U.S.-based, IRS-recognized charitable organization, in which case
501(c)(3) documentation must be provided before securing approval to
fundraise and the name and mission of the charitable organization must be
included in any advertisements for the fundraiser
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, as well as
University policies
• During the fundraiser, post a sign identifying the fundraising organization, goods
and/or services being sold, and prices
Cases that may have implications for School or University development, e.g. soliciting
corporate sponsorship or alumni donations, will incur additional review and conditions. Katie
Mulroy will identify these cases based on fundraising applications and take the lead in
coordinating with relevant development and/or corporate and foundation relations officers.
Fundraising for political purposes is also subject to additional conditions as set forth in the
“Fundraising” subsection of the policy on individual political involvement published
elsewhere in this handbook.
Student Council
Student Council representatives are elected annually and include three first-year students,
three second-year students, one Januarian, and one PhD candidate. One GBA and one GMAP
representative will attend at least one meeting per semester. The three second-year student
representatives, the Januarian representative, and the PhD representative are elected during
the spring of the preceding year. First-year representatives are elected during the Fall Student
Elections.
Student Council members may be emailed at Fletcher-Council@elist.tufts.edu.
Student Organizations
Student Organization Non-Discrimination Policy
Officially recognized Fletcher student groups must allow any student to join, participate in, and hold
leadership positions in the group. Groups may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or
ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability or handicap, sex or gender, gender
identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any
other legally protected status. Any group that violates this policy will lose funding and/or
recognition.
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Creating a New Student Organization
Each semester, potential student groups have the opportunity to apply for official club status.
Officially recognized student organizations enjoy the following privileges:
• Eligibility to receive club funding
• Inclusion on the Fletcher clubs and organizations webpage
• Eligibility to send announcements regarding club business and activities to the Fletcher
Events listserv
• Eligibility to form a myFletcher “Group” and post organization events on the
myFletcher Events Calendar
To apply for official club status, student group leaders must submit the following information
to Fletcher-Council@elist.tufts.edu:
• Mission statement
• Statement describing organization’s unique contribution to Fletcher community
• Budget proposal form
• Names of student leaders
• 10 original signatures of interested current students (can be scanned)
New student clubs will be notified of their approval status after the first student council
meeting of each semester.
Guidelines for Hosting an Event
• The event must be advertised to the entire Fletcher community. Internal student
organization meetings (i.e. meetings involving only some or all members of a student
organization) are excluded from funding. However, affinity groups MAY hold closed
events if their purpose is to serve members of their community. (Please see Student
Affairs with any questions.)
• If alcohol is served at an event on campus, it must be arranged through Tufts Catering
and campus police must be present. Otherwise, alcohol is not allowed at events.
• If a video recording is shown at an event such as a movie night or film festival, it must
be licensed for public showing. Showing a DVD or video that does not have public
performance rights at an event hosted by a student club is a violation of copyright law.
• Alumni speakers should always be coordinated with Director of the Office of
Development and Alumni Engagement.
Restrictions on Use of Club Funds
No organization may open an outside account or arrange for credit with an institution. The
following items may not be purchased with club funds:
• Alcohol
• Gift cards or cash cards
• Airfare for guest speakers (except from New York City or Washington, D.C.)
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• Payment for consulting services, honoraria, travel grants, research stipends, or any
other payment of this type
• Gas can only be reimbursed with a record of mileage– not with a receipt. A record of
mileage includes the exact address of the start and end point of the trip and a line
describing the purpose of the trip.
• Gifts to speakers that are not Fletcher- or Tufts-branded.
Policy on RSVPs and No-Shows at Events
1. If you sign up to attend an RSVP event (e.g. Charles Francis Adams lecture, ISSP
luncheon), you must attend or give notice of your cancellation at least 24 hours in
advance.
2. In case of no-shows without proper cancellation, students will not be permitted to sign
up for the next RSVP event offered.
3. If you must cancel within 24 hours of the event, the no-show penalty can only be
avoided if the organizer is able to fill your spot by offering it to another student.
Room-Booking Processes
For Regularly Scheduled Classes
Inquiries about changing the classroom or time for a regularly scheduled class should be
directed to the Fletcher Registrar by email at Andrew.Marx@tufts.edu or by phone at 617-
627-3055.
For All Other Events
To reserve individual rooms throughout Fletcher – in either the Cabot, Goddard or Mugar
buildings – for meetings, lunches, make-up classes, etc., visit reserve.tufts.edu or contact the
receptionist in the Hall of Flags at 617-627-3329.
Room bookings are assigned one of two priority levels:
• Level 1 priorities cover essential core functions, for which dates can be set well in
advance. These include all Fletcher and associated academic degree requirements such
as final exams, foreign language exams, and Professional Development Program
sessions; major school-wide events such as commencement activities, convocation, fall
and spring orientation programs, open-house events for admitted students, and fall and
spring alumni reunion programs; and classroom IT maintenance and upgrades.
• Level 2 priorities cover important core functions, the dates of which can generally be
set well in advance (though they can change somewhat once scheduled). These include
meetings of the executive faculty, student council, administrators, school committees,
and library/IT instructional sessions. Course review sessions, PhD comprehensive
exams, PhD defenses, OCS employer visits, and required student group study meetings
are also level 2 priorities.
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When booking space on campus, higher-priority events take precedence over lower-priority
ones. In the occasional but inevitable cases where events of the same priority level conflict, a
good-faith effort will be made to reconcile competing interests.
Posting Notices
Bulletin boards are located on Cabot 1, Mugar 2 (in front of the Ginn Library), and in front of
the Mugar Computer Lab. These bulletin boards are used by various student organizations
and school departments to make announcements for upcoming meetings, speakers, and
events. These boards are also used to post articles of special interest to various groups of
students. The bulletin board adjacent to the Office of Career Services contains OCS notices
about various job application deadlines, career opportunities, and other OCS activities.
Within two weeks prior to an event, organizers may post a poster board on an easel stand in
the Hall of Flags.
Restrictions
• Notices posted on surfaces other than the bulletin boards on Cabot 1, Mugar 2 (in front of
the Ginn Library), and in front of the Mugar Computer Lab will be removed.
• No notices may be posted in Ginn Library.
• No notices may be posted on doors within the building.
• All posters should clearly identify the posting organization/individual and a contact point
for further information.
• Organizations or individuals that post notices in the Fletcher School complex are
responsible for removing the notices immediately after the conclusion of the event.
• If a poster or notice is considered offensive, individuals should discuss the matter with the
sponsors. Members of the community may not remove controversial posters. The
Executive Associate Dean is willing to consult on these matters; however, please be
advised that it is not School policy to censor notices nor to remove posters based on
content.
Members of the community should consider carefully whether or not it is appropriate to post
notices that are generated by those who are not members of the Fletcher Community.
Violations of Other University Policies
Students are required to follow all published University policies, including but not limited to:
• Residential Life policies and License Agreement;
• Event policies;
• Department of Public Safety and Industrial Health policies.
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Appendices
Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure Act of 1998 as well as its amendments provide the Tufts
University Department of Public Safety an opportunity to explain various services, policies,
programs, and expectations that help contribute to achieving reasonable safety and security at
Tufts University. As one of our efforts to comply with the Clery Act, an annual Public Safety
brochure is made available. This publication also informs the Tufts community of campus
crime statistics. A printed copy of the brochure may be requested by contacting the
Department of Public Safety, 419 Boston Avenue, Medford Campus.
University Guidelines Concerning Religious Observances
Tufts University is committed to providing an academic and work environment that is
respectful of the religious beliefs of its students, employees, patients, visitors and community
members. As part of this commitment, Tufts will make good faith efforts to provide
reasonable religious accommodations to those in our community whose sincerely held
religious beliefs conflict with a university policy, procedure, or other academic or
employment requirement unless such an accommodation would create an undue hardship or
would fundamentally alter our work, program and/or mission.
Religion or Creed
Includes traditional, organized religions but also sincerely held religious beliefs, including
those that are new, uncommon, not part of a formal church or sect. All aspects of religious
belief and observance that are sincerely held will be considered as part of this policy.
Undue Hardship
Significant difficulty or expense based on the university’s resources and circumstances in
relationship to the cost or difficulty of providing a specific accommodation. Undue hardship
may refer to financial difficulty in providing an accommodation or accommodations that are
unduly expensive, substantial, disruptive, or that would fundamentally alter academic
requirements, the nature or operation of the university’s business, or the essential functions of
a job.
Accommodations which interfere with the safe and efficient operation of the workplace or
campus or with a bona fide seniority system will often present an undue hardship.
Religious Accommodation
A reasonable change in the work or academic environment that enables a student or employee
to practice or otherwise observe a sincerely held religious practice or belief without undue
hardship or fundamentally altering the educational, workplace or mission of the university.
A reasonable religious accommodation may include but is not limited to:
• time for prayer during a work day
• the ability to attend religious events or observe a religious holiday
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• or any necessary modification to university policy, procedure or other requirement for
a student’s or employee’s (or prospective employee’s) religious beliefs, observance or
practice, provided such accommodation is reasonable and does not cause undue
hardship or create a fundamental alteration of the educational, workplace or mission of
the university.
All students may request a religious accommodation by making a written request for an
accommodation to the OEO, an OEO liaison, an appropriate faculty member or other
relevant administrator such as an Academic Dean in accordance with their Code of Conduct
or Student Handbook.
Once the request comes to the Office of Equal Opportunity, employees, students, patients,
visitors, community members or third parties will be required to complete a formal
accommodation request form and may be required to provide other documentation or
information supporting the request.
Employees and students who anticipate being absent from work or class because of a religious
observance must submit their request for time off in advance and as soon as they become
aware of the need or at least ten (10) business days in advance.
Accommodation requests will be made on a case‐by‐case basis taking into account factors
including but not limited to, the fundamental requirements of the applicable academic
program and/or related technical standards, essential functions of an individual’s job, the
duties of others in the department or job group, the requirements of the department or major,
any impact of the accommodation, the duration of the accommodation request, and the
availability of alternative accommodations.
The University will endeavor to protect the requesting student or employee’s privacy in
evaluating and implementing the accommodation requested to the extent possible. However,
following receipt of the request, the university official or administrator, supervisor(s) or
designee(s) will discuss the accommodation request as necessary with the student or employee,
and with select others in order to further evaluate and/or implement the accommodation.
Approvals will be provided in writing to the requesting student or employee whenever
possible.
Individuals with questions about this policy and/or its application may contact OEO here.
FERPA: Notice of Student Rights with Respect to Education Records
University policy in effect as of July 1, 2015, sponsored by Counsel and owned by the University
Registrar
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Purpose
This notice establishes the University policy with respect to certain types of student records.
This policy is designed to help students understand how to access their education records and,
if they wish, how to prevent their disclosure to third parties.
Scope
This policy applies to all schools and divisions at Tufts University.
Policy Statement
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA”) provides students certain
rights with respect to their educational records. In general, these rights include:
1) The right to inspect and review education records (with certain limited exceptions) within
45 days of the day Tufts receives a student’s request for access. A student should submit any
such request to the Registrar’s Office in writing, identifying the specific records that
the student wishes to inspect. The Registrar’s Office will make arrangements for access
and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2) The right to request the amendment of education records if the student believes they are
inaccurate. Students should submit any such request to the Registrar’s Office in
writing, clearly identifying the records that the student wants to have amended and
specifying the reasons the student believes those records to be inaccurate. The
Registrar’s Office will notify the student of the University’s decision whether to
amend the student’s records. If the University decides not to amend the student’s
records, the Registrar’s Office will inform the student of the right to a hearing
regarding the student’s request for amendment.
3) The right to require Tufts to obtain the student’s written consent before releasing personally
identifiable information from the student’s education records unless an exception applies.
Definitions
For purposes of this policy a student is defined as someone who is (or someone who has)
officially matriculated at the University, and who attends (or has attended) classes at Tufts.
This definition does not include prospective students or applicants.
Education records are records relating to a student that are maintained by the University or
by a party acting on its behalf, with some exceptions.
The following records are not considered education records:
• Records created by a school official as a personal memory aid (such as notes of a
private telephone conversation) Records of the Tufts University Police Department
which are maintained separately and solely for law enforcement purposes.
• Most records created and maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist or
other treatment purposes. Even though these records are not considered education
records under FERPA, they may still be made available to students following
completion of a HIPAA release form.
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• Records pertaining to a former student other than those generated when that person
was a student, such as alumni records.
Personally identifiable information includes a student’s name, address or other information
that would allow a student to be identified. FERPA generally prohibits the University from
disclosing personally identifiable information from a student’s education record without the
student’s consent unless the information has been designated as directory information or
another exception applies.
Directory information consists of the following:
• Student’s name
• Address (both local and permanent)
• Telephone number (local, cell and permanent)
• Date and place of birth
• Academic program (school, degree, major, minor)
• Enrollment status (dates of attendance, full-time/part-time status)
• Degrees, honors and awards received
• Participation in athletics and student activities
• Most recent educational institution attended
• E-mail address
• Photo
Privacy settings are available to students who wish to prevent the University from disclosing
their directory information (in student directories and commencement programs, for
example) by selecting the appropriate settings through SIS.
For additional information about privacy settings, please contact the Registrar’s Office.
Release of Your Records to Third Parties
Personally identifiable information in your records, except for directory information as
discussed above, may not be given to third parties without your written consent, with the
following exceptions:
• To Tufts officials such as employees and members of faculty and trustee committees
who have a need to know or who are required to work with your records to carry out
their duties.
• To officials of another education institution in which you seek to enroll. If your
record is transferred, however, you will be entitled, upon request, to a copy of such
records. This applies to other schools and colleges within the University and to
institutions in which you may be cross-registered or enrolled at the University.
• To authorized representatives of the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney
General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or state and local authorities responsible in
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connection with an audit or evaluation of federal or state supported education
programs.
• To an individual or organization required to be informed in connection with your
application or receipt of financial aid.
• To state and local officials to whom information is specifically required to be reported
by state laws enacted prior to November 19, 1974.
• To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency if necessary to protect your
health or safety or that of another.
• In compliance with a subpoena, or in response to other legal action involving the
student and the University.
• When the information is a record of a campus disciplinary proceeding. For students
under the age of 21, the University may also inform parents about violations of any
federal, state, or local law, or any University rule or policy that governs the use or
possession of alcohol or a controlled substance.
Any request or authorization to allow material from your files to be shown to third parties
should include: (1) a specification of the records to be disclosed; (2) the purpose of the
disclosure; and (3) the party or class of parties to whom disclosure may be made. For
additional information about authorizing disclosures from your education records, please
contact the Registrar’s Office.
Please note that the University does not preserve students’ education records in perpetuity. In
fact, most records are not maintained for more than 7 years after a student’s expected date of
graduation.
Complaint Procedure
A student has the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning
alleged failures by Tufts to comply with the requirements of FERPA. A complaint must be
submitted to the Department within 180 days of the date of the alleged violation or of the
date that the student knew or reasonably should have known of the alleged violation. The
name and address of the office that administers FERPA and accepts such complaints is: Family
Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW,
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.
Tufts University Threat Assessment and Management (TTAM) Program
Tragic events across the country in recent years have highlighted the dangers posed by
violence on college and university campuses. On October 7th, 2013, Tufts University
President Anthony Monaco wrote to the university community about important, proactive
efforts to ensure the continued safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. In
his message, the President issued the following violence free university policy statement:
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Tufts is committed to maintaining an environment in which individuals are safe to learn,
work, and live. In support of this commitment, we affirm that Tufts will not tolerate violence
or threats of violence anywhere on its campuses or in connection with university-sponsored
programs.
In support of the President’s policy statement, Tufts has established the Tufts Threat
Assessment and Management (TTAM) program to identify, evaluate and address potentially
threatening situations affecting members of the Tufts community. Recognizing and reporting
early signs of a potentially dangerous situation are crucial to preventing violence and enhance
the university’s ability to provide assistance to community members who may be in distress.
We encourage all members of the university community to use this additional safety resource
to learn how to recognize potential threats and the multiple ways to safely and if you so
choose, to confidentially, report concerns at TTAM Website.
Class Suspension Due to Weather or Emergency
The general University policy is not to cancel classes for snow or other emergencies, but
rather to hold all class meetings that can reasonably be held. Only the President or the
President’s designee can suspend, in part or totally, regularly scheduled academic or
administrative activities at Tufts. The decision to suspend regularly scheduled academic
activities is made as far in advance as possible and announced by the deans.
If a Tufts University campus closes due to snow, announcements will be via the
following channels. These are the only official sources of a snow closing
announcement.
• Tufts University homepage (http://www.tufts.edu) and the Announcements
site (http://announcements.tufts.edu)
• Sent via email from CampusClosings@tufts.edu to members of the affected
campus(es)
• 617-627-INFO (617-627-4636) for all campuses
and 508-839-6124 for additional details for the Grafton campus
• Facebook (TuftsUniversity) and Twitter (@TuftsUniversity).
Faculty Responsibilities
According to the School’s Faculty Responsibility Guidelines, “the principal professional
commitment of faculty members of The Fletcher School is to the process of education.”
Students can therefore expect that their faculty will be prepared for class, will provide and
prepare quality course materials, will not unnecessarily cancel or reschedule class, will not
delegate essential course material to guest lecturers (including students), will provide fair
grades and reasonably detailed commentary on submitted work, and will be accessible to
students outside of classroom hours for a reasonable period each week (e.g. in office hours or
by appointment).
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Students who feel they are being underserved by a faculty member on any of these fronts
should first attempt to work with the faculty member to achieve an adequate resolution.
Failing that, students should raise their concerns in writing with the Academic Dean.
Committees
The business of the School is conducted by various committees. All committees’ faculty and
administrator members are appointed by the Dean; each fall, students are elected to sit on
relevant committees. No students are named to the Faculty Committee on Diversity and
Inclusiveness, the Academic Council, or the Committee on Tenure and Promotion, which
deals with sensitive personnel information; the Deans periodically brief the Student Council
on the work of these committees. Committee work is voluntary and does not include
payment.
Students serve on the following committees:
Committee on Admissions and Scholarships
Focus: Advises on and makes decisions on admissions for entering students.
Selection Process: Students apply in early October to the Office of Admissions and Financial
Aid; those selected will be compensated on a per-file basis. Approximately 10 students are
selected annually to serve as full-voting members of the Committee.
Time Commitment: 2-3 meetings during the Fall semester to discuss policies, procedures, and
early notification applications. Spring semester meetings are held on Friday mornings for 3-4
hours weekly from late January to early March (each student member reviews and rates 300-
350 files, or approximately 50 per week). Total time commitment (reading files, meetings) is
approximately 90 hours.
Honor Code Committee
Focus: Considers alleged violations of the Honor Code and Policy on Capricious Grading
Selection Process: Two students are elected each year
Time Commitment: Meets as necessary throughout the year
Code of Conduct Committee
Focus: Considers alleged violations of the Code of Conduct
Selection Process: One second year student is elected each year
Time Commitment: Meets as necessary throughout the year
Committee on Career Services
Focus: Supports and advises the Office of Career Services
Selection Process: Six students are elected each year; two each by sector: public, private, and
non-profit.
Time Commitment: Meets at least twice per semester
Faculty Committee on Diversity and Inclusiveness
Focus: Monitors and proposes action to enhance the diversity of the Fletcher faculty and staff
and the student body. Monitors and advises on affirmative action policies and plans.
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Time Commitment: 3-4 meetings per year.
Standing Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Focus: The Standing Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is comprised of
faculty, students, staff, and alumni. The committee is charged with creating and supporting
DEI programming and climate initiatives that involve collaborations with various university
centers, initiatives, and programs.
Selection Process: Six students are elected each year.
Time Commitment: 5 hours per month.
Committee on the PhD Program
Focus: Reviews PhD candidacy and academic and programmatic topics pertaining to the PhD
program.
Selection Process: Two students are elected each year.
Time Commitment: Meets 3-4 times per semester.
Committee on Student Academic Programs
Issues: Considers all student petitions for exceptions to academic requirements.
Selection Process: Two students are elected each year.
Time Commitment: One 90-minute meeting per month.
Faculty Search Committees/Student Advisory Committees
In addition to the above committees, students may serve on Student Advisory Committees to
observe and advise on searches for faculty positions, according to the following process.
When the School conducts a faculty hiring search, the Dean appoints a Faculty Search
Committee, which is responsible for conducting the search and making a hiring
recommendation. In addition, a Student Advisory Committee may be appointed (with the
guidance of the Student Council), to observe and provide student input on the search process.
The responsibilities of the Student Advisory Committee are three-fold:
1. Attend public lecture of each candidate,
2. Meet as a group for one hour with each candidate, and
3. At the end of the process, meet with the Faculty Search Committee to comment
on the candidates.
Up to six students normally serve on a Student Advisory Committee. The formation of a
committee will be announced to the student body, at which time interested students may sign
up with the Academic Dean who runs the selection process.
