Summer Tuition Waivers

Saint Michael's College accommodates the special needs of those students who are covered by
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992. If the College is provided with current and comprehensive documentation of a learning difference or hindrance that affects learning, it may grant permission to a student to take a reduced course load during the academic year, and then be consequently granted a tuition waiver for a maximum of two summer session courses taken at Saint Michael's College under certain circumstances (see paragraph below). Permission is required in order to take a reduced course load. Request forms for summer course tuition waivers must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Associate Dean of the College by April 28.

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In order to make regular progress towards graduation, students should take eight 4-credit courses per year. If a decision is made to take a reduced course load because of a documented disability, a student may be eligible for a tuition waiver for one or two courses during the summer sessions immediately following the academic year. This opportunity is dependent upon receiving prior approval for both the reduced load and the summer school waiver. Decisions are made on a case by case basis, determined in part by the student’s documentation, assessed by the Director of Academic Support Services, and approved by the Office of the Associate Dean of the College.

If a student is granted permission to take a total of six courses during the preceding academic year, (3/3), the student is eligible for a tuition waiver for up to two courses. If the total course load is granted at seven courses during the academic year, (3/4 or 4/3 or 3.5/3.5), the student is eligible for a tuition waiver for one course.

In calculating the number of courses, Saint Michael's College considers all courses attempted at the beginning of the semester. Withdrawing from a course later in the semester does not constitute a "reduced course load" under the policy. Furthermore, part-time students are not considered eligible for this tuition waiver.

If a senior has been granted such an accommodation and is planning to take the last two courses in the summer following the graduation ceremony, that student may process at graduation and "cross the stage," although no diploma will be awarded.

The College's fee waiver is for tuition only at Saint Michael's College. It does not extend to room, board, other fees or tuition at an institution other than Saint Michael's College. If students who have taken 3/4 or 4/3 or 3.5/3.5 during the academic year wish to take advantage of the summer tuition waiver, they must present to the Office of the Associate Dean a request form for a tuition waiver by April 28 for courses in the summer immediately following that academic year. The Office of the Associate Dean will then review the request for a tuition waiver on the basis of the criteria outlined above and inform the Registrar of the decision. The Registrar will then notify the Office of the Controller and the Office of Financial Aid.

The following steps must be taken to be considered for a reduced course load and summer tuition remission under the 4/4 Curriculum:

  1. At the onset of the academic year, the student must register with the Office of Accessibility Services by presenting current and comprehensive documentation of the learning difference or hindrance. For information ondocumentation requirements, please refer to the SMC website under academic support.
  2. The student must arrange a meeting with the Director of Academic Support Services to explore suitability for a request for a reduction in courses and consequent tuition remission.
  3. The student who receives permission for a course reduction and tuition remission must complete a request form available from the Director of Academic Support Services.
  4. The student must submit this request form to the Office of the Associate Dean no later than April 28 to qualify for tuition remission based on a pre-approved reduction of courses taken during the academic year immediately preceding the forthcoming summer sessions.

For more information, contact Antonia Messuri, Director of Academic Support Services, or Anne O'Grady, Administrative Assistant, Office of the Associate Dean of the College.