Will students be permitted to take courses at their local universities or community colleges? How will those credits be counted at Pitzer? - 01.28.21

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Incoming students who defer are not permitted to take classes at another school and transfer them to Pitzer.  If they do, they will need to reapply for admission as a transfer student. 

Meanwhile, continuing students are permitted to take classes at another regionally accredited college or university, but they are limited in the number of credits allowed to transfer to Pitzer this year.  Specifically, students are allowed to transfer up to a total of 2.0 Pitzer credits (i.e., 8 semester units or 12 quarter units) for coursework completed during the entire 2020-2021 academic year, including summer 2021.  Students should not assume that classes taken elsewhere will be accepted for transfer credit at Pitzer.  Transfer credit requires approval by a faculty member in a relevant discipline, and field groups may have stringent requirements on transfer credits and the classes that can be used to meet major/minor requirements.  Furthermore, classes that are accepted for transfer do not always count as full Pitzer credits.

Pitzer’s transfer credit policy can be found at https://pitzer.catalog.acalog.com/content.php?catoid=14&navoid=1152#Transfer%20Credits

For questions about transfer credits or for more information, contact [email protected].

Spring 3+1 Enrollment Option and Summer Session - 01.22.21

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2021 Enrollment Options for Spring and Summer Sessions

Pitzer College has created an optional enrollment pathway for the spring 2021 semester. The 3+1 enrollment option permits students to make academic progress with a reduced course load (3 classes) during spring semester and with an additional (+1) class taken during the six-week Pitzer Summer Session and for the full tuition rate for spring semester. This optional pathway should not alter spring financial aid packages for students who receive financial aid based on full-time enrollment, although students on financial aid are encouraged to discuss their plans with the Office of Financial Aid. Students are encouraged to talk with their advisor about their academic plans, and in this case, how selecting the 3+1 enrollment option may affect their academic progress.

The 3+1 enrollment option is considered full-time enrollment and supplements Pitzer’s usual tuition and enrollment structure in which students take four classes in a single semester. Tuition costs are the same whether students take the usual spring semester course load (i.e., 4 classes) or the 3+1 option: full tuition paid for spring semester. After February 5, 2021, selection of the 3+1 enrollment option is non-revocable and tuition, including for the summer class, is non-refundable.

Students do not have to select this 3+1 option, but it is the only new alternative full-time enrollment option for spring semester. Within this 3+1 option, it is important to note that the +1 summer class must be taken as a regular class through Pitzer’s 2021 Summer Session and students cannot take an Independent Study as their summer class with this option. Graduating seniors who select the 3+1 enrollment option will be eligible for fall 2021 graduation provided they have successfully completed all of their Pitzer and major/minor requirements. Prior to official graduation, the Pitzer Registrar’s Office can provide a letter stating that the student has completed all degree requirements if such verification is required for graduate school or employment purposes.

Specific questions and answers about the 3+1 option and Pitzer’s Summer Session can be found below. In general, questions and answers on the 3+1 enrollment option are listed first and information on Summer Session appear later in the list. If students have questions about the 3+1 enrollment option, they can send them to [email protected] with the subject line “3+1 question.” Meanwhile, questions about Summer Session can be directed to Associate Dean Phil Zuckerman at [email protected] with the subject line “Summer Session question.”

Q1: How do I select the 3+1 enrollment option?

To opt into 3+1 enrollment, full-time students who have already registered must add the zero-credit course PEND031 PZ – Spring-Summer 2021 3+1 Pathway, and also ensure that they are registered in 3.0 course credits. This action must be taken no later than February 5, 2021. After adding this placeholder summer course, students will be notified that they have selected the 3+1 option. In early March, students will complete the enrollment process by registering for their Summer Session class.

Students who have yet to enroll for spring semester should register for 3.0 spring course credits and also add the zero-credit PEND031 course.

Summer Session is scheduled to run May 24 – July 2, 2021 and the current planned course schedule can be found at www.pitzer.edu/summer/course-schedule/. As always, course offerings are subject to enrollment minimums and caps, and so it is possible that some courses will not actually run or will close.

Q2: What is the deadline for selecting the 3+1 enrollment option?

The decision to take the 3+1 option must be made by February 5, 2021, which is also the last day to add/drop a class for a tuition refund or financial aid adjustment (see www.pitzer.edu/registrar/academic-calendar/), and cannot be changed after that date.

Q3: Will enrolling in 3+1 impact my financial aid for spring semester?

No, students who select the 3+1 enrollment option should not see any changes to their full-time financial aid package for spring semester.  Students on financial aid are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Financial Aid ([email protected]) to discuss their plans and options.

Q4: Can I change my mind after February 5 and either opt in or opt out of the 3+1 enrollment option?

No, students must decide to take the 3+1 option by February 5, 2021. After February 5, students can drop a class, but they will not be able to enroll in a summer class as part of their spring registration and tuition bill. They also are not permitted to re-add a spring semester course that they have dropped to take this option.

Students who have selected the 3+1 option can always drop their summer class, but they will not receive a refund or other financial aid adjustment.

Q5: What if I select the 3+1 option but later decide that I don’t want to take the summer class? Can I get a refund for that course?

No, the +1 summer class is non-refundable because it is technically part of spring semester tuition. In Pitzer’s current tuition structure, 3 classes is considered full-time enrollment. If the student who has selected the 3+1 enrollment option decides against enrolling in a summer class or drops their summer class, they will not receive any tuition adjustment or account refund.

Q6: Are there any other special enrollment options, such as 4+1 or 2+2?

No, at this time, the only new enrollment option is the 3+1 option. Students can create their own enrollment options, but these are subject to Pitzer’s usual approval processes and tuition and financial aid considerations. For example, students wishing to pursue a 4+1 option would register and pay tuition for 4 classes in spring semester and then pay separate tuition for their one summer class. A 2+2 option would entail enrolling half-time in spring semester and then paying tuition for two summer classes. Students should be aware that less than full-time enrollment can have implications for financial aid and academic standing.

Q7: Can I arrange an Independent Study class as my summer class in the 3+1 enrollment option?

No, the +1 summer course in this option must be a course that is offered as part of the regular Summer Session schedule. Students can take an Independent Study class during the summer, but these classes are subject to several approvals and are priced separately from Pitzer Summer Session classes; see information at www.pitzer.edu/academics/independent-study/ and www.pitzer.edu/career-services/students/academic-credit-and-the-internship-experience/. The summer independent study form is available at: www.pitzer.edu/registrar/independent-study/.

Q8: Do I have to take the 3+1 option in order to take Summer Session classes?

No. Students who take the 3+1 enrollment option will register for their one summer class in a special pre-registration period in early March. General registration for summer classes will open on March 15, 2021. The planned Summer Session course schedule can be found at www.pitzer.edu/summer/course-schedule/. As always, course offerings are subject to enrollment minimums and caps, and so it is possible that some courses will not actually run or will close. Students who plan to take a summer class(es), should select 1-2 alternative classes in case their chosen class is canceled or closed.

Q9: Can I take my summer class at a different college as part of the 3+1 option?

No, the 3+1 enrollment option requires student to take their +1 summer class in the Pitzer College Summer Session. Moreover, the student must enroll in a regular class and cannot take an Independent Study for the +1 summer class.

Q10: Can I take more than one summer class if I take the 3+1 enrollment option?

Yes. However, tuition for only one summer class is part of this special enrollment option. A student who has selected the 3+1 enrollment option who plans to take a second summer class will have to enroll in that second class in the general summer registration period and pay regular tuition for that class (currently planned at $5200/class).

Q11: I’m a senior, can I select the 3+1 enrollment option?

Yes, the 3+1 enrollment option is available to seniors. Graduating seniors who select the 3+1 enrollment option will be eligible for fall 2021 graduation provided they have successfully completed all of their Pitzer and major/minor requirements. Prior to official graduation, the Pitzer Registrar’s Office can provide a letter stating that the student has completed all degree requirements if such verification is required, such as for graduate school enrollment or employment purposes.

Q12: If I select the 3+1 option, when will I graduate?

Seniors who take Summer Session classes to complete their requirements (including those who opt for the 3+1 enrollment option) will not graduate in May but will be eligible for fall 2021 graduation provided they have successfully completed all of their Pitzer and major/minor requirements. Prior to official graduation, the Pitzer Registrar’s Office can provide a letter stating that the student has completed all degree requirements if such verification is required, such as for graduate school enrollment or employment purposes.

Q13: If I select the 3+1 option, will I be able to take part in the spring semester commencement ceremony?

Pitzer College has not yet committed to plans for a spring 2021 commencement ceremony. If a ceremony does take place, we expect that seniors who have elected to take the 3+1 enrollment option will be able to participate in the ceremony, but they will not officially graduate or receive their diploma until after fall graduation. Prior to official graduation, the Pitzer Registrar’s Office can provide a letter stating that the student has completed all degree requirements if such verification is required, such as for graduate school enrollment or employment purposes.

Q14: Will taking the 3+1 option give me priority for on-campus housing when it becomes available?

No. There is no additional benefit or penalty for selecting the 3+1 enrollment option. Summer Session classes will be online and so do not require on-campus residence.

Q15: What are the dates for the Pitzer Summer Session?

The Pitzer Summer Session is scheduled for May 24 – July 2, 2021. Nearly all classes will meet multiple days/week for this 6-week period of time. More information on the summer academic calendar can be found at www.pitzer.edu/summer/academic-calendar/.

Q16: When will I know what classes will be offered during Summer Session?

The planned Summer Session course schedule can be found at https://www.pitzer.edu/summer/course-schedule/. As always, course offerings are subject to enrollment minimums and caps, and so it is possible that some courses will not actually run or will close. Students who plan to take a summer class(es), including students taking the 3+1 option, should select 1-2 alternative classes in case their chosen class is cancelled or closed.

Q17: What is the instructional format for Summer Session classes?

The Pitzer College 2021 Summer Session classes will be offered online. Instructors will decide on the best class formats and assignments to meet the educational goals for their courses. It is likely that instructors will use a combination of asynchronous and synchronous instructional methods.

Q18: What is tuition for a summer class at Pitzer College?

Pitzer Summer Session tuition is expected to be $5200 per course. Some limited financial aid may be available for Summer Session. Students who have selected the 3+1 option will not receive a separate tuition bill for their +1 summer class because that will have been paid for with their spring semester tuition. If a student who has selected the 3+1 enrollment option decides to take two summer courses, they will be billed $5200 for the second summer class.

As always, course offerings are subject to enrollment minimums and caps, and so it is possible that some courses will not actually run or will close. Students who plan to take a summer class(es), including students taking the 3+1 option, should select 1-2 alternative classes in case their chosen class is cancelled or closed.

Q19: When can I register for Pitzer’s Summer Session?

Students who have selected the 3+1 option will be granted early registration for their +1 summer class beginning on March 1, 2021. Regular priority registration for Summer Session will begin on March 15, 2021.

Q20: Will there be on-campus housing during Pitzer’s Summer Session?

At this time, Pitzer cannot commit to offering on-campus housing to any students either in spring semester or for Summer Session. This situation could change. However, the expectation is that spring semester classes and also Summer Session classes will be offered online, and so on-campus residency will not be required. Thus, enrollment in Summer Session, either through the 3+1 option or separately, does not entitle students to campus housing or housing assistance.

Q21: How can I get additional information about the 3+1 enrollment option or Pitzer’s Summer Session?

Carefully read over this list of FAQs to be sure that the information you seek is not already included in one of the provided answers. If it isn’t, send an email to [email protected], and be sure to specify if your question concerns the 3+1 option or is about Summer Session.

What is the modified P/NC policy for the fall 2020 semester? - 11.19.20

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Pitzer College faculty voted on 11/12/20 to modify our P/NC grade policy for this semester (Fall 2020).  The modifications permit students to take up to three-fourths of their courses P/NC, extends the deadline for the submission of signed P/NC forms to December 7, 2020, and requires students to consult with their advisor – and to document this consultation – in making decisions about taking courses P/NC. The P/NC grading option is subject to instructor approval, and applies to all courses, including courses required to meet Pitzer major/minor or other graduation requirements.  Some parts of the current policy are unchanged. Specifically, a P grade is given for work equivalent to a “C” letter grade or better, and P/NC grades do not impact a student’s GPA.  Also, please be aware that off campus (non Pitzer) majors have their own restrictions and may not permit courses graded P/NC to count toward requirements.   

For any classes that students wish to take a P/NC grading option, they should submit to the Registrar 1) a completed P/NC form approved by the course instructor and 2) a copy of an email from their advisor confirming that they have consulted with the student.  These materials should be compiled and submitted together no later than December 7, 2020.  The Revised P/NC Policy for Fall 2020 is shown below and is posted on the Registrar’s website

“Students may, with instructor’s approval, take no more than three-fourths of their courses on a P/NC basis in the fall 2020 semester, including courses that are required for a student’s major, minor, and graduation. To do so, students must obtain the instructor’s signature on a P/NC form available from the Registrar’s website.  The deadline to elect to be graded for a course on a P/NC basis, done by submitting a form to the registrar, is December 7, 2020. Courses that instructors have already designated as P/NC do not count towards the three-fourths of course credits students may designate this semester as P/NC. Students must also have their advisor email the registrar letting them know that they have discussed with their students the possibility of an Incomplete, Pass/No Credit, Withdrawal, or leaving their grading policy for the course(s) as it currently stands. This policy will have no effect on students’ ability to take courses P/NC in future semesters.” 

What are the starting and ending dates of the spring 2021 semester? - 11.18.20

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Classes will begin on Monday, January 25, and instruction will conclude on Friday, May 7. Final exams and assessments will be conducted Monday, May 10 through Friday, May 14. This schedule has been adopted by all of the 5Cs. Please visit the Academic Calendar Spring 2021 for key dates and deadlines. www.pitzer.edu/academic-calendar/

For any more questions or for more information, contact [email protected]

Will Pitzer still help seniors prepare for and apply to post-grad fellowship opportunities? - 11.04.20

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Support for students applying for Fulbrights and other fellowships will be maintained. In addition to workshops, one-on-one meetings with fellowship advisers are being conducted through summer, fall, and this will continue into the spring.

For any more questions or for more information, contact [email protected]

Will all courses be recorded to accommodate different time zones? - 10.28.20

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Online classes make use of asynchronous tools such as recorded lectures and discussion boards. Faculty have redesigned their classes and have been encouraged to balance accessibility and accommodation with having class components that are engaging and personalized and that build connections between students in a class and between students and faculty.

For any more questions or for more information, contact [email protected]

I am an international student and would like to take courses in my home country this year. Will I be able to transfer credits from these classes to Pitzer? - 07.29.20

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Pitzer’s transfer credit policy permits international students to take courses in their home country and transfer them to Pitzer. However, students are allowed to transfer a total of 2.0 credits for classes they take anywhere during this academic year. Students should consult with their academic advisers in developing a plan that makes the most sense for them in terms of taking a leave of absence or pursuing coursework elsewhere. Students should seek pre-approval from the relevant field group for any courses they plan to take and transfer to Pitzer. Field groups decide which courses can be transferred to Pitzer as well as counted toward major/minor requirements.

For more information, read the current transfer policy.

How will the Pitzer educational experience be translated online? - 07.14.20

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All educational objectives of the College remain unchanged. Pitzer will continue to provide small classes that cover all graduation requirements, one-on-one faculty mentoring and advising, and individual support from student affairs staff. Many curricular innovations and co-curricular programs will inform this semester. Zoom enables greater global connection with networks of scholars, authors, activists and artists, as well as allowing students to connect with community groups in different locations.

For any more questions or for more information, contact [email protected]

Will First-Year Seminar offerings be available in the spring? - 07.14.20

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There is a possibility that a limited number of First-Year Seminars (FYS) will be offered in the spring semester. First-year students are expected to enroll in an FYS in their first semester, and the bulk of these seminars are offered at the same time during the fall semester. Having a common meeting time allows seminar instructors to coordinate guest speakers and special events, and thereby build bridges across classes. Furthermore, these First-Year Seminars are writing-intensive courses. In addition to covering interesting and timely topics, participation in FYS introduces incoming students to the Pitzer academic community and a faculty mentor, while also helping to set up students for future academic success.

For any more questions or for more information, contact [email protected]

How will an online format allow for a rich advising experience? - 07.14.20

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Faculty will conduct advising sessions and hold office hours remotely, but students can still expect to receive personalized attention and to work closely with faculty to design programs of study that meet individual needs and goals.

For any more questions or for more information, contact [email protected]

Will classes vary in the way they are taught? - 07.14.20

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Yes, they will vary in some ways. Many will take advantage of global networks of scholars, activists, etc. to bring in virtual speakers. Others have chosen topics relevant to understanding today’s challenges and are finding ways to explore them creatively through virtual means. Some classes dealing with shared topics such as civic engagement may offer multiple course sections at the same time so they can share guest speakers, workshops and common projects. Faculty have been working on this all through the summer. Low student-to-teacher ratios, personalized feedback and depth of relationships between professors and students will remain the same.

For any more questions or for more information, contact [email protected]

How will students engage with the Community Engagement Center (CEC) and interact with our community partners? - 07.14.20

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The CEC is revamping its website to streamline connections between students, faculty and partners around a variety of modalities and issues, and will post these changes here when they are complete. For now, see CEC’s Continuing Community Engagement Online presentation.

For any more questions or for more information, contact [email protected]

Will the graduation praxis component have any other way to be completed if the CEC is at limited capacity? - 07.14.20

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The Community Engagement Center has ramped up its work with partners who are in need of even more significant help during this time. CEC has a host of virtual community engagement opportunities that are components of SRX courses this semester and that can be done remotely. Please check the CEC website for those opportunities. We will work with students who find themselves unable to complete the requirement due to COVID-19.

For any more questions or for more information, contact [email protected]

What will IGLAS programs look like in the spring? - 07.14.20

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While there are no Institute for Global/Local Action & Study (IGLAS) trips scheduled for the fall, IGLAS will work with Study Abroad on future trips. IGLAS will continue to oversee the Office of Fellowships and Scholarships, the IGLAS fellows program, and work with first-year students and prison education initiatives, including at least 14 Inside-Out classes being taught this year via Zoom.

For any more questions or for more information, contact [email protected]

Will students still have access to the Writing Center? - 07.14.20

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The Pitzer Writing Center will offer comprehensive virtual writing support after the semester begins. This includes one-on-one video conferences with peer Fellows trained to work with writers on assignments across the disciplines and at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming ideas to polishing a final draft. The Writing Center will also continue to host a wide range of virtual workshops and events, including regular “write-ins” that build community and foster resilience around the writing process. Specialized consultations will be available for senior thesis and multilingual writers. In addition, a research librarian will offer weekly video consultations on all aspects of the research process. Writing Center Fellows will continue to participate in a rich learning community dedicated to social justice-oriented writing pedagogies.

For any more questions or for more information, contact [email protected]