Chicago Botanic Garden

Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden

Certificate Programs
Program Policies

 

ATTENDANCE

Attendance is required at all class sessions. Unexcused absences are not accepted for students pursuing certificate programs. Excused absences will be evaluated on a case by case basis. If you are going to miss more than two class sessions, you should defer taking the course until a later date. Make-up exams and exam may be available; please refer to individual course syllabi.

HOLIDAYS

The School regularly observes the following holidays, during which classes will not be held:
New Year's Eve and Day, Easter Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Day.

COURSE EXEMPTIONS

A student may prove proficiency for up to 20 percent of coursework through transcripts from outside institutions, colleges, or universities or by passing proficiency exams through the Regenstein School. Please note: proficiency exams are only available for select classes and incur a $50 registration fee.

TRANSCRIPTS

Official Transcripts ($2 each) and Unofficial Transcripts (e-mailed to student only) are available year-round. Transcripts must be requested in writing and will be mailed within two weeks of request. Click here to request a transcript.

STUDENT WORK

Final projects or assignments returned to the registrar's office by the instructor must be picked up by students no later than eight weeks following the last day of the certificate class. After that time any unclaimed materials will be discarded.

Grading Scale
A 100 – 90
B 89 – 80
C 79 – 70
D > 70

GRADES

For the following certificates, a grade of at least 70 percent must be achieved for each core course: OPC, MGC, PGL1, PGL2, and GDC. For the Botanical Art certificate, students must achieve a mark of 'S' (satisfactory) for each core course. Grade letters are issued to students within four weeks of the last day of class. Exceptions due to holidays may apply.

DISMISSAL

The School is committed to offering the highest quality educational experience to all of its students. The School and its instructors reserve the right to dismiss any student who is disruptive during class sessions.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY

Every student is expected to take their examinations independently. Using unauthorized notes or other study aids during an examination; using unauthorized technology during an examination; improper storage of prohibited notes, course materials, and study aids during an exam such that they are accessible or possible to view; looking at other students' work during an exam or in an assignment where collaboration is not allowed; attempting to communicate with other students in order to get help during an exam or in an assignment where collaboration is not allowed; and obtaining an examination prior to its administration is prohibited. Any failure to adhere to these principles will result in a failing grade on the examination in question.