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Rules & Procedures - Classification of Students

Learn more about the Academic Rules & Procedures at Rose‑Hulman.

Classification of Students

Regular students

  • An entering freshman is a person who has never been enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited college or university.
  • A freshman is a student who has acquired less than 45 quarter-hour credits acceptable toward graduation.
  • A sophomore is a student who has acquired at least 45 quarter-hour credits approved for the curriculum in which the student intends to receive a degree.
  • A junior is a student who has acquired at least 95 quarter-hour credits approved for the curriculum in which the student intends to receive a degree.
  • A senior is a student who has acquired at least 145 quarter-hour credits approved for the curriculum in which the student intends to receive a degree.

Special students

A Rose-Hulman student who plans to transfer out of Rose-Hulman or who wishes to take courses for some special purpose may be classified as a Special Student. As such, the student is not a candidate for adegree and may enroll in courses of choice (subject to prerequisite requirements). Credits earned while classified as a Special Student may be applied toward the requirements for a degree at a later date if the student petitions for, and is granted, reclassification as a regular student.

A student desiring classification or re-classification as a Special Student should submit to the Registrar a written petition to the Admissions and Standing Committee. If approved, student's records will show the classification and notification will be given to the student's advisor and the Dean of Students.

If a student who has been granted Special Student classification departs from the established curricula and later petitions to become a regular degree candidate, the student may not use the Special Student option as a means of circumventing any of the usual degree requirements.
Also see:

Exceptions & Questions: Contact Admissions and Standing Committee.

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