School of Computing and Information Sciences Academic Policies

Purpose of this handbook

The content of this handbook is meant to provide all programmatic and curricular policies for undergraduate and graduate programs taught by the faculty of SCIS.  The handbook is subject to change based on administrative decisions and faculty governance.  However, the intent of the SCIS Standards Committee is to revise this document annually.  

SCIS Mission Statement

In alignment with Willamette University’s mission, the School of Computing and Information Sciences (SCIS) is committed to fostering an environment that promotes the development of innovative professionals and scholars who make meaningful contributions in a technology-driven world.  Through its academically rigorous curriculum, focus on hands-on real-world applications, cutting-edge research, and community engagement, SCIS is committed to providing world-class education to students in all stages of their careers.  As such, all programmatic learning objectives are anchored by the following principles:

1. Digital literacy is more important than ever in this data-rich world.

2. Everyone belongs in STEM, and we must continue to dismantle systems that perpetuate inequity and underrepresentation in these fields.  We embrace and celebrate diverse perspectives and backgrounds, and we're committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute meaningfully.

3. AI systems are incredibly powerful systems and have the potential to change lives.  However, it is imperative that these wide-reaching algorithms are developed and deployed ethically.  SCIS faculty are committed to providing a comprehensive and forward-thinking curriculum that integrates technical expertise with ethical considerations, preparing students to become leaders and advocates for responsible AI and data science practices.

We are dedicated to shaping a future where technology serves humanity with integrity, inclusivity, and equity at its core.

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar for SCIS is maintained on the official Willamette Academic Calendar.  This calendar may be filtered to the Willamette College academic calendar for all undergraduate programs or the SCIS graduate calendar for SCIS graduate programs.

SCIS Administration, Faculty, & Staff Directory

SCIS faculty and staff are here to guide and assist students throughout their academic journey at Willamette.  A full directory of SCIS leadership, faculty, and staff may be found at the following link: SCIS administration, faculty, and staff.

Program Requirements

Willamette University prides itself on its rigorous, well-crafted academic program offerings which prepare students to be successful professionals in life beyond Willamette.  

SCIS currently offers the following undergraduate, graduate, and accelerated graduate programs:

• Undergraduate programs: 

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• Graduate programs:

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• Accelerated Graduate Programs:

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While academic offerings will vary across academic years, students will only be beholden to the degree requirements which were in place when the student joined their respective program (colloquially known as their " catalog year").  If a curricular programmatic change in a student's final year results in the student being unable to complete the degree program as outlined in their catalog year, SCIS will provide alternate pathways for the student to fulfill the degree requirements.

Note: Students enrolled in dual and joint degree programs are subject to the academic requirements and policies of both schools.  As such, students enrolled in the MBA/MSDS Joint Degree Program must maintain a 3.0 GPA to be in good standing in both schools' programs.  

General Policies

Student Conduct

All Willamette students are expected to adhere to the Willamette University Student Code of Conduct.   In addition to the Willamette University Student Code of Conduct, all students enrolled in SCIS courses are expected to meet the highest standards of personal, professional, and academic conduct as outlined in this section.

Academic Dishonesty

All Willamette University students are bound to the University's Academic Integrity Policy. SCIS faculty are committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity while recognizing the importance of students achieving proficiency in artificial intelligence (AI) tools.  AI technologies can enhance learning when used responsibly and ethnically.  However, they must not be used in ways that circumvent the learning process.  The increasing availability of AI tools also necessitates clear boundaries around acceptable usage in the academic setting.  Unacceptable behaviors include but are not limited to the following:

• Representing work as your own without proper attribution (including code).

• Collaborating with others on assignments that are meant to be completed individually.

• Using AI tools on assignments when their use is explicitly forbidden by the instructor.

When in doubt, students should consult their instructor to ensure they are in alignment with the instructor’s AI policies.

Consequences

Sanctions for substantiated academic dishonesty may include, but are not limited to:

• Warning or reprimand

• Reduced grade or failing grade for the assignment 

• Reduced grade or failing grade for the course

• Restitution (e.g. loss of scholarship or service)

• Expulsion from the undergraduate or graduate program

• Revocation of degree, in cases of post-graduation discoveries of severe violations

Students may seek an appeal via the process outlined in the Appeals section.

Academic Dishonesty Appeal Process

Students have the right to appeal academic dishonesty decisions within 14 business days of notification.  The SCIS academic appeals process is outlined below.

1. Discussion with the professor

The instructor shall promptly contact the student(s) involved, provide appropriate evidence of the alleged academic dishonesty, and set up time to discuss the matter with the student(s). Students are encouraged to be candid in their discussion about the behavior in question with the professor. This conversation will also feature a discussion around the proposed sanctions for the alleged behavior. If a mutually agreed upon resolution is reached in this meeting, the professor will send an email to the student summarizing the allegation and proposed resolution.

Most cases can be addressed at this step without further action. However, if the student still believes no academic misconduct has been committed, they may fill out the SCIS Academic Appeals Form.

2. Submit Appeal to SCIS Dean

Appeals may be submitted by filling out the SCIS Academic Appeals Form. The SCIS Dean will review the case within 10 business days of its receipt and will obtain testimonies from the appropriate parties. After evidence has been obtained, the SCIS Dean will arrange a meeting with the student and communicate the final decision on the recommended course of action. Upon conclusion of this meeting, the SCIS Dean will communicate a summary of the final decision in a written notification to the student and instructor.

Students who accrue multiple violations of the SCIS academic integrity policy will be subject to an enhanced review by the SCIS Dean. Upon this secondary review, the student may be subject to academic probation, academic suspension, or dismissal from the program. Only cases of suspension or dismissal may be appealed at this juncture. All other decisions are final.

3. Submit Appeal to the President (suspension or dismissal cases only)

Students may only appeal dismissal to the University President, or his/her/their designee, for final judgment. If the final judgment from the President or his/her/their designee is suspension or dismissal, the student will first be notified by the SCIS Dean. Seven working days shall elapse before the suspension or dismissal of a student becomes effective after the appeal process is completed unless the President determines an otherwise appropriate period for the suspension or dismissal to take effect.

The student cannot circumvent the plagiarism and cheating penalty by withdrawing from the class. If the final penalty for the academic dishonesty is an "F" in the course, the student shall not be permitted to withdraw.

4.Record Retention

After the case is concluded, all records pertaining to the appeals case will be archived in the student's conduct records maintained by the Office of Student Affairs. For more information, please consult the Appeals section of the Student Code of Conduct.

Final Grade Appeal Process

A student may appeal their grade for a course for one of the following reasons:

• They believe the grade assigned reflects a computational error.

• They believe they were unfairly graded in the course.

Students wishing to appeal a final grade should follow the procedure within 5 business days of the grade being posted in SAGE:

1. Informal conversation

   A student should first try to reach agreement with the faculty member who assigned the grade through informal conversation.
   

2. Student submits appeals form
   If the student is not satisfied with the result of the conversation, or if the faculty member does not respond to requests for such an informal conversation, the student shall submit a written statement via the Final Grade Appeal Form, setting forth the basis for the appeal to the SCIS Honor Council (hereby referred to as the "Honor Council") with a copy to the professor.  This form must be submitted within 1 week of the grade being posted.  

3. Review by the Honor Council
   A designee from the Honor Council will attempt to mediate the complaint as outlined below:

   Within 5 business days of receiving the student’s written statement, the Honor Council will solicit the faculty member’s point of view, in writing, about the grade and the criteria on which it was based.  The Honor Council may render a decision based on written communication or may call the student and faculty member together for a meeting to discuss the issues, after which the designee will render a decision to both the student and pertinent faculty member in writing.  If the grade appeal is pertaining to a fall or spring course, this decision shall be delivered within 10 business days of receipt of the student’s form.  If the grade appeal form is in regard to a summer course and the parties are not reachable, this decision will be delivered during second week of classes in the fall semester.
   

4. Appeal to the SCIS Dean
   If either the student or faculty member is dissatisfied with the chair’s decision, the dissatisfied party may appeal, in writing, to the SCIS Dean, who will give the final decision on the matter.  This appeal must take place within 3 business days of receipt of the Honor Council's decision and must copy the other party.  The SCIS Dean will consult all parties concerned and may also seek counsel from the Academic Status Committee or other parties.  The SCIS Dean will render a final decision in writing to the student, faculty member, and Standards Committee, within 10 business days of the receipt of the original appeal.

Note: If a grade appeal involves alleged academic misconduct, the appeal will instead be subject to the procedures outlined in the SCIS Academic Dishonesty Policy.