In Independent Research, seminars and other courses in which the grade is based entirely or in large part on a paper, the professor supervising the paper or teaching the course may approve an extension beyond the end of the semester, but no later than the end of the semester following the semester in which the paper was originally due. Students are responsible for insuring that the professor forwards a memorandum to the Registrar before the end of the semester authorizing such extension and specifying a date by which the paper will be completed and the grade submitted. Forms suitable for this purpose are available from the Registrar’s Office. The professor may approve a further extension by filing with the Dean a written statement affirming that the student is making satisfactory progress on the paper, and specifying a new date for its completion. Any such extension must be filed before the previous extension expires. In no event may such second extension extend beyond one additional semester. This means that the longest possible extension on an Independent Research Project or course paper is two full semesters (fall and spring) after the semester in which the paper was originally due.

Students who fail to complete the paper by the end of the semester and who do not obtain an extension, or who do not complete the paper by any authorized extension, will receive the grade of “F” for the Independent Research Project or course.

Explanation of the Grade Curve:

Effective Fall 2003, the faculty adopted a mandatory grade curve for required courses. In elected upper division courses, such as Family Law, Business Organizations, Federal Income Tax, Criminal Procedure and New York Practice, among others, are subject to a recommended curve.

Mandatory Grade Curve for Required Courses (except* Legal Methods I & II and Contracts II)

* Legal Methods I & II are exempt from the curve because the classes are too small.  Contracts II is subject to a different curve. See Student Handbook for details.