Policies
Each graduate program has a complete handbook of detailed policies and procedures in addition to the list below. Visit your specific program page for more information.
Academic Conduct Code
Academic Conduct Code
Boston University’s Academic Conduct Code is designed to assist in the development of a supportive and productive learning environment. It is both a description of the University’s ethical expectations of students as well as a guarantee of students’ rights and responsibilities as members of a learning community. The Code provides clarity related to policy and procedure regarding academic conduct.
Academic Standards
Academic Performance Review for MBA, MBA+MSDi and Dual Degree Students
The MBA Center monitors students’ academic performance at the end of modules, Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters up until the time of graduation. An MBA, MBA+MSDi or dual degree student must maintain a cumulative Questrom grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.70 (on a 4.0 scale) to be in good academic standing (i.e., to graduate). Coursework taken outside Boston University Questrom School of Business is not calculated into the student’s CGPA.
The MBA Program Development Committee (PDC) has final responsibility for decisions regarding MBA, MBA+MSDi and dual degree students with poor academic standing. The PDC determines whether students with poor performance will be withdrawn or permitted to stay in the MBA, MBA+MSDi and dual degree program and, if so, what specific steps must be taken to regain good academic standing.
All MBA, MBA+MSDi and dual degree students who are not in good academic standing (i.e., with CGPAs below 2.70) after 8 credits attempted will be referred to the PDC for review. Students will be informed of their academic position via their BU email address prior to the start of the subsequent semester or module. All students in poor academic standing must meet with their GDC advisor (in person or by telephone) within 48 hours of receipt of this communication to discuss the situation. If a Student Statement (described below) is submitted, this is due within 72 hours of the performance notification. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the tight window between notice and action and plan accordingly.
Based on the student’s Questrom CGPA there are two categories of poor academic performance:
- MBA, MBA+MSDi and dual degree students with a Questrom CGPA less than 2.70 but equal to or greater than 2.55 after 8 credits attempted will be placed on academic probation. The PDC will take one of the following probationary actions: (1) written warning, (2) written warning with requirements, or (3) required suspension for one or two semesters. The PDC determines the terms of the probation. The student will have the opportunity to provide a written statement concerning their academic performance to inform the PDC’s probation plan (See Student Statement, below). To remain in the program, students must make progress as outlined in the probation plan.
- MBA, MBA+MSDi and dual degree students with a Questrom CGPA less than 2.55 after 8 credits attempted will be informed that they have been flagged for withdrawal from the program. All withdrawal cases come to the PDC for a final review. As input into the PDC decision regarding permanent academic withdrawal, the student has the opportunity to provide a written statement explaining their academic performance (See Student Statement, below).
After all program credits are completed, all MBA, MBA+MSDi and dual degree students must achieve a 2.70 or higher CGPA in each of their degrees in order to graduate. Students are not permitted to take additional credits beyond the semester in which they have completed their degree requirements in order to improve their CGPA or restart enrollment, nor can they withdraw and re-enroll.
Please be aware that your CGPA can also affect your eligibility for continuing financial aid including scholarships and loans. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (at least 2.70 CGPA) in order to be eligible for continued Federal Stafford Loan and private educational loan funding.
Student Statement: The Student Statement is voluntary though it is strongly encouraged as it offers the sole opportunity for student input into PDC decisions. The statement is self-reflective and provides the student’s explanation for their poor academic performance. The statement is due within 72 hours of notice of poor performance by the MBA Center. The statement is the student’s individual work product and must be prepared accordingly.
Academic Performance Review for MS in Mathematical Finance Students
The Graduate Academic & Career Development Center monitors students’ academic performance at the end of the Fall and Spring Semesters, up until the time of graduation. A student must maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.70 (on a 4.0 scale) to be in good academic standing (i.e., to graduate). Coursework taken outside the Boston University Questrom School of Business, which does not count toward the MS in Mathematical Finance degree, will not be calculated into the student’s CGPA.
The Mathematical Finance Faculty Program Development Committee (PDC) has final responsibility for decisions regarding students with poor academic performance. The committee determines whether students will be permitted to stay in the program, and if so, what specific steps must be taken to regain good academic standing.
Students with a CGPA below 2.70 after the Fall and Spring semesters will be referred to the PDC for review. Students will be informed of their academic position via their BU email address prior to the start of the subsequent semester. All students in poor academic standing must meet with their Master’s and PhD Center advisor (in person or by telephone) within 48 hours of receipt of this communication to discuss the situation. If a Student Statement (described below) is submitted, this is due within 72 hours of the performance notification. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the tight window between notice and action and plan accordingly.
After 16 credits attempted, Mathematical Finance students with a CGPA less than 2.30 will be withdrawn from the program. Students with a CGPA between 2.3 and 2.69 after 16 credits may be academically withdrawn from the program or receive a written warning with recommendations for improvement.
After 32 credits attempted, students with a CGPA less than 2.30 will be automatically withdrawn from the program. Students with a CGPA between 2.3 and 2.69 after 32 credits may be academically withdrawn from the program or receive a written warning with recommendations for improvement. Mathematical Finance students are not permitted to take additional credits, beyond the semester in which they have completed their degree requirements, to improve their CGPA.
After all program credits are completed, all students must achieve a 2.70 or higher CGPA in order to graduate. Students are not permitted to take additional credits beyond the semester in which they have completed their degree requirements in order to improve their CGPA or restart enrollment, nor can they withdraw and re-enroll.
Please be aware that your CGPA can also affect your eligibility for continuing financial aid, including scholarships and loans. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (at least a 2.70 CGPA) in order to be eligible for continued Federal Stafford Loan funding and private educational loan funding.
Student Statement: The Student Statement is voluntary, though it is strongly encouraged as it offers the sole opportunity for student input into PDC decisions. The statement is self-reflective and provides the student’s explanation for their poor academic performance. The statement is due within 72 hours of notice of poor performance by the Master’s and PhD Center. The statement is the student’s individual work product and must be prepared accordingly.
PhD Performance Review–Management and Mathematical Finance Students
The Doctoral Program Committee will review the progress of each doctoral candidate. Students must maintain a 3.30 cumulative grade point average in all courses to remain in good academic standing. Students who are not in good academic standing will be allowed one semester to correct their status. Prior to the start of the semester, the student must submit a letter to the PhD department liaison (who will forward it to the PDC) explaining why he/she has fallen short of the CGPA requirement and how he/she plans to correct the situation. Failure to increase the CGPA to acceptable levels may result in probation or withdrawal from the program, at the discretion of the PhD Doctoral Program Development Committee.
Childbirth & Adoption Accommodation for Full-time PhD Students
Childbirth & Adoption Accommodation for Full-time PhD Students
Please visit BU’s Childbirth & Adoption Accommodation for Full-time PhD Students to view the detailed policy.
Course Overload Policy
Course Overload Policy
Standard full-time tuition covers 12-18 credits per semester. All full-time students can automatically take up to 18 credits per semester. Overloading is registering for more than 18 credits in a semester. There are different overload policies varying by program and start date.
Formal Complaints
Formal Complaints
Any student unhappy with an aspect of their graduate program may issue a formal complaint through a personal meeting, via email or written memo.
- The initial recipient may be a faculty member, dean, or Questrom advisor.
- The initial complaint should then be referred to the Director of the MBA Center or Master’s and PhD Center within 48 hours.
- The Director will immediately contact the complainant to hear the concerns first-hand and clarify details.
- The Director will call a meeting with the appropriate parties with power for resolution i.e. Assistant Dean, Associate Dean, or faculty member.
- Within a week, an outcome should be reached and the student informed about resolution of concerns, if any are possible.
No-Show Policy
No-Show Policy
Building a reputation of respect and professionalism is critical for success in the world of business. When working for a company, if you commit to attend an appointment or an event, it is expected that you honor that commitment. Your time at Questrom is no different. The MBA Center and Master’s and PhD Center foster a professional culture by imposing adherence to our no-show policy on a three strike basis.
Students must provide notice of cancellation prior to the start of a career appointment, career workshop or class, or an academic advising appointment by emailing mbacenter@bu.edu or qstmsphd@bu.edu and copying the appropriate coach/advisor. Failing to provide notice or arriving later than 15 minutes will be counted as a no-show.
Compliance with the no-show policy ensures continued access to Questrom services; including career coaching, Handshake, academic advising, and writing assistance. Students will be notified after each no-show occurs. After three no-shows in an academic year, your access to all Questrom services will be revoked.
*Important: Unless otherwise indicated, each career workshop, class, and event has a form of sign-in for attendance. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have recorded your attendance properly otherwise you will be considered a no-show.
Grade Grievance Policy
Policy on Grade Grievances for Graduate Students in Boston University Questrom School of Business
Grading is the prerogative of the faculty and is based upon a student’s performance against a clearly articulated set of assignments, expectations, and standards.
Arbitrary grades are defined as those:
- assigned to a student on some basis other than performance in the course; or,
- assigned to a student by resorting to unreasonable standards different from those which were applied to other students in that course or section of the course; or,
- assigned to a student on the basis of criteria that are a substantial, unreasonable, and unannounced departure from the instructor’s previously articulated standards.
Issues that do not meet one or more of these criteria of arbitrariness are not appropriate bases for a grade appeal under this policy. Only final course grades may be formally appealed. Grades that are the result of academic misconduct are not appealable. All grievances must be made in a timely manner within six weeks of the official posting of the grade.
Before filing a formal appeal, a student is urged to resolve any grievance informally by meeting with the instructor responsible for the grading of the course to discuss the student’s concerns. The student is responsible for bringing copies of all relevant information to the meeting (i.e., course syllabus, assignment sheet, graded work). The student should be prepared to show evidence of arbitrary grading. The instructor is expected to discuss the student’s concerns and to explain the basis for determining the grade.
If the student and the instructor are unable to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution, the student may file a formal appeal with the department chair of the instructor. The written appeal must detail the basis for the allegation of arbitrary grading and present adequate evidence that supports the allegation. The chair may seek to informally resolve the matter between the instructor and student or determine a resolution after review of all materials.
If the student wishes to appeal the chair’s decision, they may do so to the Faculty Director of the student’s degree program. Finally, the student may appeal the chair and faculty director’s decision to the dean, who will render a final decision.
Offer Policy
Offer Policy
- Honesty and integrity during your search process reflect character, personal brand, and the BU Questrom brand. The professionalism of Questrom students is a trademark recognized by employers. Our reputation is built on the quality of our students and their behavior and approach throughout the entire recruitment process.
- Once you have accepted an official offer in writing, you are expected to withdraw your candidacy from all additional ongoing interview processes and search activities, and you are expected to fulfill the conditions of the internship/job that you have agreed to (include salary, location, start date etc.).
- We remind all parties that they are subject to the terms of the offer agreements and the laws of the state in which the agreement is enacted.
- We understand that unusual circumstances (trailing spouse, family/health situation etc.) may arise which would require a student to renege or an employer to rescind an offer. In these rare cases, students and employers must work with Questrom in order to protect the brands of both BU Questrom and our employer partners. Situations that are handled poorly may damage the Questrom/employer relationship and negatively impact Questrom students and alumni. The career team is specially trained to help navigate these situations.
- If a student reneges on an offer without working with a career coach or IRM, the student will lose career services for life, including access to Handshake.
- This policy applies to both internship and full-time positions.
MBA Grading
Grades
Incomplete “I”
A grade of “I” indicates that course requirements, such as a final exam or written course work, have not been completed by the end of the semester. An “I” grade is given at the instructor’s discretion. The student must arrange with the instructor to complete the remaining requirements no later than the end of the following semester (not including summer). When the work is completed, the instructor will determine the final grade. Note that cohorted students who receive an “I” in a core class (excluding Executive Skills classes and PL700) cannot continue to be cohorted the following semester, unless the “I” is resolved before the start of the next semester. If work is not completed and a final grade is not submitted within one full academic semester of when the “I” was issued, the “I” will be converted into an “F” grade. In extenuating circumstances, a student may petition for an extension of the time limit to complete the work. The instructor who gave the “I” grade must endorse the written petition, which must then be submitted to the Graduate Programs Office. Students with incomplete grades in core classes, excluding Executive Skills courses and PL700, are not eligible to be inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the national business honor society. An “I” grade has no honor points; therefore, it is not calculated into the cumulative GPA (CGPA). When the professor reassigns the grade once the student completes the work, or when the Graduate Programs Office Senior Systems Administrator (Registrar) converts the “I” to an “F” following the procedures outlined above, the grade for the course is then included in the calculation of the GPA. A student may not graduate with an “I” grade on his or her transcript.
Course Withdrawal “W”
A grade of “W” in a course indicates that the course was dropped after the semester deadline to drop a class without a “W”. A student who withdraws from a course forfeits the right to complete the course in that semester and to receive a grade. Note that cohorted students who receive a “W” in a core class (excluding Executive Skills classes and PL700) cannot continue to be cohorted the following semester. Students are charged full tuition for “W” grades.
Course Failure “F”
A grade of “F” indicates failure to pass the course. A student who earns a grade of “F” in a core course (including Executive Skills classes) must repeat that course with a passing grade. A student who earns a grade of “F” in an elective course must subsequently repeat that course or take another elective and earn a passing grade. When a course is repeated, both the “F” and the subsequent grade remain on the student’s permanent record, and both grades are included in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average (CGPA). Note that cohorted students who receive an “F” in a core class, excluding Executive Skills classes, cannot be cohorted the following semester.
Retaking Courses
MBA and MS·MBA students cannot retake a GSM course that has been successfully completed in order to improve their grade performance and/or CGPA. MBA and MS·MBA/MBA+MSDi students also cannot audit a class first and then retake it for credit. Courses in which a grade of “F” or “W” have been received can be retaken, because “F” and “W” grades cannot be used to satisfy MBA or MSIS degree requirements. MBA and MS·MBA/MBA+MSDi students can also retake non-Questrom graduate electives at Boston University in which they have received a grade below “B-” because only non-Questrom electives with grades of B- or higher can be used to satisfy MBA or MSIS degree requirements.
Grading Guidelines
The Questrom School of Business has the following school-wide voluntary grading guidelines for MBA core courses:
- No more than 40% of the grades in a given MBA required course should be in the A or A- range
- Grades in the C+, C, or C- range are legitimate passing grades, and they should be used in the case of very low performing students
The Questrom School of Business has the following school-wide voluntary grading guidelines for MBA electives:
- No more than 50% of the grades in a given MBA elective course should be in the A or A- range.
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)
All graded graduate-level courses taken at the Boston University Questrom School of Business to fulfill the MBA or MSIS requirements are included in the computation of the cumulative grade point average (CGPA). Grades are computed on a 4.00 scale. Please note: ES700, ES701, ES707, ES724, MG700, and PL700 (PEMBA sections only) are pass/fail courses. The grade of pass does not count towards the GPA but the grade of “F” does count in the GPA. Coursework taken outside the Boston University Questrom School of Business will not be calculated into the student’s CGPA. If a student drops from the MS·MBA/MBA+MSDi program, all MSIS courses taken would count toward the student’s MBA CGPA.
Calculating CGPA for Single & Dual Degree MBA Students (excluding MS·MBA) MBA Students
Dual-degree students will have cumulative grade point averages calculated separately for each degree.
- Divide the number of honor points earned in GSM courses by the number of GSM credits attempted (do not include “W” or “P” grades);
- The grades and credits of all repeated courses are calculated in the GPA;
- The following grade symbols are not given honor points, and credits associated with any of these symbols are not used in the calculation of grade point averages: AU, P, W, and MG;
- “I” grades are not computed until all required work is completed and an appropriate letter grade assigned:
(Honor points for grade) x (credits in course) = Honor Points in Course
(Total honor points from all GSM courses) / (total GSM credits attempted) = Cumulative GPA
Calculaing CGPA MS·MBA/MBA+MSDi Students
MS·MBA/MBA+MSDi students in the Class of 2015 will have two cumulative grade point averages calculated: one for the MBA portion and one for the MSIS/MSDi portion of the MS·MBA/MBA+MSDi Program. For the Class of 2016 and later, MS-MBA/MBA+MSDi students will have one combined GPA, which will include all GSM coursework. The two CGPAs are calculated individually, based on coursework taken at the Boston University Questrom School of Business, towards the 44 MSIS credits and 40 MBA credits. The computation of the CGPAs takes place as follows:
- Divide the number of honor points earned in GSM courses for each of the MBA and MSIS degrees by the number of GSM credits attempted for each degree (do not include “W” or “P”grades);
- The grades and credits of all repeated courses are calculated in the GPA for either the MBA or MSIS degree;
- The following grade symbols are not given honor points, and credits associated with any of these symbols are not used in the calculation of grade point averages: AU, P, W, and MG;
- Note that “I” grades are not computed until all required work is completed and an appropriate letter grade assigned;
(Honor points for grade) x (credits in course) = Honor Points in Course
(Total honor points from all GSM courses for the MBA portion of the degree) / (total GSM credits attempted for the MBA portion of the degree) = Cumulative MBA GPA
(Total honor points from all GSM courses for the MSIS portion of the degree) / (total GSM credits attempted for the MSIS portion of the degree) = Cumulative MSIS GPA
Grade Verification
Federal law prohibits staff members from giving grades over the phone. Students may receive their grades in one of the following ways:
- Students may obtain an unofficial or official copy of their grades/transcript by logging on to the Boston University Student Link, Click on Academics, then on Transcript Preview and Ordering;
- At any time, a student may request a grade mailer in person at the Office of the University Registrar.
PhD Printing Policy
PhD Printing Policy
If you exceed your quota for printing at Questrom, the PhD Program can reimburse you up to $50 per academic year for refreshing your print quota. You can replenish your print quota in the Questrom Computer Labs (Questrom rooms 316 and 328; make sure to ask for a receipt). More information on printing from the Questrom Computer Labs can be found on the Questrom Tech Help website. To be reimbursed for printing, please complete the reimbursement form and select “Annual Printing Quota Refresh.”

Rafik B. Hariri Building
595 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
MBA CENTER
CONTACT
mbacenter@bu.edu
617.353.7800
OFFICE HOURS
Fall & Spring
Appts: M-Th 8:30am-6:30pm,
F 9am-5pm
Summer
M-T 9am-5pm, W-Th 9am-6:30pm, F 9am-1pm
HAR 416
@questrom_MBA
MASTERS & PhD CENTER
CONTACT
qstmsphd@bu.edu
617.353.2673
OFFICE HOURS
Fall & Spring
Appts: M-Th 9am-5pm,
F 8am-4pm
HAR 102
@questromgrad