Div I Procedures

Procedures for Completion of Division I

Portfolio

At the end of the second semester of enrollment, first-year students are responsible for preparing a Division I portfolio that contains completed course evaluations, representative samples of work, a retrospective that reflects on their studies in Division I, the Community-Engaged Learning (CEL-1) reflections on community education and activities, and an exploratory statement about the student's goals for Division II. Students meet with their advisor to review and discuss their academic progress and Division I portfolio.

Passing Your Division I

After completing all the necessary courses as well as fulfilling the CEL-1, students prepare to pass Division I at the end of their second semester by writing a retrospective essay that describes their intellectual development during Division I and developing a portfolio of selected Division I work. This final work is coordinated with and approved by the students’ academic advisor. Students who do not satisfy all Division I requirements on the basis of their first two semesters' work should consult with their advisor to address the need for further study to ensure the satisfactory completion of Division I. Students must complete Division I before filing Division II.

For Transfer Students

When transfer students complete all the Division I course requirements, they should notify Central Records to record a Division I pass. Transfer students do not need to write a Division I self-evaluation or submit a Division I portfolio, and they will not receive a Division I evaluation. Transfer students should refer to the transfer policy section.

First-Year Students with AP, IB, or Prior College Work

Students who have completed fewer than 15 semester or 23 quarter credits of college work will be considered first-year entrants and must meet all requirements of the Division I curriculum.

First-year students who present Advanced Placement program (AP) scores of 4 or 5 or International Baccalaureate (IB) scores of 5, 6, or 7 on Higher Level exams may use these exams in place of up to three electives in Division I and use those elective courses toward Division II.

Note: Students must complete all Division I requirements in their first two semesters of enrollment for these exams to be used towards Division I requirements. 

College course work recorded for credit on students' high school transcripts may not be used at Hampshire College. College courses not recorded for credit on the high school transcript may be considered for use in Division II with the approval of the committee chairperson. Courses must be full academic courses taken at a regionally accredited college or university, evidenced by a college transcript, and graded C or better.