Course grades are mailed to students after the close of each semester. Students are encouraged to discuss any academic difficulties with their advisors and instructors. Grade disputes are handled by the chair of the department or through a formal review by the Recording Committee. Students whose work does not meet acceptable standards are placed on academic probation and are encouraged to meet with their faculty advisor and a member of the dean's staff who will help to monitor the student's academic performance. Each student is assigned a pre-major academic advisor at the start of his or her first year at Bowdoin.
Advisors consult with students on course selection and their academic program.
Each year department representatives are also selected by the faculty to provide their perspectives regarding study in the various departments. The Office of Off-Campus Study maintains a list of approved programs and provides information about study away. Students who wish to study away should consult with their advisors, their potential major departments, and the off-campus study coordinator. Applications for off-campus study are due by March 1. Bowdoin charges a fee for participation in off-campus study programs.