Auditors

Courses are intended for Bowdoin students, but the College is normally happy to extend, as a privilege, the opportunity for community members to attend courses. Auditing has not been possible in the 2022-2023 academic year and the College's decision about auditing in the 2023-2024 academic year is pending but expected this summer. 

Auditors must obtain permission from the course instructor before attending the first class and follow their guidelines regarding in-class participation. Auditors are generally not permitted in full courses and are not allowed to attend First-Year Writing Seminars (courses numbered 1000-1049). The College reserves the right to restrict the number of courses audited by any one person and to limit the total number of auditors on campus at a particular time. The College also reserves the right to change or amend this policy.

People wishing to audit a class should be aware of the following:

  • There is no official record kept and no grade given for an audited class.
    • Auditors are not officially registered for a class.

  • Auditors may elect to receive electronic services from the College. These services include things such as access to e-reserves, electronic course materials, and inclusion on the class email list.
    • Electronic services will cease after a term ends.
    • A fee of $50 per course is normally charged for this service.
    • Friends of Bowdoin pay a reduced fee of $30.

  • There is no fee to audit for the following constituents:
    • Bowdoin alumni, students, employees or employee spouses
    • Bates, Colby, MECA, USM, or local High School students
      • A high school student may audit a Bowdoin class when permission is granted by the course instructor in consultation with the student's high school guidance department.