The Recording Committee generally meets every other week to consider student petitions and meets at the end of each semester to review the records of those students who are subject to probation, suspension, or dismissal.
One of the major functions of the Recording Committee is to serve as the academic rules and regulations appeal committee. All of its decisions are final. There are times when exceptions to academic regulations or curricular requirements are appropriate. However, in order to maintain the integrity of the Bowdoin degree, and ensure fairness and consistency, the Recording Committee approves all such exceptions.
One of the most common petitions to the Recording Committee is a petition to drop a class after the drop deadline. Some petitions are approved and others denied. The circumstances of the individual student's petition are what guide the decision. Generally, if there is an extreme medical or personal circumstance, something beyond the student's control, drop petitions are approved. They are not approved if a student is simply trying to avoid a disappointing grade.
Courses that are dropped through Extended Drop or the Recording Committee will appear on the transcript as a W grade which indicates that the student withdrew with permission after the course drop deadline.
The Recording Committee believes strongly in student accountability and responsibility. In general, petitions are only approved if the Committee determines that the situation is something truly beyond the student's control.