Navigating the Academic Year: A Guide to Loyola Marymount University's Academic Calendar and Opportunities
Loyola Marymount University (LMU) provides a vibrant and multifaceted academic environment. Rooted in the Jesuit tradition, LMU empowers students to pursue excellence, take on real issues, and act with courage and compassion. Understanding the academic calendar and the resources available is crucial for students to thrive. This guide provides an overview of LMU's academic calendar, withdrawal policies, and various opportunities available to students.
Understanding the Academic Calendar
The academic calendar is an essential tool for all LMU students. It outlines critical dates and deadlines throughout the academic year, including the start and end dates of each semester, holidays, registration periods, and deadlines for withdrawing from courses. A student may withdraw from a course(s)/all courses from their schedule with a resulting grade of W in each course through the deadline to withdraw as printed in the calendars. Wait Lists deactivated.
Careful attention to the academic calendar allows students to plan their schedules effectively, manage their coursework, and avoid missing important deadlines.
Withdrawal Policies
LMU has specific policies regarding withdrawing from courses. A student may withdraw from a course(s)/all courses from their schedule with a resulting grade of W in each course through the deadline to withdraw as printed in the calendars. It's important to note that Wait Lists are deactivated during this period. Students considering withdrawing should consult the refund/cancellation schedule for their specific academic category, as enrollment status can affect financial implications. Students withdrawing or taking a leave of absence from the University during a percentage period may also have any financial aid they have received for that particular semester adjusted in accordance with Federal guidelines.
Understanding these policies ensures students are aware of the potential academic and financial consequences of withdrawing from a course.
Read also: Tuition at Loyola University Maryland
Staff Senate and LMU Community Engagement
The LMU Staff Senate plays a vital role in the university community. Staff Senate sends newsletters packed with relevant information for LMU staff, from noteworthy news and resources to events and updates on what Staff Senate is currently prioritizing. These newsletters are a key resource to stay informed and connected with the work of Staff Senate, so be sure to read them. Each edition provides important updates that directly impact the LMU staff experience.
LMU Staff Senate presents three staff awards annually. Nominations open in the spring semester, and all LMU staff, faculty, and administrators may submit nominations. Eligible staff have the opportunity to obtain a loan from LMU to purchase or upgrade a laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone and any related software or peripherals purchased together as part of a system for personal use.
All members of the LMU community are able to join an LMU choir. This fosters a sense of community and provides an outlet for creative expression.
Academic and Career Opportunities
LMU offers more than 150 degrees, certificates and credentials to prepare outstanding individuals for lives of meaning, purpose and professional success. At LMU, new ways of thinking are illuminated where creativity is boundless and justice prevails. Where progress is celebrated. There's a path for everyone. Jesuit education forms people who think boldly, lead with purpose, and serve others with conviction. Grounded in a 500-year Ignatian tradition, LMU empowers students to pursue excellence, take on real issues, and act with courage and compassion. Leaders are shaped for and with others, ready for what’s ahead and prepared to move the future forward. This is the LMU difference.
The Career and Professional Development (CPD) program at LMU prioritizes students’s professional development with access to numerous internship, career, and networking resources. With its proximity to Silicon Beach, where over 500 tech companies and start-ups reside alongside industry leaders like Snapchat and Google, LMU’s location is “amazing for networking opportunities.” CPD connects students and alumni through a networking and mentoring platform called The Pride. Many of these alumni work at one of the over 525,000 companies that LMU students have access to through Handshake, LMU’s online career management portal. It’s common for undergrads to visit alumni in Los Angeles and other cities through the Career Treks program in order to learn about potential careers and “broaden their understanding of various industries and occupations.” The CPD holds multiple career weeks throughout the year, with some targeting specific fields of interest, such as Biz + STEM, Arts + Entertainment, and Social Impact career weeks. CPD boasts over 2,000 internship opportunities, which 93 percent of students complete during their time at LMU. And there is the Summer Internship Funding grant, which helps students whose summer internships are under or unpaid.
Read also: Applying for Loyola Scholarships
LMU is a Catholic university founded in the Jesuit tradition.
Student Life and Campus Environment
Students describe their peers as "creative, progressive, and passionate." Although some report that LMU doesn't have the stereotypical "school spirit because we are a smaller school with less of an emphasis on sports," overall LMU is "very social." One student emphasizes that it's "still surprising after three semesters how kind and friendly people are here." Many students describe "a very diverse student body," while others say LMU could improve on diversity.
The campus provides many opportunities to soak up the sunshine, including the lawns of the Sunken Gardens and the Bluff and "having views of both the ocean and LA never gets old." Students also enjoy using the gym and attending the workout classes, where instructors "foster a fun environment." Another favorite event is Wellness Wednesdays, a weekly market where "small businesses set up booths and showcase their items for sale." Students at LMU "fill their day with extracurricular activities." Outdoor recreation is popular, including surfing and hiking as well as intramural sports like beach volleyball and soccer. "Everyone is involved in something," explains one student. Whether it's rock climbing, open mic night, cultural clubs, Greek life, service organizations, or 3D printing, there is "something here for everyone." For getting off-campus, exploring Los Angeles is a frequent activity. LMU provides a shuttle to the nearby neighborhood of Playa Vista where students often shop at the farmer's market or see a movie. Students note that exploring beyond Playa Vista requires the use of a car, but for many, the proximity to all of what LA offers is a big perk.
Admission Information
Questions often arise about the college application process such as: Should You Apply Early Action vs Early Decision? What is Rolling Admission? What Looks Good on College Applications?
Read also: ACT Scores for Loyola
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