Academic Information
Term Dates
The Joint Institute has a different academic calendar with the rest of the SJTU schools. Term dates are usually set as follows:
– Fall Term: 14 or 15 weeks from mid-September to late-December (before Christmas)
– Spring Term: 10 weeks from late-February to end of April
– Summer Term: 13 weeks from mid-May Mid-August
* SJTU has a two semester calendar, with its fall starts at the same time with the Joint Institute in September but ends earlier in January, and its Spring starts at the same time with the Joint Institute too and also ends earlier in April.
* These dates may vary by a few days from year to year. Up to date and more detailed information can be found in the Academic Calendar.
* Please note that Spring is not a major semester at JI therefore the course options will be limited. Please consult your program advisors before applying.
Course List and Enrollment
All courses at the Joint Institute, as well as supporting recitation classes, are taught in English and only English-language textbooks and references are used. The curriculum is inspired by that of the University of Michigan and most courses are equivalent to corresponding offerings at UM.
The list of presently offered courses will exhibit slight changes from term to term with regard to elective courses, but all core engineering courses are offered regularly every year.
Exchange and visiting students usually enroll courses a few weeks before a new semester starts. Detailed instructions will be given by the International Programs Office ahead of time on how to do so.
Once exchange and visiting students have been admitted by SJTU/JI, they will receive the SJTU student numbers, with which they can log on JI canvas to download the course syllabi that they need for course evaluation at their home institutions.
Transcripts
When exchange and visiting students finish up their studies at JI, the International Programs Office will send out transcripts addressing to the students as well as their study abroad or academic advisors back at their home institutions. The electronic versions usually will be available within 2-3 weeks after the term ends. Paper versions will be issued later and will be mailed based on the needs of the students and their home institutions.
Grading Scale:
| A+ | 4.0 |
| A | 4.0 |
| A- | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B- | 2.7 |
| C+ | 2.7 |
| C | 2.0 |
| C- | 1.7 |
| D | 1.0 |
| P(pass) | N/A |
| F(Failure) | 0 |
The above information is available at page 36-37 of the 2019 Undergraduate Student Handbook. Please click to download.
Academic Support
Students coming to the JI for visiting or attending the exchange programs will be able to use all the academic support and recourses available at the JI, including but not limited to the JI Advising Center where senior JI students provide academic support to the JI students, JI Writing Center where JI faculty and students helps students with resume writing, application essays and other professional writing needs.
More information is available at Academic Services and Support.