Academics

Academic Honesty

WSU expects students to maintain standards of honesty and integrity in all aspects of their academic careers. Academic dishonesty violates the very nature of our academy. Its scope includes plagiarism, lying, tampering and falsifying reference materials, and theft. Plagiarism and cheating consist of any attempt by a student to represent the work of someone else as his or her own. It includes, but is not limited to submitting, copying, or substantially restating the work of another person or persons in an oral or written work without citing the appropriate source; collaborating with someone else in an academic endeavor without acknowledging that contribution; and copying the answers of another student in an examination. Worcester State University will not tolerate plagiarism or cheating in the classroom in any fashion. The penalties for academic deceit are severe and unawareness is not an acceptable justification. The instructor may fail the student or enforce another appropriate penalty concerning academic dishonesty. The official policies and procedures of the University's response to academic dishonesty are outlined in the Student Handbook, in the section "Worcester State University Student Code of Conduct and the Judicial System."

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Matriculation

Matriculation is a process whereby students are admitted to the University and pursue a formal course of study leading to the bachelor's degree, second major, certificate, professional certification or master's degree.

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General Requirements for the Baccalaureate Degree

Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must complete 120 semester-hour credits with a 2.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) and a minimum 2.0 GPA or higher in the departmental and ancillary courses of the major field of concentration. To receive a baccalaureate degree from Worcester State University, a student must:

• complete 30 of the last 40 credits at Worcester State University;
• earn a majority of credits in the major at Worcester State University;
• earn a majority of credits in the minor (if elected) at the University.

Students completing their degrees within six years must meet the degree requirements of the catalog under which they enter the University. After six years, students are subject to the degree requirements of the catalog in effect for their year of graduation.

Second Baccalaureate Degree: A student who holds a bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University or another four-year institution of higher education accredited by regional accrediting agencies may be awarded a second bachelor’s degree by completing a minimum of 30 additional semester hours of prescribed work at Worcester State University after matriculation into the second degree program. Twelve semester hours of the 30 must be in upper- level work in the student’s major, and the student must meet all requirements for that major. In addition, in order to be granted a second degree, the student must meet all current catalog requirements for a baccalaureate degree at Worcester State University, as follows:

• All courses from the former institution which the Office of Admissions deems usable towards fulfillment of the foundation and general education requirements currently existing at Worcester State University will be transferred to the student’s
  second baccalaureate program.
• All courses transferred into the student’s major for the second degree are subject to the approval of the Department Chair.
• As many credits from the former institution as are deemed appropriate by the Office of Admissions will be transferred to the student’s second degree program as elective credits (up to and not to exceed 90 credits).

Post-baccalaureate students who seek a second major but do not seek a second baccalaureate degree at Worcester State University will receive a letter from the Registrar certifying completion of the second major upon completion of all prerequisites to the major and all requirements of the major. After matriculation into either post-Baccalaureate program, no additional transfer credits will be allocated as graduation credit.

General Education Requirements

The University offers general education courses in humanities, behavioral and social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics and computer science, fine arts and health. Together these provide an integrated study which stimulates active learning. Students will be given the opportunity to interpret facts, solve problems, evaluate issues and think creatively and critically.

The general education curriculum at Worcester State University is directed toward helping students to achieve the following:

• To speak and articulate, write clearly and precisely, and listen and read with comprehension;
• To demonstrate basic competencies of mathematical and computer sciences needed to function effectively in our rapidly changing world;
• To acquire an historical perspective;
• To read and interpret a variety of works in literature, music, art and philosophy drawn from the student’s own and other cultures;
• To understand the basic principles of modern science and the implications of science in today’s society;
• To gain a better appreciation of the student’s own attitudes, beliefs and values, as well as those of others.

The General Education Program prepares students to be inquisitive about the world and to be informed about how to make sense of it. The courses lead students to make intellectual, aesthetic and moral judgments in whatever life and career paths they follow.

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Foundation Requirements (Competencies) Credits

English Composition: 6 Credits
EN 101 English Composition I*, EN 102 English Composition II
*unless waived by the Department of Languages and Literature.

NOTE: Students whose assessment scores indicate the need will be required to take Pre-composition during the freshman year. This course carries 3 developmental credits.

Mathematics: 3 Credits
All students will complete one three-credit course, ordinarily during the freshman year. Before enrolling in a University mathematics course, the student may have to participate in the mathematics laboratory, a developmental self-paced exercise for students whose Accuplacer test scores indicate the need.

Constitutions: 03 Credits
All students will complete, prior to graduation, one course in which the constitutions of both the United States and Massachusetts are studied (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 73, Section 2A). Courses which satisfy this requirement include:

HI 111 and HI 112, US History I and II; HI/PO 218 and 219,
US Constitutional History I and II; PO 102, Constitutions: US and
Massachusetts; and PO 210, American Government.

Foundation courses may not be taken on a pass/fail basis. Courses taken to fulfill foundation requirements cannot also be used to fulfill distribution requirements.

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Distribution Requirements

The University requires a specified number of credits in the humanities, the behavioral and social sciences, the natural sciences, mathematics, and fine arts, and health studies. Students may select from a broad spectrum of courses in each of these areas. The distribution requirements may be met in any year of the undergraduate program, but students are advised to complete them insofar as possible during the first two years of study. The following restrictions apply:

1. No course within a student’s first major discipline may be used to satisfy any distribution requirement.
2. A student may apply no more than 6 credits in a given discipline within a group toward the satisfaction of a distribution requirement; e.g., Humanities:
   6 credits in English and 6 credits in History would satisfy the requirement;
   9 credits in English and 3 credits in History would not.

Group I: Humanities 12 credits
Students will complete four courses (minimum of 12 credits) selected from the disciplines of:

English
Foreign Languages
History
Philosophy
Communications (excluding courses that apply to Group IV).

Group II: Behavioral and Social Sciences 12 Credits
Students will complete four courses (minimum of 12 credits selected from the disciplines of:

Cultural Geography (“GE” prefixes)
Economics
Education
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Urban Studies

Group III: Natural Sciences and Mathematics 13 Credits
Students will complete four courses (minimum of 13 credits), at least one of which must be a science laboratory course selected from:

Biology
Chemistry
Geology/Physical Geography (“GS” prefixes)
Mathematics
Natural Science
Physics

Group IV: Fine Arts 9 Credits
Students will complete three courses (minimum of 9 credits) selected from:

Art
Communications*
Music
Theatre
Visual and Performing Arts

*The following Communications courses are considered fine arts offerings and can be used to satisfy Group IV: CM 150, CM 231, CM 241, CM 244, CM 249, CM 263, CM 367, CM 373.

Group V: Health Studies 3 Credits
Students will complete either one 3-credit health course or three 1-credit activity courses. This basic requirement may be waived upon validation of completion of military basic training; ROTC students receive a 1-credit exemption for each year of ROTC completed.

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Freshman Experience Requirement
Freshmen who enter as first-time students are enrolled in WSU 101, Academic Strategies for University Success. In the fall, this course is part of a learning community.

WSU 101 Academic Strategies for University Success
Required of all full-time day students who have fewer than 3 credits upon beginning the freshman year. This course focuses on providing freshmen with the tools necessary to ensure a successful and satisfying initial University experience. Category 1. 1 credit.

Electives
Having met the general education requirements and those of the major (and minor, where applicable), a student may elect other courses without restriction to complete the 120 semester hours of credit necessary for graduation. Since the purpose of elective courses is to encourage exploration in diverse fields of knowledge, students are urged to take advantage of the opportunity to broaden and deepen their intellectual development.

Intent to Graduate
The degree and diploma will be granted within 60 days of the final day of examinations for the semester in which degree requirements have been met providing that students have adhered to the following deadlines for filing an Intent to Graduate form:

December completion: Last Friday of October
May completion: Last Friday of December
August completion: Last Friday of May

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Declaration of Major/Minor
Major: Upon or after admission to the University, and in any case prior to the beginning of the junior year, degree seeking students declare an intent to major in a specific discipline. In general, a major is completed by earning no fewer than 30 and no more than 48 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Courses are selected under the direction, and with the approval, of the student’s faculty advisor in the major department. No course from a student's first major discipline may be used to fulfill the distribution requirements.

A department may establish standards for admission of enrolled students into major and minor programs. These standards are not based solely on any GPA. They may be based on grades earned in prerequisite courses, demonstration of special knowledge and skills through tests, portfolios, interviews, and other relevant criteria. Departments must have standards approved by the All University Committee. A minimum GPA at variance with University policy may not be used as a standard for retention as a major or minor student within a department. Transfer credit within the major must be approved by the major department. Not more than 2 courses from the second major may be used to fulfill distribution requirements.

Minor: Although not required for graduation, a minor may be completed by earning between 18 and 24 credits in a discipline other than the student’s major discipline. Courses are selected with the approval of the student’s faculty advisor. Not more than two courses may be used to fulfill distribution requirements.

Changing Major or Minor: A student wishing to change a major or minor field of study completes the Declaration/Change of Major/Minor Form at the Office of the Registrar. A request for a change in major or minor must be made in the Fall by October 15 and in the Spring by March 15. Forms for the declaration or change of a major/minor are available at the Office of the Registrar.

Note: A student wishing to declare/change into Education, Nursing, or OT must obtain approval from the Chair of the department.

Academic Advising
A student is assigned a faculty member from his or her major department to serve as advisor in the selection of courses, changes in schedule, and all other academic matters. Undeclared students have faculty/academic advisors assigned as well. The student meets with the academic advisor during the regularly scheduled advising period each semester to review academic progress and select courses for the coming semester. During the registration period the advisor signs the registration form which the student presents in order to enroll in classes. All advisors have office hours so the student should contact the advisor whenever information or an opinion on an academic matter is needed.

Faculty advisors must approve all courses taken off-campus using appropriate forms available in the Office of the Registrar.

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Worcester State University Honors Program
Worcester State University offers selected students the option of partially fulfilling their distribution requirements through participation in the University-wide Honors Program. The purpose of the Honors Program is to present students with a diverse, innovative, and stimulating learning environment that is composed of interdisciplinary and multicultural courses taught, whenever possible, in small sections. Students are encouraged to contact the Honors Program Director for information regarding admission into the program. To continue in the Honors Program, the student must; complete a total of twenty-one credits in honors courses (six 3-credit courses and a 3-credit capstone experience during their freshman, sophomore, junior and/or senior years).

Commonwealth Honors Scholars: Successful completion of the honors courses and a senior thesis will qualify the student to become a Commonwealth Honors Scholar. The Commonwealth Honors Program is a collaboration of select Massachusetts institutions of higher education that provides the student with unique educational opportunities through state-wide conferences, shared cultural activities, and cooperative academic and research support. A student need not be a Commonwealth Honors Scholar to complete the President’s Scholars Honors Program in good standing.

Dean’s List (posted for matriculated undergraduate students only)

Full-time Students: Following the completion of each semester, the names of all students enrolled for a minimum of 12 graded credits excluding courses taken on a pass/fail basis and whose GPA for that semester is 3.5 or better will appear on the Dean’s List. The distinction will be noted on the student’s transcript.

Part-time Students: Following the completion of each semester, the same criteria for honors for full-time students will be applied to part-time day and evening students. Students must have an academic load of a minimum of six credit hours excluding courses taken on a pass/fail basis. The names of students whose GPA for that semester is 3.5 or better will appear on the Dean’s List. The distinction will be noted on the student’s transcript. Any student receiving an incomplete grade in a semester is ineligible for academic honors in that semester.

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Graduation Honors
According to the degree of academic excellence, graduates may be awarded the distinctions of cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude. Students graduating with honors must attain the following cumulative GPA based on all credits earned at Worcester State University (minimum 60 credit hours for transfer and second degree students).

Cum Laude 3.5–3.69
Magna Cum Laude 3.7–3.89
Summa Cum Laude 3.9–4.00

Academic Honors Convocation
Conducted annually, the Academic Honors Convocation gives special recognition to Worcester State University students who excel academically. Students so honored include those achieving the highest grade point average in individual disciplines, scholarship recipients, special academic award recipients, Dean’s List and honor society inductees.

Registration and Course Information
Pre-registration for returning students is scheduled in the fall and spring of each academic year for advance course selection. The order of registration proceeds from seniors to freshmen. A late registration period is held just prior to the beginning of each semester for those students who did not register during the scheduled period.

Class determination is made at the completion of the Fall semester and at the end of summer sessions. A student’s registration is not considered official until all financial obligations are met.

Course Numbering: The 100 level offerings are introductory or survey courses that generally do not require prerequisites. The 200 level courses are intermediate and may require prerequisite courses. The 300 level courses are advanced and require prerequisite courses. The 400 level courses are generally for seniors and include seminars, independent study, and internships. Courses at the 900 level are open only to post baccalaureate students.

Prerequisites represent an essential body of knowledge and skills necessary for students to succeed at an acceptable level in a course and/or are required to satisfy licensing and certification standards. Specific prerequisites are required for many courses and in certain professional studies leading to licensing and certification. Prerequisites may be waived by the instructor or department chair of the department offering the course.

Corequisites are courses which support the successful completion of certain other courses when taken concurrently. When a corequisite is listed for a course, the students are advised to register for both at the same time. In some cases, prerequisite/corequisite classes may fulfill distribution requirements.

Course Credit is counted in units called semester hours. The number of semester hours carried by a particular course is indicated in the course description. Twelve to 19 semester hours of credit per semester are considered a full-time schedule of study.

Course Overload: Special permission is required for students to register for more than 19 semester hours of credit. Forms are available at the Office of the Registrar and advisor/department and Dean's approval are required.

Course Repeat: Students in academic difficulty who wish to repeat a course must file a course repeat form with the Registrar. Only the higher of the two grades is computed in the cumulative GPA. Students will not receive credit for a course more than one time except for PE100 and MU 102, 220, 225. Both the old and new grade appear on the transcript. Course repeats must be taken at Worcester State University.

Adding or Dropping a Course: Students may add/drop courses in accordance with the deadline published in the academic calendar. It is the student’s responsibility to return the completed form(s) to the Registrar’s Office. After the deadline, students wishing to drop a course must follow the procedure for withdrawal.

Withdrawal From Courses: W. A student may withdraw from a course at any point up to one week after failure warnings have been issued. Choosing to withdraw is a serious matter which may affect a student’s class standing, full-time status, financial aid, etc. A student considering such a step should seek advice from the instructor or the faculty advisor. To withdraw from a course, a student must obtain a Course Withdrawal Form from the Registrar’s Office and follow the prescribed steps. Mere non-attendance at class does not constitute official withdrawal and may result in a failing grade.

All “W” grades are permanently recorded on the student’s transcript. A student who withdraws from all courses will be considered withdrawn from the University, and must file a formal intent to withdraw with the Registrar.

Students who receive any form of Financial Aid or Veterans Educational benefits should consult with the respective office PRIOR to dropping or withdrawing from a course. Reducing hour credit load may adversely affect eligibility to receive Financial Aid or Veterans Educational benefits. In addition, most private insurance companies require that students be full-time (12 credits or more) to be eligible for coverage.

Quality of achievement is represented by the following letter grades with associated points per semester hour of credit.

Grade Point Average (GPA): At the end of each semester (and/or summer session), a semester GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of credits attempted (excluding grades of I, P, F, W) into the sum of the products of points and credits for all courses taken.

A Cumulative Grade Point Average reflecting the entire history of a student’s achievement at Worcester State University is also computed. The Cumulative GPA is a major factor in determining class membership, academic standing, and eligibility for academic honors.

Only grades earned at Worcester State University are computed in the cumulative GPA.

Audit Procedure Policy: Students electing to audit may attend classes but will not earn  grades or be permitted to submit assignments or take examinations. No academic credit is awarded, but the student receives the benefits of course lectures and discussions. Consent of the instructor is required to enroll in a class as an auditor.

Only students who are not matriculated undergraduates at Worcester State University are eligible to audit undergraduate courses. Also ineligible to audit courses are Consortium, CAPS, dual enrollment, and foreign exchange students.

The audit option must be declared at the time of pre-registration or registration. Students cannot switch to credit-bearing status or from credit-bearing to audit status after registration. Audited courses do not count toward load for any purposes (e.g., financial aid, veterans’ benefits, etc.) The audit will be permanently recorded on the student’s transcript.

Pass/Fail: Students may elect up to two courses per semester on a pass/fail basis. Foundation courses and courses within major(s) and minor(s) disciplines may not be taken pass/fail, even when not applied to specific degree requirements. Students must notify the Registrar’s Office at least four weeks prior to the last scheduled day of classes if they intend to take a course on a pass/fail basis. Similarly, students deciding to change from pass/fail status to standard grading must notify the Registrar’s Office by the same deadline, four weeks before the final day of classes. Once a student decides to change from pass/fail status to standard grading, it is not reversible; the letter grade stands. No more than eighteen (18) hours toward the baccalaureate degree may be taken on a pass/fail basis. No more than two courses in any given semester may be taken pass/fail.

Independent Study: A matriculated student desiring to conduct an independent study must select an instructor and prepare a written contract containing the content and credit hours of the study. The approved contract should be submitted to the discipline during the pre-registration advising period but no later than the first week of the add-drop period. One to six hours of credit may be granted for one semester of independent study. No more than 12 credits in independent study may be granted toward the baccalaureate degree. In no event may the total number of credit hours earned in independent study at Worcester State University exceed 10% of the credit hours counted toward a Worcester State University degree. The student must provide a copy of the approved contract to the department chair, major advisor, the instructor and the Registrar’s Office no later than the last day of the add-drop period.

Incomplete Grades: When circumstances (e.g.: illness) prevent a student from completing a course on time the student is responsible for requesting an incomplete. The professor may grant an incomplete provided the student had completed a substantial portion of the course requirements. The student must make arrangements with the professor to complete the course within six weeks of the beginning of the next semester. The academic calendar indicates the deadline for resolving incompletes from the previous term. If the requirements are not met within the appropriate period, the incomplete will automatically become an “E,” and so recorded on the student’s permanent record.

An extension of an incomplete for one semester may be granted if circumstances still prevent the student from completing the course. In such cases, the student is responsible for obtaining the approval of the professor who must notify the Registrar in writing of his/her approval prior to the end of the initial six (6) week period. With regard to the extension of an incomplete grade, the required course work must be completed by the student prior to the beginning of the final examination period of the semester immediately following the one in which the incomplete was originally issued. The instructor will then have five working days within which to submit a final grade to the Registrar.

Change of Grade: Once a grade has been posted to a student’s transcript that grade may be changed if, and only if, an error has been made in the calculation or transcription of the original grade. Under no circumstances will a change in grade for a student be allowed because of the submission of additional work after the course has ended. No grade change may be made after the conclusion of the semester following the semester in which the grade was originally submitted.

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Transcripts
Official transcripts of coursework taken at Worcester State University may be obtained by eligible students from the Office of the Registrar with the completion of a form available for that purpose, or by writing the request. Students may also download the transcript request form by clicking here. Requests must include name while attending, current name if different, Social Security number and/or student ID number, last date of attendance and whether or not the student was officially accepted into a program. Transcripts are $5 per copy. Payment must accompany the request in the form of a check made payable to Worcester State University. Transcripts cannot be ordered by telephone (we now accept fax). 

International Programs

International Students
The University is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant, alien students by issuing an I-20 upon acceptance to the University. The Director of International Programs serves as the foreign student advisor to all international students, assisting with immigration issues, as well as counseling in personal matters. All students holding an F1 visa must be enrolled as full-time students during the fall and spring semesters. Health insurance coverge is mando. See financial section for details on insurance. The International Student Union meets weekly in order to discuss issues and to plan events relating to international students. All are welcome to join.

Intensive English Language Institute
Students wishing to study English and to prepare for the TOEFL can enroll in the 20-hour-a-week, semester-long program for a fee. An 8-week summer program is also offered. Upon acceptance, an I-20 will be issued for the period of one year. This is a non-credit program, and the TOEFL is administered at the University at the end of each semester. The score may be used for admission to Worcester State University only. Brochures and further information are available in the IELI office in the Sullivan Building.

Study Abroad
Study Abroad programs are available for eligible students. Eligibility includes a GPA of 3.0 or better and completion of the sophomore year. Financial aid may be available for eligible students. Worcester State University is a member of the University Consortium for International Studies (CCIS), with more than 35 programs in 30 countries and has several other consortial agreements. The University also has exchange programs, whereby students pay Worcester State University’s tuition. These programs are with universities in Worcester, England; Puerto Rico; Portugal; and Mainland China. Information and catalogs are available in the International Programs Office.

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Standards of Progress
Matriculated students (students admitted to the University and pursuing a formal course of study leading to the bachelor’s degree, second major, certificate or professional certification) are expected to make satisfactory and steady progress toward completion of their programs.

Opportunities are available for student advisement, both within the departments and from the Office of Academic Services. However, each student is solely responsible for selecting courses, which satisfy departmental requirements for a major, as well as the general requirements for graduation as described in this catalog. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with this information. Exemption from, or exception to, any published requirement is valid only when approved in writing by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Dean of Academic Services and confirmed by the Registrar.

Attendance
All students are expected to attend and participate in all class meetings and laboratory sessions. In the event that illness or some other emergency prevents a student from attending class, the student should contact the instructor directly. Since attendance requirements differ according to the specific academic goals of each course, students should carefully check the attendance policy on the course syllabus. If there is anticipated prolonged absence, the Dean of Student Development Office (Student Center) should be contacted.

Worcester State University abides by Chapter 375 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, An Act Excusing the Absence of Students for Their Religious Beliefs. Section 2B of this law states: “Any student in an educational or vocational training institution other than a religious or denominational educational or vocational training institution, who is unable, because of his religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination, study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study, or work requirement which he may have missed because of such absence on any particular day; provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon such school. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said student such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his availing himself of the provisions of this section.”

Academic Standing: For degree-seeking students, class membership is based upon the number of credit hours completed. Class membership determines priority for registration and participation in class events.

Good Standing: To maintain good standing at Worcester State University, matriculated students must meet the minimum standards specified below.

 *University credits include all credits attempted at Worcester State University plus all credits accepted in transfer. Students are reminded that only grades earned at Worcester State University are used in determining their GPA.

Warning Status: Students will not be placed on probation status until they have attempted 24 semester hours; however, students may be placed on a warning status if they fail to maintain the minimum standard after attempting 12 semester hours. Students on warning status may enroll in no more than 16 semester hours. In consultation with an academic advisor, each such student will develop an academic plan/registration contract that will include such conditions as repeating failed courses, regularly scheduled advising appointments, attending workshops offered through the Academic Success Center, and recommended use of the writing center, math lab, and tutoring center.

Probation and Dismissal: Students who fail to meet and/or maintain the minimum cumulative GPA required for good standing are placed on academic probation and are subject to the following restrictions: 1) they may not participate in intercollegiate athletics; and 2) they may not register for more than 12 semester hours of credit per semester; and 3) they may not serve on any standing and ad hoc governance committees of the University.

Failure to improve the GPA and regain good standing after two regular academic semesters (Fall and Spring) will result in academic dismissal and separation from the University. Students dismissed from the University for academic deficiency may not register for or attend classes at Worcester State University until 12 months have elapsed. Readmitted students must attain a minimum GPA of 2.0 for each semester following their return. Failure to maintain a 2.0 semester GPA will result in a second separation from the University not subject to appeal. See next section regarding withdrawal/leave of absence.

Appeal of Dismissal: Students may appeal for reinstatement to continue for a third semester on probation. Appeals must be made in writing to the Chair of the Academic Progress Review Board and submitted to the Registrar within five (5) days of notification. The Academic Progress Review Board will review the written appeals. The decision of the Review Board is final.

Academic Reprieve Policy
The Academic Reprieve Policy applies to former Worcester State University students returning to complete baccalaureate degree programs a minimum of three academic years after their last completed semester at Worcester State University. This policy is designed to facilitate program completion for students whose previous academic records were so poor as to put them in jeopardy of academic probation or dismissal immediately upon readmission. A student may exercise this academic reprieve option only once.

A student meeting criteria for eligibility must file a petition form, available in the Office of the Registrar, requesting reprieve of eligible course work at the University, either at the time of readmission or before the close of the first semester of re-enrollment. A maximum of 60 credits may be applied toward graduation from the student’s previous enrollment at the University. In order to be applied, those courses must have received a passing grade. Credit for courses in the student’s major is contingent upon approval by the Department Chair. None of the grades associated with courses given credit under the academic reprieve policy will be calculated in the student’s GPA; however, all course work will be recorded on the transcript. A student selecting the reprieve option will be required to meet degree requirements of the catalog in effect on the date of the student’s application for readmission. Those electing the reprieve option may qualify for honors at graduation upon the completion of a minimum of 60 graded credits. All approved academic reprieve students should check with the Financial Aid Office to see whether their reprieve will be recognized for financial aid purposes.

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Undergraduate Grade Appeal Procedure
Prior to invoking the use of the undergraduate grade appeal procedure, individuals should exhaust all informal means available to resolve questions concerning specific grades. The undergraduate grade appeal procedure is designed to resolve questions regarding student grades when one or more of the following is at issue: 1) there is reason to believe that a mechanical error in calculating a grade has occurred; 2) there is reason to believe that a grade has been calculated in a manner which is inconsistent with the stated grading policy.

The appeal procedure may not be used to challenge a grade which results from a faculty member exercising usual and customary professional judgment in the evaluation of student work.

Step 1: Within ten working days of the availability of the grade in question, the student shall request in writing a meeting with the instructor. In the case of an end-of-semester grade, Academic Policies and Procedures the student shall request such a meeting no later than ten working days after the beginning of the next semester. The instructor shall arrange to meet with the student within ten working days of the receipt of the request.

Step 2: If the matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student at Step 1, then, within ten working days of the meeting in Step 1, the student shall file a written request to review the matter with the appropriate Department Chair.

Step 3: If, within ten working days of the receipt of the request in Step 2, the Department Chair is unable to resolve the matter to the satisfaction of all parties, then either party may, within ten working days, file a written request to review the matter with the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Step 4: If, within ten working days of the receipt of the request in Step 3, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs is unable to resolve the matter to the satisfaction of all parties, then either party may, within ten working days, file a written request to review the matter with the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Step 5: Within ten working days of the receipt of the request in Step 4, the Vice President for Academic Affairs shall inform the student, faculty member, Department Chair, and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs of the results of his review.

The appeal process ends at this point.

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