Undergraduate Programs Administrative Services
and Policies
Academic Regulations
Graduation Requirements for Undergraduates
The academic requirements outlined in the catalog
at the time of a student's matriculation into a program of study are
generally normative for graduation. If a student withdraws or is dismissed
from the University and subsequently reenters, he/she must observe
the catalog requirements in effect at reentry.
Although academic advisors are available to assist students in fulfilling
major and graduation requirements, the ultimate responsibility for
these matters rests with the student.
All undergraduate students entering the University fall semester 1995,
or after, must fulfill the following general requirements:
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1. |
A minimum of 120 credits for a baccalaureate-level
program and 68 credits for an associate-level program. For specific
credits see program requirements listed under each degree/major.
The minimum required credits are normally arrived at by a defined
combination of: |
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a. |
University core requirements - to explore
important college themes, develop crucial skills, and prepare
for lifelong learning. |
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b. |
Program, or professional requirements - to
complete curricula established by the academic department responsible
for the major area of study. |
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c. |
General elective credit - to encourage additional
study in areas of interest and to accumulate credits required
for a degree. |
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2. |
Satisfactory completion of the course standards
and specific requirements in the student's major program. See
specific degree/major requirements in this catalog. |
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3. |
Fourth (senior) year in residence. |
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4. |
Submission, by the student, of a Request
for Degree no later than January 15th prior to intended commencement. |
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5. |
Satisfaction of all Business Office obligations. |
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6. |
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Higher grade
point requirements may apply in certain programs. Refer to departmental
and degree/major requirements. |
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Notes: |
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A fourth-year student who expects
to complete degree requirements by the conclusion of the following
fall semester with two courses (typically 6-8 credits*) or less
of outstanding degree requirements may opt to: |
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a. |
Participate in the May commencement
prior to his/her last semester (diploma to be issued after completion
of studies); or |
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b. |
Participate in the May commencement
following his/her last semester.
* A student might have greater than 6-8 credits if the two courses
involve clinical, practicum, or internship study. |
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Learning Assistance Center and
developmental mathematics courses do not carry degree credits
for fulfillment of graduation requirements, with the exception
of the courses Peer Tutor Workshop and Peer Tutor Practicum. |
Petition to Graduate and Receipt of Diploma
In the last year of enrollment, students who
anticipate completion of all degree requirements must submit a petition
to graduate. The Petition to Graduate form is available in the registration
office, or on the website
for this purpose. The completed form sets into motion all final processing
towards: verification of the degree completion, correct spelling of
name on the diploma, correct mailing address, and indication of plans
to participate in the commencement ceremony.
If a mailing address should change after submission of the form, the
student is responsible for notifying the Registration Office (University
Campus) or the Student Registration and Financial Services Center
(Westbrook College Campus) of a new address. It is the goal of registration
services to verify/post degree completions and mail out diplomas within
four weeks of a student's completion of studies.
Commencement is held at the end of each spring semester (usually May)
and students scheduled for participation in the ceremony or completion
of degree requirements per academic policy are considered to be in
the "Class of...[that particular year]." Student names must
be approved, on recommendation of the faculty, by the Board of Trustees
prior to being authorized a degree and diploma from the University
of New England.
Under some circumstances, documentation of early graduation may be
possible for students who complete all of their degree requirements
in a semester prior to the planned "Class of ..." ceremony.
In these cases the degree will be dated at the end of the semester
in which the requirements are completed. Board approval must still
be obtained, so all petitions and verifications must be completed
in a timely manner. Guidelines for submission of the petition form
are as follows:
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If graduation is anticipated by the end
of:
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Submit the petition to graduate by:
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| Summer Semester |
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June 30th
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| Fall Semester |
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September 30th
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| Spring Semester |
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January 15th
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Further information regarding graduation procedures
can be obtained through the credentials evaluator at the Office of
the Registrar, extension 2463.
Academic Load
An undergraduate student's normal academic
load ranges from 12 to 18 credit hours during the fall and spring
semesters. Students must obtain advisor permission to enroll in 19
or 20 academic credits per semester, and must obtain academic dean's
permission to enroll in greater then 20 credits. A student must register
for a minimum of 12 credits per semester in order to maintain status
as a full-time student. A student attempting more than 18 credits
during a semester will be subject to an overload charge at the part-time
per credit tuition rate.
Registration and Enrollment Confirmation
Students matriculated in any undergraduate
program must be pre-approved to register for courses, or change course
registration, through their advisor. Advising liaisons in CAS are
also available in each department to approve courses. In CHP, students
may contact their program director or coordinator for this purpose.
First-time students will register on appointed dates and will go through
a new
student orientation . Returning students can preregister for courses
at dates established in the University's
Academic Calendar.
Course registration must be confirmed through the Office of the Registrar.
This is accomplished only after matriculated students have cleared
all other offices on campus, i.e., Student Accounts, Financial Aid,
Health Center, Security, or other offices through which arrangements
must be made in order to become fully enrolled at the University.
On-campus students must confirm their enrollment at the beginning
of each semester within certain time lines by methods identified by
registration services. Instructions regarding enrollment confirmation
are e-mailed to each student. Students who do not confirm their registration
within the announced time limits are subject to a $75 late confirmation
fee.
Course changes are allowed during a designated
add/drop period only, as specified on the current academic calendar.
Detailed instructions as well as designated time lines regarding the
add/drop process are e-mailed to each student. Tuition and/or financial
aid may be adjusted, depending on number of credit hours enrolled.
Transfer students should note that they must meet all University of
New England requirements to qualify for an associate, bachelor, or
master degree. Adherence to this policy should be discussed fully
with the faculty advisor and the Registrar before registration is
completed.
A pre-matriculated student who wishes to make the transition to matriculated
status must first obtain permission from the appropriate dean. The
student's academic record will then be evaluated by the Registrar
who will make a determination as to the student's classification.
All courses are open to qualified students who have met the necessary
prerequisites.
Classification
Student-level, or classification, is pertinent
to financial aid eligibility, class year, student organizations, information
systems, and other post-secondary related institutions or nomenclature.
The chart below is intended to clarify student classification:
Minimum Credits Earned Towards UNE Degree:
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Year
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Terminology
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Credits
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First-Year |
Freshman
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1-23
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Second-Year |
Sophomore
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24-56
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Third-Year |
Junior
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57-89
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Fourth-Year |
Senior
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90-120
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Fifth-Year |
Fifth-Year
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*
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*Beyond Baccalaureate Degree |
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Class Attendance
All students are expected to attend all classes
for which they have registered. Attendance policies regarding unexcused
absences are established and announced by the individual instructor
for his/her classes. If a student is absent to the extent that his/her
work is adversely affected, the instructor will report the student's
absence to the department chair/program director with comments on
the status of the student in the course. Ordinarily, for each course,
absences per semester should not exceed the number of times that the
course meets weekly.
Whenever a student is specifically reported in writing by an instructor
to the department chair/program director as being excessively absent
from class, the instructor, with the approval of the department chair/program
director, may drop the student from that course with an appropriate
grade.
When a student misses class for any religious observances, it is an
excused absence. The student should not suffer any academic penalty
because of this absence. Before the absence, the student is responsible
for initiating collaboration with faculty to arrange to obtain all
information contained in each missed class. The student must plan,
at the discretion of the faculty member, to take any missed exam either
prior to or following the scheduled exam time. All assignments must
be handed in on time.
Athletic Competition and Class Attendance
When an athlete misses class for a scheduled
varsity intercollegiate competition, it is an excused absence. The
student athlete should not suffer any academic penalty because of
this absence. This policy does not apply to students on clinical rotations.
When such absences occur, the student athlete is responsible for initiating
collaboration with faculty and making arrangements to obtain all information
and/or training contained in each missed class. The athlete must make
arrangements to take exams scheduled for a day of absence early or
late, at the instructor's preference. All assignments must be handed
in on time.
Faculty are not required to remediate student athletes as a result
of these absences.
Examinations
Final examinations are held at the close of
each semester. Other assessments, such as papers, quizzes, tests,
and portfolios, may be used during the course at the discretion of
the instructor. An unexcused absence for a scheduled examination leaves
a student subject to a failing grade for that exam.
Grading System
The following grading system is presently in
effect: A (outstanding work), B (excellent work), C (satisfactory
work), D (passing but not satisfactory work), F (failure), P (pass),
I (incomplete), W (withdrew without penalty), WP (withdrew passing),
WF (withdrew failing), *F (administrative F, assigned to incompletes
which haven't been completed within designated time or to non-attending
students who are enrolled in courses who have not formally withdrawn),
and AU (audit).
Equivalent quality points assigned to grades are as follows:
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A
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4.00
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A-
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3.75
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B+
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3.50
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B
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3.00
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B-
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2.75
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C+ |
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2.50 |
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C |
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2.00 |
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C- |
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1.75 |
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D |
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1.00 |
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F |
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0.00 |
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Note: Students may not elect to take a
course that satisfies a core requirement on a pass/fail basis. |
Audit Policy
A student may, with prior consent of the instructor,
enroll in a course for an audit grade ("AU"). This must
be done at the time of registration for the course and must be accompanied
by signed approval of the instructor. This applies to both matriculated
and non-matriculated students. Reversal or change of and audit grade
is not possible (i.e., once enrolled for "AU" the grade
becomes permanent on a student's academic record). The student who
wishes later to be graded for such a course must re-enroll in and
pay for graded credit. In auditing a course, the student is expected
to attend classes regularly but is not permitted to submit course
work for evaluation, take examinations, receive grades, or earn credit.
Auditing a course does not count towards enrollment status (i.e.,
part-time, full-time, etc.) and therefore cannot be considered for
financial aid purposes, veterans benefits, etc.
Pass/Fail Policy
Undergraduate students who wish to enroll in
a course on a pass/fail basis may do so by notifying the Registrar
no later than15 class days into the given semester on a form provided
for this purpose. The decision to take a course pass/fail is final.
Note: Students may not elect to take a course that satisfies a core
requirement on a pass/fail basis.
Passing represents earned grades of an assigned A through C-. The
Registrar will translate the letter grade submitted by the instructor
to either pass or fail. Most courses are open to pass/fail enrollment
except courses in major fields and English composition and courses
satisfying core requirements. Students may register for not more than
one course per semester on a pass/fail basis (with the exception of
student teaching, field education, LAC 020 Math Basics) not to exceed
eight courses in a degree program. Students in health science programs
should consult their departmental requirements for exceptions to the
pass/fail policy.
Incomplete Policy
An incomplete (I) grade may be given by the
instructor to a student who is doing passing work in a course, but
who, for reasons beyond his/her control, is not able to complete the
work on time. The I grade must be changed within the time limit determined
by the instructor and may not extend beyond six weeks following the
end of the semester or 30 days following the end of an eight-week
session. Until changed, the I grade defers computation of credits
and grade points for the course to which it is assigned. Failure to
complete the work before the limitation date, or within the time imposed
by the instructor, results in the assignment of an administrative
*F grade for the course. Some programs have established more restrictive
or differing policy regarding incomplete grades. Students should consult
the program in which they are enrolled for exceptions to this policy.
Once an I grade is removed, academic standing will be updated according
to dean's list, good standing or probationary standards.
Course Withdrawal Policy
In the fall and spring semesters, a student
may withdraw from a course without academic penalty with a grade of
W at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester as specified
in the current academic calendar. If withdrawal occurs after that
date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing)
will be entered. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average.
Leave of Absence Policy
A leave of absence for a specified period of
time, not to exceed one (1) academic year, may be granted to a matriculated
student with the authorization of the academic dean, program/school
director or designate and upon completion of the required Request
for Leave of Absence form available from the respective program/school
director, Student Affairs, Student Registration and Financial Services
Center (WCC), or the Office of the Registrar (UC). Application for
readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned; however,
the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively
withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Policy on
leave of absence tuition credit is found in respective Financial Information
sections of this catalog.
Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact
the office of the appropriate academic dean or program/school director
(graduate) or Registrar (undergraduate) to indicate change of plans.
University Withdrawal
All matriculated students who wish to withdraw
from the University must complete notification documentation available
from your respective program/school director, Student Affairs, Student
Registration and Financial Services Center (WCC), or the Office of
the Registrar (UC). Documentation must be signed by designated academic
and administrative authorities. Student responsibilities include:
(a) knowledge of the University's policies regarding refund of tuition
and/or fees as stated in your respective catalog; (b) return of University
identification (ID) card to the Office of Student Affairs; (c) return
of any University keys in your possession to the appropriate departments.
The University reserves the right to withhold the issuance of refunds
and transcripts until the process has been completed. Following withdrawal,
any student wishing to re-enroll at the University of New England
must apply through the Office of Admissions.
Repeat Course Policy
A student may repeat a course in order to improve
his/her grade. However, only the second or last course taken will
receive credit on the student's transcript, and only the second or
last grade received will calculate into the cumulative GPA.
Course Work at Another Institution
Matriculated students who wish to transfer
college-level course work taken at other institutions must obtain
permission to do so. The student should work closely with his/her
advisor regarding this process. Request
for Course Work at Another Institution forms are available in
the Registrar's Office (University Campus) or Student Registration
and Financial Services Center (Westbrook College Campus). A minimum
grade of "C-" must be earned for the course in order for
it to be accepted by the University of New England (further restrictions
may apply - check with department regarding transfer-back policy).
Important note regarding transfer credits: while credits
may transfer based on these criteria, grades and/or grade points do
not transfer into the student's UNE academic record. Grades for accepted
transfer courses are identified on the UNE transcript with a "TR"
symbol in the grade column, which denotes credit accepted but no GPA
calculation value.
Semester and Term Grade Reports
Semester and term grade reports are issued
after examinations have been held at the close of each semester or
term. Semester and term grades reported by faculty members to the
Office of the Registrar are final. Notices of deficiency, if reported,
will be distributed at mid-semester.
Academic Probation and Dismissal
The student who is attempting six credits or
more and whose grade point average (GPA) for any semester falls below
1.70 or whose cumulative grade point average is below the minimum
acceptable level is automatically placed on probation. A student placed
on academic probation will be granted one fall or spring semester
to raise his/her cumulative GPA to the minimum acceptable level and
will be required to achieve a minimum GPA of 1.70 for the semester.
Failure to meet both of these criteria will result in automatic dismissal
from the University for academic deficiency.
A student on academic probation is ineligible to participate in major
extracurricular activities, including intercollegiate athletics, or
to serve as officer or director of any student activity.
The minimum cumulative semester-end grade point averages are:
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First Year |
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1.70
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Fall of Second Year |
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1.70
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Spring of Second Year |
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1.80
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Fall of Third Year |
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1.80
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Spring of Third Year |
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1.90 |
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Fall of Fourth Year |
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1.90 |
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Notes: A minimum cumulative
grade point average of 2.00 is required for graduation. Higher
levels of minimum acceptable semester and/or cumulative GPA
may be established by individual departments or academic programs.
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Academic Honors
Dean's List
The Dean's List contains the names of full-time
matriculating students in good academic standing who have attained
a semester grade point average of 3.30 or better. The student must
have earned at least 12 credits. A grade of D,F or I automatically
prohibits a student from receiving this citation. A student must have
a minimum of three courses other than pass/fail in order to be named
to the Dean's List with the exception of individual courses offered
for 8-15 credits.
Alpha Chi National College Honor Society
Alpha Chi is a national college honor scholarship
society, founded in 1922, with membership limited to third- and fourth-year
students enrolled in institutions with Alpha Chi chapters. To be eligible
for active membership, a student must be in the top 10 percent of
the third or fourth year.
Citation of Achievement at Graduation
Citations for identified cumulative grade point
accomplishments are noted at graduation, and are posted to the student's
academic record (transcript). Because of timing issues between final
examinations and the ceremony, citations are read at commencement
based grades earned through the semester prior to the semester in
which commencement is held. The official record (degree award posted
on the transcript) will reflect the full eight semesters (or final
semester) of a student's academic record. Some changes may occur between
these two dates. Undergraduate degrees will be conferred per the following
classifications:
Summa Cum Laude on students who have achieved a cumulative
grade point (GPA) average between 3.80 - 4.00.
Magna Cum Laude on students who have achieved a cumulative
GPA between 3.60 - 3.79.
Cum Laude on students who have achieved a cumulative GPA between
3.30 - 3.59.
Declaration and Change of Major
Before March 15 of the second year, a student
is required to make a formal declaration
of major, using the appropriate form available in the University
Campus Registrar's Office or at the Westbrook College Campus Student
Registration and Financial Services Center. This declaration must
be signed by the advisor and the chair/director of the major department.
In certain areas such as marine biology, medical biology, and elementary
education, students are asked to declare a major by the end of the
first year.
Personal Major
Personal majors supplement the traditional
academic programs of study. Undergraduate students, faculty, and the
academic dean work collaboratively to design a program of study that
combines core curriculum, departmental requirements, and the student's
personal interests and experiences. Samples of personal majors include
biological psychology, health sciences, world cultures, or human biology.
Students must be in their second year of study and are required to
have a minimum 2.50 overall GPA to petition the Dean's Office to plan
to develop a personal
major degree plan.
Academic Minors
The University of New England offers the option
for students to petition for a minor from most non-health science
departments. A minor is a structured plan of study outside the student's
major. Students may also design a multidisciplinary minor in thematic
areas such as: women's studies, peace studies, or international studies.
Such programs would require a proposed plan of study approved by the
CAS academic dean and a faculty sponsor.
The minimum amount of credits required for a minor is 18 credits.
Minors will not be confused with personal majors, concentrations within
majors, or directed studies.
Student Advising
Students are assigned a faculty advisor who
will serve as the students' primary resource for academic and career
guidance planning while at the University. Although academic advisors
are available to assist students in fulfilling major and graduation
requirements, the ultimate responsibility for these matters rests
with the student.
Students are also encouraged to avail themselves of additional services
provided by the Counseling and Career Center and the Learning Assistance
Center.
Links
Notice and Responsibilities Regarding
this Catalog
The University of New England reserves the
right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs,
calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or
desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of
classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of
scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving
such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.
While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or
she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements
in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or
requirements.
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