Catalog 2005-2006
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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:


  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:
  a. University core requirements - to explore important college themes, develop crucial skills, and prepare for lifelong learning.
  b. Program, or professional requirements - to complete curricula established by the academic department responsible for the major area of study.
  c. General elective credit - to encourage additional study in areas of interest and to accumulate credits required for a degree.
     
  2. Satisfactory completion of the course standards and specific requirements in the student's major program. See specific degree/major requirements in this catalog.
     
  3. Fourth (senior) year in residence.
     
  4. Submission, by the student, of a Request for Degree no later than January 15th prior to intended commencement.
     
  5. Satisfaction of all Business Office obligations.
     
  6. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Higher grade point requirements may apply in certain programs. Refer to departmental and degree/major requirements.
     
    Notes:
   
    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:
  a. Participate in the May commencement prior to his/her last semester (diploma to be issued after completion of studies); or
  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.
    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:


If graduation is anticipated by the end of:
Submit the petition to graduate by:
     
Summer Semester  
June 30th
Fall Semester  
September 30th
Spring Semester  
January 15th

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:

 
Year
Terminology
Credits
  First-Year
Freshman
1-23
  Second-Year
Sophomore
24-56
  Third-Year
Junior
57-89
  Fourth-Year
Senior
90-120
  Fifth-Year
Fifth-Year
*
  *Beyond Baccalaureate Degree    

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:


 
A
 
4.00
 
A-
 
3.75
 
B+
 
3.50
 
B
 
3.00
 
B-
 
2.75
  C+   2.50
  C   2.00
  C-   1.75
  D   1.00
  F   0.00
       
      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:


  First Year  
1.70
  Fall of Second Year  
1.70
  Spring of Second Year  
1.80
  Fall of Third Year  
1.80
  Spring of Third Year   1.90
  Fall of Fourth Year   1.90
  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.

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

  Undergraduate Admissions   Undergraduate Student Records and Transcripts
       
  Undergraduate Financial Aid   Undergraduate Academic Regulations
       
  Undergraduate Student Affairs   Undergraduate Financial Information

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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