Academic Policies and Procedures

Student Responsibility

In accepting admission to a graduate program of study at Nazareth University, the student assumes responsibility for becoming aware of, knowing, staying abreast of, and complying with the academic policies and procedures, departmental policies and Nazareth University policies, set forth in this catalog and subsequent ones as appropriate. It is the responsibility of students to know, understand and complete the requirements for their degree program.

Standards for individual programs  may be more stringent than those outlined in this catalog as governed by program requirements, licensing and accrediting organizations. Consult departmental student handbooks for individual program policies to which students must adhere.

This section of the Catalog is maintained by the Office of Registration and Records. The academic policies and procedures for graduate students as stated herein are subject to periodic review and possible change by the provost and faculty committees. Students are subject to the most current academic policies and procedures that are in effect.

Entries appear in alphabetical order. Click on a link to be taken to the entry below.

Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity is defined as “honest and responsible scholarship” (University of Oklahoma, 2018), and is further characterized by the five values designated by the International Center for Academic Integrity: “honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility” (International Center for Academic Integrity, 2014, p. 16). Nazareth University shares the Center’s preference for an academic, supportive, and promotive approach to academic integrity rather than one focused mainly on violation detection and disciplinary consequence.

The University recognizes the interdependence among these five values. Trust of instructors follows fair treatment of students. Trust among scholars at all levels depends on honesty. And respect is earned when we hold ourselves as responsible as we expect others to hold themselves. In these ways, academic freedom is earned with academic integrity. 

In addition to modeling academic integrity, it is often the responsibility of faculty to teach students the importance of academic honesty as well as the procedures for recognizing the work of others. So informed, students are then responsible for holding themselves to the same standards. Course instructors are familiar with their students, with their own disciplines’ conventions, and with their own coverage of those conventions at any given point in the semester. Therefore, instructors are best situated initially to assess the nature and extent of violations of academically honest practice. This begins with distinguishing errors due to insufficient education on the one hand, and deliberate violations on the other.

Procedures: The first step following an instructor’s detection of a possible violation is to meet with the student to mutually share information. As a general guideline, if the instructor believes that an error was made due to a student’s lack of information, then an educational solution is probably indicated. If the instructor suspects a case of deliberate academic dishonesty, then a response may take the form of some combination of educational and disciplinary consequence. Both success and deficiency in honest scholarship may be due to numerous variables, which may include the developmental level of the student, language, cultural familiarity, the extent of course coverage of academic integrity, evidence of planning, and/or exploitation of others. As the seriousness, extent, and deliberate nature of offenses increase, so does the weight of the University’s expectation for (a) including others (chair/associate dean, program director, dean, associate provost, provost) in the matter, and (b) reporting the matter to the associate provost to facilitate record-keeping.

LEVELS OF VIOLATIONS

The following are general levels of violations. In certain cases, it may be difficult to determine the level of a violation and instructors must use their best judgment. The primary criterion for deciding on a course of action should be how we can best position students for success.

Level One: Preparation. These problems result from insufficient preparation, communication, or understanding.

Level Two: Judgment. These problems result from poor decisions or ill-advised shortcuts.

Level Three: Serious Deliberate Violation. These serious problems result from intentional deception.

SPECIFIC SANCTIONS MAY BE IMPLEMENTED AS FOLLOWS:

• The instructor may issue a failing grade for the assignment, in which case the instructor is the sanctioning party.
• If the instructor judges that a violation requires failure of the course or dismissal from program or major, the instructor shall recommend such action to the appropriate program director or chair. In interdisciplinary programs, this decision should be made in consultation with the appropriate program director and chair. If the program director or chair implements such sanctions, the program director or chair is the sanctioning party.
• If the instructor judges that a violation requires dismissal or suspension from the University, the instructor must first consult with the program director or chair/associate dean. If the program director or chair/associate dean agrees, the program director or chair/associate dean shall recommend the action to the appropriate dean. If the dean agrees, the dean or designee will recommend the action to the Associate Provost in Academic Affairs or designee. If the Associate Provost or designee implements such sanctions, the Associate Provost or designee is the sanctioning party.

The sanctioning party will inform the student of the sanctions as soon as possible. Students who wish to appeal the judgment or the sanctions of the sanctioning party may follow the Undergraduate or Graduate Procedures for Grade Appeals. The appeals process is aligned with the program/faculty of the course under appeal, following this sequence: instructor → program director → chair/associate dean → associate provost/provost or designee. Appeals consist of mediation among the involved parties. The sanctioning party (the instructor, program director/chair, or Associate Provost based on the sanction) has the sole authority to reduce or eliminate sanctions through the appeals process. If a student’s home department is different from the department in which the course resides, the program director, chair/associate dean, and dean of the student’s home department must be informed of the status of the appeal.

Academic works created in part or entirely through support by a third party will default to the terms of the contract governing the work. If no guidance for academic integrity is included in the agreement, the work will follow the University policy.

All judgments of the vice president for academic affairs or designee are final, except when the sanctions of suspension or dismissal are involved. These sanctions may be appealed to the president of the University. Such an appeal, however, shall be entertained solely at the discretion of the president.

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Academic Standing

Students are considered in good academic standing if they are making satisfactory progress toward the degree for which they are working and are, therefore, eligible to register for the following semester. Graduate students are placed on Academic Warning the first time their cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0.  The second time their cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0 they are placed on Academic Probation. Academic Standing procedures take place at the conclusion of the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Graduate students who have been placed on Academic Warning are eligible to receive federal financial aid (student loans). Based on federal guidelines and requirements, graduate students who are placed on Academic Probation are NOT eligible for federal financial aid (student loans) unless they have successfully submitted an appeal to the Office of Financial Aid detailing extenuating circumstances.

Note: Please see individual program/department handbooks for program specific information.

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Academic Warning and Probation

Graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to be considered in good academic standing. Students with full acceptance status who earn a grade point average of less than 3.0 in their current program of study for the first time are placed on Academic Warning. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 for a second time are placed on Academic Probation. Should a student’s cumulative GPA fall below a 3.0 for the third time, they are dismissed.

Student and program director/faculty advisor are notified when a student is placed on Academic Warning or Academic Probation. Students are required to meet with their program director for advisement and program review before registering for any additional courses. At the conclusion of the meeting, a completed Academic Warning/Probation form, signed by the program director and the student, must be placed on file in the Office of Registration and Records. Students are limited to a maximum of 6 credit hours of course work in a subsequent semester/term. (Please note that the combination of summer sessions is equivalent to one term, therefore students on academic warning or academic probation may register for a maximum of one 3 credit hour course in summer session A, and one 3 credit hour course in summer session B.)

Graduate students who have been placed on Academic Warning are eligible to receive federal financial aid (student loans). Based on federal guidelines and requirements, graduate students who are placed on Academic Probation are NOT eligible for federal financial aid (student loans) unless they have submitted a financial aid appeal due to extenuating circumstances and the appeal has been approved.

Students with an admission status of “provisional with monitoring of grade point average” must have a 3.0 by the end of 12 credits. It is cause for academic dismissal if this GPA minimum is not met. In all circumstances related to academic dismissal, the program director will consult with the student’s advisor and department chair/associate dean prior to proceeding with the dismissal. Students with this designation are also subject to Academic Standing procedures.

See also Dismissal, Withdrawal

Additional Probation Notes

• Removal from Academic Warning/Probation: Once the student meets the GPA standards stated above, the student is automatically removed from academic warning or academic probation. However, academic warning and probation statuses are cumulative over time (i.e., students will be placed on Academic Warning the first time their GPA falls below 3.0; if the GPA falls below 3.0 for the second time - at any point during the academic program – the student will be placed on Academic Probation, and will lose loan eligibility).
• Please see individual program/department handbooks for program specific information.

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Add/Drop or Course Withdrawal

Any graduate student can add/drop in Student Planning through the first week of the semester. Graduate students may add a class that meets once per week in the second week of the semester, providing the class has not yet met in week two. After week one, contact the Office of Registration and Records to request schedule changes at registrar@naz.edu. Graduate students may withdraw from courses by the date indicated on the Nazareth University Academic Calendar without academic penalty (grade of “W” posted to transcript, does not impact GPA). Add, drop, and withdrawal deadlines will be adjusted accordingly for courses that do not adhere to the standard academic calendar. Sanctions imposed due to academic integrity issues take precedence and may prevent a student from dropping with a “W” grade. During the registration period, students may process schedule changes in Student Planning as many times as necessary; significant course changes should be discussed with the advisor and/or program director. Failure to withdraw from a course officially through the Office of Registration and Records or to finish the requirements of an “Incomplete” by the specified date results in an “F” grade, which is not removed from the transcript. Students receiving loans or other forms of financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office to see whether their eligibility will be affected by the course withdrawal. For further information, see Term Withdrawal under Financial Information.

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Advisement

Advisement is mandatory prior to a graduate student’s first semester enrolled in coursework. Students meet with their advisor/program director by making an individual appointment. Advisement requirements vary by program. Advisement is recommended when changing status (full-time, part-time, leave of absence, withdrawal.)

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Attendance/Absence

Students are expected to attend and participate in all sessions of the courses for which they are registered. Attendance expectations are in place across all forms of instruction (in-person, hybrid, and online). Students are expected to be familiar with the University’s academic calendar for graduate courses and any specific course requirements and should avoid making travel or other plans that require them to miss classes or final exams. While there is no officially recognized system of “allowed” absences, departments and individual faculty members may establish their own criteria, and it is the student’s responsibility to know these criteria. In cases of excessive absence, the instructor may advise the student to withdraw from the course. A student who is unable to participate in any class, examination, or assignment due to religious holy day requirements shall not be penalized, provided the instructor has been notified in writing at least two weeks prior to the absence. Regardless of the reason for absence, it is the responsibility of the student to make up all missed work to the satisfaction of the instructor. Students must meet deadlines for course requirements during a period of absence unless the student makes alternate arrangements with the instructor prior to the original due date.  See also Bereavement.

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Auditing a Course

Auditing provides a graduate-level experience for those who wish to learn material but not earn credit. Generally, an auditor does all of the work required for the course excluding the final examination. No final grade is ever given and no credit is earned. In all cases, an audit (AU) will appear on the transcript upon completion of the course.

Auditors must meet any applicable course prerequisite(s) through equivalent coursework or professional experience. Interested persons may audit graduate courses on a space available basis and with the approval of the program director. After having gained the approval of the program director, audit approval form registrations should be submitted to the Office of Registration and Records. Having received the program director’s approval, an auditor will be notified by email the Friday prior to the start date of classes regarding space availability. Registration and payment will be due prior to attending the first class. The audit fee is one-third (1/3) the tuition charge of the course plus applicable fees.

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Bereavement

Students who experience the death of a loved one must contact their program director and provide documentation that verifies the death (e.g., a funeral announcement or death notice) if the student wishes to implement the Student Bereavement Policy. Typically, this involves the death of an immediate family member (i.e. spouse, partner, parent, child, sibling, or grandparent). However, it is up to the discretion of the program director if a death outside of the immediate family warrants implementation of the student bereavement policy.

Student Bereavement Procedure: Upon approval from the program director, the student is allowed one-week of excused absence from the date of notification.

• The program director will notify the faculty or instructors impacted by this leave. It is the student’s responsibility to notify off-campus supervisors after consultation and approval from the program director.
• Faculty and staff will be advised that extensions on all assigned course work must be granted to the student for the one-week period of the excused absence. The expectation for work required in off-campus experiences should be clearly outlined at the time of notification of the approved leave.
• Further extensions on course work, assignments etc. may be negotiated by the student with their faculty members when the student returns to campus.
• Typically an absence beyond a two week period may warrant a leave of absence at the graduate level.
• International students may require special consideration in terms of length of absence given the potential time required for travel to and from their home country.
• Requests for leave of absence after the withdrawal deadline (as published in the academic calendar) may be granted in cases of bereavement. Contact the associate provost to review the leave of absence policy and process.

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​Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Training

For students enrolled in Master of Science in Education degree programs, Master of Science degree programs in Creative Arts Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Doctor of Physical Therapy program:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has determined that some workers may face a significant health risk as the result of occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials. While the University does not believe that student teachers, interns, and clinicians face a high risk, the University has determined that information regarding bloodborne pathogens is critical for students enrolling in an internship, clinic, practicum and/or student teaching experience. As regulated by OSHA, this training must take place on a yearly basis. Any student not trained will be removed from active participation in the classroom/clinic/practicum setting.

Campus Safety coordinates an online OSHA-compliant Bloodborne Pathogen Training course. Participants who complete the training receive a certificate of completion. Each department determines their own process for monitoring compliance, and provides information about this requirement to students.

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“C” Grade Policy

No more than two C grades (C or C+) in graduate-level work earned at Nazareth University will be counted as part of the degree program. A student receiving a third C grade will be required to retake one of the courses. The course to be retaken will be determined in consultation with the program director. See Grading System

Note: Please see individual program/department handbooks for program specific information, as departmental guidelines may be more stringent than the policy listed above.

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Capstone Seminar

For students enrolled in Master of Science in Education degree programs:

Once students are registered for Capstone Seminar (three credit hour course), they must remain in good academic standing for all registered course work. Capstone Seminar is identified with a 690 course number and is linked to the departmental prefix, for example INCL 690, MED 690, etc. Withdrawal from any course, student teaching, internship, practicum, or clinical experience will automatically result in being withdrawn from Capstone Seminar. Should this occur, students must re-register for Capstone Seminar during the semester when all program requirements are being completed.

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Change of Name/Address

Each student must provide a current correct name and address to the Office of Registration and Records within 10 days of any change. Students are able to change their address through their Naznet account or by using the Address/Name Change Form that is available online or in the Office of Registration and Records. Change of name must be accompanied by appropriate legal documentation.

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Change of Program

The program of academic emphasis is declared at the time of application. Students who are in good academic standing must petition to change their program. Any program change is contingent upon approval by the director of the program to which the student is requesting entrance. Forms to request a Change of Program are submitted to the Office of Registration and Records. Note - certain program change requests may require reapplication through the Office of Graduate Admissions and/or prerequisite coursework evaluation.

Change of Program requests will be considered up until the final six weeks of a fall or spring semester, or up until the final two weeks of a summer term. If a request is filed during the final weeks of the term, it will be held until the final grading cycle of the term is completed to determine the student’s academic standing in their program.

A request for program change by a student not in good academic standing will require the approval of both the current program director and the director of the program to which the student is requesting entrance.

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Changes in Course Schedules and Fees

Fees, course offerings, and instructors are subject to change without notice. Nazareth University reserves the right to cancel, combine, limit, change, or add sections of courses.

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Classroom Conduct

Conduct which infringes upon the rights of others or which adversely affects the academic or administrative activities of the University is prohibited. Students may be sanctioned for any conduct that includes but is not limited to the following acts of misconduct: any action which endangers a student or the University community or interferes with or disrupts the academic process. See the Student Code of Conduct for more information. Individual programs may have additional requirements.

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Course-Related Clinical Experiences for Education Programs

While required by the New York State Education Department, the expansive clinical experience component also enables the program directors and faculty to further link theory with practice throughout each graduate education program’s curriculum. Descriptions of courses requiring clinical experience have a notation indicating this requirement. As per New York State Education Department requirements, clinical experiences are scheduled during the day in the fall, spring, and summer terms. Clinical experience hours are to be completed in the semester in which a student takes classes that have this associated requirement. Prior experiences cannot qualify. It is recognized that many graduate students are also full-time teachers; therefore, in some cases, clinical experiences may be possible through a student’s employing school district. In order to qualify, students must submit a Job-Embedded Field Experience Proposal Form or the Job-Referenced Field Experience Proposal Form available through the Office of Clinical Experiences and Partnerships website.  However, whether through a student’s employing school district or not, ALL clinical experience arrangements are made formally by the University through the School of Education office of the Director of Clinical Experiences and Partnerships. Students will have the opportunity to discuss clinical experience placement arrangements with advisors and faculty.

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Credit Limits

Fall and Spring
Graduate students are limited to a maximum of twelve (12) credits in the fall and spring semesters (with the exception of selected programs in Health and Human Services). In addition, if a graduate student is taking an undergraduate course (or courses) the total registered credits cannot exceed 15 (undergraduate and graduate combined).

Summer Terms
Two summer sessions are traditionally scheduled during the time period of mid May through early August. Based on NYS and university guidelines, the maximum credit hours for which a graduate student is permitted to register during one summer session is six. This may vary by program, if course offerings span both summer sessions. Consult your program director or department handbook for exceptions to the six-credit per term restriction. Please note: with regard to financial aid, the accumulations of summer sessions is considered to be one term.

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Credits and Hours

Consistent with the regulations of the New York State Education Department, credits refer to the number of semester hours applicable toward the total required for graduation. Credit is awarded as follows:

1. For a lecture or seminar, one credit hour requires at least fifteen 50-minute periods of instruction with at least thirty hours of supplementary assignments.
2. For a laboratory, one credit requires at least 150 minutes of supervised work in a laboratory setting, or the equivalent, for each of fifteen weeks.
3. For a clinical course, studio, or practicum, one credit requires at least three hours in a supervised setting each week.
4. Credit for independent study is calculated in a manner equivalent to practica.
5. Credit for internship is calculated in a manner equivalent to practica, requiring at least 45 hours on site and in related activities over the course of fifteen weeks.

Courses offered entirely online have the same learning outcomes as equivalent on-site or face-to-face courses. Expectations for contact time are met through online interactions with the instructor and engagement in structured online activities with other students (e.g., discussions, study groups, group projects). Online courses must meet the total instructional and student work time required for on-site or face-to-face courses with equivalent credit values.  

Deferred Admission

Students who have been accepted for admission may delay entrance into selected graduate programs for a period of up to one year. Students may indicate this on the Intent to Enroll form mailed to them as a part of the acceptance packet of information. Students wishing to defer admission after the Intent to Enroll form has been filed should request an Admissions Deferral form from the Office of Graduate Admissions. Students not enrolling in graduate-level course work within the one-year period following acceptance to a graduate program must re-apply.

Please note: (1) This policy does not apply to the Speech-Language Pathology Program where admission is to a specific fall or spring semester. (2) This policy does not apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program where admission is to a specific fall semester. (3) This policy does not apply to the Occupational Therapy Program where admission is specific to a summer term. (4) Students applying to the Creative Arts Therapy Programs may defer admission only if they have paid their deposit and have obtained the approval of the program director.

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Degree Completion/Degree Audit

Degree candidates must complete a graduation application in NazNet under Graduation Overview no later than the time of registration for final courses in the degree program. Submission of this form initiates a degree audit. The degree audit considers courses in progress as well as completed courses and determines the extent to which total degree requirements have been, and will be met.

Degree completion is posted on a student’s transcript in December, May, or August, following the end of term. The degree completion date may be helpful for the purposes of employment, certification, licensure, and/or application for advanced study. The date of completion is the actual end of term when degree requirements are completed. Please note that if all degree requirements are not fully met at the end of the semester (e.g., a student has taken an incomplete grade or has an undergraduate deficiency that has not yet been cleared), their completion date will be changed to a subsequent term, pending resolution of any outstanding requirements. Certification programs may have different state and national deadlines for which all paperwork and degree information must be completed and submitted. Students should consult individual department handbooks or licensure officials for more information.

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Dismissal

The University reserves the right to dismiss at any time a student whose conduct and/or academic standing renders the student unacceptable as a member of the University. In this case, fees that have been paid will not be refunded. When a student is suspended during a semester for conduct issues, the student will be granted “drops” during the first week of the semester but will earn all “W” grades after the first week.

All academic dismissals at the graduate level are as a result of a comprehensive review by program faculty and the program director (and chair/associate dean if applicable). Students seeking to appeal an academic program dismissal must provide a written request to do so directly to the program director (or chair/associate dean if applicable) of the student’s home department within 30 days of the dismissal notification. Students must include the reasons for the appeal accompanied by any supporting documentation. If the student remains unreconciled, the student can then appeal to the dean of the school/college in which the academic program resides. If the student remains unreconciled, the last level of appeal is to the vice president for academic affairs or designee. All decisions by the VPAA or designee are final, and cannot be appealed. The status of dismissal will remain in place throughout the appeals process, and no registration or course attendance will be permitted pending resolution of the appeal. An accelerated appeals process may be permitted, with the goal of resolution prior to the start of the next academic term. Students should consult program director or chair for specific information.

Note: Consult program or departmental handbooks, if applicable, for program policies to which students must adhere based on program requirements, as well as licensing and accreditation guidelines.

See also Grade Appeals, Academic Warning and Probation

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Electronic Communication Policy

All faculty, staff and students are provided a Nazareth University email account (@naz.edu), which is one of the University’s official methods of communicating important and time-sensitive information. All are expected to check the mail sent to this account on a frequent and consistent basis, and to respond to official communications from the Nazareth University Community in a timely manner. All are responsible for monitoring this account and for the consequences of missing important and time-sensitive messages.

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Electronic Portfolio - Education Programs

Students in selected teacher education programs will complete an electronic portfolio. Requirements may vary by program; students should consult with their program director or advisor for program-specific information.

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Enrollment Status Verification for Student Loans

See Financial Information . 

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Exceptions to Academic Policies and Degree Requirements

Exceptions for students to specific academic policies, program requirements, and/or degree requirements must be made in writing via a Graduate Student Petition, and have the written approval of the instructor (if appropriate), faculty advisor, program director, and the chairperson/associate dean of the student’s academic department. Some exceptions require the approval of the associate provost. Verbal approval is not considered sufficient documentation. Any changes or exceptions must be made through the formal student petition process. Forms are available on the Office of Registration and Records website. See also Petitions.

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FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines restrict directory information that can be released by colleges and universities. Under FERPA, directory information may be released without written consent from the student unless the student signs a non-disclosure statement in the Office of Registration and Records.

While FERPA allows for the release of a wider range of directory information, Nazareth University’s Office of Registration and Records has adopted an internal policy to release only: name, email, date of attendance, enrollment status, previous school attended, class, major field(s) of study, honors, degrees conferred (including dates), and date and place of birth.

For a non-disclosure of information request, or for more information about FERPA, please visit the Registration and Records website or contact the Office of Registration and Records. 

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Grade Appeals

Nazareth is committed to resolving all appeals in a timely fashion. Students have the right to appeal a grade. These guidelines should be followed for grade appeals:

• Discuss any grading concerns with the instructor of record
• If concerns remain; student appeals to the program director (or department chair if applicable) of the program in which the course resides.
• If concerns remain; appeals can be made to the associate dean/dean of the school of the discipline in which the course resides (if applicable), and then to the provost or designee.

In some programs, per program/departmental requirements, continuation in some or all coursework is contingent upon specific GPA requirements and/or satisfactory performance in prerequisite coursework. To ensure completion of the appeals process prior to the add/drop deadline of the next term, the University provides an Accelerated Timeline for Grade Appeals. Both the accelerated and general timelines, deadlines for each step in the process, as well as policies regarding continuation of coursework, can be found on the graduate resources website under “Forms.”

Note: Consult this catalog and departmental handbooks, if applicable, for program policies to which students must adhere based on program requirements, as well as licensing and accreditation guidelines.

See also Dismissal, Academic Warning and Probation

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Grade Point Average

Students are considered in good academic standing if their cumulative grade point average is 3.0 or higher and they are not on Academic Probation. At the graduate level, students are placed on Academic Warning the first time their cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0 and are placed on Academic Probation the second time their cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0.

The semester GPA and the cumulative GPA are derived by dividing the number of hours attempted into the number of grade points earned. Grades for courses accepted in transfer are not included in any GPA calculation. Grades of W, S and U, AU, and I are not included in any GPA calculation.

Note: Standards of academic standing may be more stringent than those outlined above as governed by program requirements, licensing and accrediting organizations. Consult departmental student handbooks for individual program policies to which students must adhere. 

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Grade Reports

Students have access to their grades and may print a grade report through NazNet under Grades. Please note: While grades are reported at the completion of each summer session, the accumulation of summer sessions is considered to be one term.

If no grade appears for a course after the grading process has been completed, or if a grade appears to the student to be incorrect, the student should check with the instructor immediately to clarify and/or correct the error. 

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Grading System

Letter grades and quality points are given for each course at the close of each semester according to the following system:

* No more than two C grades (C or C+) in graduate-level work earned at Nazareth University will be counted as part of the degree program. A student receiving a third C grade will be required to retake one of the courses. The course to be retaken will be determined in consultation with the program director.

Notes:

• Standards for grading and probation (including the ‘C’ grade policy) may be more stringent than those outlined above as governed by program requirements, licensing and accrediting organizations. Consult departmental student handbooks for individual program policies to which students must adhere.
• There are specific guidelines regarding individual course grades and GPA for students pursuing annotation/extension or certification-only programs through the School of Education. See Annotation and Extensions  program section for additional information.

S (Satisfactory), U (Unsatisfactory) letter grades are used to measure student achievement in certain designated courses. Credit hours are earned for satisfactory work but are not included in the grade point average.  Only in rare cases are requests for pass/fail grades granted at the graduate level (exclusive of designated pass/fail courses), as most programs and career outcomes require evidence of specific letter grades. Graduate students seeking Pass/Fail grading will need to speak to their program director and, if approved at that level, complete the Pass/Fail form posted on the Registration and Records website. Once approved the Pass/Fail form will be submitted for approval by dean or dean designee. 

AU (Audit) Indicates that a student has elected to audit the course. No credit is given. A final exam is not required.

I (Incomplete) indicates that a student did not complete all the work required for the course and the work must be completed by the date agreed upon by the student and instructor. If the specified deadline passes without full resolution the grade will convert to an “F”. Academic Standing Processes will be completed for the semester in which the student originally registered for the course. Students must then re-register, pay, and successfully complete the course in order to earn credit. See also Incomplete Grades.

R Indicates that the course has been repeated. For example, BR recorded on a grade report and transcript would mean that this student had repeated the course and received a grade of B. The original grade remains on the permanent record along with the new grade although only the second grade is calculated in the grade point average.

W Withdrawn. Graduate students may withdraw from courses by the deadline date indicated on the Nazareth University Academic Calendar without academic penalty. The ‘W’ grade does not impact GPA. Dropping after the deadline in the Academic Calendar results in a grade of “F.”

IP In Progress. IP Grades are only given for courses with field work, clinical or similar components. The IP does not remain on the transcript once resolved.

NR Not Reported.

Grades of AU and W are not assigned by the instructor, but elected by the student.

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Graduation and Commencement

Nazareth University graduates students 3 times per year - May, December and August. A student may only graduate on the official graduation dates as listed in the Academic Calendar. The Registration and Records Office is responsible for the certification and production of diplomas for the University.

Graduate Degree Graduation Requirements

1. In order to graduate with a MA MS, MM, MPH or DPT a student must satisfactorily meet the minimum program requirements for the degree they are seeking. All grades must be recorded and any outstanding Incomplete (I or IP) grades must be resolved.
2. The minimum University requirement of a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 must be met.

All Nazareth coursework must be completed and graded within 5 business days of the semester grading deadline in order to receive a diploma in that term. All official academic transcripts and records for transfer of credit supporting degree completion must be received by the Office of Registration and Records at Nazareth within 10 business days from the last date of the semester at the institution from which the credit is transferring, and no later than 20 business days after the Nazareth diploma date for that semester.

Participation in Commencement

Commencement at Nazareth University is held annually in May. Students who complete all requirements at the end of the Spring semester are automatically eligible to participate in the commencement ceremonies. If a student can reasonably complete requirements by the end of the following summer or fall semesters they may request to walk in the earlier May ceremony. They may also elect to wait until the following ceremony if they wish. A student may only walk and have their name listed in the program once. To request to participate in a commencement ceremony prior to the completion of a degree, please complete the Petition to Walk form and submit it to the Registration and Records Office.

Students enrolled in combined undergraduate/graduate degree programs are eligible to participate in commencement only if conferral of a bachelor’s degree at the conclusion of the undergraduate phase is built into their combined program.

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Human Subjects Research

Nazareth University (the University) values and encourages research involving human subjects and strives to provide opportunities for faculty and students to engage in this activity. In doing so, the University accepts the legal and ethical responsibilities for safeguarding the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in this research.

The University requires that all research projects that use human subjects be approved and periodically reviewed by the Human Subjects Research Committee (the HSRC). The HSRC operates under Section 474(a) of the Public Health Service Act (P.L. 93-348) as implemented by Department of Health and Human Service regulation Title 45, Part 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (45 CFR 46) which details procedures to safeguard human subjects in research. For a full discussion of what is considered research with human subjects, please see the Policies and Procedures Governing Human Subjects Research on the Human Subjects Research Committee webpage.

Complete information regarding policies and procedures is available on the Nazareth website or upon request from the Chairperson of the HSRC. Since the committee chairperson is a faculty member elected to the position on a rotating basis, please see the Human Subjects Research Committee webpage to obtain the current chairperson contact information.

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Incomplete Grades

A grade of “I” for incomplete work will be arranged through the student and instructor. Students may request an incomplete grade only if they have successfully completed a majority of the course work. The incomplete must be resolved by the date identified by the instructor, and no later than 6 weeks after the last day of classes for the term as published in the Academic Calendar. The instructor enters the deadline for the grade change when entering the incomplete grade. If a final grade change is not submitted by the deadline the grade will be changed to a failing grade of “F.”

An incomplete grade may impact the ability to continue in sequential coursework or a course that requires a pre-requisite that carries an incomplete grade. The student and instructor should review the impact of the incomplete when determining the deadline for coursework. A department may drop a student from a class in the subsequent semester due to an incomplete grade. A student seeking an extension of the original agreed upon deadline must be approved by the instructor and associate dean/dean. The “I” designation does not remain on the record once resolved.

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Independent Study

The purpose of independent study is to allow students to engage in research and/or study in a specialty area that is not available through established course offerings. Independent study is not designed to resolve schedule conflicts. It requires a comparable workload, time frame, and quality level of work as in regular courses.

Matriculated students in good academic standing may have only one independent study in their program.

Students pursuing this option may download the Student Proposal for Graduate Independent Study form or obtain one in the Office of Registration and Records. The independent study proposal must be completed prior to the registration dates for the semester. Please note: Independent study cannot be taken as an audit.

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Intersession Courses

Course offerings may include intensive short-term intersession courses, which are held either prior to or after the official calendar term dates. These courses are part of the identified term for all matters relating to registration, billing (including potential overload fees), academic standing and financial aid. Students are not permitted to enroll in more than one of these intersession courses concurrently. Any exception to this policy must be approved by the student’s advisor and department chair/associate dean.

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Leave of Absence

A student in good academic standing may request a leave of absence for a maximum of one academic year for medical reasons, financial necessity, etc. After one year, a student will lose their matriculation status and will be inactivated from their program. Important - students who do not request an official leave of absence are at risk for Unofficial Withdrawal from the University. To pursue a leave of absence:

• Contact your program director to discuss the leave of absence
  • After discussing with your program director, use your Nazareth student email account (for identification purposes) to email your program director confirmation of your decision to take a leave of absence or withdrawal.
  • If courses are in progress, specify if you wish to process the leave/withdrawal immediately and be withdrawn from courses or if the leave/withdrawal is to go into effect at the end of the current semester.
• The program director will forward that email to the Center for Student Success (CSS@naz.edu) to confirm that the necessary discussion with the student has taken place.
• CSS processes the leave/withdrawal, updating the student record accordingly.

A leave of absence may impact course sequence and program completion. Therefore, it is required that the student meet with their advisor to adjust the program of study in anticipation of the student’s return. It is in the student’s best interest to follow this procedure to ensure student status and gain valuable information regarding programmatic issues due to a leave of absence.

See also Time Limit.

The following access or services are available to students on a leave of absence: *

• Access to technology: ID card for bookstore, vending, Cabaret, library; email account; Moodle; NazNet; personal websites; computer labs and user support line

The following access or services are not available to students on a leave of absence:

• Health Services
• Center for Spirituality (Pastoral Counseling)
• Counseling Services
• Department laboratories where potentially dangerous materials are used
• Participation in courses, lessons, ensembles, or any University-facilitated academic activity
• Others at the discretion or practice of individual departments

* Please note that involuntary leaves of absence (e.g. disciplinary) are not covered under these guidelines. Students on an involuntary leave of absence (disciplinary suspension) are not eligible to access any of the services listed. Other restrictions may also apply.

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NazNet Self-Service

NazNet Self-Service is a web interface to the University’s student database. It allows students to access information online about their course grades, schedules, program evaluations, financial aid, billing, etc. Students should review this information on a regular basis. In addition, NazNet Self-Service has a self-service link to the National Student Clearinghouse, where enrollment verifications can be instantly downloaded and printed, and transcripts can be ordered online.

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New York State Teacher Certification & Examinations

General Information
The State Education Department of New York has established specific regulations governing teacher certification in all areas. Types of teacher certification include the Initial and Professional Certifications. All students seeking teacher certification in New York State need to pass the appropriate state teacher certification exams to be certified. If a student completes a teacher education program but does not pass the New York State exams, the student will not be certified in New York State.

Students enrolled in the University’s teacher degree programs which are registered and approved by the New York State Education Department are recommended by Nazareth University for teacher certification when the student has completed all degree requirements.

All candidates for initial New York State teacher certification must also complete EDU 583: Health Education/Child Abuse/Violence Prevention and Intervention Workshop, and EDU 593: Harassment, Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Discrimination in Schools: Prevention and Intervention (DASA Training).

New York State requires all teachers applying for a new certification area to be fingerprinted. This is in accordance with the Fingerprinting Mandates under the Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) Legislation. Information is available through the School of Education Teacher Certification website.

Examinations and Applying for Teacher Certification through New York State
Teacher candidates use the NYS TEACH system to apply for Initial and Professional certifications and need to pay the fees in effect at the time they apply. New York requires all teacher candidates to have a fingerprint/background check on file with TEACH, pass all appropriate New York State Teacher Certification Examinations www.nystce.nesinc.com> and have the appropriate years of teaching experience. New York State Education Department maintains a website with certification requirements: www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/

In order to determine which certification exams are required, refer to the School of Education Teacher Certification website. When completing the registration form for the New York State Tests the Nazareth University Institution Code is 590. A student’s scores will automatically be reported to the School of Education at Nazareth University if they register with this code.

All students in a first time certification program requiring student teaching who will complete their program on or after May 1, 2014 must successfully complete the following requirements to obtain New York State Teacher Certification:

1. Nazareth Teacher Performance Assessment;
2. Educating All Students Test (EAS);
3. Content Specialty Test(s) (CST).

Teacher candidates adding an additional certification will need to take the appropriate Content Specialty Test(s) in their new area of certification(s) only.

During a teacher candidate’s final semester, information on the certification application process will be sent via email. Additional support may be obtained by contacting Nazareth University Teacher Certification Office at (585) 389-2051 or by email tcert@naz.edu, or www.naz.edu/dept/edu/certification.cfm

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Nondiscrimination Policies and Procedures

See Nazareth University Policies  

Non-Matriculated Status

Students who are not matriculated into a program of study at Nazareth University are permitted to take courses as a non- matriculated student with the approval of the program director. All students wishing to take a graduate level course as a non- matriculated student must hold a bachelors degree and meet any prerequisites required of the course. Students are only permitted to take 9 credits with non-matriculated status and thereafter must matriculate into a program through an official application to the program. Students will complete the Non-Matriculated Application,  meet with the program director for approval and return the form to the Office of Registration and Records. Students will be registered on a base available basis. As a rule, non-matriculated students are ineligible for federal financial aid. There are certain exceptions for courses taken leading to New York State Teacher Certification.

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Petitions

Special student requests or exceptions (e.g., waiver of a course requirement) require written approval by appropriate program director. Depending on the request, additional approvals, including chair/associate dean, dean, and/or associate provost, may be required.  Procedural information about the petition process can be provided by the Office of Registration and Records. Students may obtain a Graduate Student Petition online or from the Office of Registration and Records.

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Pregnant and Parenting Students

Nazareth University is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all individuals enjoy freedom from discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of sex as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). Title IX prohibits sex discrimination, which can include discrimination based on pregnancy, marital status or parental status, in educational programs and activities that are eligible for federal funding. Nazareth University does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy or related conditions, childbirth or parental status. Nazareth University’s Title IX Coordinator oversees compliance with the Pregnant and Parenting Students policy, and the full policy is posted on the Title IX Office’s website.

Prerequisite Coursework (or Deficiencies)

In selected programs, students whose undergraduate preparation is deficient of coursework required for their graduate program of study must comply with any program/course prerequisites in accordance with their admission status. See additional information in the program’s application materials, and in the Programs of Study section of this catalog.

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Probation

See Academic Warning and Probation

Program/Department Handbooks

Student Handbooks may be provided by the departments and contain additional policies and procedures specific to the program of study.

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Re-admission

Students must complete six credit hours per academic year to maintain their status. Students in good academic standing who lose their matriculation status and who wish to return to graduate study must file for re-admission. Information on procedures for re-admission can be obtained in the Office of Registration and Records. If the student is accepted for re-admission, credits previously earned count toward the degree program if: (1) credits were successfully completed within the past five years, and (2) the student is returning to the same degree program.

Note: The College of Interprofessional Health and Human Services Licensed Health Professions may maintain matriculation standards or policies related to readmission more stringent than those outlined above as governed by program requirements, licensing and accrediting organizations. Consult departmental student handbooks for individual program policies to which students must adhere.

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Records and Confidentiality

A permanent record (transcript) which includes the student’s complete academic history (program of study, courses, grades, GPA calculations, transfer credit, type of degree conferred, and date of graduation) is maintained for each student.

Copies of permanent academic records are released to employers, certification and licensing offices, or other colleges only with the written consent of the student. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to university officials with legitimate educational interests. program directors, department chairs, and appropriate university officials have access to academic records for the purpose of counseling, certification, or academic advising.

Once received, all admission and transfer credit documents are a permanent part of the student record and the property of Nazareth University. They cannot be returned to the student. They cannot be faxed or copied.

Another exception is required by the Solomon Amendment (32 CFR Part 216, RIN 0790-AG42). This amendment prescribes that the University must release student’s name, address, telephone listing, age (or year of birth), level of education, and program of study when that information is requested by the Secretary of Defense for military recruiting purposes.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, enforced by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, grants students the right to inspect, review, and challenge the contents of their educational records, and to prevent disclosure, with certain exceptions, of personal information. Copies of the complete university policy on availability and privacy of such records may be obtained in the Office of Registration and Records.

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Religious Observance Attendance Policy

A student who is unable to participate in any class, examination, or assignment due to religious holy day requirements shall not be penalized, provided the instructor has been notified in writing at least two weeks prior to the absence.

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Repeating a Course

Once a student receives a grade in a course, regardless of whether the course is passed or failed, the grade remains on the student’s permanent record. If a grade of ‘C’ or better is achieved, the course may not be repeated, unless the student is required to repeat based on the ‘C’ grade policy, or if a student’s program requirements require a higher minimum grade in selected coursework, as identified in the university catalog or the departmental handbook.

When a student repeats a course in which an ‘F’ was received, the second grade will replace the first grade in the calculation of the grade point average. Both grades remain on the student’s transcript with a notation of the repeated attempt. The course must be repeated at Nazareth to qualify for calculation into the GPA. Students who have already received credit for a given course will not receive additional credit hours when a course is passed a second time. A course may be repeated only once. A course is considered a repeat based upon the course number regardless of additional designations (e.g., ‘H’). After two attempts, students who do not earn a satisfactory grade may not be permitted continuation in their program of study.

See also: Satisfactory Academic Progress (Financial Information section)

Please see individual program/department handbooks for program-specific information.https://imaging.naz.edu/AppNet/Login.aspx

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Revision of Graduate Curriculum

Nazareth University reserves the right to review and revise graduate curriculum. In all instances of changes to program requirements, students will be advised accordingly with as much advance notice as possible.

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Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (Graduate Level)

See SAP section under Financial Information   

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Standards for Written Expression

Written work is an integral part of graduate study and an index of the student’s ability to apply the proper syntax, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and construction to a level of synthesis and critical thinking that advanced study demands.

Programs expect students to meet any professional standards and format for written assignments. Students having deficiencies in these areas are individually responsible for remediation. A writing center is available to assist students with written work. See also Writing Center.

Please see individual program/department handbooks for program-specific information.

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Student Code of Conduct

Nazareth University has in place  a comprehensive Student Code of Conduct, which includes a Statement of the Conduct Code, Disciplinary Sanctions, and Conduct Procedures. Any question or application of the Nazareth University Student Conduct Code shall be referred to the associate Associate Provost of Student Experience/Dean of students, or their designee for final determination. The full text of the Student Conduct Code, as well as information on Title IX: Sexual Assault & Misconduct is available online at http://www2.naz.edu/student-conduct.

Transcript Notations

New York law requires the University to make specific notations on the transcripts of Respondents found responsible for the following conduct prohibited by the Sexual Misconduct Policy and Title IX Sex Discrimination Policy: sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.

• Students suspended after a finding of responsibility will receive the following notation on their transcript: “suspended after a finding of responsibility for a code of conduct violation.”  Such notations will remain for at least one year after the conclusion of the suspension, at which point a suspended student can seek removal of the notation by appealing to the associate vice president for student and campus life/dean of students. Students seeking removal of the notation should contact the Office of the dean of Students for appeal procedures.
• Students expelled after a finding of responsibility will receive the following notation on their transcript: “expelled after a finding of responsibility for a code of conduct violation.”  Such notation shall not be eligible for removal.
• Students who withdraw pending resolution of alleged violations of this Policy either Policy will receive the following notation on their transcript: “withdrew with conduct charges pending.”  Such notation shall not be eligible for removal unless the charges are later resolved.
• If the University  vacates a finding of responsibility for any reason, any such transcript notation shall be removed.

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Student/Faculty Concerns

Normally, student/faculty concerns are resolved at the program level with the individual faculty member; if not resolved, they are referred sequentially to the program director, the chair/associate dean, and then the dean of the school/college. If necessary, concerns of an academic nature should then be addressed in writing to the provost or designee.

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Student Teaching/Graduate Practicum Placement, School of Education

General Guidelines:

• Candidates whose programs require a student teaching or graduate practicum placement must file an application approximately 1 year prior to the placement. Applications and due dates may be accessed through the Office of Clinical Experiences and Partnerships webpage. The Office of Clinical Experiences and Partnerships will make all student teaching/practicum clinical experience arrangements. 

• A student must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to begin a student teaching/graduate practicum placement. In addition, if a student has received a third “C” grade (C or C+) and therefore must retake a course because of this, the course must be retaken prior to beginning a student teaching/practicum placement. Any incomplete course grades must be resolved prior to beginning a student teaching or graduate practicum placement.

Program Specific Student Teaching Guidelines:

Initial certification graduate student teaching experiences are designed to provide teacher candidates with experiences working with learners and professionals in the initial certification area(s). The student needs to work with a certified educator who is currently serving in the same role that the teacher candidate is seeking.

• Inclusive Adolescence Education: Students enrolled in the Initial Certification program at the Adolescence level will need to complete two student teaching placements.  One placement will take place in grades 7 - 9 and the other will take place in grades 10- 12.  Additionally, one of the two placements must be in a general education setting and the other placement must be in a special education setting.
• Inclusive Childhood Education: Students enrolled in the Initial Certification program at the Childhood level will need to complete two student teaching placements. One placement will take place in grades 1-3 and the other will take place in grades 4-6. Additionally, one of the two placements must be in a general education setting and the other placement must be in a special education setting.
• Inclusive Early Childhood Education: Students enrolled in the Initial Certification program at the Early Childhood level will need to complete two student teaching placements. One placement will take place in Pre-K - K and the other will take place in grades 1-2. Additionally, one of the two placements must be in a general education setting and the other placement must be in a special education setting.
• Teaching English To Speakers of Other Languages: Students enrolled in the Initial Certification Level program in TESOL will need to complete two student teaching placements.  One placement will take place at the childhood level (Kindergarten - Grade 6) and one at the adolescent level (Grades 7-12). 

Program Specific Graduate Practicum Guidelines:

Graduate practicum experiences are designed to provide teacher candidates with experiences working with learners and professionals in their new area(s) of certification(s). When the practicum is focused on special education, the practicum student needs to work with a certified special educator who is currently serving in the role of special educator in the placement.

• Inclusive Adolescence Education Programs: 
  • Additional Certification/Same Developmental Level - Students enrolled in the Additional Certification/Same Developmental Level program at the Adolescence level will need to complete their practicum in a special education setting with a certified special educator grades 7-12. 
  • Additional Certification/Changing Developmental Levels - Students enrolled in the Additional Certification/Changing Developmental Level program at the Adolescence level will need to complete their practicum in either a Grade 7-12 special education setting or a Grade 7-12 general education setting based on the following:

A) If the initial certification is a K-12 certification (e.g. music, art, speech, or health) students will need to complete their practicum in a grades 7-12 special education setting with a certified special educator.

B) If a student’s initial certification is in an area other than adolescence education, the determination of special education or general education will be made by the program director and will be based on the base certification(s) and the teacher candidate’s prior teaching experience.

• Inclusive Childhood Education Programs
  • Additional Certification/Same Developmental Level: Childhood - Students enrolled in the Additional Certification/Same Developmental Level program at the Childhood level will need to complete their practicum in a special education setting with a certified special educator in grades 1-6.
  • Additional Certification/Changing Developmental Levels: Childhood - 
    • If the initial certification is a K-12 certification (e.g. music, art, speech, or health) students will need to complete their practicum in a grade 1-6 special education setting with a certified special educator.
    • If the initial certification is an adolescence-level certification, students will need to complete their practicum in grades 1-6. The determination of special education or general education will be made by the program director and will be based on the base certification(s) and the teacher candidate’s prior teaching experience.
    • If the initial certification is in Early Childhood, students will need to complete their practicum in grades 3-6. The determination of special education or general education will be made by the program director and will be based on the base certification(s) and the teacher candidate’s prior teaching experience.

• Inclusive Early Childhood Education
  • Additional Certification/Same Developmental Level - Students enrolled in the Additional Certification/Same Developmental Level program at the Early Childhood level will need to complete their practicum in a special education setting with a certified special educator in grades pre-k-2. 
  • Additional Certification/Changing Developmental Levels -
    • If the initial certification is a K-12 certification (e.g. music, art, speech, or health) students will need to complete their practicum in pre-k-2 in a special education setting with a certified special educator.
    • If the initial certification is in adolescence education, students will need to complete their practicum in grades pre-k-2. The determination of special education or general education will be made by the program director and will be based on the base certification(s) and the teacher candidate’s prior teaching experience.
    • If the initial certification is in Childhood Education, students will need to complete their practicum in grades Pre-K - K. The determination of special education or general education will be made by the program director and will be based on the base certification(s) and the teacher candidate’s prior teaching experience.

• Literacy Education

  • ​Additional Certification - Students will need to complete their practicum in a grades K-12 Literacy-focused setting in the certification area grade band and in the Marie Callahan Reading Clinic.

• Teaching English To Speakers of Other Languages
  • Additional Certification - Students will need to complete their practicum in a grades K-12 TESOL setting. The determination of grade level will be made by the program director and will be based on the base certification(s) and the teacher candidate’s prior teaching experience.

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Student Teaching Waiver for Initial Teacher Certification Programs/Graduate Practicum Waiver for Additional Teacher Certification Programs

A structured, supervised, clinical experience provided by student teaching/graduate practicum is acknowledged to be one of the most essential as well as beneficial components of a teacher preparation program.  If specific criteria can be met, Nazareth may accept prior teaching experience to fulfill a portion of its student teaching/graduate practicum requirements. To be considered, the teacher candidate must have held a paid, full-time teaching position as the teacher of record who fulfilled the responsibilities of the primary teacher for at least one year. Being a paraprofessional or a per diem substitute does not qualify a candidate for this exception. The assignment must have been in the appropriate certification area and represent the appropriate developmental level/s. In addition, the candidate must have performed satisfactorily.

For a waiver to be approved, the teacher candidate must comply with the following:

1. Complete a copy of the Graduate Student Petition Form.
2. Attach an endorsement letter from their administrator with the position they held, the dates of service, a detailed description of responsibilities/duties completed, and their level of performance.
3. Submit the completed Graduate Student Petition Form and the Administrator’s endorsement letter to their program director.
4. Submit a Student Teaching/Graduate Practicum Application by the stated deadline in the event the waiver is not approved.

The program director, associate dean for student affairs, and the associate dean of the School of Education are responsible for approving or denying the candidate’s request for a waiver. If the petition is approved, a course must be taken in lieu of the number of hours waived (i.e. the total credit hour requirement is not reduced). The course(s) must be chosen in consultation with the program director or academic advisor.

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Student Accessibility Services

Nazareth University is committed to providing support services and assistance for students with disabilities. The Office of Student Success, Accessibility Services, in keeping with the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, provides reasonable accommodations, classroom modifications and appropriate services to all students with documented disabilities. Our office advocates, counsels, and connects students with campus and community resources.

Students who would like to receive reasonable accommodations or discuss disability-related matters are encouraged to contact the Office at (585) 389-2875 or by email at sasoffice@naz.edu to schedule an appointment. 

For additional information about accessibility services, please consult the Office of Student Success website.

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Time Limit

A student seeking a master’s degree must complete the degree requirements in five calendar years from the date of matriculation. A one-time extension may be granted for a valid reason when a written request has been submitted to the dean of the school/college in which the student’s program resides via the student petition form. Matriculated students must complete a minimum of six credit hours per academic year to maintain their status, unless a leave of absence has been granted (see Leave of Absence for information regarding the policy and approval process).  Important - students who do not request an official leave of absence are at risk for Unofficial Withdrawal from the University. It should be noted that regardless of a Nazareth-approved extension for continuation in coursework, federal financial aid cannot be granted after the five-year time limit has passed.

Please see individual program/department handbooks for program-specific information.

See also Petitions.

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Transfer Credit

In order for transfer credit to be reviewed/approved, students must submit a transfer credit approval form to their program director; the form is available on the Office of Registration and Records website. This form is used for either graduate level credits previously taken and/or credits to be taken in the near future. Grades earned in transfer are not included in the grade point average. Nazareth University reserves the right to accept or refuse any transfer credit. Additional policies and procedures regarding transfer credit are as follows:

• A maximum number of graduate credit hours earned at another accredited institution may be applied to the Nazareth University degree:
  • Six (6) credit hours for degree programs up to 36 credit hours
  • Nine (9) credit hours for degree programs greater than 36 credit hours
• Transfer credits must be appropriate to the student’s degree program.
• A minimum grade of B (3.0) or higher must be earned for each course. Courses graded on S/U or P/F basis are not transferable.
• Transfer credits must be earned not more than five years prior to matriculation.
• A printed catalog description must accompany the request for approval form.
• The official transcript is required before awarding transfer credit.

Students must be matriculated in a Nazareth University Graduate Studies program before transfer credit will be considered and posted on the Nazareth University transcript.

Students having completed graduate level coursework elsewhere prior to application to Nazareth University, must complete the request for approval of transfer credit form following matriculation. There is no guarantee that previous credits earned at another institution will be accepted in transfer and applied to the Nazareth University Graduate Studies program.

Matriculated students who wish to take a graduate level course at another institution to be applied toward their degree program at Nazareth University must obtain prior approval to do so. The procedures as printed are adhered to in requesting approval prior to the student’s registering for the course. The Office of Registration and Records and program director review all requests regarding transfer credit. Allow approximately four weeks for processing.

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Tuition Waiver Acceptance Policy

Tuition waivers can be used for the payment of tuition according to the following policies:

• The tuition waiver is acceptable in lieu of tuition only at the time of registration and for the credit hour value in effect at the time of registration. A registration fee is required at the time of registration.
• As indicated on the waiver, a student may use waivers up to a maximum equivalent of 3 credit hours per Fall, Spring, or Summer semester (Summer Session I and Summer Session II are considered one semester).
• If a student was a field professional and is expecting a waiver from the school/agency, but does not have it yet, the Student Accounts Office will verify with the Office of Clinical Experiences and Partnerships and process as usual. The actual waiver must be received no later than three weeks following the first day of the semester. If a student is not on the list from the Office of Clinical Experiences and Partnerships, regular tuition payment must be made in order to register.
• If a student withdraws from a course covered by a tuition waiver, the student will receive the waiver back only if no tuition liability for the course was incurred.
• A tuition waiver cannot be submitted for any previous or past-due balance.
• An unused tuition waiver (full or partial) has no cash value and cannot be refunded, re-issued, or held on account for future use.

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Waitlists

During the registration period, waitlists are available for closed courses. Once a course is closed, students must place themselves on the waitlist to try to get into the course. Faculty monitor waitlists and communicate with the Registration and Records Office to allow students in or add additional seats or course sections. Being on the waitlist does not guarantee that a student will get a seat in the course. A student should register for another course in case they do not get into the closed course. If a student is on a waitlist and a seat becomes available in the course, they will be notified through Nazareth email. The student must go into NazNet to register for the course within 48 hours or will be removed from the waitlist and lose the seat to the next person on the list. Waitlists are ordered chronologically on a first-come first-served basis. Students are able to see their position on a waitlist through Student Planning in NazNet Self-Service. Students may not be registered for one section of a course and waitlisted for another section of the same course.

See also: Registration

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Waiver of Credit

A waiver of credit allows the student to substitute an elective course from the same area of concentration in which the waived course resides (e.g., a waived course in literacy education must be replaced by another literacy education course). Waiver of course credit does not decrease the total number of credits required for the degree or for certification. The course in replacement of the waived course is selected in consultation with the Director of the program from which the courses reside. A petition that documents approval of the waived course and what course is being taken instead must be on file in the Office of Registration and Records.

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Withdrawal

Withdrawal during first week of classes

• New and returning graduate students requesting an immediate withdrawal from Nazareth University should contact the Office of Registration and Records (first week of classes only). All courses are dropped (removed from record).

Withdrawal after the first week, through the 10th week of classes

• All new and returning graduate students requesting an immediate withdrawal are made at the Office of Registration and Records (weeks 2-10). All courses are dropped and assigned a grade of “W.”

Withdrawal after the 10th week of classes

• No withdrawals are permitted after the 10^th week of the semester, with the exception of medical withdrawals, which must be accompanied by documentation from a health care provider. The final deadline to request a medical withdrawal, including receipt of documentation from a health care provider, is the last day of classes. If the medical withdrawal is approved, all courses are dropped and assigned a grade of “W.” Students seeking to initiate this process should contact the Office of Registration and Records.

Withdrawal at the end of a semester or between semesters

• All graduate students (new and returning) who wish to initiate a formal withdrawal from Nazareth University effective at the end of a semester or in between semesters should contact the Office of Registration and Records. 

Unofficial Withdrawal

To ensure the University is in alignment with the federal government, auditors and the National Student Clearinghouse, all students need to be accounted for each semester (not including summer) - what this means is that students need to be either:

• Registered;
• On Leave of Absence; or
• Withdrawn.

After the add/drop period has ended each fall and spring semester, the Office of Registration and Records will outreach to all unregistered students who are not on a leave of absence to inform them that they will be unofficially withdrawn from the University. Students will be given 10 business days to request a Leave of Absence prior to the processing of the withdrawal.

Any student who wishes to return to the University and was in good standing at the time of the unofficial withdrawal may request reinstatement into the same major within one calendar year of the withdrawal by contacting the Office of Registration and Records. A student who was on academic probation at the time of the unofficial withdrawal, has been away from the university for longer than one calendar year, or is seeking to return with a different major, must complete an Application for Readmission through the Admissions Office.

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