Academic Information

Academic Information

Entries appear in alphabetical order with the exception of the first two entries entitled Accreditation and Degrees; all entries thereafter appear in alphabetical order. Please note: The Undergraduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook is an additional reference that is mentioned in several entries. A paper copy of the handbook may be obtained in the Academic Advisement Center.

Accreditation
Degrees
Academic Honesty
Academic Standing
Academic Year
Attendance
Classification of Students
Commencement Procedures
Computer Literacy Requirement
Course Levels
Credits and Hours
Cross-enrollment at Other Area Colleges
Dean’s List
Departmental Honor Societies
Dismissal
Electronic Communication Policy
Examinations and Student Records
First Year Programs
Freshman Seminar Program
General Curriculum Requirements
General Degree Requirements
Grade Points and Grade Point Average
Grades - Description of Grades
Graduate Studies
Graduation Honors
Graduation Rate Report (Cohort Survival Study)
Leave of Absence
Minors
Non-Credit Remedial Courses
NYS Teacher Certification Exams, Annual Institution Report (2004-2005)
Official Withdrawal
Overseas Education Programs
Probation
Professional Programs and Other Career-Oriented Programs
Readmission after Academic Dismissal
Readmission after Withdrawal in Good Standing
Registration
Repeating a Course
Standards of Academic Progress
Student Course Load and Credits
Teacher Education
Transcripts and Records
Transfer Credit Policies
Withdrawal from Courses

 Accreditation

Nazareth College is incorporated under the authority of the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and is an accredited member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Documentation regarding this incorporation and accreditation may be seen during regular business hours in the Office of the President. The College holds membership in the American Council on Education, and the Association of American Colleges and Universities. It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The programs in Education are registered for approval with the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). The Physical Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The programs in Social Work are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The programs in Music are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. The College is approved by the New York State Education Department for the training of veterans and other eligible persons.

Nazareth College awards the undergraduate degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Music. Initial New York State teacher certification may be earned with many of these degrees. See the catalog section of the School of Education for further information.

In programs for the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Music degrees, the major field is chosen normally in the freshman year. In programs for the Bachelor of Arts degree, the major is selected by the end of the sophomore year.

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Degrees

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Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is essential to the educational mission of Nazareth College; the free pursuit of knowledge and understanding is seriously impeded by any form of academic dishonesty. Hence, no form of academic dishonesty will be condoned by the college.

“Academic dishonesty” is understood as any act of deceit bearing on one’s own or another’s academic work, where “academic work” is understood to mean any activity pertaining to the educational mission of the college. Such acts include but are not limited to, plagiarism in any form; the use during an exam of information or materials not authorized by the instructor for such use, and any other activities which are designed to deceive an instructor in the evaluation of the level of the student’s achievement.

Members of the academic community, chiefly students and faculty, should arrive at a clear understanding of the specific responsibility of each in guaranteeing the academic integrity of the college program. In the absence of an honor system which places the responsibility directly in the hands of the students, it is necessary for faculty to clarify for students what they see as their responsibility in this area. Where evidence of academic dishonesty exists: 1) the instructor consults with the student; 2) the department chairperson may confer with the instructor and student; 3) finally, the matter may be referred to the appropriate Dean, and if necessary, to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Please refer to the Undergraduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook for further explanation of the appeals process regarding this matter.

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Academic Standing

Students are in good academic standing as long as they are making satisfactory progress toward the degree for which they are working and are eligible to register for the following semester. In the case of students on academic probation, this determination of “good academic standing” is made by the Committee on Academic Standards. See also Probation in this section of the catalog.

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Academic Year

The academic year is divided into two semesters with optional summer sessions for undergraduate and graduate students.

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Attendance

Students are expected to attend all meetings of courses for which they are registered. It is assumed that the students, as well as the instructors, contribute something to the courses by their presence and participation. There is no officially recognized system of “cuts.” Students absent from class are required to make up the work missed to the satisfaction of the instructor.

Excessive absence from class for freshmen is reported by the instructor to the Coordinator of Freshman Academic Support Services and for other students to the Academic Advisement Center. A record of this information is maintained.

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Classification of Students

Students are classified as follows: freshmen, those having fewer than 28 credit hours; sophomores, those having at least 28 but fewer than 58 credit hours; juniors, those having at least 58 but fewer than 88 credit hours; seniors, those having 88 or more credit hours.

Full-time matriculated - any student who has met the entrance requirements, has been accepted in a degree program and is carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester.

If a full-time matriculated student fails to register in the succeeding semester, and has not formally filed for a leave of absence, matriculated status is lost by the last day to register for that semester.

Full-time non-matriculated - any student carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours a semester, but not pursuing a degree at Nazareth College (e.g., visiting students; teacher certification candidates only), or not yet accepted into a degree program.

Part-time matriculated - students who have been formally accepted into a degree program and who are pursuing a B.A., a B.S. or Mus.B. degree on a part-time basis (maximum of 11 credit hours a semester). If a part-time matriculated student fails to register after two consecutive academic semesters (excluding summers), matriculated status is lost.

Part-time non-matriculated* - students who have not yet applied for or received formal admission to Nazareth or students who wish to take courses for credit though they do not seek a degree (maximum of 11 credit hours per semester). Non-matriculated students who wish to work for a baccalaureate degree begin the matriculation process by the time they have completed 12 credits at Nazareth College.

* Note: Part-time non-matriculated students whose GPA’s are below acceptable standards will not be allowed to continue at Nazareth College.

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Commencement Procedures

Commencement at Nazareth College is held annually in May. Nazareth requires that students have completed all degree requirements, and have fulfilled all financial obligations to the college, before degrees will be awarded. Only students who have completed their degree requirements are allowed to participate in the May commencement exercises. It is the responsibility of all students planning on graduating to fill out the Commencement Information Form (CIF) and to file it with the Registrar’s Office by the deadline specified in the academic calendar. A student who completes degree requirements during the summer or fall graduates with the class the following May. On the official transcript a statement will be posted that all requirements have been met as of the end of the term in which the requirements are completed.

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Course Levels

The 100 and 200 courses are lower-division courses, normally taken in the first two years; 300 and 400 courses are upper-division courses and normally taken in the last two years. Ordinarily, 60 credits must be earned at the upper-division level. In special cases, a 200 course beyond the introductory level may be considered upper-division in a particular department for purposes of major credit.

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Credits and Hours

Credits refers to the number of semester hours applicable toward total required for graduation. One credit hour represents one 50-minute lecture period or one laboratory period of two or three hours each week for one semester. The minimum requirement for graduation is 120 credit hours.

Hours refers to the amount of time the class meets each week.

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Cross-enrollment at Other Area Colleges

Nazareth College is a member of the Rochester Area Colleges consortium which includes besides Nazareth: the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, Colgate Rochester Divinity School, Roberts Wesleyan College, St. John Fisher College, Monroe Community College, the State University Colleges at Brockport and Geneseo, the Empire State College and several other colleges located in the Genesee region.

Nazareth students may take advantage of a variety of courses offered by RAC member institutions.

In the regular academic year, any full-time undergraduate students (i.e., students taking at least 12 credit hours at Nazareth) may register for one course at any of Rochester Area Colleges’ member institutions on a space-available basis and with the approval of both Nazareth College and the other institutions(s) provided the course is required to complete the degree. (Note: This does not apply to private music lessons, field-based professional courses, internships or summer sessions.) Further information is available in the Office of the Registrar.

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Dean’s List

At the end of each semester, full-time matriculated students who have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or above for that semester are honored by the publication of their names in the Dean’s List, provided the students have completed at least 12 hours of graded work.

Students with “I” grades are not eligible for the Dean’s List.

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Departmental Honor Societies

Several academic departments each year name their honor students to the college’s chapter of an appropriate national honor society: Foreign Languages and Literatures Department (French, Pi Delta Phi, Spanish, Sigma Delta Pi and Italian, Gamma Kappa Alpha); Music (Pi Kappa Lambda); Social Sciences and History (Pi Gamma Mu); Psychology (Psi Chi); Business (Sigma Beta Delta); International Affairs (Sigma Iota Rho); Gerontology (Sigma Phi Omega); English (Sigma Tau Delta); Education (Kappa Delta Pi); Economics (Omicron Delta Epsilon); Religious Studies (Theta Alpha Kappa); Mathematics (Pi Mu Epsilon); Nursing (Sigma Theta Tau); Chemistry (Phi Lambda Upsilon); History (Phi Alpha Theta); Education (Kappa Delta Pi)

The Alpha Sigma Lambda national honor society recognizes the high scholastic achievement of the adult student at Nazareth College.

The Phi Eta Sigma national honor society recognizes the high scholastic achievement of members of the freshman class.

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Dismissal

The college reserves the right to dismiss, expel or suspend at any time a student whose conduct or academic standing renders the student undesirable as a member of the college. In this case, fees that have been paid will not be refunded. When a student is dismissed for academic reasons, a notation to this effect will appear on the transcript.

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Electronic Communication Policy

All faculty, staff and students are provided a Nazareth College email account (@naz.edu), which is one of the College’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 College 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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Examinations and Student Records

Final examinations are conducted at the close of each semester according to the examination schedule posted by the Registrar and found on the Nazareth web site. Students find semester grades, class schedules, and up-to-date academic records on NazNet - www.naz.edu/naznet/ when they log in with proper identification. The college reserves the right to withhold student records and transcripts until all bills are paid in full.

Mid-semester grade reports are issued, during the fall and spring semester, to freshman students at the college. These grades do not appear on the transcript. Copies of grade reports are sent to parents of first-year freshmen for the fall semester of their freshman year unless the student is 18 years or older, independent of their parents for federal tax purposes and submits a written request form to the Office of the Registrar.

Appeals for grading errors must be made by the last Monday in September for the previous spring/summer grades and by the last Monday in January for the previous fall grades. Any appeals for a grading error in a course in which an incomplete grade was given must be made within six weeks of the receipt of the new grade.

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First Year Programs

Nazareth has several programs that are designed to help students with the transition into college. All first-year students take the Freshman Seminar, a course designed to introduce new students to learning on a college level. Qualified students can apply to the First-Year Experience, an intensive, community-oriented experience in which the seminar is taught in their residence hall. Learning Communities are programs that facilitate student and faculty interaction.

These programs provide new students with a built-in network of peers with whom they can study and share ideas. Support is plentiful in making the transition from high school to college.

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Freshman Seminar Program

Freshman students select this three-credit offering (FRS 101) normally in the fall semester. The program is an introduction to college learning. The goals of the program are to develop academic skills with an emphasis on oral communication, to ease the transition from high school to college, to promote active learning, to introduce students to our core curriculum, which explores the study of the liberal arts, fine arts, and sciences, to explore values and to provide exposure to the diverse world.

The skills of critical reading, thinking, writing and speaking are sharpened by active involvement in discussion of important open issues. Students who fail Freshman Seminar will be required to take an additional course to meet this requirement.

Seminar faculty structure the classroom discussions to enable students to identify a variety of viewpoints on each topic. Students complete assignments designed to enhance information literacy, and they are introduced to the perspectives associated with the eight disciplines of the Liberal Studies Core Curriculum.

A description of the seminar is given below:

FRS 101. Freshman Seminar
Seminar will involve regular reading, writing and discussion about contemporary issues, and an introduction to literacy skills. The course will include some research and some out-of-class activities.
3 credits, 3 hours

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General Curriculum Requirements*
 

(Normally intermediate level, same language) - six credits for all B.A. programs, selected Mus.B. programs and for those B.S. and Mus.B. programs combined with education certification programs. Strongly recommended for other B.S. and Mus.B. programs.

Perspectives I courses ………………………….. 25 credits
Eight courses from the following designated areas, with one course from each area:
Area I, Fine Arts - Art, Music, Theatre Arts
Area II, History
Area III, Literature - English, Literature in Translation
Area IV, Mathematics
Area V, Philosophy
Area VI, Religious Studies
Area VII, Natural Science with Laboratory
Area VIII, Social Science - Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology

Perspectives II courses ………………………. 9-12 credits
For students pursuing the B.A. degree, four courses from those so designated in four different areas, excluding the area in which the major resides, but including one course in Mathematics or Natural Science; for all other students, three courses in three different areas excluding the area in which the major resides.

A Global Perspective course

Three Writing Intensive courses (including one in the major): Successful completion of Writing Assessment through one of these courses must be included in the student’s total program.

Physical Education (non-credit), 2 semesters

* Transfer students with AA or AS Degrees will follow these curriculum requirements with the following modifications: 3 credits of English composition (instead of 6); 6 credits of Perspectives II level courses (instead of 9-12); one writing intensive course (instead of 3 writing intensive courses). At least six credits in Perspectives courses (at the Perspectives I or II level) and the one writing intensive course must be completed at Nazareth College. All other general requirements may be fulfilled with transfer credit from other colleges or at Nazareth College. Freshman Seminar is not required.

** Transfer students without a degree need six hours of English composition. English composition courses offered in transfer are acceptable. Upper class transfers generally take English 251 (instead of a 100-level English composition course).

The foreign language requirement for students whose native tongue is other than English is to be determined by the chairperson of Foreign Languages and Literatures. Students may not expect to receive credit for skill courses in their native tongue. Candidates for the Bachelor of Science degree or the Bachelor of Music may meet the language other than English requirement for New York State teacher certification by any one of the following criteria:

1. Satisfactory completion of two college semesters of the same language (6 credits) or its equivalent.
2. Three years of sequential Regents level language in high school with a grade of 85% or above on the Regents exam.
3. Demonstration of competency in a language, including languages not currently offered for formal instruction at Nazareth, by using an AP or CLEP language examination.

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General Degree Requirements

To qualify for a baccalaureate degree a candidate must:

1. Fulfill the general curriculum requirements of the college as well as those of the selected departmental major.

2. Earn a minimum of 120 credit hours. At least 90 of the credits required for graduation must be earned in the liberal arts and sciences for the B.A. degree; 60 for the B.S. degree; 45 for the Mus.B. degree. A minimum of 30 credit hours at Nazareth College is required. An overall GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation.

3. Satisfy a comprehensive requirement in the major field in the senior year.

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Grade Points and Grade Point Average

The number of grade points earned depends on the grade received in the courses. Grade points are assigned to grades as follows: for each credit hour with a grade of A, four grade points; B, three; C, two; D, one; F, none. For example, in a three-credit course a student who earns a grade of A receives 12 grade points; one who earns a grade of B, 9 grade points. A plus grade adds .3 of a grade point and a minus grade subtracts .3 of a grade point per credit. No grade points are assigned to AU, W, I and S,U grades.

At the end of each semester, the semester and cumulative grade point average is computed for each student. The grade point average (GPA) is obtained by dividing the total number of grade points a student has earned by the number of credit hours attempted. Grades of AU, W, I, S and U are not figured in the grade point average.

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Grades - Description of Grades

The quality of students’ work is indicated by the following letter grades: A excellent; B very good; C satisfactory; D poor but of passing quality; F failure. The A-, B+, B-, C+, C-, D+ and D- symbols are also assigned to allow for finer differentiation in assigning grades.

S, U (satisfactory, unsatisfactory letter grades) are used to measure student achievement in certain designated courses such as methods, internships and student teaching, and some RAC consortium courses, together with some specifically indicated non-credit courses.

In addition, juniors and seniors may choose one elective course per term on a pass-fail basis for a grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). Part-time matriculated juniors and seniors in good academic standing may take a maximum of 4 elective courses pass/fail during their academic program at Nazareth College. Note: This excludes courses for core, in the major, and for a certification or minor program.

Other grading symbols include: AU audit; W withdrawal; R repeat (only F, D-, D, D+, C- grades; original grade remains on permanent record; see also Repeating a Course in this section of the catalog); IP in progress; NR not reported; I incomplete (student was unable to complete all the work of the course). I grades are assigned only after serious discussion with, and mutual agreement of, professor and student. A petition must be filled out by the student and signed by the instructor before the examination. The signed petition is attached to the grade sheet by the instructor. “I” grades must be resolved within six weeks after the end of each semester. Incomplete grades not resolved by the date specified on the academic calendar become “F”.

Please see the Undergraduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook for an additional description of grades.

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Graduate Studies

Nazareth College offers graduate programs of study leading to the degrees of Master of Science, Master of Science in Education, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Physical Therapy. Also awarded is the Master of Social Work degree through a program jointly offered by Nazareth College of Rochester and the State University College at Brockport. Programs offered within the Master of Science Degree are Creative Arts Therapy, Management, Human Resource Management, Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, and Speech-Language Pathology. Programs available within the Master of Science in Education degree are Art Education, Business and Marketing, Educational Technology Specialist, Inclusive Education Programs (Early Childhood; Childhood; Adolescence), Literacy Education, Music Education, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The Master of Arts degree offers a program in Liberal Studies. 

The graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology Program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) formerly Educational Standards Board (ESB) of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). The Art Therapy Program is accredited and approved by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). The New York State licensure qualifying Creative Arts Therapy Program, with specializations in Art Therapy and Music Therapy, began in Fall 2006. The Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and registered with the New York State Education Department. The Management Program has received initial accreditation from the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). The Music Education Program is approved by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The Physical Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The programs in Education are are accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). The Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 

In some circumstances, provided they meet academic requirements for entrance into the program, Nazareth undergraduate students may enroll in graduate courses. Ordinarily students must be within six semester hours of completing an undergraduate degree to register for a maximum of six credits in the graduate program. Please see the Graduate Study section of the Undergraduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook for complete information. Note: The policies/procedures as outlined in the Handbook regarding graduate course registration for undergraduate students do not apply to students enrolled in the Health Science/Physical Therapy program.

Information on graduate programs and admission requirements is available in the Office of Graduate Admissions, Smyth Hall, room 244. 

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Graduation Honors

The honor cum laude is granted to a senior who has completed the college program with distinction (earned a minimum grade point average of 3.5), magna cum laude to a senior who has completed the program with high distinction (earned a grade point average of 3.75 or above), and summa cum laude to a senior who has completed the program with highest distinction (earned a grade point average of 3.9 or higher).

At least 60 hours of work must be taken at Nazareth College to qualify for graduation honors.

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Graduation Rate Report (Cohort Survival Survey)*

The most recent IPEDS Graduation Rate Report completed in fall 2006 indicated that out of 402 full-time, first-time freshmen entering Nazareth in the fall of 2000 (adjusted for allowable exclusions), 289 or 72% graduated from Nazareth College - 245 by 2004; 31 by 2005; 3 by 2006; and 95 students or 24% transferred out. Of the 122 entering transfers in Fall 2001, 89 or 73% graduated from Nazareth College - 44 in 2004; 49 by 2005; 6 by 2006.

* Further information concerning graduation and completion rates is available in the Office of Institutional Research.

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Leave of Absence

Requests for leaves of absence originate at the office of Student Transition in the First Year Center on the standard form. A student in good standing may be granted a leave of absence for one semester, or two consecutive semesters only, for medical reasons, financial necessity, or other relevant reasons. Completed applications for a leave of absence must be filed prior to the semester or semesters to which they apply. Failure to complete the formal process for taking a leave of absence results in loss of matriculated status and the notation “Unofficial Withdrawal” on the transcript.

The following access or services are available to students in good standing while on an official leave of absence*: (1) access and services as per existing departmental policies or practice, and (2) access to technology: ID card for bookstore, vending, Cabaret, library; e-mail account; BlackBoard; NazNet; personal web sites; computer labs and user support line.

The following services are not available: Health Services, Counseling Services, Campus Ministry (Pastoral Counseling), Departmental laboratories where potentially dangerous materials are used; other services at the discretion or practice of individual departments.

* Involuntary leaves of absence (e.g. disciplinary) are not covered under these guidelines. Other restrictions may also apply.

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Minors

Curricular patterns allow students to pursue courses in areas of special interest. Some interdisciplinary minors have been designed to support any major, such as those in asian studies, bioethics, gerontology, women’s studies, multicultural studies, pre-law and social research. In addition, many departments offer minors. These include business management, accounting, modern foreign language, political science, religious studies and communication and rhetoric. Some departments offer specializations from within the department to go along with the major, e.g., Business.

Interested students should consult the Academic Programs listing in this catalog.

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Non-Credit Remedial Courses

Nazareth College offers a very limited number of non-credit remedial courses. Such courses are considered as a part of the semester academic load. However, they are not figured in the credits used to determine standards of academic standing or progress. Such courses carry grades of S (Satisfactory), U (Unsatisfactory).

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NYS Teacher Certification Exams, Annual Institution Report (2005-2006)*

• Total number of students taking tests: 408/Total number passing 403
  • Pass rate equals 99%
• Pass rate ATS-W equals 100%
• Pass rate LAST equals 99%

* In accordance with Title II of the Higher Education Act, Nazareth College has a report available on our teacher preparation programs which includes information on the pass rate of program graduates on required New York State certification examinations.

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Official Withdrawal

Students considering official withdrawal from the college during the semester or at the end of a semester should make an appointment with the Director of Student Transition and the First Year Center to discuss the withdrawal process and their reasons for withdrawing. Completion of an official withdrawal form is necessary to finalize the process. Transcripts of students who do not complete the official withdrawal procedure will be noted with a statement of “Unofficial Withdrawal”.

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Overseas Education Programs

The Center for International Education at Nazareth College is the cornerstone of the College’s unwavering commitment to international education. The CIE is the flagship of global initiatives and activities at Nazareth College. In planning and implementing Nazareth College’s international mandate to carry out its global goals and responsibilities, the CIE defines, develops, and supports internationally-focused interdisciplinary academic and development activities. The CIE also serves as an informational clearinghouse and support center for prospective international students and scholars. It offers services for undergraduate and graduate students as well as visiting scholars from abroad. Additionally, the CIE provides a forum through which Nazareth College’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni pursue collaborative interests and projects with partner institutions around the world.

Residential Programs: Nazareth College sponsors four of its own programs - one in France, one in Spain, two in Italy, one in Germany. Please refer to the programs of the Foreign Languages and Literatures Department for further information.

Exchange Programs: Through partnership agreements with universities and the College Consortium for International Studies, Nazareth maintains a network of exchange programs around the world. This network enables students to study for a semester or a year at more than 80 universities in 30 countries on six continents. Whether learning a language, enhancing academic skills, or participating in cultural immersion, these programs help students to develop an intercultural outlook, professional contacts in international networks, and employment opportunities.

Short-Term Overseas Education Programs: Short-term education programs abroad involve academic courses lasting from four days to two weeks that may be fully or partially held abroad. Under the guidance of Nazareth’s faculty, students have the opportunity to visit exciting sites, listen to speakers with international knowledge and outlook, practice foreign languages, taste authentic cuisine, and make connections with students from various cultures.

Students interested in any of these programs should begin by visiting or calling the Center (585) 389-2371. They may also go to the website: www.naz.edu/dept/cie. They should consult also with department chairpersons or faculty advisors in selecting programs. When accepted in such a program, students must plan their academic programs in consultation with their advisors, and they must receive the approval of their department chairperson. Otherwise, there is no guarantee the college will accept credit in transfer.

To qualify for one of these programs a student must be in good academic standing and have personal maturity, motivation, and probability of ease in adapting to new situations.

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Probation

The record of any student whose work falls below the required standard is reviewed by the committee on Academic Standards. Evaluation is made according to the following college academic standards:

Freshmen: If the cumulative GPA is less that 1.8 either semester, the student is placed on probation. If the GPA is less that 1.5 at the end of the first semester, the student will be required to change to part-time status (eleven credits maximum), take a leave of absence, or withdraw from the college. If the cumulative GPA is less than 1.7 at the end of the freshman year, the student will be required to change to part-time status (eleven credits maximum), take a leave of absence, or withdraw from the college.

Sophomores: If the cumulative GPA is less than 1.9 either semester, the student is placed on probation. If the cumulative GPA is less that 1.8, the student will be required to change to part-time status (eleven credits maximum), take a leave of absence, or withdraw from the college.

Juniors and Seniors: If the cumulative GPA is less than 2.0 either semester, the student is placed on probation. If the cumulative GPA is less than 1.9, the student will be required to change to part-time status (eleven credits maximum), take a leave of absence, or withdraw from the college.

If the GPA of any student is less than 1.7 in any single semester, the student is placed on probation. If the cumulative GPA in the major field falls below 2.0, the student is placed on probation and may be advised to consider a change of major.

Full-time students may be on probation for two consecutive semesters only, after which they will be required to change to part-time status (eleven credits maximum), take a leave of absence, or withdraw from the college. If matriculated part-time students are on probation for four semesters (or a maximum of 30 credits, whichever is completed first) they will be required to take a leave of absence, or withdraw from the college.

Students on probation may not register for more than 12-13 credits (four courses) during the following semester. In addition, freshmen and sophomores whose cumulative GPA is less than 2.0 but who are not on probation may be advised to carry a reduced load in order to allow more time for study, thereby increasing their chances for success.

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Professional Programs and Other Career-Oriented Programs

Nazareth College offers major programs through the School of Health and Human Services that are designed to prepare students for the human service occupations, specifically in the fields of social work, nursing, music therapy, communication sciences and disorders, and physical therapy. A professional program in accounting is offered through the School of Management. Please also see the section entitled Teacher Education in this part of the catalog for more information regarding programs of study that when combined with an academic major lead to New York State teacher certification.

The Social Work major program involves extensive field experience, with a variety of field placements. The program prepares the beginning professional generalist social worker. It also helps to identify potential areas of specialization for students who immediately or ultimately proceed to graduate schools of social work. The Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

In addition to the four-year Nursing licensure-qualifying program that leads to the Bachelor of Science degree and prepares graduates for the National Council Licensure Examination, an upper-level baccalaureate program in nursing, for registered nurses only, has been developed by the college. Students matriculate at the junior-year level, after all prerequisites have been met. They pursue a program of advanced courses in nursing, as well as support courses in the humanities and natural and social sciences. Nursing students accepted for this program must be licensed graduates of an accredited diploma school or Associate degree nursing program. Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The Music Therapy major program, approved by the American Music Therapy Association, includes course work in music, music therapy and the social sciences, and pre-clinical training practicum experiences with at least three different client populations. The course work and the practicum experiences are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in music therapy. Following graduation, and after successful completion of a six-month internship at an approved facility, students become eligible to take the national certification examination. (Internship must be completed within two years after graduation to become eligible to take the examination.)

Students who successfully complete the Accounting major program will meet the academic requirements to sit for the CPA examination.

Students who complete the Communication Sciences and Disorders major program typically complete graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology (licensure in these areas is at the graduate level). Communication Sciences and Disorders majors who complete the appropriate course sequence at the undergraduate level are eligible for initial New York State teacher certification in Teaching Students with Speech and Language Disabilities.

Nazareth College has been approved by the New York State Education Department to offer a combined B.S. degree in Health Science and a D.P.T. degree in Physical Therapy. All students completing the program are eligible to take the national licensing physical therapy examination. Based on a passing examination score and completion of state licensure requirements, they can practice as physical therapists. This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Other Career-Oriented Programs:

A business administration program has been designed to prepare students for management-level positions in business and commerce, social and health-care agencies, government offices, art galleries, museums, etc. This major program builds upon a strong liberal arts foundation, combining a basic sequence of business, management, economics and other social science courses, with a special concentration in a related field of the student’s individual choice. An internship experience with an area firm is available to qualified juniors and seniors.

The Business Department holds membership in the Middle Atlantic Association of Colleges of Business Administration. It holds initial accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.

Commercial foreign language courses have been designed, and a modern foreign language major with a minor in business or management courses is becoming popular.

The Chemistry Department has program approval from the American Chemical Society.

Students interested in law are advised to consult their faculty advisor or contact the pre-law advisor early in their college career for further information. Students wishing to enter law school ordinarily pursue a major in one of the liberal arts areas and also receive special advisement.

Students interested in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and any other health-related profession (optometry, podiatry) are advised to consult their faculty advisor or contact the pre-medical advisor early in their college career for further information.

Nazareth College offers courses required for admission to medical school and to other health-profession schools. Although most students choose to major in biology, biochemistry or chemistry as a preparation for medical school, these schools are interested in liberally-educated students. This allows students to major in any of the academic departments, provided they meet the requirements in science and mathematics.

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Readmission after Academic Dismissal

Students who have been dismissed for academic reasons may not apply for readmission until two or more full semesters have elapsed, and only if they can show evidence that they have pursued appropriate academic studies elsewhere successfully. If the student is readmitted, only grades of C or better in transfer, or from the previous record, will be acceptable toward the degree. Placement without credit is given for six to eight credits in requirements in which the student has D grades. The GPA will be calculated only on credits earned after readmission; at least 30 credits, with a GPA of 2.0, will be required for graduation. Readmission to the college or to a particular major is not guaranteed. Students granted readmission enter under such new college and department program requirements as may have come into effect.

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Readmission after Withdrawal in Good Standing

Students in good standing who have lost matriculated status but wish to return to Nazareth College must file an application for re-admission. For any such students re-admitted after a period of four or more years, the GPA will be calculated only on credits earned after re-admission. Credits earned previously do count toward the 120 credits needed for graduation.

Readmission to the College or to a particular major is not guaranteed. Students who are granted readmission enter under such new college and departmental program requirements as may have come into effect.

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Registration

The time of registration is indicated in the college calendar. Specific directions for the registration procedure are available in the Registrar’s office. Students will not be given credit for courses in which they are not formally registered.

Each student is responsible for seeing that the correct name and current mailing address is maintained in the offices of the Registrar and Financial Services.

A student may not add a course after the first week of the semester. The college reserves the right to cancel any course for reasons of enrollment or staffing.

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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 in the student’s permanent record. Ordinarily, if a grade of C or better is achieved, the course may not be repeated.

When a student repeats a course in which an unsatisfactory grade (C-, D+, D, D-, or F) was received, the new grade will replace the first grade in the grade point average. Students who have already received credit for a given course will not receive additional credit hours when a course is passed a second time. Normally, a course may be repeated only once. Permission to repeat a course more than once must be granted by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs prior to enrollment in the course.

No student will be granted credit for the same course more than once. Students are responsible for seeing that they do not enroll for credit in a course for which they have already received credit - at Nazareth, at another institution or by examination. If uncertain, students should consult with the Registrar and with their advisor.

Note: When students repeat a course for which they have already received credit, they must carry 12 additional credit hours to be eligible for certification for TAP and other New York State programs.

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Standards of Academic Progress*

(Minimum credits earned - to be measured at end of spring semester annually.)

It is anticipated that students will successfully complete a degree within six years of study or its part-time equivalent as noted below. Failure to meet these minimum standards will result in loss of eligibility for college and federal financial assistance.* Transfer students will be placed according to total credits achieved, years of previous study or educational level whichever is more beneficial.

Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools does not provide special standards of academic standing and progress.

* Any exception to the above policies must have the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Documented appeals must be made in writing to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

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Student Course Load and Credits

Full-time students carry 12-17 credits per semester at the full-time tuition rate. One credit hour represents one 50-minute lecture period or one laboratory period of two or three hours each week for one semester. The student course load is ordinarily a maximum of five courses or a total of 15 credit hours a semester, unless the degree program requirements for a particular major dictate more. Overloads of no more than 18 credits are permitted when a student’s GPA is 2.75 or higher. Any exception to this rule must be approved, through the petition process, by the Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Beyond the 17 hour credit load, there is an additional fee assessed per credit hour. First-semester freshmen do not carry overloads.

The minimum requirement for graduation is 120 credit hours.

Students are responsible for all department fees, e.g., music lessons, studio fees, and lab fees connected with their course loads. Students who register to audit a course may be required to complete all assignments and course requirements except for the final examination. Note: Nazareth alumni and senior citizens may audit undergraduate courses for a reduced fee. Please contact Financial Services for further information.

Please see the Undergraduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook for information on repeating a course or withdrawal from courses.

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Teacher Education

Qualified students, with the joint approval of the major department and the School of Education, may choose a program of studies that leads to eligibility for initial New York State teacher certification. Students in an education program must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 to remain in the program. In addition to the course of study for certification, students must successfully complete New York State Education requirements. Refer also to the School of Education information on the Nazareth College web site for more information on current requirements.

Approved programs for eligibility for teacher certification exist in the following areas:

All teacher certification programs are registered with the State Education Department of the University of the State of New York.

The certification of teaching students with disabilities must be held with a childhood or adolescent certification.

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Transcripts and Records

Official transcripts are sent from institution to institution, upon written authorization from the student. Official transcripts cost $5.00. Student copies are $3.00.

Currently enrolled Nazareth students, along with Nazareth alumni who graduated in May 2003 or later, have the option to order transcripts online via secure server using a credit card. Transcripts can still also be ordered via mail for alumni graduated before May 2003 or those wishing to pay by check; address requests to the Office of the Registrar.

Generally, transcripts ordered online will be mailed the next business day; all other transcript orders will be sent within two business days. NOTE: During the first and last two weeks of a semester this process may take as long as two business weeks due to other customer service priorities in the Registrar’s Office.

Upon graduation, students receive a complimentary, final student copy of their permanent record.

Specific FERPA regulations are published each semester in the Schedule of Undergraduate Courses. See also the Undergraduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook for an explanation of college policies regarding confidentiality of educational records.

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Transfer Course Policies

Matriculated students desiring to take courses at another institution in summer or during the year must: (1) obtain permission of their advisors; (2) obtain permission of the Nazareth College department chairperson of the department within which the course would reside; (3) file a Transfer Credit Approval form in the Academic Advisement Office prior to taking the course.

Students who have 60 credits accepted in transfer from a community college may not transfer any further courses from a community college. Juniors and seniors without Associate degrees may not take courses for credit at a community college (except introductory courses in areas not yet studied). A grade of C or higher is required in order to transfer credit although transfer grades are not included in the Nazareth College GPA calculation.

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Withdrawal from Courses

Students may withdraw from courses until the date specified in the college academic calendar without academic penalty (grade W granted), with the written consent of the instructor and advisor. After this date, a grade of “F” is assigned for withdrawal from a course. Timely withdrawals do not impact a student’s grade point average (GPA), but they do impact a student’s academic progress which in turn could impact the student’s financial aid.

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