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 Integrity
Academic Standing
Academic Year
Attendance
Class Standing of Students
Commencement Procedures
Course Levels
Course Load and Credits
Credits and Hours
Cross-enrollment at Other Area Colleges
Dean’s List
Departmental Honor Societies
Dismissal
Final Examinations
First Year Programs
Freshman Seminar Program
General Curriculum Requirements
General Degree Requirements
Grade Points and Grade Point Average
Grades
Graduate Studies
Graduation Honors
Graduation Rate Report (Cohort Survival Study)
Leave of Absence
Matriculation
Minors
Non-Credit Remedial Courses
NYS Teacher Certification Exams, Annual Institution Report (2004-2005)
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
Study Abroad
Teacher Certification Programs
Transcripts and Records
Transfer Credit
Withdrawal from Courses
Withdrawal from the College - Official

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. Students are expected to know the college’s academic calendar. They should avoid making travel or other plans that require them to miss classes or final exams; special accommodations may be extended to students traveling for official college purposes. It is assumed that the students, as well as the instructors, contribute something to the courses by their presence and participation. 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 those criteria. Excessive absence from classes will be reported in writing by the instructor to the Coordinator of First-Year Academic Support Services (freshmen only) or to the Academic Advisement Center (all other students). 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 his or her religious holy day requirements shall not be penalized, provided the instructor has been notified in writing at least one week prior to the absence. Students who are absent from the college for more than three consecutive days for medical or other valid reasons are to notify the Academic Advisement Center which, in turn, will notify the students’ instructors. 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.

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Class Standing 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 completed credit hours.

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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. 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 is given the opportunity to participate in Commencement the following May. Degrees are conferred at the end of the term under which degree requirements are completed. Diplomas are distributed in May only.

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Course Levels

Lower-division courses (100 and 200 level) are normally taken in the first two years.  Upper-division courses (300 and 400 level) are normally taken in the last two years. In special cases, a 200 level course beyond an introductory course can be counted as an upper-division course toward a major by a particular department.  Ordinarily, 60 credits must be earned at the upper-division level.

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Course Load and Credits

Full-time load
A full time student takes 12- 17 credit hours each semester. Full time tuition covers a maximum of 17 credit hours (17.5 for music majors). A typical load is 15 credit hours per semester. A student who takes 12 credits is still considered full time. Some students may wish to do this for academic reasons. However, students who enroll in fewer than 15 credit hours per semester may incur additional costs through a need to take summer courses or extending their program beyond the traditional eight semesters.

Students on academic probation may not exceed 13 credit hours per semester.

Part-time load
Any student below 12 credits is considered to be part-time. Some financial aid is available for matriculated part-time students enrolled at least half time (e.g., pro-rated Federal Pell Grants, NYS Aid for Part-Time Study, TAP, and student loans). Students should check with the Financial Aid Office for eligibility criteria and applications.

Overload
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. First semester freshmen and transfers may not carry overloads. Beyond 17 hours, the overload tuition rate per credit is charged.

 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: Senior citizens may audit undergraduate courses for a reduced fee. Please contact Student Accounts for further information.

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

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 and the Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook.

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Dean’s List

At the end of each semester, full-time matriculated students (taking a minimum of 12 credits, 9 graded credits) who have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or above for that semester are honored by the publication of their names on the Dean’s List, provided the students have completed at least 9 credit hours of graded work.  Three credits of Pass/Fail are allowed for internships, student teaching, or clinical experiences only.

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

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Departmental Honor Societies

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

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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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Final Examinations

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.  Final examinations for day and evening classes are to be given only during exam week; instructors may schedule a unit test during the last week of classes.  Final examinations are frequently waived in seminar courses, studios (art), independent study, and methods courses, however, classes should meet during exam week at the scheduled examination time.   

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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 normally select this three-credit course (FRS 101) in the fall semester. The goals of the program are to develop academic skills with an emphasis on oral communication, ease the transition from high school to college, promote active learning, explore values, and to provide exposure to the diverse world.  Seminar faculty structure classroom discussions to enable students to identify a variety of viewpoints on each topic, including perspectives associated with the eight subject areas of the Liberal Studies Core Curriculum. Since Freshman Seminar is for freshmen only, students who fail the course must take an additional approved course to fulfill this requirement.

Transfer students with fewer than 28 credits are classified as freshmen and are required to enroll in FRS 101, unless the requirement is waived through the student petition process or by the Transfer Credit Evaluator.

See the course description for FRS 101 for more information.

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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.
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 as well as a minimum average of 2.0 in the major.

3. Satisfy a comprehensive requirement in the major field.

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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 hour 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, S, and 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

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 turned in to the Registar and Graduate Student Services Office before final exams start. “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”.

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.

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 Certified Public Accounting, 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, Computer Education, 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 accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). The Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 

Nazareth College students who are within six semester hours of completing the undergraduate degree and who meet the academic requirements for entrance into a program may register for up to 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.  

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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 3.500), magna cum laude to a senior who has completed the program with high distinction (earned a grade point average of 3.750 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 2008 indicated that out of 386 full-time, first-time freshmen entering Nazareth in the fall of 2002 (adjusted for allowable exclusions), 277 or 72% graduated from Nazareth College - 230 by 2006; 45 by 2007; 2 by 2008; and 82 students or 21% transferred out. Of the 130 entering transfers in Fall 2002, 104 or 80% graduated from Nazareth College - 102 in 2006; 2 by 2007; 0 by 2008.

* 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 for medical reasons, financial necessity, or other extenuating circumstances. A completed application for a leave of absence should be received prior to the semester or semesters to which it applies. If a full-time student takes a leave of absence without filing for an official leave, the student is unofficially withdrawn from the college if s/he does not return after one semester. See the Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook for more information.

The following access or services are available to students in good standing while on an official leaves 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 to students on official leaves: 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.

Matriculation

Matriculation is the process of formally enrolling in a degree program through the college Admissions Office.

A student has matriculated status only after the application for admission has been processed and the student has received a letter of acceptance. Matriculation becomes effective at the beginning of one of the regular semesters (fall/spring) or one of the summer sessions. Non-matriculated students who wish to work for a baccalaureate degree ordinarily begin the matriculation process before they have completed 12 credits at Nazareth College.

A student may have full-time matriculated status (i.e., carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester) or

part-time matriculated status (i.e., carrying a maximum of 11 credit hours per semester).

A student who wishes to transfer any credits from another institution is advised to apply for matriculation immediately, in order to receive an official evaluation of those credits and appropriate academic advisement. Students must have matriculated status at Nazareth College for at least 30 hours of their course work leading to the baccalaureate degree. Students pursuing a second baccalaureate degree must complete a minimum of 30 credits at Nazareth College beyond the first degree.

Loss of matriculated status will result in the following cases:

• if a student withdraws (initiated by the student), or is dismissed by the College.
• if a full-time student fails to register for one semester without having filed for a leave of absence.
• if a student is de-registered for financial reasons and fails to re-register by the published deadline.
• if a student who has applied for a leave of absence does not register in the semester following the leave.
• if a part-time student fails to register for 3 consecutive academic year semesters (i.e., excluding summers). This does not affect part-time students who attend summer session regularly and are not able to attend during the year.

Non-matriculation

The Office of Admissions welcomes applications from students who are matriculated and in good academic standing at another institution of higher education and persons who have been away from formal education for 5 or more years. College Transcripts must be submitted at the time of application. Nazareth College reviews applications for individuals who wish to register for courses using the same criteria which are used for those applying for matriculated status. Additional documentation may be required for registration approval. Non-matriculated students who wish to work for a baccalaureate degree ordinarily begin the matriculation process before they have completed 12 credits at Nazareth College.

Those who have non-matriculated status include:

• students who have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and wish to earn additional undergraduate credits at Nazareth College.
• students at Nazareth College under an approved visiting student status.

Non-matriculated students with a GPA below satisfactory level are not eligible for matriculated status and will  not be allowed to continue at Nazareth College.

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Minors

In addition to the major field, students may select a minor outside of the major field to enhance their degree program. Minors are available to all students regardless of the major. A minor requires a minimum of 18 credits.  Minors are noted on the student’s transcript.

Most academic departments offer minors in their major areas.  In addition to departmental minors, there are interdisciplinary minors, such as: Asian studies, gerontology, international studies, multicultural studies, pre-dental, pre-law, pre-med, pre-vet and women’s studies.  Some departments offer specializations from within the department to go along with the major, e.g., Business Administration.

Interested students should consult the Academic Programs listing in this catalog or the appropriate department chairperson or program director.

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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 (2007-2008)*

• Total number of students taking tests: 381/Total number passing 374
  • Pass rate equals 98%  
• Pass rate ATS-W equals 100%
• Pass rate LAST equals 100%

* 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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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.

Full-time 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, Pre-Professional and Other Career Related Programs

Nazareth College offers major programs 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 in addition to other career-related programs in business administration, international business, and music business. Programs and majors leading to initial teacher certification are offered and must be completed with an approved liberal arts and science major.

The college offers programs in pre-law, pre-med, pre-dent, and pre-vet studies.  Students interested in these areas should consult their academic advisor and the pre-law or pre-med advisor early in their college career for further information.  Students major in any liberal arts major along with pre-professional programs.

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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 C- or lower 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

Registration for full-time and part-time matriculated students is initiated by course selection.  Course selection requires the advisor’s approval.  The time of registration is indicated in the college calendar. Specific directions for registration procedures are available in the Registrar’s Office.  Part-time non-matriculated students register through the Admissions Office prior to the beginning of each term.

Registration is not final until tuition and fees have been paid. Students who are de-registered for financial reasons and fail to re-register by the published deadline will be unofficailly withdrawn from the college.

Students will not be given credit for courses in which they are not formally registered.  No credit will be granted credit for the same course more than once.  A student may not add a course after the first week of the semester. The College reserves the right to make changes in the course schedule, including cancellation of a course, reassignment of an instructor or change in time or location of a course, at any time.  

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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. Repeat course work also does not count towards the number of credits monitored for academic progress and may affect eligibility for federal student aid.

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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 Director of Financial Aid and 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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Study Abroad

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 Overseas Programs Nazareth College sponsors five of its own programs - one in France, one in Spain, two in Italy and 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 contacting the CIE. They may also go to the website: www.naz.edu/dept/cie. They should consult also with department chairpersons and faculty advisors in selecting programs. When accepted into 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.

Teacher Certification Programs

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 are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher in order to continue in the program. No student with a GPA below 2.7 at the end of the spring semester prior to fall student teaching will be allowed to student teach. Students seeking initial certification must major in an approved academic area and complete the certification program in education.  To be eligible for certification, students must successfully complete the education program, pass required New York State examinations, and complete a web based certification application with the New York State Education Department (http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/teach/).  Refer to the School of Education information on the Nazareth College web site for 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 $7.50. Student copies are $3.00.  The college reserves the right to withhold student records and transcripts until all bills are paid in full.

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 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.

Grade reports are available on NazNet only along with class schedules and other academic record information.  These grade reports are actually complete copies of each student’s academic transcript and may be printed to use when an unofficial transcript is needed.

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.

Each student is responsible for seeing that the correct name and current mailing address is maintained in the Offices of the Registrar and Student Accounts.

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Transfer Credit

Matriculated students who wish to take courses at another institution must obtain prior approval to do so.  A Transfer Credit Approval Form, available in the Academic Advisement Center and the Registrar’s Office, must be signed by the academic advisor and the chairperson of the department in which the desired course is located, and returned to the Transfer Credit Evaluator in the Academic Advisement Center.  Approval must be obtained prior to registering for the course.

Students who have 60 credits accepted in transfer from a community college may not transfer any further courses from a community college. A grade of C- or higher is required in order to transfer the credit.  Pass/Fail grades are not acceptable.  Grades for courses accepted in transfer from other institutions are not included in the GPA calculation (except for Nazareth Study Abroad programs and Nazareth exchange programs).

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Withdrawal from Courses (dropping 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 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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Withdrawal (Official) from the College

Students planning to formally withdraw from the Nazareth College are required to complete an exit interview with the Director of Student Transition and the First Year Center.  Semester withdrawal for valid reasons must be processed before the last day of classes.  Transcripts of students who do not complete the official withdrawal procedure will be noted with a statement of “Unofficial Withdrawal”. A student wishing to return to Nazareth after withdrawing or being unofficially withdrawn must apply for readmission through the Admissions Office.