Academic Policies and Procedures

Student Responsibility

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

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

This section of the Catalog is maintained by the Registrar’s Office. The academic policies and procedures for graduate students as stated herein are subject to periodic review and possible change by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and faculty committees. Students are subject to the most current academic policies and procedures that are in effect.

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

Academic Integrity

Definition: Academic integrity is essential to the educational mission of Nazareth College, for 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 and the use during an exam of information or materials not authorized by the instructor for such use.

PROCEDURES:
Note: If the student’s home department is different than the department in which the course resides, throughout all steps of the appeals process, the program director, chair and dean of the student’s home department must be informed of the status of the appeal.

In the event that an instructor believes a student to be guilty of some form of academic dishonesty, the instructor will ordinarily meet with the student as soon as possible to discuss the basis for this belief. After such a meeting, the instructor may impose sanctions on the student. Sanctions may include a failing grade for the relevant work or for the course, at the discretion of the instructor. If this occurs before the published deadline for dropping courses with a “W” grade, sanctions override the ability for a student to withdraw from the course in question. The instructor will inform the student as well as the program director and chair of the department in which the course resides of the sanctions as soon as possible. In the event that an instructor, chair, and program director judge that a student’s dishonesty requires sanctions beyond failure of the course, such as a dismissal from the college, he or she may recommend such an action to the Dean of the school/college, who may recommend such action to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee.

If a student wishes to appeal the judgment or the sanctions of the instructor, he or she will inform the instructor to this effect within ten working days of being informed of the judgment and the sanctions. At that point the student will submit a written request for appeal, including his or her reasons for appeal, to the program director of the program in which the course resides. In a case where the instructor is also the program director the appeal will be submitted to the chairperson of the department in which the course resides. If a student wishes, he or she may meet with the program director after which the student, the instructor and the program director will meet in an effort to resolve the matter. The program director may not revoke the sanctions of the instructor.

If the student remains unreconciled, he or she may appeal in writing, including his or her reasons for appeal, to the chairperson of the department in which the course resides. If the student wishes, he or she may meet with the chairperson, after which the student, the instructor, and the chairperson will meet in an effort to resolve the matter. The chairperson may not revoke the sanctions of the instructor.

If the student remains unreconciled, he or she may appeal in writing, including his or her reasons for appeal, to the dean of the school/college in which the course resides, who will then judge the appeal in consultation with two appointed faculty members and one student representative. The Dean will consider the recommendation of this group and consult with the instructor and relevant department chairperson; if the instructor and chair agree with the recommendation, the student will be informed. If the student does not accept the recommendation, all relevant materials should be submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee.

All judgments of the Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee are final, except when the sanctions of suspension or dismissal are involved. These sanctions may be appealed to the President of the College. Such an appeal, however, shall be entertained solely at the discretion of the President.

If such an appeal is entertained by the President, an informal meeting of the principals involved will be arranged. After the President is satisfied with the content and extent of the information presented, the meeting will be adjourned. The President’s findings will be communicated in writing to the student and other relevant parties within five working days of the appeal hearing. Decisions of the President are final.

Note: Students in the 4th year DPT program will follow the Academic Integrity Policy outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog.

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Academic Standing

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

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

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

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Academic Warning and Probation

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

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

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

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

See also Dismissal, Withdrawal

Additional Probation Notes

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

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Add/Drop or Course Withdrawal

Any graduate student beyond their first semester can add/drop on NazNet through the first week of the semester. Graduate students in their first semester need advisor approval for course changes (approval can be provided by the advisor or program director to the Registrar’s Office through the New Graduate Student Registration Form). If the class has not met twice graduate students may add classes with Program Director and instructor approval. Contact the Registrar’s Office for assistance. Graduate students may withdraw from courses by the date indicated on the Nazareth College Academic Calendar without academic penalty (grade of “W” granted). Sanctions imposed due to academic integrity issues take precedence and may prevent a student from dropping with a “W” grade. During the registration period, students may process schedule changes on NazNet as many times as necessary; significant course changes should be discussed with the advisor and/or program director. After the Drop/Add deadline, a Drop/Add Form, with the appropriate approvals, must be filed with the Registrar’s Office for all schedule changes. Failure to withdraw from a course officially through the Registrar or to finish the requirements of an “Incomplete” by the specified date results in an “F” grade, which is not removed from the transcript. Students receiving loans or other forms of financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office to see whether their eligibility will be affected by the course withdrawal. For further information, see Term Withdrawal under Financial Information.

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Advisement

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

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Attendance/Absence

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

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Auditing a Course

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

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

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Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Training

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

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has determined that some workers face a significant health risk as the result of occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials. While the College does not feel that student teachers, interns, and clinicians face a high risk, the College does feel that information regarding bloodborne pathogens is critical to professionals working with children and young adults. If you are enrolling in an internship, clinic, practicum and/or student teaching experience, you must attend a bloodborne pathogen exposure training within a course of your program of study or through your employer. Students enrolled in the M.S. degree programs of Creative Arts Therapy will undergo bloodborne pathogen exposure training as an established procedure of the internship/clinical site.

As regulated by OSHA, this training must take place on a yearly basis. If a student has already participated in bloodborne pathogen training through his or her employer within the twelve months prior to the student teaching, internship, clinic, or practicum experience, then the student must obtain from his/her employer a letter to the Nazareth College Health Services Office that gives the specific date when training took place. For the Occupational Therapy Program, a copy of this training letter is also required and will be placed in the student’s OT Program file.

Any student not trained will be removed from active participation in the classroom/clinic/practicum setting.

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“C” Grade Policy

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

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

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Capstone Seminar

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

Once students are registered for Capstone Seminar (three credit hour course), they must remain in good academic standing for all registered course work. Capstone Seminar is identified with a 690 course number and is linked to the departmental prefix, for example INCH 690, MED 690, etc. (Educational Technology Specialist capstone is the exception and is listed as EDTS 695). Withdrawal from any course, student teaching, internship, practicum, or clinical experience will automatically result in being withdrawn from Capstone Seminar. Should this occur, students must re-register for Capstone Seminar during the semester when all program requirements are completed.

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Change of Name/Address

Each student must provide a current correct name and address to the Registrar’s Office (Smyth Hall Room 1) within 10 days of any change. Students are able to change their address through their Naznet account or by using the Address/Name Change Form that is available in the Registrar’s Office and on the Registrar website. Change of name must be accompanied by appropriate legal documentation.

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Change of Program

The program of academic emphasis is declared at the time of application. Students who are in good academic standing must petition to change their program. Forms to request a Change of Program are submitted to the Registrar’s Office, Smyth Hall, Room 1.

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

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

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Changes in Course Schedules and Fees

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

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Classroom Conduct

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

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Commencement Procedures

Commencement at Nazareth College is held annually in May. Students should check with the Registrar’s Office regarding all issues related to Commencement in the fall semester immediately prio to Commencement in May. Nazareth requires that students have completed all program requirements for a graduate degree, including a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and have fulfilled all financial obligations to the college, before degrees will be awarded. Students who have not met all degree requirements by the May commencement ceremony may petition to participate in commencement exercises if they will meet all degree requirements by the end of the subsequent summer terms (Note: Students will not receive a degree until all program requirements have been met). Students who completes degree requirements during the fall semester participate in the commencement ceremony 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 requirements are completed. It is the responsibility of all students planning on graduating to complete the Commencement Information form and to file it with the Registrar’s Office by the deadline specified in the academic calendar. Diplomas can be obtained in the Registrar’s Office within one week of the end of each term (diplomas not retrieved will be mailed).

Information pertaining to the Commencement ceremony can be found online at https://www2.naz.edu/commencement.

See also Degree Completion/Degree Audit.

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Credit Limits

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

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

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Credits and Hours

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

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

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

Deferred Admission

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

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

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Degree Completion/Degree Audit

Degree candidates must file a Commencement Information Form at the time of registration for final courses in the degree program. Completion of this form initiates a degree audit. The degree audit considers courses in progress as well as completed courses and determines the extent to which total degree requirements have been, and will be met. This form may be obtained in the Registrar’s Office, Smyth Hall, Room 1, or downloaded at the link above.

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

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

The Registrar’s Office must receive all official academic records supporting degree completion by the following dates in order for a student to be processed for graduation:

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Dismissal

The college reserves the right to dismiss at any time a student whose conduct and/or academic standing renders the student unacceptable as a member of the college. All dismissals at the graduate level are as a result of a comprehensive review by program faculty and the program director (and chair if applicable). Therefore, students seeking to appeal the dismissal must provide a written request to do so directly to the Dean of the School/College in which their program resides within 30 days of the dismissal notification. Students must include the reasons for the appeal accompanied by any supporting documentation. If the student remains unreconciled, they can then appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee. All decisions by the VPAA or designee are final, and cannot be appealed. The status of dismissal will remain in place throughout the appeals process, and no registration or course attendance will be permitted pending resolution of the appeal.

See also Student code of Conduct

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

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

See also Grade Appeals, Academic Warning and Probation
 

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Electronic Communication Policy

All faculty, staff and students are provided a Nazareth College e-mail 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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Electronic Portfolio - Education Programs

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

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Enrollment Status Verification for Student Loans

See Financial Information  .

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Exceptions to Academic Policies and Degree Requirements

Exceptions for students to specific academic policies, program requirements, and/or degree requirements must be made in writing via a Graduate Student Petition, and have the written approval of the instructor (if appropriate), faculty advisor, program director, and the chairperson of the student’s academic department. Some exceptions require the approval of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. Verbal approval is not considered sufficient documentation. Any changes or exceptions must be made through the formal student petition process. Forms are available on the Registrar’s Website, and in Smyth Hall, Room 1. See also Petitions.

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Fieldwork: Course-Related Fieldwork for Education Programs

While required by the New York State Education Department, the expansive fieldwork component also enables the program directors and faculty to further link theory with practice throughout each graduate education program’s curriculum. Descriptions of courses requiring fieldwork have a notation indicating this requirement. As per New York State Education Department requirements, fieldwork is scheduled during the day in the fall, spring, and summer terms. Field hours are to be completed in the semester in which a student takes classes that have associated field hours. Prior experiences cannot qualify. It is recognized that many graduate students are also full-time teachers; therefore, in some cases, fieldwork may be possible through a student’s employing school district. However, whether through a student’s employing school district or not, ALL fieldwork arrangements are made formally by the College through the office of the Field Placement Services Coordinator. Students will have the opportunity to discuss field placement arrangements with advisors and faculty.

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Grade Appeals

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

• Discuss any grading concerns with the instructor of record
• If concerns remain; student appeals to the Program Director (or Department Chair if applicable) of the program in which the course resides.
• If concerns remain; appeals can be made to the Dean, and then to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee.

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

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

See also Dismissal, Academic Warning and Probation

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Grade Point Average

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

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

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

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Grade Reports

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

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

The College reserves the right to withhold a student’s transcripts and/or diploma until all bills are paid in full.

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Grading System

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

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

Notes:

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

S (Satisfactory), U (Unsatisfactory) letter grades are used to measure student achievement in certain designated courses. Credit hours are earned for satisfactory work but are not included in the grade point average.

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

I (Incomplete) indicates that a student did not complete all the work required for the course and the work must be completed by the date specified by the instructor on the Graduate Student Petition for an Incomplete Grade. If the specified deadline passes without full resolution the grade will convert to an “F”. Academic Standing Processes will be completed fro the semester in which the student originally registered for the course. Students must then re-register, pay, and successfully complete the course in order to earn credit. The original grade remains on the permanent record along with the new grade although only the second grade is calculated in the grade point average. See also Incomplete Grades.

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

W Withdrawn. Up to the date assigned in the Graduate Student Information Guide, a student may withdraw from a course without grade penalty. Thereafter, a grade of “F” may be assigned.

IP In Progress. All IP grades must be resolved by the end of the subsequent semester (excluding summer terms). If that deadline passes without resolution the grade will convert to an “F”. Students must then re-register, pay, and successfully complete the course in order to earn credit. The original grade remains on the permanent record along with the new grade although only the second grade is calculated in the grade point average. IP Grades are only given for courses with field work components.

NR Not Reported.

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

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Human Subjects Research

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

The College requires that all research projects that use human subjects be approved and periodically reviewed by the Human Subjects Research Committee (the HSRC). The HSRC operates under Section 474(a) of the Public Health Service Act (P.L. 93-348) as implemented by Department of Health and Human Service regulation Title 45, Part 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (45 CFR 46) which details procedures to safeguard human subjects in research.

Complete information regarding policies and procedures is available on the Nazareth website or upon request from the Chairperson of the HSRC. Since the committee chairperson is a faculty member elected to the position on a rotating basis, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs to obtain the current Chairperson contact information.

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Incomplete Grades

* see below for Procedures
A grade of “I” for incomplete work will be arranged through the student and instructor. Students may request an incomplete grade only if they have successfully completed a majority of the course work. The incomplete must be resolved by the date identified by the instructor on the Graduate Student Petition for an Incomplete Grade. While the “I” grade does not impact the cumulative grade point average, the “I” grade remains on the student transcript along with the final grade earned in the course.

Procedures:

1. The student will be responsible to get an Incomplete Grade Request form, available electronically or in the Registrar’s Office, Smyth Hall, Room 1. This petition initiated by the student will need to specifically: (1) Request an incomplete grade for a specified course, and state the reasons for the request. In order to continue, the instructor must be in support of the reasons written. (2) Outline the student’s responsibilities for meeting course requirements.
2. The signatures of the student and the instructor are required on the petition form signifying agreement with the conditions resolving the “I” grade. These two signatures are the only signatures required.
3. The instructor will return the top (original) copy of the completed petition form to the Registrar’s Office. The instructor is to retain the third copy of the petition, and give the second copy to the student. The original will be placed in the student’s file in the Registrar’s Office.
4. Should the student require additional time beyond the published time allowed, the student will be required to initiate a second petition. An Extension of an Incomplete Grade form may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office. This petition for an extension must include a specific completion date. Signatures required on this second petition are: Student, Instructor, and Program Director. Petition for an extension of an incomplete grade will only be reviewed due to extremely serious circumstances.
5. If a final grade is not submitted at the required end of the designated time period, and there is no petition on file in the Registrar’s Office approving an extension of the time period for resolution of the incomplete grade, then the grade of “F” will be assigned by the Registrar’s Office.

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Independent Study

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

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

Students pursuing this option may download the Student Proposal for Graduate Independent Study form or obtain one in the Registrar’s Office, Smyth Hall, Room 1. The independent study proposal must be completed prior to the registration dates for the semester. Please note: Independent study cannot be taken as an audit.

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Intersession Courses

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

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Leave of Absence

A student in good academic standing may be granted a leave of absence for a maximum of one academic year for medical reasons, financial necessity, etc. After one year, a student will lose their matriculation status and will be inactivated from their program. Request for a leave of absence is made through the Graduate Program Request for an Official Leave of Absence form. A student must specify on the form: (1) date of the beginning of leave; and (2) date of expected return. A leave of absence may impact course sequence and program completion. Therefore, it is required that the student meet with his/her advisor to adjust the program of study in anticipation of the student’s return. Signature and processing by the Registrar’s Office is the final step in the process. A completed Graduate Program Request for an Official Leave of Absence form must be received prior to the semester(s) to which it applies. It is in the student’s best interest to follow this procedure to ensure student status and gain valuable information regarding programmatic issues due to a leave of absence. See also Time Limit.

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

• Access and services as per existing departmental policies or practice
• Access to technology: ID card for bookstore, vending, Cabaret, library; e-mail account; Moodle; NazNet; personal web sites; computer labs and user support line

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

• Health Services
• Center for Spirituality (Pastoral Counseling)
• Counseling Services
• Department laboratories where potentially dangerous materials are used
• Others at the discretion or practice of individual departments

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

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Nazareth College Policies Regarding FERPA

FERPA guidelines restrict directory information that can be released by colleges and universities. Under FERPA, directory information may be released without written consent from the student unless the student signs a non-disclosure statement in the Registrar’s Office.

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

Schedules and grades can also be released to parents and guardians of dependent students, as defined by the Office of Financial Aid. In addition, Nazareth College releases resident student telephone numbers in a “student directory.” In both instances, students are given the opportunity to request that this information not be released.

For a non-disclosure of information request, or for more information about FERPA, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

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NazNet

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

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New York State Teacher Certification & Examinations

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

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

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

New York State requires all teachers applying for a new certification area to be fingerprinted. This is in accordance with the Fingerprinting Mandates under the Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) Legislation. Application packets are available on the 2nd floor of the Golisano Academic Center. Payment for fingerprinting is done on-line through the New York State TEACH System.

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

When completing the registration form for the New York State Tests the Nazareth College Institution Code is 590. A student’s scores will automatically be reported to the School of Education at Nazareth College if he/she registers with this code.

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

1. Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA);
2. Educating All Students Test (EAS);
3. Academic Literacy Skills Test (ALST); and
4. Content Specialty Test(s) (CST).

Note - the CSTs are in the process of being revised and phased in starting in Spring 2014. If you pass the current CST before the new CST test is available it will be accepted. Monitor the NYSTCE website for sample tests, guides and the availability of revised Content Specialty Tests (CST) www.nystce.nesinc.com.

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

During a teacher candidate’s final semester, information on the certification application process will be sent via email. Additional support may be obtained by contacting Nazareth College Teacher Certification Office at (585) 389-2592 or by email tcert@naz.edu, or www.naz.edu/dept/edu/certification.cfm

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Nondiscrimination Policies and Procedures

See Nazareth College Policies  

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Non-Matriculated Status

Students who are not matriculated into a program of study at Nazareth College are permitted to take courses as a non- matriculated student with the approval of the Program Director. All students wishing to take a graduate level course as a non- matriculated student must hold a bachelors degree and meet any prerequisites required of the course. Students are only permitted to take 6 credits with non-matriculated status and thereafter must matriculate into a program through an official application ot the program.. Students will complete the Non Matriculated Application,  meet with the Program Director for approval and return the form to the Registrar’s Office. Students will be registered on a base available basis. As a rule, non-matriculated students are ineligible for federal financial aid. There are certain exceptions for courses taken leading to New York State Teacher Certification.

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Petitions

Special student requests or exceptions (e.g., waiver of a course requirement) require written approval by appropriate Program Director. Depending on the request, additional approvals, including Chair, Dean, and/or Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, may be required.  Procedural information about the petition process can be provided by the Registrar’s Office. Students may obtain a Graduate Student Petition on-line or from the Registrar’s Office, Smyth Hall, Room 1.

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Prerequisite Course Work (or Deficiencies)

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

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Probation

See Academic Warning and Probation

Program/Department Handbooks

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

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Re-admission

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

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

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Records and Confidentiality

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

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

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

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

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, enforced by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, grants students the right to inspect, review, and challenge the contents of their educational records, and to prevent disclosure, with certain exceptions, of personal information. Copies of the complete college policy on availability and privacy of such records may be obtained in the Registrar’s Office, Smyth Hall, Room 1. It is also published each term in the Graduate Student Information Guide.

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Religious Observance Attendance Policy

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 two weeks prior to the absence.

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Repeating a Course

Once a student receives a grade in a course, regardless of whether the course is passed or failed, the grade remains on the student’s permanent record. If a grade of ‘C’ or better is achieved, the course may not be repeated, unless the student is required to repeat based on the ‘C’ grade policy.

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

See also: Satisfactory Academic Progress (Financial Information section)

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

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Revision of Graduate Curriculum

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

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Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (Graduate Level)

See SAP section under Financial Information  

Standards for Written Expression

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

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

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

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Student Code of Conduct

See Nazareth College Policies  

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Student/Faculty Concerns

Normally, student/faculty concerns are resolved at the program level with the individual faculty member; if not resolved, they are referred sequentially to the Program Director, the Chair, and then the Dean of the school/college. If necessary, concerns of an academic nature should then be addressed in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee.

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Student Teaching/Practicum Placement, School of Education

General Guidelines:

• Candidates whose programs require a student teaching or practicum placement must file an application prior to the placement. Applications and due dates may be obtained in the Office of Field Placement Services. Due dates of applications are listed in advance in the schedule of classes each semester. If the appropriate faculty as designated on the program’s application form grants approval, the request for placement is processed.
• The Office of Field Placement Services will make all student teaching/practicum field placement arrangements. The field placements follow a procedure through the appropriate channels that school districts, private schools, and agencies have established with the College. Any arrangements that students have made through personal contacts in the field will not be recognized.
• A student must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to begin a student teaching/practicum placement. In addition, if a student has received a third “C” grade (C or C+) and therefore must retake a course because of this, the course must be retaken prior to beginning a student teaching/practicum placement.

Guidelines for Practicum Placements in Graduate Inclusive Early Childhood and Childhood Programs: Practicum experiences are designed to provide teacher candidates with experiences working with learners and professional in their new area(s) of certification (s). When the practicum is focused on special education, the practicum student needs to be working with the certified special educator who is currently serving in the role of special educator in the placement.

• Additional Certification/Same Developmental Level: Early Childhood and Childhood - Students enrolled in the Additional Certification/Same Developmental Level program at the Early Childhood level will need to complete their practicum in a special education setting with a certified special educator grades pre-k-2. Students enrolled in the Additional Certification/Same Developmental Level program at the Childhood level will need to complete their practicum in a special education setting with a certified special educator grades 1-6.
• Additional Certification/Changing Developmental Levels: Early Childhood - There are two different sets of criteria for students who are enrolled in the Early Childhood Additional Certification/Changing Developmental Levels program.
  • A) If the initial certification is a K-12 certification (e.g. music, art, speech, or health) students will need to complete their practicum in pre-k-2 in a special education setting with a certified special educator.
  • B) If the initial certification is in adolescence education, students will need to complete their practicum in grades pre-k-2. The determination of special education or general education will be made by the program director and will be based on the base certification (s) and the teacher candidate’s prior teaching experience.
  • C) If the initial certification is in Childhood Education, students will need to complete their practicum in grades pre-k-K. The determination of special education or general education will be made by the program director and will be based on the base certification (s) and the teacher candidate’s prior teaching experience.
• Additional Certification/Changing Developmental Levels: Childhood - There are two different sets of criteria for students who are enrolled in the Childhood Additional Certification/Changing Developmental Levels program.
  • A) If the initial certification is a K-12 Certification (e.g. music, art, speech or health) or an adolescence-level certification, students will need to complete their practicum in grades 1-6. The determination of special education or general education will be made by the program director and will be based on the base certification(s) and the teacher candidate’s prior teaching experience.
  • B) If the initial certification is in Early Childhood, students will need to complete their practicum in grades 3-6. The determination of special education or general education will be made by the program director and will be based on the base certification(s) and the teacher candidate’s prior teaching experience.
     

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

A structured, supervised, field experience provided by student teaching/practicum is acknowledged to be one of the most essential as well as beneficial components of a teacher preparation program. Nazareth, however, may accept prior teaching experience to fulfill a portion of its student teaching/practicum requirement, if specific criteria can be met. To be considered, the teaching experience must have been that of a paid, full-time teacher (not paraprofessional nor a per diem substitute) who held a position of primary teaching responsibility for at least one year. In addition, the teacher must have performed satisfactorily and the assignment must have been in the appropriate certification areas, with the range of developmental levels represented.

A petition form must be completed as well as the Student Teaching/Practicum Waiver Form also available in the Registrar’s Office.

The Program Director, Department Chair, and the Dean of the School of Education are responsible for approving or denying the student’s request for a waiver. If the petition were approved, a course or courses must be taken in lieu of the number of hours waived (i.e. the total credit hour requirement is not reduced). The course(s) must be chosen in consultation with the Program Director or academic advisor.

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Students with Disabilities Support

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

Students who would like to receive reasonable accommodations or discuss disability-related matters are encouraged to contact the Director at (585) 389-2498 or by email at ehess6@naz.edu to schedule an appointment. 

For additional information please consult the Office for Students with Disabilities website at https://www2.naz.edu/student-disabilities/

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Time Limit

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

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

See also Petitions.

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Transfer Credit

Students may obtain a Request for Approval of Graduate Transfer Credit form in the Registrar’s Office, Smyth Hall, Room 1. This form is used for either graduate level credits previously taken and/or credits to be taken in the near future. Grades earned in transfer are not included in the grade point average. Nazareth College reserves the right to accept or refuse any transfer credit. Additional policies and procedures regarding transfer credit are as follows:

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

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

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

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

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Tuition Waiver Acceptance Policy

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

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

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Waiver of Credit

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

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Withdrawal

Withdrawal during first week of classes

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

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

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

Withdrawal after the 10th week of classes

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

Withdrawal at the end of a semester or between semesters

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

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