Academic Policies

Academic Integrity and Conduct

Academic Freedom

The faculty of Saint Elizabeth University is committed to the goals, mission, and values of the institution with a special emphasis on quality teaching. The administration encourages diversity and creativity among the faculty and recognizes that each faculty member brings his or her own assets and expertise to Saint Elizabeth University. All constituencies of this institution expect (a) faculty members to grow and to improve during their period of service and (b) the University to encourage and support their efforts.

Saint Elizabeth University recognizes that institutions of higher learning are conducted for the common good and not to further the interests of either the individual teacher or the institution as a whole. The common good depends upon the search for truth and its free exposition. Academic freedom is essential to those purposes and applies to both teaching and research. For that reason the University affords its faculty members the opportunity to earn tenure.

Academic freedom in its teaching aspect is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the teacher to freedom in teaching and of the student to freedom in learning. The teacher is entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing her or his area of competence, but should be careful while teaching not to introduce controversial matter which has no relation to the subject.

The teacher is entitled to freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of his or her other academic duties. Freedom in research is fundamental to the advancement of truth. However, research for pecuniary return should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the institution.

The faculty of Saint Elizabeth University recognizes that the principle of academic freedom carries with it certain duties as well as rights. The college teacher is a citizen, a member of a learned profession, and a member of an educational institution. When speaking or writing as a citizen, the faculty member should be free from institutional censorship or discipline; however, her or his special position in the community imposes special obligations. As a person of learning associated with an educational community, she or he should remember that the public may judge the profession and institution by her or his actions and remarks. Hence, the faculty member should at all times be accurate, exercise appropriate restraint, show respect for the opinions of others, and make every effort to indicate that she or he is not an institutional spokesperson.

Faculty are to maintain reasonable adherence to course descriptions published in University catalogs and other official publications and participate in a continuing review of such course descriptions to keep them current.

Acceptable Use of Technology

The University provides technology resources to fulfill its mission as a liberal arts institution, to support our educational and community values, and to support its programs and initiatives. Access to the University's technological resources is a privilege extended to authorized users, and thus carries with it an associated expectation of responsible use.

The University's Acceptable Use Policy provides guidelines for appropriate use of technological resources, and is available by contacting Instructional Technology, the Office of Information Technology (973-290-4015), or the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration (973-290-4496).

This policy also can be found on the University's website at https://www.steu.edu/it/policy/.

By accessing the University's technology resources, users agree to abide by the Acceptable Use Policy.

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity is a demonstration of respect for the scholarship and the intellectual and creative efforts of others. Membership in the academic community of Saint Elizabeth University implies a high regard for human dignity and the expectation that ethical conduct be understood and practiced. We recognize that every individual has the right to the fruits of her/his own labor and is entitled to the appropriate acknowledgement of that labor. Consequently, academic integrity is a vital part of the relationship among the University's faculty, administrators, staff and students.

Each member of the academic community must recognize her/his individual responsibility to uphold academic integrity. The University will not accept academic dishonesty, which includes but is not limited to plagiarism, cheating in any form, theft of educational materials, the falsification of data, and illegal production of computer and audio/video software. Penalties will be imposed for violations of academic integrity.

Violations of Academic Integrity and Sanctions

Violations of Academic Integrity as applied to students include, but are not limited to the following:

Plagiarizing, which is the use of the work of another person or group without giving the author(s) credit. Plagiarism includes: using all or part of another student's paper, journal, lab report, computer program or file; buying a paper, or trading goods or services for a paper; and using ideas, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, or pages from an article, essay, book, newspaper, magazine, or any other reference source without properly citing that source, either deliberately or through neglect.
Cheating on tests which includes copying answers from another student or using impermissible information on an examination.
Forging the name of a student or member of the faculty, administration, or staff on exams, projects, or University documents.
Sabotaging the work of another student by deliberately destroying, harming or altering material or projects.
Falsifying data which includes describing experiments that did not take place, presenting results that were deliberately altered, and/or citing data or references that do not exist.
Removing books, journals, periodicals, and other library resources without authorization is a form of stealing, and it is illegal.
Violating copyright laws and/or using the work of others via computer or other technological means without express permission and/or clear attribution demonstrates disrespect for the creative work and personal expression of others. Although electronic and/or magnetic information is easily produced, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access, trade secret violations, and copyright violations are illegal (1987 EDUCOM and AADAPSO and copyright laws). Most computer and audio/video software are protected by copyright laws. It is incumbent upon the user to be familiar with the license agreement between the editor or publisher and the purchaser.

The following practices are illegal and/or violations of University policy:

Making, receiving or using unauthorized copies of computer or audio/video software
Removing institutional copies of computer or audio/video software from the library, laboratories, or offices without permission from Instructional Technology
Copying all or part of another's computer program, assignment, file, database or audio/video material
Using a computer to obtain illegal access to another computer
Altering educational versions of software in a manner that violates an existing license or agreement

First-time violations of academic integrity may be dealt with on a one-to one basis by the instructor of the course in which the offense occurred. In such instances the instructor will report the episode and its resolution to the Retention Coordinator.

Subsequent violations of academic integrity will be addressed in accordance with the following guidelines:

Level One Violations

In cases where a faculty member has reason to believe that a violation of academic integrity might have resulted from a student's ignorance or inexperience, the faculty member may use her/his discretion in adopting an appropriate course of action.

Examples of Level One Violations:

Improper footnoting and/or use of sources
Quoting a long passage directly without citation
Paraphrasing without proper attribution

Recommended Sanction(s):

Redoing the assignment
Receiving no credit for the assignment

Level Two Violations

In cases where a faculty member believes that a student's violation of academic integrity was deliberate, an institution-wide consistency of penalty must be maintained.

Examples of Level Two Violations:

Cheating on a test, mid-term, or final examination
Using impermissible material during an examination
Submitting another's work as one's own on an assignment, paper, test, lab report, or project of any kind
Repeated occurrences of a Level One Violation

Recommended Sanction(s):

Failing the assignment or examination

Level Three Violations

In cases involving repeated occurrences of a Level II violation, very serious misconduct, and/or illegal conduct, an institution-wide consistency of penalty must also be maintained.

Examples of Level Three Violations:

Theft of an examination or another student's project
Forgery of any kind
Having a substitute take an examination
Sabotaging another's work
Repeated occurrences of a Level Two Violation

Recommended Sanction(s):

A failing grade in the course
Suspension or dismissal, as determined by the Vice President for Academic Affairs

Academic Standing and Classification

Academic Standards and Continuous Enrollment for Graduate Students

Students accepted to a graduate degree program are expected to work with continuity and to register in that program until all requirements are completed. Students are reminded that an interruption of studies will affect their ability to make satisfactory academic progress toward the completion of their degree requirements.

Students who have taken all of their courses but have not finished their culminating experiences, theses, or dissertations will be required to pay a course fee equal to one credit of tuition each semester to maintain a continuous enrollment status through the completion of all coursework.

Students who fail to remain continuously enrolled will be withdrawn from their program of study after two semesters. Withdrawn students will be required to reapply to their program of study and will be bound by all policies and stipulations related to readmission (see Requirements for Good Academic Standing).

Full-Time, Part-Time and Acceleration

Undergraduate:

Twelve credits constitutes full-time status.

Students registering for more than 18 credits must get approval from the appropriate Dean and may incur overload charges, even when a Program may require that a student take more than 18 credits per semester in order to complete the degree in eight semesters.

Graduate:

A student who is taking nine or more credits in a semester is considered full-time. A student taking six to eight credits is half-time. A student enrolled in fewer than six credits is part-time.

Leave of Absence from the University

Undergraduate:

A student with a serious and acceptable reason may apply for a leave of absence through the Retention Coordinator.

A student receiving financial aid or University scholarships who intends to take a leave of absence must check with the Financial Aid Office. An approved leave of absence may affect the student's financial aid and/or scholarship funding.

If registered for courses, a student requesting a leave of absence must also follow the course withdrawal procedures. Application for a leave of absence from the University does not guarantee approval for course withdrawal from the current semester.

Graduate:

Students accepted to a degree Program are expected to work with continuity and to register in that Program until all requirements are completed. Program Directors will consider student-initiated petitions for a leave of absence from studies for up to two semesters. Requests for a leave must be documented. Students are reminded that an interruption of studies may affect their ability to make satisfactory academic progress toward the completion of their degree requirements. Students who request a leave for more than one full year will be required to reapply to their Program and will be bound by all policies and stipulations related to readmission (see Requirements for Good Academic Standing).

Matriculation

A matriculated student is one who has been accepted by the University and is working toward a degree.
A non-matriculated student is one who is taking courses, but is not working towards a degree.

Probation/Dismissal

Undergraduate:

The records of students matriculated in the Undergraduate programs are reviewed by the Committee on Admissions and Student Academic Standing (CASAS) for academic performance at the end of the fall and spring semesters.

Undergraduate students will be issued a warning if a student:

receives a grade of C-/D in two courses in a semester
receives a grade of F in one course in a semester.
receives a semester or cumulative GPA between a 2.0 and a 2.25.

Undergraduate students will be placed on academic probation under the following circumstances:

if the grade point average for the semester is below 1.8 in the first year or 2.0 in any semester thereafter;
if a first-time, first-year student receives NC in two courses;
the cumulative grade point average is below 2.0;
if a student receives an Incomplete grade, the student will be placed on provisional probation until a satisfactory grade is submitted; if the Incomplete grade is not satisfactorily completed in a timely manner the grade will be submitted as an FI (Failure due to Incomplete) which may result in further action.

Undergraduate students may be academically suspended under the following circumstances:

if a student receives 3 or more NCs in the first semester;
if a student did not meet the required 2.0 semester GPA for two semesters;
if a student does not meet the conditions of the academic probation agreement, the student may be suspended.

The Committee reserves the right to suspend a student without a semester of probation.

Students who have been academically suspended from the University for academic reasons may appeal the decision to CASAS if they feel that their performance was affected by extenuating circumstances. This appeal should be made in writing and submitted to CASAS. If the student's appeal is accepted, the student will be placed on academic probation. The student must earn at least a grade point average of a 2.0 for every semester following their suspension.

If a student's appeal has been denied, she/he may apply for readmission after one semester. The applicant seeking readmission must document a successful academic semester by completing at least 12 credits and earning at least a 2.0. CASAS evaluates this document and other supporting material prior to making a decision on the reapplication.

If a student who has been readmitted after an academic suspension does not earn a 2.0 semester GPA for any semester after readmission, the student will be academically dismissed and will not be eligible to continue his/her studies at Saint Elizabeth University.

Graduate:

Students who fail to maintain a 3.00 cumulative grade point average in their course work are automatically subject to probation for two semesters and suspension from the degree program if a 3.00 cumulative grade point average is not achieved in the third semester.

A student on probation should meet with the program director to discuss the conditions of probation. Failure to meet the conditions and standards of probation will result in suspension. While on academic probation, the student's credit load may be restricted.

A student will receive an academic warning when he/she receives his/her first "C/C+" grade. A second "C/C+" grade will place the student in academic jeopardy. A student who obtains three "C+/C" grades, or one "F" in program course work, for whatever reason, will be suspended from the graduate program.

A student who is suspended from an academic program for any reason must wait one full calendar year past the semester of suspension before reapplying to a graduate program.

The program faculty may deny a student re-admission for any cause.

Requirements for Good Academic Standing

Undergraduate Students:

To be in good academic standing, undergraduate students must meet the following conditions:

A semester GPA of a 1.81 and higher in their first semester
A 2.0 GPA in all other semesters, and
The cumulative GPA of a 2.0 for every semester after the first semester.

Graduate Students:

Satisfactory academic progress includes the achievement of the required cumulative grade point average and the accumulation of sufficient credits within a stipulated time frame.

A student must be in good academic standing with a 3.00 cumulative grade point average in order to apply for admission to degree candidacy.

Time Limitation for Graduate Degrees

Ordinarily, students are expected to enroll continuously until the program is completed. A student who does not earn any graduate credit toward the degree during two consecutive semesters will be required to reapply for admission to the graduate program; no fee is required for readmission. Students in good academic standing are readmitted under the catalog in effect at the time of re-entry.

The length of time given to a student to complete a degree is calculated from the date the student becomes matriculated in the graduate program.

A full-time student must successfully complete a degree within three calendar years; a half-time student pursuing a degree must successfully complete a degree in six calendar years. Less than half-time will be evaluated using similar criteria.

A full-time student in the 60-credit mental health specialty in counseling psychology must successfully complete a degree in five years; a half-time student in this program must complete a degree in seven-and-a-half years. Less than half-time students will be evaluated using similar criteria. However, a written petition for extension with full documentation of extraordinary cause, such as the granting of a leave of absence for medical or other good reason, must be made to the director of the program in which the student is enrolled.

Time spent in the armed forces is excluded from the time period. However, a student should apply for a leave of absence while in the armed forces.

A student will not be allowed to continue pursuing a degree beyond the stipulated time frame unless the student has received approval to do so. To petition for an extension of time, a student must submit a formal written request to the director of her/his graduate program, accompanied by a degree completion plan. A student approved for an extension will be placed on probation each semester until the degree has been completed. Approval for a time extension does not guarantee approval for additional financial aid.

Undergraduate Class Standing

First-year (Freshman): 0-24 credits
Sophomore: 25-57 credits
Junior: 58-87 credits
Senior: 88+ credits

Advising

Undergraduate

All students are assigned an academic advisor when they enroll at the University.
The advisor's role is to discuss the requirements of a given program and to recommend the selection of courses that best fit a student's needs based on degree requirements.
Double majors will be assigned two academic advisors, one from each major program. Even though only the advisor in the primary major will be able to approve students' registration in Self-Service, students are responsible for meeting with both advisors in preparation for registration each semester.
First-year students in the traditional undergraduate program are assigned an advisor who has been specifically trained to work with new students in assisting them to make a successful transition into college.
Students are required to meet with their advisor(s) prior to registration or if they need to adjust their schedule, but are encouraged to meet with them as often as needed.
It is the student's responsibility to be aware of the degree requirements and to follow the catalog in effect when she/he entered the University.

Graduate

Each graduate student must seek academic advisement and receive scheduling approval from their graduate advisor before registering for courses. Students are expected to arrange advising appointments well in advance of registration deadlines. Students should develop a plan of study for two semesters or more and review it when they meet with their advisors. Two-year tentative course schedules are available from the program.

Courses, Credits, and Registration

Academic Renewal for Undergraduates

Students who have been away from the University for three or more years and who wish to begin with a new GPA may apply for Academic Renewal. Academic Renewal excludes from the GPA all grades from the first semester of enrollment to the final semester of enrollment prior to readmission. Generally, students cannot renew more than 72 credits.

To begin the process of renewal, students must first enroll in a minimum of six credits at the University and earn a minimum GPA of 2.0. Application for Renewal must be made by the third semester of enrollment.

If renewal is granted, all courses and grades will remain on the transcript with a statement granting Academic Renewal. The credits on the transcript will be counted toward the degree, but the grades will not be used in calculating the student's GPA. Academic Renewal can be granted only once and cannot be reversed

Add/Drop

Students may add/drop courses up until the last day of the add/drop period for any given session. Consult the academic calendar for specific dates.

Students should complete the add/drop form, have their Academic Advisor sign it, and submit it to the Registrar's Office for processing.

Courses dropped during the add/drop period will not appear on the student's transcript.

Approval for Study at another University/College

Once matriculated into a program, students are expected to complete all coursework at the University. If a course must be taken at another regionally accredited university or online through another institution, students must obtain the approval of their academic advisor(s) in advance.

Students must fill out and submit an Approval for Study at Another College/University form.

Students must provide their advisor(s) with a catalog description, course number, and number of credits for the course they intend to take. The advisor(s) will determine and record the equivalent SEU course and sign the form. Students then submit the completed form to the Registrar's Office. Submitting this form assures students that the course will be accepted at SEU when transcripts are presented showing a grade of C or better.

When the course is completed, students are responsible for having an official transcript sent to the Registrar's Office from the institution where the course was taken. If a transcript is not received, it will be assumed the course was not completed with a transferable grade. Courses in which the grade earned is below a "C" or a 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) will not be accepted in transfer.

The name and credits for courses taken at other institutions either in person or online will be recorded on the student's transcript. The grade is not listed and will not be counted in the student's grade point average.

Articulation Agreements

Saint Elizabeth University has articulation agreements with many two and four-year institutions and with several graduate programs at other institutions. Saint Elizabeth University has worked with these institutions to provide the best possible interface of courses for students transferring. Certain courses taken at these institutions may be used in place of specific major requirements at the University.

The University also participates with N.J. Transfer to assist students in New Jersey community colleges to make decisions about transferring to other institutions.

Audit

Undergraduate:

Students may register to audit a course during the regular registration period on a space-available basis.
Changes in status from audit-to-credit or credit-to-audit must be made no later than the last day to add/drop.
Students who audit a class are not required to take tests or complete course assignments.
The extent to which an auditor may take part in a course's activities or receive extra help is determined by the instructor.
The charge to audit a course is one third of the regular tuition. All other fees are applicable.
The student's transcript will show a grade of "AU". The grade is not calculated in the grade point average nor is it counted towards degree requirements or progress.

Graduate:

Students who hold a bachelor's degree may register to audit a course during the regular registration period on a space available basis.
Changes in status from audit to credit or credit to audit must be made no later than the last day to add/drop.
Students who audit a class are not required to take tests or complete course assignments.
The extent to which an auditor may take part in a course's activities or receive extra help is determined by the instructor.
The fee for auditing courses is one third of the cost of tuition.
The student's transcript will show a grade of "AU". The grade is not calculated in the grade point average nor is it counted towards degree requirements or progress.

Cancellation of Courses

Saint Elizabeth University reserves the right to cancel, reschedule, or change the meeting times, faculty, or room assignments of any course.

Students must follow the usual add/drop procedure to add another course or section to replace a canceled course or section.

Course Levels and Numbering System

Courses numbered below 100 indicate pre-baccalaureate level courses (institutional credits). These do not count towards the degree.
Courses numbered 100 indicate introductory undergraduate level courses.
Courses numbered 200 indicate intermediate undergraduate level courses.
Courses numbered 300 and 400 indicate more advanced undergraduate level courses.
Courses numbered 500-700 are graduate level courses. Credits earned to fulfill the baccalaureate degree may not be applied toward the master's degree, except as part of an approved combined degree program at Saint Elizabeth University or as otherwise stipulated in the Academic Catalog.
Courses numbered 500 indicate graduate level courses that undergraduate students can take.
Courses numbered 600 and 700 indicate graduate level courses. Undergraduate students who have been accepted into an approved Combined Degree Program at SEU may take graduate classes in accordance with their program. Other undergraduate students may take graduate classes after obtaining approval from the Committee on Admissions and Student Academic Standing (CASAS)

Credit-by-Examination

Saint Elizabeth University recognizes four standardized testing programs:

Excelsior Examinations (Formerly Regents)
College Level Examination Program (CLEP – Subject Examinations)
Thomas Edison College Examination Program (TECEP)
Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES)

In most programs, a maximum of 30 credits will be accepted toward degree completion through the combined options of testing, that is, Excelsior Examinations (formerly Regents), CLEP, DANTES, and TECEP.

Students in Business Administration can apply a maximum of 15 credits by examination toward the major, including no more than one 300 or 400-level course. Generally, credits are awarded for courses completed prior to matriculation in the University.

Students interested in receiving transfer credit for successful participation in standardized testing programs should submit official, original credentials for evaluation to the Dean of the appropriate School.

Credit Hour Policy

Saint Elizabeth University follows the U.S. Department of Education definition of a credit hour as a measure of the amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:

"50 minutes* of classroom or direct faculty instruction each week for 15 weeks in one semester (or the equivalent attained by scheduling more minutes of instruction per week for fewer weeks in the semester) complemented by at least 100 minutes each week of laboratory or outside assignments (or the equivalent thereof for semesters of different length) OR at least an equivalent amount of work for courses with alternative formats including online, hybrid, internships, laboratories, studios, short-term study abroad courses, practicums, clinicals and tutorials.

In summary, ONE credit hour is awarded on the basis of one of three sets of criteria.

For traditional in-class courses: The completion of one credit hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two credit hours of out-of-class student work each week for one semester (15 weeks); or
For online, hybrid, and accelerated courses: The completion of an equivalent amount of faculty instruction and student work, as stipulated above in criterion (1), that may occur over a different amount of time; or
For other academic activities: The completion of an institutionally sanctioned academic activity (e.g., tutorial, externship, practicum, internship, independent study, studio work, laboratory work, fieldwork, and pre-dissertation/thesis work) that is equivalent to the amount of work stipulated in criterion (1), that may occur over a different amount of time.

Proposals for new courses are prepared by faculty and presented to the Academic Life Committee for review. The Committee determines if the proposed credit hour allotment aligns with the University's definition and with commonly accepted standards of higher education.

The University course syllabus template, used for all courses that are offered, requires faculty to delineate how each course meets the credit hour standards.

*This rule refers to a 50-minute "Carnegie hour" so the requirement is for 12.5 clock hours (750 minutes) of direct instruction or a total of 37.5 clock hours (2,250 minutes) of total student work for one semester credit. This policy conforms to the NJ Commission on Higher Education, U.S. Department of Education and Middle States Commission on Higher Education credit hour policies.

Cross Registration with Drew and Fairleigh Dickinson University (Madison Campus)

This option is available to full-time matriculated students who are in good academic standing.
Cross registration is available only during the fall and spring semesters (not summers or intersessions).
Cross registration is for undergraduate courses only.
Information regarding course information can be found on the websites of both institutions (www.drew.edu or www.fdu.edu).
Students must complete a cross registration form (for Drew; for FDU), signed by their academic advisor, and then submit that form to Saint Elizabeth University Registrar's Office for processing.
Courses completed via cross registration at Drew or Fairleigh Dickinson will appear on the Saint Elizabeth University transcript and are not considered transfer courses.

Enrollment in Accelerated 7-Week Sessions (Session A and Session B)

Most courses in 7-week sessions meet once a week and/or online and are specifically designed for students in the Continuing Studies Program. Traditional undergraduate students who have 96+ credits and need a specific course to graduate may obtain permission to take a 7-week course and should discuss this option with their academic advisor
Traditional undergraduate students will generally only be permitted to take one accelerated courses each semester.
Traditional undergraduate students meeting the above criteria must have an override registration form signed by their academic advisor(s) and approved by the appropriate Dean.
Traditional undergraduate students do not need override permission to take one or two-credit courses offered in the 7-week format.

Full Faith and Credit Transfer Policy

Students who have earned an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree from approved transfer programs from county colleges in New Jersey or from Thomas A. Edison College can transfer all credits (including grades of "D") into Saint Elizabeth University. These students are granted junior class standing.
This policy also applies to nursing students who have earned an Associate in Applied Science degree from County College of Morris, Middlesex County College, and Raritan Valley Community College.

Medical Excuse Policy

Health Services does not provide verification of illness or written excuses for minor illnesses or injuries that result in absence from classes.

Students who will miss class because of routine illnesses should correspond directly with the faculty as soon as possible regarding their circumstances. (Ideally before they miss a class, exam, lab, assignment, etc.)

In the case of significant, prolonged illness lasting at least four or more days or hospitalization, Health Services will notify (with the student's written consent) the Retention Coordinator who in turn will notify student's professors.

This verification of significant illness will be provided only for serious illnesses for which the Health Services clinicians have provided services or for which the appropriate written medical documentation from outside clinicians is provided to Health Services.

Portfolio Experiential Learning Assessment (PELA)

PELA is an option for earning University credit that recognizes learning and growth that occur outside of the classroom. It allows students to identify and demonstrate previously acquired knowledge and skills.
Portfolios are compilations of data from the student's personal history (experiential learning, formal training and testing) with documentation that displays theoretical knowledge. Matriculated students in good academic standing may submit portfolios prior to reaching senior class standing.
One portfolio is submitted for each course. Appropriate faculty members at the University review the contents of the portfolio and decide to award credit or not. Students may be awarded up to 24 credits via portfolio assessment. These are counted as transfer credits without grades.
A fee is charged for a portfolio evaluation.

Readmission for Graduate Students

Former matriculated or certificate students who wish to return after having withdrawn from the University in good standing, must reapply to the their program of study. The catalog which is current at the time of readmission will be in effect, and the director of the student's graduate program will evaluate previously earned academic credits for their relevancy and applicability to the current curriculum.

Repeating a Course

Undergraduate:

A grade of C- or lower in a required course (academic skills, major courses and SEU110 and SEU120) means the course must be repeated.
Other courses with a C- may be repeated.
A course retaken to improve a grade will result in only the higher grade being calculated in the grade point average. Brackets [ ] on the academic transcript will signify that the course has been repeated.
The lower grade will remain on the academic transcript but will not be included in the grade point average or in the earned credit total.
Students are charged for repeated courses at the current tuition rate.

Graduate:

A student cannot repeat non-failed courses (i.e., courses with grades of C or better).
Students are charged for repeated courses at the current tuition rate.

Scheduling of Graduate Courses

Graduate classes are usually scheduled during the week in the late afternoons and in the evenings. Some Saturday courses may be scheduled. Graduate courses offered during the summer semesters may be scheduled during daytime or evening.

If a course reaches maximum enrollment, preference will be given to matriculated students, then to non-matriculated students, and finally to auditors.

Transferring Credits

Undergraduate:

Students requesting the award of transfer credits must submit an official transcript from the previous institution.
Acceptance of course credits earned elsewhere is at the sole discretion of Saint Elizabeth University.
Transfer courses need a minimum grade of "C" or a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for acceptance by Saint Elizabeth University, unless the course falls under the "full faith and credit" policy.
A maximum of 90 credits will be accepted in transfer; however, the final 30 credits of the degree requirement must be completed at Saint Elizabeth University. In addition, at least half of the requirements for the major must be completed at Saint Elizabeth University.
Transfer credits will appear on Saint Elizabeth University transcript; however, transfer grades will not be reflected nor will they be used in the calculation of the student's Saint Elizabeth University grade point average.
Credits accepted in transfer become part of the student's permanent Saint Elizabeth University record; as such they cannot be replaced by new transfer courses.

Graduate:

Students requesting the award of transfer credits must submit an official transcript from the previous institution.
Acceptance of course credits earned elsewhere is at the sole discretion of Saint Elizabeth University.

Undergraduate Enrollment in Graduate Courses

Undergraduate students aside from those who are in an approved Combined Degree Program may petition CASAS (Committee on Admission and Student Academic Standing) to enroll in graduate level courses (600-level).
Students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Students must have 72 or more earned credits.
Undergraduate students may take a maximum of 6 credits of graduate level work (600-level courses).
Undergraduate students are limited to 3 credits of graduate work per semester (600-level courses).
Courses should count as elective credit for the undergraduate degree.
Undergraduate students will be placed on a waiting list until graduate students register.
Upon graduating with a SEU Bachelor's degree, students who apply and are accepted into a SEU graduate program can transfer the previously earned graduate credits to a SEU graduate program with Graduate Program Director's approval.
Students must complete and submit a CASAS Approval Form.

Unofficial Withdrawal

Unofficial withdrawal from the University occurs when a matriculated student does not return or stops attending classes during the semester at some point before the last day to withdraw. The last date of class attendance will be determined by the faculty member's attendance records. If the student can be reached, she/he is advised to complete the appropriate paperwork.

Students who stop attending after the withdrawal date will remain registered in their classes and receive grades of F. After the semester ends, these students will be considered withdrawn by the University.

Withdrawal from the University does not guarantee approval for course withdrawal from the current semester. In the case of withdrawals, tuition refunds will be prorated according to the schedule printed in the refund policies sections of the catalog.

The University reserves the right to require withdrawal at any time of students whose conduct or influence is deemed undesirable by the University community.

Non-payment of tuition and/or non-attendance in a course do not constitute acceptable withdrawal from the University.

Withdrawal from the University

A matriculated or certificate student who wishes to withdraw from the University must notify the director of her/his graduate program in writing. If enrolled in classes, the student should follow the course withdrawal procedure, mindful of the published deadline for course withdrawal.

Absence from class, instructor notification, or non-payment of tuition and/or fees do not constitute appropriate notification of withdrawal from a course and/or the University.

A matriculated student who has not earned any credits toward the degree in a one-year period is, however, considered to have voluntarily withdrawn from the program.

Students who cannot continue their studies are advised to officially notify the University of their intent not to continue. However, should the student withdraw unofficially, academic penalties may be imposed.

In cases of unofficial withdrawal, the withdrawal date is the last recorded date of attendance as determined and documented by the University. That date must be determined no later than 30 days after either (a) the date of termination or (b) the end of the semester or summer term. Furthermore, that date will be finalized as the earlier date of these options.

Withdrawing from a Course

Undergraduate:

Students may withdraw from a course after the add/drop period is over. Please consult the academic calendar for specific dates.
Students should complete the withdrawal form, have their academic advisor(s) sign it, have the instructor of the course confirm their last date of attendance, and submit it to the Registrar's Office for processing. Please note that a withdrawal form will not be processed unless the last date of attendance has been confirmed.
Courses dropped during the withdrawal period will appear on the student's transcript with a grade of "W".
Withdrawing from classes may affect Financial Aid and/or Residence Life status.

Graduate:

Students may withdraw from a course after the add/drop period is over. Consult the academic calendar for specific dates.
Students should complete the withdrawal form, have their Academic Advisor sign it, and have the course instructor confirm their last date of attendance and sign the form. Students are responsible for submitting the completed form to the Registrar's Office for processing.

Please note that a withdrawal form will not be processed unless the last date of attendance has been confirmed.
Courses dropped during the withdrawal period will appear on the student's transcript with a grade of "W".

Deadline to Apply for Graduation is September 30
Degrees and Graduation

Candidacy for Degree Status

Undergraduate:

Students are recommended to the Board of Trustees as degree candidates. All students who anticipate receiving degrees must apply for candidacy status. Diplomas are issued three times a year, in August, December and May.

The due date for filing the Graduation Application is September 30. Applications should be submitted directly to the Registrar's Office.

Late submissions will not be accepted and can hinder progress towards graduation.

The Undergraduate Application for Graduation is reviewed by the Registrar's Office. After an audit of the student's academic record is completed, the student will be advised of outstanding credits needed for degree completion.

Graduate:

The deadline for applying for graduation is September 30 of each year. Students for whom a December, May, or August graduation date is possible will be notified by @steu.edu email and will be required to complete and submit an Application for Graduation to the Registrar's Office.

Final approvals will be secured through review of the student's record by the director of the student's graduate program. The student will be billed the graduation fee, along with appropriate tuition and fees for the last semester.

Combined Degree Programs

B.S. Business Administration/M.S. Management
B.S./B.A. with a minor in Business Administration/M.S. Management
B.S. Foods and Nutrition/M.S. Nutrition
B.A. Justice Studies/M.A. Justice Administration and Public Service
B.A. Psychology/M.A. Counseling Psychology
B.A. Education/M.A. Education
B.A. Religious Studies/M.A. Theology

Combined degree programs at SEU allow highly motivated, eligible undergraduate SEU students to begin earning a master's degree while completing their undergraduate degree. Eligible students can take graduate level courses (see specific program description for number of graduate courses that can be taken as an undergraduate) which will be double-counted. The graduate courses can be applied as free electives toward completion of the undergraduate program. When the undergraduate program is completed, those credits will be transferred onto the graduate record.

Students in the combined degree program will be classified as undergraduate students until completion of the bachelor's degree.

Eligible students will:

Have earned Junior status (63 or more credits)
Have the required cumulative GPA for the program to which they are applying
Complete and submit a Combined Degree Application to the appropriate graduate program director
Be provisionally accepted into the graduate program after they are approved by the program director
Be matriculated into the graduate program after graduating with a SEU bachelor's degree and being accepted by the program director. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 when they complete the bachelor's program to continue with graduate studies.

Degree Requirements

Undergraduate:

Demonstrate competency in the basic academic skills of writing, reading, and mathematics
Fulfill the requirements of their major(s)
Pass the Capstone Experience Requirement in their major(s)
Complete the University's General Education curriculum
Successfully complete 120 credits of academic work applied to the degree
Attain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average

Graduate:

Saint Elizabeth University confers graduate degrees upon students who successfully complete all course work with a grade point average of 3.00, fulfill the credit requirements of the specific program, and, where required, successfully complete and present a culminating/capstone project.

Culminating/capstone projects may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the development of a professional portfolio, the completion of a thesis or action research project, a professional work sample, and/or an internship experience.
Additional information and specific guidelines are available from the director of the graduate program.

Graduation

Undergraduate:

The University Commencement is held once a year, in May. Undergraduate students who have completed their degree requirements are invited to participate in this ceremony. Students must complete an Application for Undergraduate Degree by the due dates.

Students who have completed a degree the preceding August or December can participate in the May ceremony. All records for students completing degrees in August and December will carry the actual date of the degree completion. Students who have uncompleted academic requirements cannot participate in the graduation ceremony. Students with outstanding financial obligations can participate in the graduation ceremony but will not receive a diploma.

Graduate:

Degrees are conferred in May at a formal commencement ceremony which is conducted only once each year for those who have completed all degree requirements the previous summer or fall, or who complete requirements at the conclusion of that spring semester. However, the University provides the opportunity for students who have completed degree requirements and who do not wish to participate in the May Commencement to receive their diplomas at the conclusion of each academic term: fall, spring, or summer.

Students who complete degree requirements in the fall will have their diplomas dated January of the following year. Students who complete degree requirements at the end of spring will have their diplomas dated that May. Students who complete degree requirements in the summer will have their diplomas dated September of that year.

Grades are available through Self-Service, but a hard copy can be requested from the Registrar's Office at (973) 290-4441.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

To earn a second baccalaureate degree, a student must fulfill the following requirements:

Students must be accepted by Saint Elizabeth University in accordance with the current admission policies and procedures. Applicants will be considered transfer students.
Students must complete a minimum of 32 credits at Saint Elizabeth University beyond the first degree, with a minimum of 24 credits in the new major.
Students must complete Element III of the SEU Essentials Program. Students must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average for the additional work, unless the major requires a higher average

Undergraduate Degrees Conferred

Saint Elizabeth University confers four undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Social Work.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Eligibility

Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress could adversely affect financial aid eligibility. Please contact the Financial Aid Department for current details or visit https://www.steu.edu/financialaid.

Grading

Academic Non-Grade Appeal Process for Students

Undergraduate and Graduate students have the right to appeal for cause any decision affecting their progress toward their degrees.

Students dissatisfied with academic programmatic decisions have 30 working days following the disclosure of those decisions within which to file a complaint. Undergraduate students need to file their complaints with the relevant Program Chair. Graduate students need to file their complaints with their Graduate Program Director.
If the matter remains unresolved after meeting with the Program Chair/Graduate Program Director, students should then proceed to the next level of Program Chair for graduate student complaints or on to the appropriate Dean if the matter remains unresolved.
If there is still no resolution after a meeting with the Dean, the student may file an appeal with the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) within 7 working days of that meeting.
The VPAA will review all documents deemed necessary and schedule a meeting with all parties in a timely fashion, typically within 30 working days of the receipt of the written appeal. The student may attend the meeting and present her/his case directly if she/he chooses to do so. No legal counsel for any party will attend the meeting.
The VPAA will then communicate his/her decision, along with its rationale, in writing to the student in a timely manner, typically within 30 working days of the meeting. If the student's appeal is denied, there will be no further avenue of appeal available to the student. All documentation of the appeal process will be kept in file in the office of the VPAA.
In any case where a decision or action by the VPAA is the subject of the appeal, the Vice President for Student Life will substitute for the VPAA in the appeal process described above.

Academic Review Board: Grievances and Grade Appeals

The Academic Review Board (ARB) provides undergraduate and graduate students with a means of resolving serious academic disputes that cannot be settled directly with the faculty involved, or by the Program Chairperson, or the appropriate academic Dean. Grade appeals will not be heard by the ARB unless they are based on misapplication or arbitrary application of the professor's grading policy or unusual circumstances.

The ARB has established the following arbitration process to settle disputes fairly and to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

To prepare for a grade appeal, students are encouraged to review the Student Request for Grade Appeal form and the Student Grade Appeal Flowchart for guiding the appeal process.

Before a grade appeal is referred to the ARB, students must first inform the professor about the disputed grade, and submit a Student Request for Grade Appeal form to the professor, with a copy of this form to the Program Chairperson in your School within 14 calendar days of the grade being posted by the Registrar.
The student must then set up a meeting with the professor within the first week of the beginning of the next semester.
If the meeting with the professor does not resolve the dispute, the professor will initiate the Grade Appeal Tracking Report and forward it to the next level within 24 hours. If the appeal remains unresolved, the designated representative of the University at each subsequent level will forward the report to the next level.

Graduate students in Theology, Psychology and Education, will arrange a meeting with the Director of the Graduate Program and provide her/him with the relevant documents and the Student Request for Grade Appeal form. If there is no resolution, the Director of the Graduate Program will notify the Program Chair within 24 hours.
Students in academic programs other than Theology, Psychology and Education will arrange a meeting with the Program Chair and provide her/him with the relevant documents.
The Program Chair will arrange and meet with the parties involved within three (3) calendar days of receiving notification of the grade appeal. If there is no resolution, the Program Chair will notify the School within 24 hours, providing her/him with the relevant documents.
The Academic Dean will arrange a meeting and meet with the parties within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the relevant documents to attempt to reach a satisfactory resolution.
If the matter remains unresolved after the Academic Dean’s intervention, the Academic Dean will inform the Chairperson of the Academic Life Committee within seven (7) calendar days and provide her/him with the relevant documents.
The Chairperson of the Academic Life Committee will notify both parties (faculty and student) in writing that the grievance has been received.
The Academic Life Committee Chairperson will initiate the mechanism for the selection of the Academic Life Committee members who will serve on the ARB. This five-member board will consist of three faculty members and two student representatives, who will be selected by the two parties involved in the grievance, with each party selecting one faculty member and one student member. The third faculty member will be a member of the Academic Life Committee designated by the Academic Life Committee Chairperson and will serve as the Chairperson of ARB. If either party fails to select members for the ARB, the Chairperson of the ARB will select the members.

During the summer, faculty and students will be on call to serve on the ARB. Preference will be given to Academic Life Committee members, but if necessary, non-Academic Life Committee members will be asked to serve during the summer. This list will be drafted during the spring semester by the Chairperson of the Academic Life Committee.
The Chairperson of the Academic Life Committee will consult with those involved to determine the hearing date(s). Members of the ARB will meet prior to the hearing to establish procedures for the review and to select a chairperson and determine a timetable for the completion of the Board's work.
The ARB will then convene a hearing with both parties. Board members must keep the proceedings and all other matters related to the hearing in the strictest confidence. Counsel for the parties or the University will not attend the hearing.
The ARB will listen to the statements of the parties involved in the grievance, ask questions, review appropriate materials, deliberate, and recommend in writing a resolution to the grievance. This recommendation must be determined within 30 calendar days of when the Academic Life Committee Chairperson was informed of the grievance.
The Chairperson of the ARB will sign the proposed resolution and forward to the Vice President of Academic Affairs within seven (7) calendar days. She/he will accept or reject the recommendation and notify the parties of the decision in writing. Only the Vice President for Academic Affairs may change grades. A record of the hearing will be maintained in strict confidentiality in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs

Attendance and Class Participation Policy

Undergraduate Attendance Policy

Student attendance is defined as not only being physically present but being fully engaged with the material covered in each class.

Faculty will record student attendance for all classes; however, the calculation of the 20% threshold referenced in this policy begins after the Add/Drop period. Attendance is a requirement for class participation and students are marked “absent” unless they secure an “excused absence” clearance, preferably prior to being absent, where possible.

Students must complete an Excused Absence Request Form, which is submitted to the Retention Coordinator with supporting documentation. The Retention Coordinator will determine what constitutes a valid excuse for a post-Add/Drop absence – usually a medical excuse or emergency, supported by appropriate documentation as decided by the Retention Coordinator, or a documented athletic competition.

As needed, the Retention Coordinator will consult with, and/or refer requests for excused absences to the Coordinator of Accessibility Services, or the Fastrak Coordinator. In accordance with University policy, students who secure an excused absence through this process are responsible for making up any course work that they miss; the course instructor(s), in consultation with the Retention Coordinator, will determine what, if any, reasonable accommodations may apply.

All Faculty are required to track and record attendance in both Moodle and Self-Service for all students in their courses, including excused absences.
Attendance, as a requirement for class participation, will count for at least 20 percent of the final grade. Instructors may include other course work such as quizzes, in-class assessments, and homework completion, etc., in that 20 percent. Depending on the delivery format of the 15-week, regular course, each unexcused absence would result in a loss of at least 1/2, 1/4, or 1/6 of the maximum grade for class participation; please see Table I below. In hybrid courses this policy will apply to in-person meetings, as well as logging into, and active participation in the online component. A grade of 0 for class participation, which is worth a minimum of 20 percent of the final grade, will make it highly unlikely that the student will be able to pass the course based on grades on just the other assessments. A student would need an average grade of 80 percent or more on those other assessments.
If at any point a student has unexcused absences for 10 percent or more of the class meetings available-to date in a course, (e.g., 1 absence out of 10 class meetings to-date, or 2 out of 20, etc.), a Care Report will be issued explaining that absenteeism is putting the student in potential jeopardy of failing the course unless it is addressed.
If by Week 10, or any time between Week 10 and Week 14, a student has accumulated the number of unexcused absences that will result in a grade of 0 for class participation, and grades earned to date in other assessments, including grades of 0 for missing assessments, and the weight of remaining assessments, it is mathematically impossible for the student to pass, that student will immediately be issued a final grade of WF for the course. The student will not be permitted to attend any remaining classes, to submit any missing work, or complete any remaining work. If the student is in residence, and the student’s remaining active courses amount to a credit-load of less than 12 credits, the student will also be barred from the residence halls.

Consequences of Unexcused Absences

Course Delivery Format: 15-week, 1 Class Meeting/Week or Hybrid courses, 1 In-person Class/Week
Number of Unexcused Absences that Would Result in a Grade of 0 for Class Participation: 2
Number of Unexcused Absences Requiring Special Care Report for Immediate Attention and Intervention: 1
Course Delivery Format: 15-week, 2 Class Meetings/Week or Hybrid courses, 2 In-person Classes/Week
Number of Unexcused Absences that Would Result in a Grade of 0 for Class Participation: 4
Number of Unexcused Absences Requiring Special Care Report for Immediate Attention and Intervention: 2, then 3
Course Delivery Format: 15-week, 3 Class Meetings/Week
Number of Unexcused Absences that Would Result in a Grade of 0 for Class Participation: 6
Number of Unexcused Absences Requiring Special Care Report for Immediate Attention and Intervention: 3, then 4, and then 5
Course Delivery Format: 7-week, 1 Class Meeting/Week
Number of Unexcused Absences that Would Result in a Grade of 0 for Class Participation: 2
Number of Unexcused Absences Requiring Special Care Report for Immediate Attention and Intervention: 1

Final Assessment of Learning

Undergraduate:

A final exam or other assessment of learning is included at the end of each semester in each course for which credit is given.
The final exam schedule for traditional undergraduate students is arranged by the Registrar's Office.
If a student has a conflict in her/his exam schedule, she/he should contact the Director of Student Services who will work with the faculty involved to resolve the issue.
Exams cannot be given in advance so that student may leave the University before the close of the semester.
Students may not miss a final exam without prior approval from the Dean of the School which houses the affected course. If an emergency arises that prevents the student from taking the final exam, the Dean's office should be contacted as soon as possible. The student must then take the final exam within one month after the close of the semester.
In the event of snow, exams will be given on the scheduled snow dates.

Graduate:

If circumstances prevent a student from taking the final examination in a course or from participating in another form of final assessment, it is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor prior to the scheduled assessment. If a final exam is not given, it is expected that the class will meet during the exam week.

Grade Changes

Once a final course grade has been submitted to the Registrar, a faculty member can change it only in the event of a clerical, calculation, evaluative, or administrative error with respect to work completed during the academic term in which the student was enrolled in the course. Grade changes should occur no later than four weeks after the start of the following semester. The Change of Grade Form requires the signatures of the Instructor, the Program Chair, and the appropriate Dean.

Except when a grade of "I" or "DE" is awarded in accordance with the policies governing those grades, student grades may not be changed for work submitted after the conclusion of the academic term in which it was assigned.

A final grade may be changed to "I" only with the signatures of the Program Chairperson and the appropriate Dean.

Students may appeal their grades only on the basis of work completed and submitted during the academic term in which it was assigned.

Student inquiries regarding grades must be made as soon as possible after the grade is received. Grade appeals must be made within 30 days of the end of the semester. For more information on grade appeals, see Academic Review Board procedures.

Grading Policies

Undergraduate:

Academic standing and eligibility for graduation are dependent upon both quality and quantity of work. The grade point average is a numerical index of the ratio of the number of quality points earned to the number of credits received.
A minimum grade of "C" is required for all courses in the major, for academic skills courses, for successful completion of, SEU110, SEU120, and for courses listed as a prerequisites for other courses.
A minimum grade of "D" is acceptable for courses meeting other general education requirements and any related requirements for a major.
no replacement policy.

Graduate:

Academic standing and eligibility for graduation are dependent upon both quality and quantity of work. The grade point average is a numerical index of the ratio of the number of quality points earned to the number of credits received.
A graduate student is expected to achieve grades of A or B to remain in satisfactory academic standing.
Three C+/C grades or one grade of "F" in course work will be grounds for dismissal.
The student is responsible for reporting to the Registrar's Office any error on their academic record within 30 days after the grades have been posted via Self-Service. The University will not be liable for unreported errors on student records.
no replacement policy.

Grading Scale

Undergraduate:

GRADE QUALITY POINTS

A 4.00

A- 3.67

B+ 3.33

B 3.00

B- 2.67

C+ 2.33

C 2.00

C- 1.67

D 1.00

F 0.00

FI - Failure due to Incomplete 0.00

I - Incomplete 0.00

P – Pass * 0.00

DE – Deferred * 0.00

W - Withdrawn 0.00

AU - Audit 0.00

PE – Permanent Excuse * 0.00

TE – Temporary Excuse * 0.00

NC – No Credit?* 0.00

* Pass, grade of 3.0 or higher — used only in the Dietetic Internship Program and for the Portfolio.
* Deferred — The "DE" (Deferred) grade is used only for courses requiring a project that might extend into a second consecutive term. The "DE" is a temporary grade that implies satisfactory performance. It may appear no more than two consecutive academic terms on the student's transcript. The "DE" grade will be removed when the instructor submits final grade. A final grade is awarded only after the student has completed all course requirements. A "DE" grade on a student's academic record will automatically prevent the student from graduating.
* Permanent excuse due to illness or injury
(Fitness Courses only)
* Temporary excuse due to illness or injury
(Fitness Courses only)
* NC: No Credit – Given in lieu of a grade of F during the first semester only to first-time, non-transfer students matriculated in the traditional undergraduate college.

Graduate:

* Pass, grade of 3.0 or higher. Used only in the Dietetic Internship Program and for the Portfolio.
** Deferred — The "DE" (Deferred) grade is used only for courses requiring a project that might extend into a second consecutive term (e.g., 691 Practicum, 695 Professional Portfolio, 699 Culminating Project). The "DE" is a temporary grade that implies satisfactory performance.
It may appear no more than two consecutive academic terms on the student's transcript. The "DE" grade will be removed when the instructor submits final grade. A final grade is awarded only after the student has completed all course requirements. A "DE" grade on a student's academic record will automatically prevent the student from graduating.

Incomplete Grades

Undergraduate:

The grade of "I" may be granted only if a student petitions the instructor(s) for that grade prior to the end of the academic term in which she/he is enrolled in the affected course. A grade of "Incomplete" may be given if the student's already-completed work is of passing grade quality but remaining coursework is unfinished because of illness or other serious cause, and only if the faculty member and the student agree. An "Incomplete" in any course becomes a failure and is recorded as a grade of "FI" (Failure Resulting from an Incomplete) if course requirements are not completed within four weeks following the end of a semester (fall, spring, or summer) or two weeks following the end of an accelerated session or winter intersession. For first-time freshmen, an incomplete grade becomes an NC during their first semester at SEU if the work for the course is not completed in the appropriate time frame.

The Request for Incomplete Grade Form must be submitted to the appropriate Program Chair prior to the end of the incomplete period. Incomplete Extension Forms showing the signatures of the Student, the Instructor, and the Program Chair are submitted to the Registrar’s Office.

Graduate:

The grade of "I" may be granted only if a student petitions the instructor for that grade prior to the end of the academic term in which she/he is enrolled in the affected course. A grade of "Incomplete" may be given if the student's already completed work is of passing grade quality but remaining coursework is unfinished because of illness or other serious cause, and only if the faculty member and the student agree. An "Incomplete" in any course becomes a failure and is recorded as a grade of "FI" (Failure Resulting from an Incomplete) if course requirements are not completed within four weeks following the end of a semester (fall, spring, or summer) or two weeks following the end of an accelerated session or winter intersession.

Requests for extensions must be submitted to the instructor of the course and the Director of the Graduate Program prior to the end of the incomplete period. Requests for an Incomplete Extension form can be obtained in the Registrar's Office. The student is responsible for making satisfactory arrangements with the instructor for the completion of the course requirements. The student earning an incomplete grade is expected to complete the course requirements as soon as possible.

Under no circumstances will any student carrying more than one Incomplete grade be permitted to begin additional course work

Mid-Term Advisory Grades for Undergraduates

First-time, full-time students matriculated in the traditional undergraduate program and students on probation are given advisory grades at the mid-point of the fall semester as a way to monitor their performance in their courses. These are not considered official grades and do not become a part of student transcripts.

Pass/Fail for Undergraduates

Full-time students with senior or junior standing may take one course each semester on a pass/fail basis. Sophomores may take one course a year as pass/fail.

Matriculated part-time students with sophomore standing (31-63 credits) may take one course as pass/fail throughout the duration of their sophomore standing. Part-time students with junior standing (64-95 credits) may take two courses as pass/fail throughout the duration of their junior standing, with no more than one pass/fail course per semester. Part-time students with senior standing (96 or more credits) may take two courses as pass/fail throughout the duration of their senior standing, with no more than one pass/fail course per semester.

To register for a course on a pass/fail basis, students must have no grade below "C" in the preceding year (the last two major semesters excluding summer sessions). Courses used to fulfill general education requirements, courses being taken to fulfill minor requirements, and courses required for the major may not be taken on a pass/fail basis.

Students may register for one course on a pass/fail grade basis in the Registrar's Office on the dates specified in the academic calendar. Once a student has designated a course pass/fail, she/he cannot change that decision. The instructor will not be notified of a student's choosing the pass/fail option. The instructor will assign a letter grade, which will then be translated to a pass/fail grade by the Registrar's Office.

Honors

Academic Honors Program for Undergraduates

The Honors Program is designed for a highly select group of students whose high school record, rank in class and SAT scores indicate superior scholastic aptitude or who in their college work demonstrate unusual proficiency and scholarly interests through a superior grade point average.

Students accepted in the Honors Program are encouraged to devise their own curricula in consultation with the academic deans and other advisors. In addition to fulfilling the requirements for their major, First Year Seminar, English Composition, fitness/Wellness, and Foreign Language, students must fulfill the following:

Cumulative Average of 3.5 or Higher
Four Honors Designated courses
Two Honors Seminars
Independent Research Project

Please contact the Director of the Honors Program for more information.

Dean's List for Undergraduates

Full-Time Matriculated Students

The Dean's List for full-time matriculated students is issued at the close of the fall and spring semesters.
Students must successfully complete a minimum of 12 credits excluding Pass/Fail courses and courses taken as Audit.
Minimum semester grade point average for eligibility is 3.5.
Students with grades of I (Incomplete), NC (No Credit), or F (Failure) are not eligible.

Part-Time Matriculated Students

The Dean's List for part-time matriculated students is issued at the end of the summer sessions.
Part-time students must accumulate 15 credits (excluding pass/fail courses and courses taken as Audit) during the academic year beginning with the fall semester and ending with the summer sessions.
Eligible students must maintain a minimum 3.5 grade point average.
The credit and grade point calculation will include any additional eligible credits taken during the semester in which the 15th credit is earned.
Students with grades of I (Incomplete) and/or F (Failure) are not eligible.

Graduation Honors for Undergraduates

Graduation honors are based on the cumulative grade point average at the completion of all degree requirements.
Degrees awarded with Honor – cumulative GPA 3.5 – 3.69
Degrees awarded with High Honor – cumulative GPA 3.7 – 3.84
Degrees awarded with Highest Honor – cumulative GPA 3.85 – 4.0

Program Honors for Undergraduates

Awarded to graduating students who have attained a minimum of a 3.7 grade point average in all major courses and who have passed the capstone experience with honor.
This honor is calculated by the Registrar's Office after all degree work is completed and capstone experience results are submitted

Special Achievement Awards

The Sister Anna Concilio O'Neill Award is bestowed annually for distinguished achievement in mathematics.
The Sister Hildegarde Marie Mahoney Award is bestowed annually for general excellence.
The Sister Elizabeth Ann Maloney Award is bestowed annually for distinguished achievement in campus ministry.
The Sister Anna Catherine Lawlor Award is bestowed annually for distinguished achievement in biology.
The Sister Therese Aquinas Roche Award is bestowed annually for distinguished achievement in philosophy.
The Florence J. Morris Memorial Award is bestowed annually for distinguished achievement in accounting by a Continuing Studies student.
The Continuing Studies Scholastic Achievement Award is bestowed on a Continuing Studies student who has earned the highest cumulative grade point average, completed a minimum of 56 credits at Saint Elizabeth University, and attained a minimum grade point average of 3.50.
The Sister Jacqueline Burns Award is bestowed annually on a student whose leadership has enriched and advanced the multicultural and international life of the community at the University.
The Sister Marian José Smith Award is bestowed annually for excellence in chemistry.
The John J. Riordan Award is bestowed annually on an undergraduate and/or graduate student who has the potential to make an impact in his/her field or discipline.
The Sister Anne Gertrude Coleman Award is bestowed annually for excellence in English Studies.
The Sister Anita Richard Heilenday Woman of Promise Award is bestowed annually on a traditional undergraduate student who exemplifies the mission and values of the University and the Foods and Nutrition Program.

Internships

Internships

An internship is a short-term, professional-level work experience with an employer in a student's field of interest. It emphasizes learning rather than earning on the job. An internship should enhance a student's interpersonal, communication, technical, and field-specific skills, and allow a student to gain a greater understanding of the future career she/he is pursuing while helping to prepare her/him for entry-level employment. Ordinarily, in order to earn one internship credit a student is expected to participate in 30 hours of activity approved and monitored by her/his program(s).

Students may apply no more than six internship credits toward the degree. Many programs require an internship, but all students are encouraged to complete at least one internship as part of the degree. All of the procedures of the University and the Program must be observed as students prepare for internships. Students should consult the Academic Internship Handbook for a complete discussion of procedures and deadlines as well as copies of all necessary forms.

As students prepare to register for their internship experience, they must seek the assistance of the Internship Coordinator. The Internship Coordinator will guide and support students as they prepare for their internship experiences

Majors and Minors for Undergraduate Students

Acceptance into the Major

Some majors have accreditation standards that require that students meet acceptance criteria. Students will be advised of this during the admission process. Otherwise, students select their major(s) by informing their academic advisors who then notify the Registrar.

Transfer students in the traditional undergraduate program, including those pursuing a second degree, apply to the program of their intended major during their first semester at the University; formal action by the program is taken at the completion of that semester.

All other undergraduate students must apply for acceptance into the program of their intended major. Ordinarily, application to and formal acceptance by the major program occur in the second semester of the sophomore year, or for Continuing Studies students at approximately 48 credits.

Major/minor forms are available in the Registrar's Office. Students should declare and/or change their major prior to registration for an upcoming semester.

Double Major

All elementary education majors must complete a double major. These students complete a major in elementary education and a second major chosen from an area of the liberal arts and sciences.

Other students in good academic standing may also pursue a double major. Students must work with an advisor in each major to develop a plan of study.

The dual degree plan must be approved by the appropriate Dean(s) and retained by both advisors. The plan must identify the primary major. After the approval, students are expected to complete the major requirements of both programs and to continue to work with an advisor in each major.

All drop/add forms, withdrawal forms, and approval for study forms must be signed by an advisor from each major. When students register online for upcoming terms, the primary advisor will have access to approve or deny courses; however, both advisors must be consulted to ensure that the correct curricula are followed.

The University cannot guarantee that students can complete a double major within a four-year time period.

Independent Study

Independent study is defined as a plan of academic study provided by an individual faculty member for a single student. An independent study enables the student to pursue an advanced topic or area of study not addressed in existing courses. The independent study should encourage student initiative and depth of critical thinking and/or creativity. An Independent Study form must be completed by the student, and all required signatures must be secured before the registration can be processed.

Ordinarily, independent study is limited to junior and senior students who are not on academic probation. A maximum of six credits of independent study may be applied toward graduation.

Majors

A major consists of a concentration of courses in a given subject area of at least 28 credits. Students completing a degree must select at least one major, but with approval, they may be able to pursue a double major. All elementary education majors must pursue two majors. Course requirements for each major are listed under each program in the academic catalog. Students in some majors are required to select a specific concentration within the major.

Students must follow the major requirements listed in the academic catalog in effect when they entered the University, unless programmatic changes preclude doing so. In such cases, changes will require the approval of the program chairperson. Some programs have very specific requirements for acceptance. These are listed under the individual program information.

At least one-half of the major must be completed at Saint Elizabeth University. A minimum grade of C is required of all requirements in the major. Related requirements do not require a grade of C.

A student may apply a maximum of two courses to both the major and minor Students must complete a capstone experience for each major.

Students are responsible for understanding all major and degree requirements, and they must regularly consult with their academic advisors to ensure progress toward their degrees.

Minors

A minor consists of a concentration of courses in a given subject area, usually 18 to 24 credits. Students often complete a minor because it complements their major field of study. Others choose a minor simply because of their interest in a particular field of study. Minors are available in most academic programs. Students may complete a maximum of two minors.

To declare a minor, the student must complete and submit the Major/Minor form to the Registrar's Office. This form will serve to notify a program of the student's intent. Interested students should declare a minor as early as possible. However, minors must be declared no later than the end of the drop/add period of the junior year, thus ensuring enough time to complete the requirements for the minor.

Students must adhere to the minor requirements in effect during the catalog year in which they declare a minor unless programmatic changes preclude the completion of that set of requirements. In such cases, the change(s) made will require the approval of the Chairperson of the minor Program(s).

At least one half of the minor must be completed in residence at Saint Elizabeth University. A minimum grade of C is required in all courses applied to the minor. A student may apply a maximum of two courses to both her major and minor in cases where this is possible. Related courses required by the student's major may be counted toward the minor.

Academic advisors in major programs will serve as advisors for the minor as well. However, advisors and/or students should feel free to call upon the minor program(s) for informal advising.

Students should be aware that their choice of a minor may be limited by the requirements of their major area of study, limited space availability in certain courses, and/or complexities in scheduling.

Student Records and Transcripts

Change of Student Name/Address

Name changes require legal documentation (e.g., copy of marriage certificate, etc.).
Individuals will be notified via @steu.edu email when the name has been changed in the system.
Change of Name/Address Form

Educational Records / FERPA

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 1974)

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 1974) Saint Elizabeth University lists the following categories of information, which are considered directory information: student's name, address, telephone, email address, enrollment status, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended.

Saint Elizabeth University may release this information to inquirers (e.g., prospective employers, graduate schools, or in news releases). Students who do not wish to release any or all of the above information must submit a request in writing to the Registrar's Office through the FERPA Authorization to Release Information form. This request will be in effect until the student separates from the University.

Records Retention Schedule

Records Retention Schedule

Request for Transcripts

Transcript requests must be made in writing to the Registrar's Office.
There is a $5.00 fee per transcript. There is a $10.00 fee per transcript for 24-hour turn-around service.
Transcripts cannot be issued to students whose financial obligations to Saint Elizabeth University have not been met.
Transcripts submitted to the University from other institutions are not permitted to be released to a third a party.
Unofficial transcripts are available via Self-Service.

Solomon Amendment

The Solomon Amendment became effective on October 23, 1998. Under the Solomon Amendment institutions are required to fulfill military requests for student recruiting information. Failure to comply may result in the loss of various forms of federal funding and Federal Student Aid.

Student recruiting information includes, but is not limited to student name, address, telephone number, date of birth, place of birth, class, major, degree(s) received, and educational institutions attended.

Under FERPA, students may request that directory information be withheld. This protection will be honored under the Solomon Amendment. Any student who wishes to have directory information withheld should request a "no release" as described above.