General Policies
Graduate Forms
All information relevant to Graduate Forms can be found online on the Registrar’s Graduate Forms Webpage. www.arcadia.edu/gsforms.
Course Offerings and Modality Changes
Course offerings and the modality in which they will be taught (e.g. on campus, online, hybrid) are subject to change. Current information about intended modality is available in Self Service. Tuition and fees remain the same and will not be refunded regardless of modality or changes to modality.
Transfer Credit
A maximum of 6 graduate credits earned at another institution may be considered for transfer at the time of admission into Arcadia University master’s degree programs in Counseling, Creative Writing, Education, English, and Public Health.
Transfer credit is not accepted for the following programs; doctoral degrees in Education and Physical Therapy; master’s degrees in Business Administration, Forensic Science, International Peace and Conflict Resolution, and Medical Science (Physician Assistant); and Arcadia Certificate Programs.
Transfer credits that are less than 10 years old at the time of degree completion may be counted as part of the degree. A grade of “B” or higher must have been earned; the student’s adviser must judge the courses to be relevant to the present program; and the institution that granted the credit must accept the course toward its own degree. Only 3-credit graduate courses will be accepted. One-credit courses are not accepted under any circumstances. The student is responsible for supplying official descriptions of courses and any other supporting information requested by the adviser. Official transcripts must be submitted with transfer credit form. Course credit previously used to fulfill graduate or undergraduate degree requirements may not be considered for transfer into any master’s degree program at Arcadia University.
Transfer of Credit from Other Institutions after Admission
After admission, matriculated students must petition to enroll in a course at another institution with the intention of transferring the credits earned to their Arcadia University program. A student must provide his or her adviser with a full description of the course and the reasons for enrolling in it. Once the petition form is signed by the adviser, it is sent to the registrar for review. Approval usually is not granted for courses that are also offered at Arcadia University. Under no circumstances will more than 6 credits be accepted in transfer to an Arcadia University degree program. Forms are available online at the following Web sites:
Education Records/FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is a federal law that provides that a covered educational institution maintains the confidentiality of students’ records. In accordance with the Act, with the exception of directory information as defined by Arcadia University, no one outside Arcadia University shall have access to, nor will the University disclose any information from, students’ educational records without the written consent of students, except to appropriate personnel within the University, to officials of other institutions in which students seek to enroll, to persons or organizations providing students’ financial aid, to accrediting agencies carrying out their accreditation function, to persons in compliance with a judicial order, and to persons in an emergency in order to protect the health or safety of students or other persons. A complete statement of the University’s policy in this regard is available from the Registrar’s Office.
Transcript Requests
The Office of the Registrar can provide students and alumni official transcripts.Both printed or electronic transcripts are available and can be ordered via Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse, respectively. Unofficial transcripts are available to current Arcadia students free of charge; students currently enrolled can access the unofficial transcript directly through their Self Service portal.
More information about the transcript request process can be found on the Registrar’s webpage under Transcript Requests. Any questions, concerns, and suggestions should be directed to the Academic Records Coordinator within the Registrar’s Office registrar@arcadia.edu (please include ‘Transcript’ in the subject line) or call 215-572-2935.
Auditing
During the fall and spring semesters, a graduate student carrying 9 or more credit hours may audit, without fee, one additional course with the approval of his or her adviser and permission of the instructor.
Graduate students carrying up to 6 credit hours and non-matriculated students may audit courses with the necessary approvals and fees. A student must obtain the approval of his or her adviser and permission of the instructor; non-matriculated students must obtain the permission of the instructor and the Chair of the Department offering the course. It is understood that auditing is permitted on a non-participatory basis. No auditing is permitted during the summer sessions.
Withdrawal from Courses
A student may withdraw from a course without grade point average penalty before the end of the eleventh week of each semester and will be assigned a grade of W on the transcript. To withdraw from a course after the eleventh week, but before the end of the semester, the student must obtain approval for withdrawal from the professor of the course, from the student’s adviser, and from the Division of Student Success. If the approval is granted, the transcript will indicate that the student withdrew with a passing grade (WP) or withdrew with a failing grade (WF). Please review Arcadia’s refund policy.
Withdrawals after the eleventh week of the semester are not allowed except in extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the student. The Division, in consultation with appropriate faculty, must approve the withdrawal. (WP/WF remains in effect.)
Withdrawals from summer courses are governed by the same guidelines, using the dates of mid-term and three-quarters through the term.
All requests for withdrawals must be filed by the dates listed in the Academic Calendar.
Please note: Course abandonment, or failure to withdraw from a course, will result in an automatic failure for the course. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Registrar’s Office in writing of the intent to withdraw from a course.
Drop/Add Period
The “course changes – drop/add” timeline appears in semester schedules and the Academic Calendar.
- Spring and Fall Semesters: Graduate students may add or substitute courses before the second class session. They may not enroll in a class after its second session has met without the approval of the instructor or the appropriate Department Chair.
- Summer Sessions: During the first two days of each session, students may substitute or add courses. They may not enroll in a class after its second session.
- Summer Workshops: After the first day, students are not admitted to a workshop.
Refunds
The refund policy applies only to tuition charges; fees are not refundable. During the fall and spring semesters, students who formally withdraw from one or more courses within the first five weeks of classes are entitled to a refund according to the schedule listed below. Refunds are calculated on the basis of the date on which notification was received by the Registrar’s Office.
Withdrawal within time periods and percent tuition paid by the student
- 1st week – 10 percent
- 2nd week – 20 percent
- 3rd week – 40 percent
- 4th week – 60 percent
- 5th week – 80 percent
- After 5th week – No Refund
For Summer Session I, a refund of 50 percent is allowed for withdrawal within the first week of class. For Summer II, III and workshops, the refund allowed is 50 percent before the third class meeting.
A student considering withdrawal after the seventh week of a semester is encouraged to contact the Office of Student Accounts in order to obtain a detailed estimate of the financial implications of the withdrawal. This is extremely relevant when a student loan is involved.
Course offerings and the modality in which they will be taught (e.g. on campus, online, hybrid) are subject to change. Current information about intended modality is available in Self Service. Tuition and fees remain the same and will not be refunded regardless of modality or changes to modality.
Policies for Non-Traditional Courses
All courses, 12 to 15 weeks, regardless of delivery modality, will follow the policies that are currently in place.
Seven-Week Classes (Regardless of delivery modality):
- Withdraw/Add—Students may withdraw and add courses during the first week of class. Adding a course requires the permission of the instructor.
- Students may withdraw during week four of the class and receive a (W).
- Students may withdraw during week five of the course and receive either a WP or WF.
- Students will not have the opportunity to choose a Pass/Fail option for accelerated courses. Additionally, students do not have the option to audit an accelerated course.
- Students may not withdraw from a course during week six or seven; however, students have the right to petition the Division of Success.
- Course Abandonment— Course inactivity, non attendance, or failure to make or complete payment does not constitute a course drop or withdrawal. Students remain financially responsible for a course registration unless the student notifies the Registrar’s Office in writing to drop or withdraw from the course. Fees are assessed according to the current refund policy. Neglecting to drop or withdraw officially will result in a failing grade on the transcript.
One-Week Intensive Classes and Institute Courses
- Withdraw/Add—Students may only drop or add a course prior to the beginning of the course.
- After the beginning of one week intensive courses and Institute courses, there will be no refund.
- Students have the right to petition the Division of Student Success.
Incompletes—follow the current policy for all courses. (i.e. a student in an accelerated course would have three weeks after the end of the semester to complete required work). Incompletes are given only in the case of a medical or personal emergency beyond the control of the student and must be approved by the appropriate dean.
Substitutions for Required Courses
Another graduate course may be substituted for a course required for a degree if, in the judgment of the Department offering the degree, the student has sufficient knowledge of the required course content to fulfill degree requirements. Before allowing the substitution, an examination covering the course content may be given in order to determine the student’s level of competence. No course credit is earned by passing the examination.
Course Loads
During the fall and spring semesters, the normal load for full-time, non-cohort students is 9 to 12 credit hours per semester. For students who are employed full-time, it is recommended that students enroll in no more than 6 credits per semester. The maximum course load for the summer sessions is 6 credit hours for Summer Sessions I and II, and 3 credit hours for Summer Session III. Students participating in a summer workshop may not schedule any other course concurrently.
Course Numbers
Numbers from the 500 to 800 levels designate graduate courses. Certain upper-level undergraduate courses numbered 400 are approved by the Faculty Senate Academics Committee for graduate credit. If a 400-level course not approved for graduate credit would enhance the student’s professional preparation or current or anticipated teaching assignments, the student must present a written request to have the course accepted for the master’s degree. The request must be approved by the student’s adviser and sent to the Division of Student Success.
Procedures for Special Status Students
Non-matriculated students may enroll in courses as Special Status students. Up to 9 graduate credits earned as a Special Status student can be accepted toward a degree, if the courses are appropriate for the program to which the student later applies. It is wise for Special Status students who are interested in pursuing a degree program to apply promptly, before accumulating inappropriate courses. Enrollment as a Special Status student does not guarantee admission to a degree program. Special Status application forms are available in the Registrar’s Office. A registration hold will be placed on anyone who has earned 9 graduate credits and has not been accepted into a graduate program.
Special status is not permitted in the following: doctoral programs in Education and Physical Therapy, and master’s programs in Business Administration, Forensic Science, International Peace and Conflict Resolution and Medical Science (Physician Assistant).
Undergraduate Enrollment in Graduate Courses
Arcadia University undergraduate students who are within a few credits of meeting the requirements for the bachelor’s degree may, with the permission of the Department Chair, faculty adviser and Division of Student Success, enroll in a limited number of graduate courses (500-level courses). Credit may be awarded either toward the bachelor’s or the master’s degree, but not both.
Academic Policies and Procedures
Policies and procedures for graduate students are devised to safeguard the integrity of the degree or certificate granted, to facilitate the student’s progress toward the degree, and to prevent delays and misunderstandings.
Each student is responsible for being thoroughly familiar with all policies and procedures and with the requirements of the specific program: degree, certificate, or certification. If the student has any doubt or question about requirements or procedures, he or she should consult the Division of Student Success for clarification.
Conferring of Degrees
Degrees are conferred at the completion of a program in May, August and December. A formal Commencement exercise takes place in May. A Commencement exercise is held in September for students in the Residential or Hybird Doctor of Physical Therapy program. All students completing their degrees at any time during the academic year are invited to participate in the following May ceremony and will receive information regarding the Commencement ceremony from University Relations.
Information also is available online at www.arcadia.edu/commencement. Attendance at Commencement is not mandatory.
Participation in Graduation Ceremonies
Graduate students are permitted to participate fully in graduation ceremonies (commencement) if they have met all academic requirements and obligations to the University.
Individual students may Petition for Exception to Academic Policy to the Vice Provost if they meet all of the criteria below:
-
They are within three or fewer credits of meeting all academic requirements.
-
They have earned at least a 2.7 GPA at the time of petition.
-
They will complete their remaining credits in the next academic semester.
If the petition is granted, the student is permitted to participate fully in the graduation ceremonies. However, the listing will indicate that all degree requirements have not yet been satisfied.
In some instances, the Faculty Senate Academics Committee may make exceptions for entire cohorts to participate in certain commencement ceremonies before the culmination of their course of study when the curriculum meets all other requirements of this policy. This process is not student-initiated.
Graduation Honors
Students are recognized at Commencement and honored by the University for academic excellence in their degree programs. Latin honors are not used in graduate study; instead students receive “With Distinction” on their record and diploma. Requirements for distinction are as follows:
A cumulative grade point average of 3.9 to 4.0 is required for programs in Business Administration, Counseling, Education, English, English/Creative Writing, Forensic Science, International Peace and Conflict Resolution, Public Health, the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, and the Doctor of Education.
A cumulative grade point average of 3.7 to 4.0 is required in the Doctor of Physical Therapy and the Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant) degree programs.
Notification of Expected Completion of Degree Requirements
The student is responsible for notifying the Registrar of his or her expected date for completion of degree requirements. The Notification of Degree Completion form is available online at www.arcadia.edu/gsforms.
Petitions for Exceptions to Policies, Regulations or Requirements
Petitions for change of grades or any other course-related grievance will not be accepted after one calendar year from the time of the start of the course(s) in question, or after the completion of the program in which the student is matriculated, whichever date comes first.
Grades Review
The Grade Appeal process applies only to the final grade of a course. If a student believes that a final grade has been incorrectly determined, the student may appeal the grade, according to the following process:
- The student should first try to resolve the matter with the course instructor within ten working days of when the final grade is posted and officially available to the student.
- If the dispute cannot be resolved, the student may file an appeal with the Department Chair or Program Director as applicable (typically Program Director for graduate students; Chair for undergraduates), indicating in writing the grounds for the appeal; this appeal must be filed within twenty working days of when the final grade is posted and officially available to the student. The criteria for consideration of altering an instructor’s final grade are one of the following: grading calculation error; grading unfairness. The Program Director or Department Chair (as applicable) will review relevant materials from the student and instructor, make a decision, and notify the student and instructor of the decision.
- A student unsatisfied with this resolution may file an appeal with the Dean of the College or School, indicating in writing the grounds for the appeal of the Program Director/Department Chair determination; this appeal must be filed within ten working days of the Program Director/Department Chair’s decision. The criteria for consideration of altering an instructor’s final grade are one of the following: grading calculation error; grading unfairness. The Dean will review relevant materials from the student, instructor, and Program Director/Department Chair. The Dean will then make a decision and notify the student, instructor, and Program Director/Department Chair of the decision. The decision of the Dean is final.
- If a student needs assistance in understanding and completing the process for a grade appeal they should contact the Assistant Dean of Student Success.
Exemptions to Policies, Regulations, or Requirements
Students requesting exceptions to policies, regulations, or requirements must write a clear and concise statement describing the requested exception, including evidence supported by a rationale. This request must be submitted to the Division of Student Success along with an “Exception to Policy” form signed by the student and the student’s faculty adviser.
Code of Academic Responsibility
A code of academic responsibility guides the academic life of Arcadia University students. It is expected that each student will uphold the concept of academic integrity and will accept the responsibility for acting in accord with this concept. (Refer to the Graduate Student Handbook, which is found online, and departmental handbooks.)
Code of Ethical/Professional Standards and Conduct
Graduate programs at Arcadia University prepare students to take positions of responsibility and leadership within their communities and professions. Many of the departments and programs require supervised off-campus clinical experience in which students are expected to conduct themselves as professionals-in-training. These programs represent professions that adhere to established standards of behavior and ethics. Arcadia University students are expected to adhere to those standards. Behavior in violation of ethical or professional standards of the field and/or Arcadia University constitutes grounds for immediate dismissal from the program. (Refer to the Graduate Student Handbook, which is found online, and departmental guidelines.)
Dismissal
Students are expected to abide by the regulations set forth by Arcadia University and the written policies and procedures of their respective departments. The University reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time for unsatisfactory academic performance or for conduct detrimental to the University or to the welfare of other students. Departments also reserve the right to dismiss a student if it is determined that a student’s conduct is unprofessional or is not consistent with the code of ethics of his or her intended profession. A student who is dismissed may appeal the decision through the program’s appeal process (if applicable) or by contacting the Division of Student Success. Specific information about the appeal process is included in the dismissal letter.
A student may be dismissed from a program for the following reasons:
- A grade below “C” in a didactic course.
- A grade of “U” or below “C” in a clinical education experience.
- A grade below “B” in an Education Practicum, Fieldwork or culminating activity.
- Conduct detrimental to the University or to the welfare of other students.
- Conduct that violates the code of academic and/or professional ethics.
- Unsatisfactory GPA
- In addition to GPA, students also must be making adequate progress toward the degree to have satisfactory academic standing. Students who have an excessive number of course withdrawals for two consecutive semesters will have their records reviewed by thier department. Excessive number of course withdrawals is defined as 50 percent or greater of the student’s course load. After review, a student may be dismissed from the University if it is determined that they are not making adequate progress.
Fulfillment of Degree Requirements
Students should work with their faculty adviser and program director to ensure that they are making appropriate progress toward their degree. Procedures have been developed to check progress toward the degree. It is the student’s responsibility, however, to know the requirements for his or her degree and to fulfill them.
In addition to or independent of a master’s degree in education, students also may prepare for teacher certification granted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and/or the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Academic Schools.
Graduate academic policies are reviewed by the Academics Committee of the Faculty Senate and overseen by the Division of Student Success. Questions about graduate academic policies should be directed to the Division of Student Success.
Degree Completion for Cohort Graduate Programs
- Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership—three years plus extension for dissertation
- Doctor of Physical Therapy—two and one half years
- Master of Arts in International Peace and Conflict Resolution—two years; three years for part-time track
- Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing–two years
- Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)—two years; three years for dual degree
- Master of Science in Forensic Science—two years; three to four years for part-time track
Degree Completion for Graduate Programs with Rolling Admission
Six years from the first enrollment in coursework relating to the degree.
- Certificate of Advanced Study (post masters’ education)
- Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (post-masters’ counseling)
- Master of Arts in Counseling- Six years from the first enrollment in coursework relating to the degree as a matriculated student in the graduate program.
- Master of Arts in Education
- Master of Arts in English
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)*
- Master of Education
- Master of Public Health
- Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy
*Master of Business Administration (MBA) students have 5 years from the first enrollment in coursework relating to the degree
In all of the above programs, students may enroll on either a full-time or part-time basis. With the exception of Master of Arts in Counseling, students who do not want to pursue a degree or certification, may request permission to enroll as Special Status students.
Credit Hour Policy
Background
The U.S. Department of Education uses the “credit hour” as a measure of ensuring consistency both within and between institutions of higher education. This is necessary for ensuring the transferability of a “credit hour” and demonstrating that a course maintains sufficient academic rigor, content, and depth. Each institution is required to establish and enforce a definition of “credit hour” as a requirement for eligibility for federal funding. The current “Credit Hour Policy” recognizes the inherent differences of teaching and learning formats and/or delivery modality.
Definition
The U.S. Department of Education defines “credit hour” as:
“…An amount of work representing in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:
- One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or,
- At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution, including laboratory work, internships, practicum, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.”
Policy
Arcadia University has adopted a variant of the traditional “Carnegie Unit” as a measure of the academic experience associated with a “credit hour.” The Registrar’s Office utilizes this policy in the scheduling of courses each semester.
- Traditional face-to-face lecture sessions:
- A credit hour is associated with a minimum of 50 minutes per credit hour each week over a 14-week semester, plus a 15th week consisting of a final examination or project presentation.
- This is applied in the scheduling of courses such that: A 3-credit course should meet no less than 2100 minutes during the course of the semester, and a 4-credit course should meet no less than 2800 minutes during the course of the semester. In addition, it is assumed that there are 2 minutes of work performed in preparation of, or as the direct result of, each minute in the class. In a broader context, for every hour in the class, there are two hours of outside student work associated with it. Outside work is typically categorized as reading, studying, problem solving, writing, or preparation.
- Supervised group activities (such as laboratory, studio)
- Laboratory or studio are associated with a minimum seat time of 100 minutes per credit or imputed credit (since laboratory and studio sessions generally carry no direct credit) each week over a 14 week semester. In addition, it is assumed that for every 2 hours of directed instruction in the laboratory or studio, the students perform an additional 1 hour of outside work on their own.
- Supervised individual activities:
- Practicum, clinical internships, and student teaching represent a minimum of 30 contact hours for each credit hour.
- Thesis/Dissertation and Independent study represents a minimum of three hours of student work per week over the semester per credit hour.
- Variations:
Courses that utilize different pedagogical approaches may seek variations from the standard credit hour definitions. The expectation is that quality, quantity, and rigor of learning and academic work associated with a “credit hour” will be consistent regardless of location, teaching mode, or class duration. Variations to the standard credit hour policy are considered for approval by the Faculty Senate Academic Committee.
- Web-facilitated face-to-face courses:
Web-facilitated face-to-face courses use online content delivery for less than 30% of the course and blended courses use online content delivery for 30 – 79% of content delivery. These courses may have a proportional decrease in scheduled “seat time” associated with a credit hour with the expectation that the additional activities correspond directly to the reduced seat time.
- Online courses:
Courses that use online content delivery for greater than 79% of the course may meet infrequently or not at all in a face-to-face session during a semester.
- Upper-level courses:
Some four credit 300-level and 400-level undergraduate courses are scheduled for less than the 2800 minutes of seat time because of an expectation of more than 2 hours of “outside time” for every 1 hour in class. Graduate level courses meet or exceed 700 minutes of seat time per credit.
- Non-standard course duration:
Credit hours awarded for learning and academic work completed in short sessions (summer session, half-semester courses, etc.) will be comparable to the standard 14+1 week semester but distributed over a shorter period of time.
Credit by Examination
Students are permitted to earn credit by examination for any undergraduate deficiencies they may have, but not for credit to be counted toward a graduate degree.
Grades
A letter grade system with pluses and minuses is used. The numerical values assigned are as follows:
| |
Letter |
Value |
| Excellent |
A |
4.0 |
| Very Good |
A- |
3.7 |
| |
B+ |
3.3 |
| Good |
B |
3.0 |
| Passing |
B- |
2.7 |
| |
C+ |
2.3 |
| |
C |
2.0 |
| Failing |
C- |
1.7 |
| |
D+ |
1.3 |
| |
D |
1.0 |
| |
D- |
0.7 |
| |
F |
0.0 |
- NR = Ongoing: a grade of NR in a practicum or culminating activity must be converted to an earned grade one year from the date of registration. After one year, the NR becomes a W, and the student must register again and pay full tuition.
- S = Satisfactory
- U = Unsatisfactory
- W = Withdrawal prior to seventh week of class
- WP = Withdraw passing—after the seventh week of class
- WF = Withdraw failing—after the seventh week of class
A cumulative grade point average of “B” (3.00) is required for admission to degree candidacy (Counseling, Education, English, and Public Health) and for graduation in the following graduate programs: Business Administration, Counseling, Education, English, English/Creative Writing, Forensic Science, International Peace and Conflict Resolution, and Public Health. A cumulative grade point average of “B–” (2.70) is required for graduation in the following programs: Doctor of Physical Therapy and Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant).
A grade below “C” may not be applied toward a degree. Only 6 credits of “C” will count toward a degree in the following programs: Business Administration, Counseling, Education, English, English/Creative Writing, Forensic Science, International Peace and Conflict Resolution and Public Health. A student must petition to repeat a course; however, the original grade remains on the transcript. No more than two concentration courses may be repeated.
If a failing grade is received (“C–” or below), the course may be repeated one time only with the adviser’s permission.
A grade of “B” or above is required to meet certification standards for the following courses:
- ED 470 Graduate Student Teaching Practicum, PreK-4 Early Education
- ED 471 Graduate Student Teaching Practicum, Secondary
- ED 474 Graduate Student Teaching Practicum, Art Education
- ED 583E Added Cert Practicum Special Education PK-8
- ED 583S Added Cert Practicum Special Education 7-12
- ED 592 Graduate Student Teaching Practicum: Dual PreK-4/Special Education PK-8
- ED 595 Literacy Seminar/Language & Literacy Project (LLP)
- ED 600 A,B,C, Supervision Internship (12 months; one-credit each semester)
- ED 649 A,B,C, Superintendent Letter of Eligibility (12 months; one-credit each semester)
- ED 665 A,B,C, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Internship (12 months; one-credit each semester)
- ED 666 A,B,C, Supervisor of Special Education Internship (12 months; one-credit each semester)
- ED 667 A,B,C, Pupil Personnel Services Internship (12 months; one-credit each semester)
- ED 639 A,B,C, Principal K-12 Internship (12 months; one-credit each semester)
- ED 649 A,B,C, Practicum: The Superintendency (12 months; one-credit each semester)
NOTE: These policies also apply to non-degree-seeking graduate students enrolled in teacher certification programs.
Incomplete Grades
In circumstances such as illness or personal emergency, a grade of “I” (Incomplete) may be approved by the Division of Student Success if the student is unable to finish the course requirements by the end of the term. No more than two Incomplete grades may be received in a given semester. Instructors must submit an “Incomplete Grade Request” form to the Registrar’s Office for approval. In the case of an incomplete, the instructor determines the date for completion of the work, but this date may not be later than three weeks into the semester following the one in which the Incomplete was given. If the work is not completed the default grade will be assigned.
Academic Standing
To continue in good academic standing, students in Business Administration, Counseling, Education, English, Creative Writing, Forensic Science, International Peace and Conflict Resolution, Public Health, and Doctor of Education are expected to maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. If the cumulative average falls below 3.0, the student is placed on probation and notified by the Division of Student Success, in writing, of the conditions that must be met in order to be removed from probation. If the cumulative average falls below 2.7, or if a student in good standing receives a grade of “C–” to “F,” the student may be dismissed from the program. A student must be in good academic standing with a 3.0 cumulative average in order to apply for admission to degree candidacy. If, after admission to degree candidacy, the average falls below 3.0, but no lower than 2.75, the student may be placed on probation. If the average falls below 2.75, the student may be dismissed from the program. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required for graduation. The Graduate Academic Standing Committee makes final decisions about academic standing in these programs.
Students in Medical Science (Physician Assistant) and Physical Therapy are expected to maintain a 2.7 cumulative grade point average to continue in good academic standing. These programs maintain their own academic standing review and decision making. Please refer to the programs’ policies for degree-specific academic requirements.
In addition to GPA, students also must be making adequate progress toward the degree to have satisfactory academic standing. Therefore, students who have an excessive number of course withdrawals for two consecutive semesters will have their records reviewed by the Division of Student Success. Excessive number of course withdrawals is defined as 50 percent or greater of the student’s course load. After review, a student may be dismissed from the University if it is determined that he or she is not making adequate progress. Academic standing is reviewed at the end of each academic semester.
Continuous Enrollment
Students admitted to a degree program are expected to enroll continuously until the program is complete. For students in Counseling, Education, English, and Public Health programs, continuous enrollment is defined as enrollment in both semesters of the regular academic year, or one semester of the academic year and one summer session, or both regular summer sessions.
Temporary Program Withdraw
A student who is unable to register for courses because of a serious illness, personal/professional reasons, extraordinary job requirements or military service may be granted a leave of absence without penalty.
The leave of absence is normally limited to one year. The student must inform the Department Chair and the Registrar, in writing, of his/her intention to take a leave of absence.
Students with an absence of one year without an approved leave of absence or who extend leave beyond one year must reapply through the Office of Enrollment Management and will be governed by new departmental/program requirements upon their return to the program. Please refer to specific program requirements in reference to this policy.
Withdrawal from the University
A student who plans to withdraw from a program for personal reasons should consult with his or her adviser. If the student intends to withdraw, he or she should notify the Program Director and the Division of Student Success, in writing, of intent to withdraw. The student may reapply within two years of that withdrawal by following the readmission procedure described below. Please refer to program listings for program-specific requirements.
Changes in Degree Requirements
In an effort to keep Arcadia graduate programs current, changes in degree requirements may occur after students have begun their programs of studies. In this case, students would be expected to fulfill the new requirements unless doing so causes undue hardship, that is, postpones graduation, requires credits beyond those required for a specified program, or prevents enrollment in a course especially needed by the student. Changes and updates are available at www.arcadia.edu/catalog.
Transfer to a New Degree Program or Concentration
A change of concentration within a Master of Education (M.Ed.) program or a Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) program does not require re-application. A Change of Status form must be submitted to the Registrar for approval. All graduate forms are available on the Graduate Forms Page at www.arcadia.edu/gsforms
To be considered for a change of status into the Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Arts in English, Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, and Master of Public Health, students must submit program-specific materials as indicated in the admissions section of the intended program. When all required materials have been received in the Office of Enrollment Management, the file will be sent to the appropriate department for review. An application fee is not required if the student is currently enrolled. Credits earned in the original program may apply to the new program if, in the opinion of the faculty adviser, they are appropriate to the new degree.
Change of Status does not apply to master’s programs in Forensic Science, International Peace and Conflict Resolution, Medical Science (Physician Assistant); or to doctoral programs in Physical Therapy, Special Education, and Educational Leadership.
Culminating Activity
The culminating activity provides a means of synthesizing the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program. This requirement may take a variety of forms, depending on the degree or concentration within the degree. The culminating activity is arranged in consultation with the adviser.
Students earning a Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) or Master of Arts in Education degree (M.A.Ed.) are required to take ED599 Culminating Master’s Project as the culminating activity for the degree.
A grade of “B” or above is required for the culminating activity for any graduate degree.
Thesis
Only matriculated students may register for independent research or for thesis. Up to 9 credits of a combination of independent research and thesis may be applied toward a degree.
A student in a master’s program may elect to write a thesis for 6 credits toward the degree. The student should consult with his or her adviser to determine whether a thesis is required for the program. The manual of style to be followed is determined by the department.
A students who does not complete the thesis or master’s project at the end of the coursework, or at the end of the semester or session in which he or she is enrolled in a departmental thesis or culminating project course, is required to enroll in an ongoing one-credit thesis writing course until all work is completed and approved. A fee equivalent to one graduate credit for a 3-credit culminating master’s project and two graduate credits for a 6-credit culminating thesis will be assessed for each semester or part thereof during which the thesis or capstone project is incomplete. (For these purposes, all the summer sessions together will count as one semester.) Please refer to program-specific requirements in the catalog to determine if this applies.
Independent Research
Most departments offer a 3-credit course titled “ED589/689 Independent Research” that offers matriculated students an opportunity to undertake an individual project supervised by a faculty member. Students must have had formal coursework and/or experience in the area of study, have completed at least two graduate courses in the Department at Arcadia University, and have a definite topic or project in mind. Students may ask a faculty member in the Department to supervise the study or ask the Department Chair to suggest an appropriate faculty member. The independent research form must be signed by the Chair of the Department and contain the name of the supervising faculty member.
Participation in Graduate Graduation Ceremony
Graduate students are permitted to participate fully in graduation ceremonies (commencement) if they have met all academic requirements and obligations to the University.
Individual students may Petition for Exception to Academic Policy to the Vice Provost if they meet all of the criteria below:
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They are within three or fewer credits of meeting all academic requirements.
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They have earned at least a 2.7 GPA at the time of petition.
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They will complete their remaining credits in the next academic semester.
If the petition is granted, the student is permitted to participate fully in the graduation ceremonies. However, the listing will indicate that all degree requirements have not yet been satisfied.
In some instances, the Faculty Senate Academics Committee may make exceptions for entire cohorts to participate in certain commencement ceremonies before the culmination of their course of study when the curriculum meets all other requirements of this policy. This process is not student-initiated.
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