Mar 18, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Academic Policy



Privacy of Student Records and Release of Information

Saint Francis University recognizes that the protection of the rights of persons requires adherence to clearly formulated institutional policies governing the maintenance of student records. The privacy and confidentiality of all student records shall be preserved. University faculty and staff are bound to respect the rights of a student to privacy by holding in confidence information they acquire in the course of their work.


The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include: (1) the right to inspect and review information contained in the student’s education records; (2) the right to request amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA; (3) the right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s education record, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent; and (4) the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.


Students who wish to have their educational record released to parents or third parties (any individual or organization other than the student or a Saint Francis University official) must complete a student information release authorization form available on my.francis.edu. A third party who seeks the release of a student’s educational record is responsible for obtaining the student’s permission for that release.


The complete Privacy of Student Records and Release of Information policy is available in its entirety, in the Student Consumer Information section of the University’s website.
 

Grading System

A student’s scholarship rating in each subject is determined by the combined results of examinations and class work. For this purpose the following grading scale will be used.

Grades may be modified with “+” and “-” designators, indicating levels of performance that rank between the letter-grade definitions provided below. “Plus” and “minus” designators adjust the quality-point value of letter grades according to the formula described below.

A Superior command of subject matter and exemplary performance in virtually all course requirements (e.g., examinations, written assignments, projects, oral presentations, class participation). Comprehensive mastery of factual information and demonstration of superior ability in critical thinking.
B - Highly developed command of subject matter. Consistently high level of performance in most course requirements, exceeding the instructor’s expectations. Substantial mastery of factual information and highly developed ability in critical thinking.
C - Fundamental command of essential subject matter. Satisfactory performance in most course requirements. Basic mastery of factual information, and demonstrated ability in critical thinking.
D - Substantial deficiencies in command of subject matter. Minimal performance in several of the course requirements. Marginal fulfillment of course objectives.
F - General failure to understand the subject matter. Unsatisfactory performance in many or most course requirements. Disqualifying deficiencies in ability to master basic factual information.
FF - This grade is used for students who fail a course due to habitual absenteeism. An instructor who assigns a grade of “FF” is required to document the habitual absenteeism by reporting the student’s last day of attendance in that class prior to the onset of two weeks of unexcused absence from a class that follows a conventional fourteen-week semester schedule. That formula will be applied proportionally to compressed classes that meet according to different schedules.
I - Incomplete. This grade is to be used when the student has failed to complete all course requirements by the end of the semester. The grade of “I” may be used at the discretion of the instructor, but no instructor is required to extend this option to students. Each instructor should explain his or her policy on the grade of “I” to each class at the beginning of each semester.

The grade of “I” is intended for use in cases when small amounts of course work remain to be completed. Instructors must complete an “Incomplete Grade Form” for each “I” grade given, stipulating what work must be completed. The form must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office, and a copy of the form will be sent to students after grades are recorded. A student receiving this grade must submit the required work to the instructor not later than 14 days after the beginning of the subsequent semester (summer sessions included); the instructor must submit a letter grade to the Registrar not later than 21 days following the beginning of the subsequent semester. Any “I” that is not replaced by a letter grade by that time will be changed automatically to the grade of “F.”

CN - Continuing. This grade is used when unusual circumstances make it difficult or impossible for a student to complete course work by the end of the semester.

A “CN” grade may be used only when the student initiates the process by obtaining a “CN” contract from the Registrar’s Office. In this contract, the student, the instructor, and the Provost must agree to both the intended date of completion and the specific nature of the assignment to be completed. Once the contract is agreed upon, it must be submitted to the Registrar. The Registrar will not accept “CN” grades which are not accompanied by an appropriately signed and dated contract.

Assignments not completed by the deadline date as shown on the contract will cause the course grade to be registered as “F”.

W - Withdrew after the drop/add period and prior to the deadline for withdrawal.
AD - Took course for no credit.
IP - Course in progress
NR - Grade not reported by instructor. 

“NR” is not intended to be a permanent entry on the student’s transcript.  The “NR” will default to “F” seven days following the deadline for the submission of final grades if the instructor does not replace it with a letter grade.

NG - Not a graded course

Grades of “A, B, C, D, F, W, and AD” are entered on the student’s permanent academic record. Grades of “A, B, C, D, and F” are used to compute the student’s quality point average. The Q.P.A. is determined by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of credits taken for grade.

Each letter grade earns quality points as described in the example provided below. “Plus” and “minus” modifiers are authorized only for the A-, B+, B-, and C+.

  Grade Point Value   Course Credits Grade Points
    A 4           x 3 12
    A- 3 2/3 x 3 11
    B+ 3 1/3 x 3 10
    B 3 x 3 9
    B- 2 2/3 x 3 8
    C+ 2 1/3 x 3 7
    C 2 x 3 6
    D 1 x 3 3
    F 0 x 3 0
               27 66
           

The Grade Point Average in this example is 66/27 = 2.444

Mid-semester grade reports and semester grades will be available online to students through the campus network. No grade reports will be available for students who have outstanding financial obligations to the University.

Pass-Fail Grading Option

Selected courses may be taken for a “Pass-Fail” grade. The Pass-Fail option may not be used for courses which the student is required to take or for prerequisites for those required courses. Other regulations concerning the Pass-Fail option follow:

  1. The Pass-Fail option is not available to Freshmen.
  2. One Pass-Fail course may be taken in any given semester of the Sophomore, Junior and Senior years. However, every candidate for graduation must earn a minimum of 112 credits that are graded using the “A through F” grading scale.
  3. Students must inform their advisors and the Registrar of their intention to register for a course on the Pass-Fail basis prior to the final Drop-Add date.
  4. Faculty members are not informed about students electing the Pass-Fail option. Faculty are to grade all students on the “A through F” scale. The Registrar will convert the grade to Pass or Fail on the final grade confirmation sheet and the transcript.
  5. Students registering for a Pass-Fail course will receive either a “P” for Pass or “F” for Fail on their academic transcripts. Failing grades will be used to compute the Q.P.A.

Appealing a Grade

If a student wishes to question or appeal a grade, the student will, prior to the sixth week of the subsequent fall or spring semester:

  1. Contact the instructor for an explanation of the grade determination. The instructor of the course will review how the grade was determined. If a grade change is warranted, instructor will complete and submit a grade change request.
  2. If not satisfied with the grade and explanation, the student will then appeal to the department chairperson or director of the academic program sponsoring the course. The chairperson/director will review the grade determination with the course instructor, and then meet with the student to explain the outcome of the appeal. Some departments/programs have published appeal policies that must be followed.
  3. A student who remains unsatisfied with the results of the appeal must, prior to the end of the sixth week of the subsequent Fall or Spring semester, submit a letter of appeal to the appropriate dean. The letter must include a summary of the meetings with the instructor and the appeal results, as well as a rationale for the appeal. After discussing the appeal with the instructor and the department chairperson/program director, the dean will meet with the student to explain the final decision. In cases where the dean is the course instructor, the Provost will review the final appeal.

Auditing Classes

Students who wish to take courses for their information only may choose to audit the classes. The courses will appear on the transcript with a grade of “AD” and will not count toward any semester or cumulative totals. Students must specify on their registration forms which courses they are auditing and must pay the audit fee (one-half tuition) if tuition is being determined on an individual course basis. Students may not audit courses which are required for their degrees.

Academic Advising

The primary purpose of an academic advising program is to assist students in the development of meaningful educational plans which are compatible with their life goals. At Saint Francis University, academic advising is viewed as a continuous process of clarification and evaluation. The Center for Academic Success, located in St. Francis Hall, works in conjunction with the academic advisor and the student to help support educational needs and goals. The office is open to all students as an additional and/or supplemental academic resource.

Individual academic advising conferences are available to students each semester. The advisor will review and utilize any available data about the student’s academic and educational needs, performance, goals, and problems. The ultimate responsibility for making decisions about life goals and educational plans rests with the student. The advisor will assist by helping to identify and assess alternatives and the consequences of decisions.

As part of the University’s First Year Experience Program, entering freshmen students are assigned to advisors when the students participate in the Summer Orientation and Academic Registration (SOAR) Program during the summer prior to their freshman year. The advisors work with students during the freshman year. At the end of the freshman year, or in some cases later, students declare an academic major where the department chair serves as advisor or assigns an advisor from the department’s faculty.

Saint Francis University’s goals for academic advising are as follows: clarification of life and career goals; development of suitable educational plans; selection of appropriate courses and other educational experiences; interpretation of institutional requirements; increase student awareness of available educational resources; evaluation of student progress toward established goals; development of decision-making skills, and referral to and use of other institutional and community support services where appropriate.

For students who need additional help from someone beyond their assigned academic advisor, appointments are available at the Center for Academic Success in St. Francis Hall.

Academic Honors

Honors are awarded to Saint Francis University undergraduate students in recognition of their academic accomplishments.

Students who earn a semester quality point average of at least 3.80 are named to the Provost’s List.  

Students who earn a semester quality point average of at least 3.50 are named to the Dean’s List.  

The Provost’s List and the Dean’s List are announced every semester.  No Provost’s List or Dean’s List designation will be awarded for a particular semester until all “CN” and “I” grades (except students in Independent Study or Honors 444) for that semester have been removed from the student’s academic record.    

Part-time students enrolled at Saint Francis University will be eligible for the designation, “Academic Honors in Continuing Studies,” if they have completed a minimum of 15 credits between September 1 of one year and August 31 of the following year. Such students must achieve at least a 3.5 quality point average on all Saint Francis University courses taken in the particular year. These students must carry a part-time status throughout the year. A part-time student who enrolls full-time (12 credit hours) in a particular semester (excluding summer sessions) forfeits the opportunity to earn “Academic Honors in Continuing Studies.” Such a student, however, is automatically eligible for the Saint Francis University Dean’s List during the semester in which he or she is enrolled as a full-time student. In such a case, the student would have to attain at least a 3.5 quality point average on at least 12 credit hours of coursework taken during one semester.

The Saint Francis University Honor Society is comprised of those students who have met the following qualifications: (a) completion of the freshman year; (b) maintenance of overall quality point average of 3.5 or better; (c) attainment of the Dean’s List at least once; (d) no “F” grade in any course; (e) approval of the Provost.

Degrees with honor are conferred by the University for exceptional scholastic achievement at Saint Francis University, subject to the following considerations: 1) one or more semesters spent abroad or in a Washington, D.C., semester as part of a degree program offered by Saint Francis University shall be considered as study at Saint Francis University; 2) one or more semesters spent at cooperating hospitals as part of the University’s Medical Technology or Podiatric Science programs shall be considered as study at Saint Francis University; 3) in the case of students who accelerate their program, honors shall be computed on the basis of total courses taken at Saint Francis University; 4) no student is eligible for academic honors who has not completed at least 64 credits of his or her course work at Saint Francis University. The degrees with honors are as follows: Cum Laude for a cumulative Q.P.A. of 3.5; Magna Cum Laude for a cumulative Q.P.A. of 3.7; Summa Cum Laude for a cumulative Q.P.A. of 3.9. Students enrolled in degree completion programs in the Adult Degree & Continuing Studies division who have completed at least 48 credits at Saint Francis University with a cumulative QPA of at least 3.50 are eligible for the designation of “Honors in Continuing Education.”

A student whose Independent Study project has been judged by the Independent Study Committee to be of outstanding quality is recognized with Departmental Honors. Departmental Honors are posted in the Commencement program and on the student’s academic transcript. 

Class Standing

  1. To attain sophomore class standing: 28 credits
  2. To attain junior class standing: 60 credits
  3. To attain senior class standing: 96 credits

Academic Standing

Academic standing is based on semester and cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) on all Saint Francis University courses once a student has attempted at least 12 credits. The quality point averages determining good academic standing, academic warning, academic probation, and academic dismissal are established to provide students with a clear understanding of their responsibilities during their college careers. All credits listed are attempted.

Good Standing: 30 or fewer credits Cumulative G.P.A. at or above 1.800
  31-59 credits Cumulative G.P.A. at or above 1.900
  60 or more credits Cumulative G.P.A. at or above 2.000
     
Warning: 30 or fewer credits Semester G.P.A. below 2.0, and cumulative G.P.A. at or above 1.800
  31-59 credits Semester G.P.A. below 2.0, and cumulative G.P.A. at or above 1.900
  60 or more credits Semester G.P.A. below 2.0, and cumulative G.P.A. at or above 2.000
     
Probation: 30 or fewer credits Cumulative G.P.A. below 1.800
  31-59 credits Cumulative G.P.A. below 1.900
  60 or more credits Cumulative G.P.A. below 2.000
     
Dismissal:   Cumulative G.P.A. less than 1.000

Students placed on academic probation are required to participate in a structured study laboratory program entitled Study Acceleration: Gaining Excellence (SAGE). SAGE consists of supervised study periods, individual tutoring, skills workshops, and self-assessment under the direction of University faculty and staff. Students are limited to 12 credits per semester while they are on academic probation.

Students on academic warning, while still in good standing, will be reviewed by the Academic Standing Committee where recommendations will be made as to possible credit limitation, required SAGE hours, the addition of a study skills course, and/or other requirements.

Students who are on warning or probation at the end of spring semester are encouraged to attend summer semester at Saint Francis University and raise their cumulative G.P.A. to that required for good standing. Students’ academic standing may change as the result of summer semester courses.

Academic dismissal will occur:

  1. When student’s cumulative G.P.A. is less than 1.000;
  2. After two consecutive probationary semesters (excluding summer semester); or
  3. If students on academic probation do not participate in SAGE. as required and do not achieve academic good standing by the end of the semester.

After the first academic dismissal, students may appeal to the Provost. If the appeal is granted, students may return to the University for the next semester (fall, spring, or summer). If the appeal is denied, students may not apply for readmission for at least one calendar year, at which time the readmission request must be approved by the Provost upon the recommendation of the Academic Standing Committee. When students return from academic dismissal, they are on academic probation, and additional stipulations may be specified.

Students who have been away from the University for at least five years after a second dismissal may apply for readmission at that time. Their application would be presented to the Provost, who will consult the Academic Standing Committee for a recommendation, and then make a decision.

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is an essential part of the Saint Francis University experience. Dishonesty in any aspect of the life of the University is viewed as being incompatible with its moral tradition. Saint Francis University’s policy on academic honesty guides students in dealing with such issues in the process of learning. A copy of the policy is published in Student Handbooks and is available for review in the Provost’s Office.

Matriculation

A full-time undergraduate student is one who is registered for 12 credits or more per semester.

A part-time undergraduate student is one who is registered for 11 or fewer credits per semester.

A matriculated student is one who is a candidate for a degree; matriculated students may, in consultation with their academic advisors, work toward a degree on a part-time basis.

A non-matriculated student is one who is not a candidate for a degree. Non-matriculated students may enroll on a full-time or part-time basis with the approval of the Vice President of Enrollment Management, who may grant matriculated status to qualified non-matriculated applicants.

Once a student has matriculated at Saint Francis University, all courses in the major must be completed at Saint Francis University. Likewise, it is expected that all collateral courses will be completed at Saint Francis University. Applications for exception may be directed to the Registrar.

General Requirements for Graduation

The Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degrees are conferred by the University only at commencement. The program of study leading to each degree is usually completed in eight semesters of full-time enrollment. To qualify for graduation, a student must have followed a program of study approved by the Provost, completed a total of at least 128 credits, and have repeated for an acceptable grade any course in the major field in which the grade of “F” has been received.

Students are required to follow the course curricula as stated in the Saint Francis University catalog in effect at the time of the student’s entrance into the University or when the student declares a major. A student who wishes to follow a curriculum, in its entirety, adopted after that time, must file a Policy Waiver Request Form available at the Registrar’s Office. A student wishing to follow parts of both the old curriculum and the new curriculum must file a Course Waiver Substitution Form for each new course.

A candidate for any degree must complete the last 30 credits at Saint Francis University. Upon the recommendation of the appropriate department chair, specific individual cases requesting a waiver of this regulation may be given consideration by the Provost.

Every candidate for a degree must make formal application for the degree at least one semester before the graduation date. Proper completion of the official Application for Degree form, obtainable on My.Francis student portal, constitutes formal application.

Candidates for a degree must be present at the annual commencement exercises to receive their diplomas in person. To participate in commencement, a student must have completed all requirements for the appropriate degree or, if the student is within six (6) credits of completing degree requirements (or within two courses of completing degree requirements, not exceeding eight credits) and has at least a 2.0 cumulative and major quality point average, must apply in writing to the Registrar for permission to attend commencement ceremonies. Permission to participate in commencement exercises may be granted if the student is able to demonstrate that the remaining credits will be completed during the subsequent summer session(s).

The requirements for a baccalaureate degree are completion of 128 or more credits (as outlined in the remaining sections of this publication) with a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.00 or better in all courses taken at Saint Francis University, and a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.00 or better in all major and collateral requirements, and fulfillment of General Education: Ethical Citizenship for the 21st Century  requirements.

Registration

Registration is held for current students at an announced date preceding the end of each semester. Incoming freshmen are registered during the summer months immediately preceding the opening of the semester.

Students have complied with registration requirements when they have their schedule of studies approved by their advisor, when they have registered for their courses, and when they have completed arrangements for the payment of their semester accounts.

Students must register for a Saint Francis University course before or during the semester in which the course is taken. Students may not register for a course later than seven calendar days after the first scheduled class meeting of the fall or spring semester or three calendar days after the first scheduled class meeting of a summer session. In no case will credit for a course be awarded retroactively.

No student is considered enrolled in a class until the student’s name appears on the official class list.

The University reserves the right to cancel any course on the basis of insufficient enrollment.

Registration in Graduate Courses by Undergraduates

Undergraduate students are permitted to register for graduate-level courses with permission of their advisors and the director of the graduate program offering the course, but no graduate course taken by an undergraduate student in partial fulfillment of the requirements of an undergraduate degree may later be used to fulfill the requirements of a graduate degree.

This restriction does not apply to a graduate-level course that is completed by an undergraduate student as a free elective beyond the 128 credits that are required for an undergraduate degree

Schedule Changes

Students wishing to add or delete a course must access the web-based registration program to make changes to their schedules. Students should consult academic advisors for approval of the changes to class schedules prior to adding or dropping courses. Changes of schedule may be made through the seventh day of the semester. In order to add variable-credit courses (including but not limited to internships, Independent Study, and applied music tutorials), students should contact the Office of the Registrar for instructions.

Course Waivers and Substitutions

Students wishing to request waivers or substitutions of courses required for their degrees may obtain the proper forms online at My.Francis.Edu

Academic Attendance Policy

Saint Francis University is committed to helping students achieve their goals. To ensure that the desired learning outcomes are achieved in your academic programs and to promote individual behavior patterns that are congruent with success in school and in life, the University has developed a policy regarding class attendance and participation.

Class Attendance Regulations

Students are expected to attend all classes for which they are registered as part of their academic obligation. Instructors have no obligation to provide make-up opportunities for an absence unless, in their judgment, the reason for the absence warrants such consideration or is a University approved absence, as defined in the next section.

Every instructor maintains a record of attendance and determines how absences will affect a student’s grade, as explained in the course syllabus. If  a student is absent excessively from class, the course instructor will report those absences to the Center for Academic Success who in turn will contact the student’s advisor. Once reported, effort will be made to intervene with the student to resolve any reasons the student might have for not attending class. The student’s parents may be contacted after the Center for Academic Success and the student’s advisor have a conversation. The University attempts to maintain a safe, positive, and nurturing atmosphere to help every individual student succeed. If, after intervention, the student continues a pattern of chronic absenteeism, then he or she will be subjected to immediate dismissal from the University.  If a student is dismissed for attendance issues, the student must sit out for the period of one entire semester after the semester of dismissal (semester includes fall or spring).

Students reporting late for class may be denied admission by the instructor and reported as absent.

After the final class enrollment lists have been processed, students may attend any class for which they are not registered if the instructor gives permission and if the course does not conflict with the student’s regular schedule of courses.

Absence from Class

Students who are ill and must be absent from class, you should notify their instructor(s) directly.  The following absences from class are considered approved by the university:  military obligation, hospitalization, medical absence due to a documented disability, and athletics participation.

Students needing to miss class for military obligation, hospitalization, or medical absence due to a disability, should notify their instructor(s) directly and contact the director of the Center for Academic Success for official notification distribution. For consideration of a University approved absence, you need to present appropriate verification.

Prolonged absence from class can eventually create academic problems for any student.  Whether or not all other absences not included in this policy will be excused is determined by the faculty member (see Academic Attendance Policy listed above).

Course Load

A full-time load is 12 to 18 credits. With the approval of the Provost, students may take up to 21 credits, provided that they have a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.0 or that they are seniors who need the extra credits for graduation. Students are responsible for additional tuition charges when enrolling for more than 18 credits in a semester.

Winter Break Course Load

A full course load during the Winter Break period shall be 6 credits.  With the approval for the Provost, students may request additional credits provided that they have a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.0 or that they are a senior who needs extra credits for graduation.

Full-time Status

An undergraduate student who is enrolled for twelve or more semester hours of credit is considered a full-time student.  A graduate student who is enrolled for nine or more semester hours of credit is considered a full-time student.

Credit-By-Examination Policy

Certain Subject CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) examinations, which have been approved by the appropriate department chair, are recognized for the purpose of course fulfillment and credit at Saint Francis University and are administered by the Center for Academic Success in St. Francis Hall.  Any individual is eligible to take a CLEP examination.  An individual who achieves a qualifying score on a particular examination will receive credit for the course corresponding to that examination. In the absence of local norms, the recommendations of the Center for Academic Success will be followed in determining a satisfactory score. The optional essay section of the CLEP is required by the history department at Saint Francis University.

Courses satisfied by means of the CLEP will be listed in a student’s file and total credits earned will be recorded on a student’s transcript under the heading “Credit-by- Examination.” Taking the CLEP will not affect a student’s option for P-F grades in that the student will still be entitled to the maximum number of P-F course grades allowable. A student may fulfill a maximum of 30 credits by means of Advanced Placement and/or College Level Examination Program examinations for a bachelor’s degree and 15 credits for an associate’s degree. A student may substitute a free elective in place of a course requirement satisfied by examination and a student who satisfies a course requirement by examination will not be charged tuition for that course.

A student will not be entitled to receive credit for a lower-level course after having taken a higher-level course. This holds true even if the student has failed the higher-level course. For example, a student who has taken Spanish 201 cannot receive CLEP credit for Spanish 102 .

Arrangements for taking an examination may be made by contacting the Center for Academic Success. Examinations are administered on a rotating basis. The cost for one CLEP examination is $80.00, payable to the College-Level Examination Program. A non-refundable service fee of $20.00 is charged and payable to Saint Francis University. Saint Francis University test center code number is 2797. More information regarding CLEP is available at  the Center for Academic Success, St. Francis Hall.

   
 

CLEP Examinations Approved by Saint Francis University

  CLEP Examination Corresponding Course at Saint Francis
  Accounting, Financial ACCT 101 Financial Accounting  
 

American Government

PLSC 102, American Government  
  Analyzing & Interpreting Literature ENGL 104 - Introduction to Literature   
  Biology, General BIOL 101, General Biology  
  Business Law, Introductory BLAW 301, Legal Environ of Business  
  Calculus MATH 121 - Calculus with Analytic Geometry I , MATH 122 - Calculus with Analytic Geometry II  
  Chemistry CHEM 103, Human Chemistry  
  Educational Psychology, Introduction  EDUC 210, Educational Psychology  
  French Language
German Language
Spanish Language
Can receive up to 12 credits in French.
German and/or Spanish at SFU, depending upon the score of the Elementary and Intermediate levels
  History of the United States I: Early Colonizations to 1877 (subject and essay) + HIST 103, The U.S. to 1877  
  History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present (subject and essay) + HIST 104, The U.S. Since 1877  
  Information Systems and Computer Applications CPSC 101, Introduction to Comp Systems  
  Macroeconomics, Principles of ECON 101, Principles I  
  Marketing, Principles of MKTG 302, Marketing  
  Management, Principles of MGMT 101, Principles  
  Microeconomics, Principles of ECON 102, Principles II  
  Precalculus MATH 110, Precalculus  
  Psychology, Introductory PSYC 101, Introduction to Psychology  
  Sociology, Introductory SOC 101, Introduction to Sociology  
  Western Civilization I:  Ancient Near East to 1648 (subject and essay) +1 HIST 101, Europe and the World to 1815  
  Western Civilization II:  1648 to the Present (subject and essay) +2 HIST 102, Europe and the World Since 1815  
     
  + Exam can be taken a maximum of two times
1 Essay covers material from 1500 to 1815.
2 Essay covers material from 1815 onward.
 
 

Withdrawal from Class

A student may officially withdraw from class no later than the 49th day of classes for the semester. To do so, a student must obtain a withdrawal form from My.Francis, obtain the signatures of the instructor and the student’s advisor, and submit to the Office of the Registrar. If approval is given, the student will receive a grade of “W.” Remission of tuition and/or fees will be made in accordance with institutional policy.

Withdrawal after the 49th day subjects a student to an “F” grade. If a student can show just cause (illness or family emergency), the student may, in consultation with the instructor, apply for a grade of “CN” or “I” for any course from which he or she withdrew. If such arrangements are not made by the student, the “F” grade will apply. As usual, the “F” grade in this instance is calculated in the student’s grade point average.

Suspensions from Class

In keeping with the University’s policy on academic honesty, a student apprehended for dishonesty during a class meeting may, at the discretion of the instructor, be suspended indefinitely from the class. Such a suspension is recorded on the student’s official transcript as an “F.” A second offense may result in dishonorable dismissal from the University.

A copy of the academic honesty policy is published in Student Handbooks and is available for review on the My.Francis student portal.

Final Examinations

Final examinations are held in all courses at the end of each semester, and all students are required to take all examinations.

A student absent from a final examination because of serious illness or other equally grave reason will receive the grade of “CN” or “I.” A contract form for the grade of “CN,” available on the My.Francis portal, must be completed by the course faculty member and the student.

Permission for taking a special final examination must be secured from the Associate Provost.

Comprehensive Examination

All students must pass a comprehensive examination in their major field of study as a requirement for graduation. The purpose of the examination will be to assess the student’s command of the material and methodology used in his or her major.

Students who pass their comprehensive examinations will be automatically registered for EXAM 401, Comprehensive Exam, or EXAM 402, Comprehensive Exam With Distinction, and a grade of “P” will be recorded. The non-credit requirement will not affect the students’ cumulative quality point averages, and there will be no additional fees charged to the students.

Writing Competency

All  undergraduate students must demonstrate the ability to write a clear, developed, and organized essay as a requirement for graduation.  This requirement may be fulfilled by successfully completing the Writing Competency Exam , which is given in the junior year, by completing ENGL 199, Argumentative Writing, with a grade of C or better, or by successfully completing CORE 199, Senior Intensive Writing Workshop.

Students will be automatically enrolled for EXAM 301 upon achieving junior status (60 credits.)  The Writing Competency Examination is graded “P” or “F” (pass/fail), with an alternative grade of “HP” (high pass”) for students whose performance on the examination is especially meritorious.  No additional fees are charged for this non-credit  requirement, and the grade for the Writing Competency Examination does not affect a student’s grade-point average. 

Students who have not passed the WCE or completed ENGL 199 with the grade of C or better by the first semester of their senior year (or by the first semester after earning 96 credits), will automatically be enrolled in CORE 199.

Change of Major

The Change of Major form is available online at My.Francis.Edu. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain all necessary signatures prior to returning the completed form to the Office of the Registrar. The student’s program of study in the new major will be governed by the Saint Francis University catalog in effect when the change of major process is completed.

Students should be aware of departmental entrance criteria for the major in which they are interested and must understand that there is no guarantee of admission into the new major.

A Second Bachelor’s Degree

A candidate for a second bachelor’s degree who previously had been awarded a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 32 credits in residence which have not counted toward the first bachelor’s degree, and must satisfy the requirements of a major other than those taken for the first bachelor’s degree. These students will not be eligible for academic honors for the second bachelor’s degree, unless the candidate completes at least 48 credits at Saint Francis University pursuant to completion of the second bachelor’s degree.

Saint Francis University undergraduate students who are seeking their first bachelor’s degree, and desire to complete two majors, one involving the Bachelor of Arts degree and the other the Bachelor of Science, must complete the requirements of each degree program.

A candidate for a second bachelor’s degree who previously had been awarded a bachelor’s degree from Saint Francis University will not be eligible for academic honors for the second bachelor’s degree, unless the candidate completes at least 64 credits at Saint Francis University pursuant to completion of the second bachelor’s degree.

A graduate from another college wishing to pursue studies at Saint Francis University in order to earn a second bachelor’s degree may be required to undertake additional course work as determined by the Office of Admissions and the Provost. Three credits of Religious Studies must be completed at Saint Francis University in order to fulfill core requirements.

General Regulations for Academic Minors

  1. All courses used to fulfill minor requirements must be graded with the regular letter grades of “A-D.” Pass-Fail grades are not permissible.
  2. A cumulative G.P.A. of at least 2.0 must be earned in the courses used to fulfill minor requirements.
  3. An “F” grade in the discipline of the declared minor must be removed even if that course is not included in the minor requirements, unless the chair of the minor discipline were to determine that repetition of the failed course would be impossible or impractical.
  4. No more than six credits of the minor requirements may be fulfilled by an independent study project, an internship, practicum, fieldwork or similar activity.
  5. At least half of the credits for a minor must be completed at Saint Francis University.

Transfer of Outside Courses into Saint Francis University

A student who enters Saint Francis University directly from high school may transfer credits from other sources such as College in High School, Advanced Placement Tests, CLEP, and Armed Forces Course Equivalencies. Such credits do not count toward the student’s grade point average at Saint Francis University. A matriculating student who wishes to take a course from another institution must obtain permission to do so prior to enrolling in the course.  Students will discuss the plan of study with their academic advisors prior to submitting the Transfer Credit Request form, which is available online at My.Francis.Edu. Transfer credit will not be granted if the student fails to obtain approval prior to taking the course. A student who is on academic probation is not authorized to enroll in courses at other institutions.

At least sixty-four (64) credits of study must be completed at Saint Francis University for a student to be eligible for a bachelor’s degree, except those students studying for a second bachelor’s degree (see second degree requirements listed here), selected non-traditional degrees through the office of  Adult Degree & Continuing Studies, or a teaching certificate. The last thirty (30) of those credits must be taken at Saint Francis University.

Candidates for the Associate of Applied Science Degree program must fulfill appropriate degree requirements. At least twenty-seven (27) credits of study must be completed at Saint Francis University for a student to be eligible for an Associate of Applied Science degree. The University will accept a maximum of nine (9) credits of a combination of transfer courses and CLEP examinations, in addition to 27 credits awarded in a prescribed technical curriculum from the partner institution.

Candidates for the Associate of Science Degree program must fulfill appropriate degree requirements. At least thirty-three (33) credits of study must be completed at Saint Francis University for a student to be eligible for an Associate of Science degree. The University will accept a maximum of thirty (30) credits of a combination of transfer courses and CLEP examinations.

Transfer of Credit - Graduate Policy

Students who are formally accepted into a graduate program and registered for courses may request transfer credit for relevant graduate courses completed at regionally accredited institutions, including courses taken at SFU while enrolled in another graduate program, whether or not a master’s degree was awarded.

Credits taken prior to the term of graduate admission and used to satisfy program requirements are considered transfer credits. Transfer of graduate credit is subject to the approval of the Program Director, the Dean, and to the regulations of the SFU academic program in which the student is enrolled.

Transfer credits are awarded only for courses:

  • completed within five years to the date of admission to the SFU graduate program. (The Graduate Education department considers transfer of credit for courses completed within seven years to the date of admission.)
  • completed at a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an officially recognized degree-granting international institution
  • comparable in content and rigor to the SFU course.

These are general guidelines. It remains at the individual program’s sole discretion whether or not to grant approval for transfer of credit.

Additional limitations:

  • A maximum of six graduate-level credits may be transferred.
  • Credits for courses in which the student earned a grade below B (3.0) or received a non-letter grade such as a pass/fail are not transferable.
  • Courses used as part of a previously completed bachelor’s program may not be transferred.  The Graduate Nursing program will not accept transfer credits from any previously earned degree. 
  • Grades in courses transferred from other institutions, or from a prior master’s degree program completed at SFU, will not be calculated into the student’s grade point average (GPA).
  • SFU will not accept transfer credits titled as “workshops.” Each transfer request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
  • Academic credit cannot be awarded for life or military experience, or previous work experience.
  • Transfer institutions outside the United States must be recognized as degree granting institutions by their home country. A course-by-course evaluation of all foreign university transcripts by an independent service based in the United States is required for international transfer students.
  • The MOT, DPT, MPAS, DPT/MBA, and MMS programs do not accept transfer credits at the graduate level.

Procedures:

Below are the steps involved in processing transfer course work for graduate students:

  • Students must provide official transcripts from any previous institution(s) to the graduate program director.
  • Students must provide a “Transfer of Credit Request” form for consideration of credit transfer no later than the end of the first enrolled semester. Students are responsible for providing any course descriptions or syllabi that may be needed for accurate evaluations to be made.
  • Granting of transfer credits requires the written approval of the Program Director of the relevant program and the Dean of the relevant school. The Program Director completes and signs the “Transfer Credit Evaluation” form, and forwards it to the Office of the Registrar.

Transfer of Saint Francis University Courses to other Institutions

Saint Francis University cannot guarantee that its courses and credits will transfer to other institutions. The transfer of courses and credits is determined by the receiving institution.

Repeating Courses

Students may repeat any course, subject to the restrictions specified below. Courses in which “F” grades are earned may be repeated only at Saint Francis University. Both the original course and grade, and the repeated course and grade, appear on the academic record, but only the higher grade is used in the computation of the G.P.A. A course which is a prerequisite for a more advanced course in the same discipline may not be repeated after a more advanced course has been successfully completed.

Change of Name or Address

The Registrar is to be informed immediately of the change of a student’s home address and/or change of a student’s name.

Withdrawal from the University

It is recommended that students contemplating withdrawal from the University first discuss this question with their adademic advisor. If students decide to withdraw, the Office of Career Services is available to assist  in clarifying and reaching their future goals. Information and counseling are available regarding transferring to other institutions as well as assistance in reaching new occupational objectives.

Withdrawal Procedures

Undergraduate students who need to withdraw from Saint Francis University are required to complete an official withdrawal form from the Center for Academic Success, St. Francis Hall. This form will then be signed by the director of CAS (or designee) and sent to various offices at the University. The official withdrawal process includes the completion of the official withdrawal form, clearing of all financial obligations, and returning the laptop.

Students considering withdrawal from the University should be aware that they are subject to the regulations governing withdrawal from courses. Therefore, if students withdraw from Saint Francis University after the official date for dropping a course, they will receive a grade of “F” for all courses carried that semester. If a student can show just cause (illness or family emergency), the student may in consultation with the instructor, apply for a grade of “CN” or “W” for any course from which he or she withdrew. If such arrangements are not made by the student, the “F” grade will apply. As usual, the “F” grade in this instance is calculated in the student’s grade point average.

If a student requests a leave of absence for the semester or year, he or she will complete the official withdrawal process. When the student is ready to return to the University, he or she will contact the Office of Admissions and request to reactivate their studies. Any student who withdraws from the University may request to be re-admitted by contacting the Office of Admissions.

Please refer to “Financial Information” and “Refunds” for information on financial refunds in the case of withdrawals.

 

Withdrawal Procedures Due to Military Service

Students called to active duty as reservists should provide a copy of their military order to the Registrar. Copies of this order will be forwarded to the Business Office, Office of Financial Aid, and the Office of Veterans Affairs.

Students who request a full semester withdrawal will receive a full refund of tuition and fees. Any University room/board contract fees would be refunded on a pro-rated basis for the actual services the student has received up to the date of the withdrawal.

If a substantial part of the semester has been completed at the time the student receives deployment orders, the student may make arrangements with faculty to complete his/her academic responsibilities for the semester and apply for a “CN” grades according to the procedure described in the University catalog. Room and board will be pro-rated as mentioned above.

Students who receive a University-issued laptop computer are required to return the computer at the time they leave to fulfill their military obligation.

Students who complete their active military duty and request re-admission to the University will be automatically re-admitted with all admission fees waived. The student’s academic standing at the time of re-admission shall remain as it was prior to the call to active military duty.

This policy also includes military dependents whose families must move due to redeployment and/or relocation.

Transcript Service

Saint Francis University understands the importance of providing our students with effective and efficient transcript services. A new career, entrance to Graduate School, professional certification, or other important events depend on the prompt and secure delivery of your transcript. We also understand the need to protect the privacy of student transcripts and our obligations under Federal law.

Saint Francis University, in partnership with SCRIP-SAFE International, provides twenty-four hour access to online transcript ordering through a secure website. The online ordering service is available to current, former students, and alumni.  The service can be accessed from the My.Francis portal and the University website.

To use this service students will be charged $10.00 for each recipient of your paper transcripts (regardless of the number of copies being sent to each recipient), and $8.00 for electronic delivery. During the online order process a major credit card will be required to pay applicable fees.

Requests can also be submitted by mail, and the printable request form for this type of order can be found on the University website. Transcript orders should be accompanied by a check or money order to cover the $10.00 fee for each transcript sent. The following personal data is required: full name of student as it appeared in University records when last enrolled at Saint Francis; current address; date of last attendance at the University; whether attendance was as an undergraduate, graduate, or College in High School, and whether the student graduated or not.  Current students can also access their unofficial transcript online at My.Francis.Edu

To insure receipt of the transcript by the proper person, please include the following: full name and title of the person to whom the transcript is to be sent; the particular office, e.g., Admissions Office, Personnel Office, etc.; the name of the institution or company, correct address, including phone number, street, city, state and zip code, and verified email address for online orders requiring electronic delivery.

Unofficial transcripts, i.e., those not signed by the Registrar and bearing no University seal, are available to students for their personal use and will be so marked: FOR STUDENT USE. For purposes of self-evaluation, one unofficial transcript will be provided without fee for each student during the senior year. No transcript will be issued for students who have outstanding financial obligations to the University.

Federal Law requires the current or former student’s signature in order to release academic records. A consent form must be completed and returned before the request can be processed. Consent forms for online orders can be signed and faxed or scanned and emailed. Smart phone users can take and send a picture of the signed consent. The signed consent form remains on file for online orders and will be used to cover the students future SFU online transcript requests. Request by mail also require a signed consent. The order form used to request transcripts by mail requires an original signature and must be mailed in. This type of order and consent will not be accepted via telephone, email, or FAX.

Institutional Review Board

Saint Francis University has established an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to review all research involving the use of human subjects and to implement institutional policies and procedures regarding such research. The use of human subjects in research imposes both ethical and legal responsibilities upon the University, the project directors, and those conducting the research to ensure that the rights and welfare of those subjects are adequately protected. The primary function of the IRB is to assist researchers in the protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects. Review and approval by the IRB is meant to aid both the subjects and the researchers by objectively assessing the potential risk and accommodations made to minimize the risk within the study.

All research involving the use of human subjects conducted by Saint Francis University faculty, staff, or students, or sponsored in part or in whole by Saint Francis University must be reviewed and approved prior to the start of the project and then conducted in full compliance with applicable IRB policies and procedures. Research is defined by federal regulations as a systematic investigation including research development, testing, and evaluation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. It encompasses work which is conducted on or off campus and includes questionnaires, interviews, surveys, tests, observations, and other experiments, even if the work is preliminary to a more extensive study. It includes secondary analyses of data previously collected. It also includes any systematic collection of data from human subjects that occurs in conjunction with classroom projects, unless the work is done as a learning exercise for the student and will never be published or presented outside the course.  The IRB can be accessed at http://info.francis.edu/institutional-Review-Board/