Academic Regulations

Ways of Earning Credit

Earning Credit

Consistent with federal regulations, the University of New Haven defines a "credit hour" as one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time such as an accelerated term. This definition generally applies also to an equivalent amount of work for other academic activities as established by the University including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

Academic Credit

Academic credit is granted on a credit-hour basis. In addition to successfully completing regular courses, students may earn credit by independent study, crediting exams or CLEP exams, or transfer of credit from other institutions. These methods are detailed in the following pages of this section.

Transfer of Students to the University

Students transferring from other institutions must have at least a 2.00 grade point average based on a four-point scale.

Transfer of Credit to the University Prior to and After Matriculation

1. The University accepts credit on an equivalency basis from:

• foreign post-secondary institutions recognized by their local Ministry of Education as a degree-granting institutions,
• regionally accredited colleges, the regional institutional accreditation bodies in the U.S. are:
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE),
  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC),
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU),
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). 

2. Credit is accepted only for transfer courses that are equivalent to University of New Haven courses or electives,
3. All accepted credit must pertain to University of New Haven degree requirements,
4. Credit is only granted for courses completed with at least a grade "C" (2.00 on a 4-point scale) or better (or a "Pass" in a Pass/Fail course, provided the transfer institution documents that "Pass" is equivalent to a C or better)
5. Credit transferred from a two-year institution is limited to 60 credits and restricted to freshman- and sophomore-level courses, unless it is approved in writing by the dean of the college in which the student seeks to enroll.

Transfer of Courses for Matriculated Undergraduate Students

Credit is given for a course taken elsewhere only when approval has been issued prior to the start of the course.

A transferred course can satisfy degree requirements; however,

1. the grades received in transferred courses do not contribute to the student's GPA,
2. the course does not remove from the student's transcript the record of  any previously taken  course and grade, and
3. the contributions of previously taken courses to the student's GPA remain unchanged.

To receive prior authorization, a student must:

1. complete the student sections of the Matriculated Student Transfer Course Approval form and
2. return the form to the Office of the University Registrar at least five weeks prior to the start of the course.

The Office of the University Registrar will notify the student and their advisor of the approval or non-approval of the application.

Conditions for pre-approval of a Matriculated Student Transfer Course

1. Students must have at least a 2.00 overall GPA.
2. A repeated course must comply with the Repetition of Work policy,
3. The number of credits being taken at University of New Haven and in transfer at any one time must be in compliance with

• the Maximum Summer Load Policy,
• the Maximum Semester Load Policy, and
• Academic Probation Policy,
• The total number of credits transferred while matriculated at the university may not exceed 20,
• The maximum number of credits transferred from two-year institutions including those transferred upon matriculation may not increase beyond 60,
• Individual academic departments may have additional conditions.

Conditions for awarding Matriculated Student Transfer Credit

1. The student must receive a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4-point scale) or better (or a "Pass" in a Pass/Fail course, provided the transfer institution documents that "Pass" is equivalent to a C or better).
2. Students must secure an official transcript upon completion of their course work. Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the other institution to the attention of the Office of the University Registrar, Bergami Hall, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516. Credit cannot be posted to the student's University of New Haven transcript until the official transcript from the other institution has been received by the Office of the University Registrar.  
3. Authorizations for transfers will become void if the student withdraws or is dismissed from the University prior to the submission of the transcript.

Advanced Placement

The University recognizes the program of advanced placement available to talented high school students through the College Entrance Examination Board. Students satisfactorily completing advanced placement courses in high school and the final examination prepared by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) may be given appropriate college credit if their courses are similar to those offered at the University of New Haven.

ETS advanced placement examinations are graded from 1 to 5. Credit may be allowed when the grade earned is 3, 4, or 5. Students desiring to submit advanced placement courses for college credit should have all results of these courses and tests sent in with their application for admission.

The University of New Haven awards credit for the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), subject to academic department chair approval. The passing percentile for CLEP and subject examinations is 50. Credit will be evaluated by the appropriate department chair.

The University of New Haven awards credit, normally for scores of 4 or greater, on International Baccalaureate (IB) exams. To receive credit, students must request that the testing service forward official test results directly to the University of New Haven. IB credit is subject to evaluation by the appropriate department chair.

A-Level examination credit awarded through the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) are awarded in many subject areas. A-Level credit is awarded only upon matriculation. While credit is subject to evaluation by the department chair, the university website may be consulted for those exams that are pre-approved for academic credit. Credits are awarded in transfer for exams scored C or better, based on the transcript provided to the Undergraduate Admissions Office by the Cambridge Board.

Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency (STAMP Test, Avant Assessments)

Students scoring 4 in all four skills on the STAMP are granted 6 credits for 1101 and 1102 in the appropriate language course. Students scoring above 4 in all four skills on the STAMP are granted 9 credits for 1101, 1102, and 2201 in the appropriate language course.  Credit is granted for only one language and credit granted per STAMP may not be redundant with Advanced Placement or other credit for the same language course.

Credit by Examination

A student who has at least a 2.0 cumulative G.P.A. and has independent knowledge of the content of an undergraduate course offered by the University may, with the approval of the appropriate department chair and dean, take a special crediting examination in lieu of taking the course.

Students are reminded that they must earn at least thirty credits through regular University of New Haven course work if they are to meet the residency requirements for graduation. Credits by examination do not count toward the residency requirement or calculation of GPA.

Students may not take crediting examinations during the first term in which they are enrolled.

External Credit Examinations

Learning acquired through various traditional and non-traditional approaches can be measured and validated by objective procedures acceptable to the faculty of University of New Haven. This learning must appropriately parallel the curriculum of the University in order to be awarded credit. Sources of external credit that may be evaluated currently include the following:

• College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• Proficiency Examination Program (ACT PEP)
• Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
• Modern Language Association Foreign Language Proficiency Tests (MLA)
• Military Service School Courses

Enrollees on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces should arrange for DD Form 295 to be completed and forwarded from the duty station. Veterans of any period of active service should provide the University with a copy of DD Form 214 or other notice of separation for each period of service. This may assist in identifying possible sources of academic credit.

Independent Study

In all courses of independent study the student and adviser must jointly file a project outline with the Registrar's Office within four weeks of the beginning of the course. This outline shall serve as the basis for determining satisfactory completion of course requirements.

Normally, independent study is restricted to no more than six credits and is open only to seniors, juniors, and exceptionally qualified sophomores. Students must have at least a 3.0 grade point average.

Projects to substitute for regularly scheduled courses (that is, those offered at least once every four semesters) are not normally acceptable as independent study.

Field Experience

In all credit-bearing courses of field experience, including internships, theses and work study, students will earn credit for the learning gained through the activity. The student and adviser must jointly file a project outline with the Registrar's Office within four weeks of the beginning of the course. This outline shall serve as the basis for establishing the mechanism by which the adviser will evaluate the learning to occur and thus for determining completion of course requirements.

Academic Status and Progress

Full-Time Students

Full-time student status is attained by registering for a minimum of 12 credits per semester, or equivalent term, on either a matriculated or non-matriculated basis. Such status is continued to a succeeding term provided a minimum of 12 credits is completed in the current term. Completion is defined as receipt of a letter grade of A+ through D-, F, S, or U. Other letter grades do not signify course completion.

Full-time students are eligible for all daytime student activities and benefits and are subject to full-time tuition charges and other relevant fees. It is assumed that full-time students will select the great majority, if not all, of their courses from daytime course schedules, unless needed courses are unavailable during the day.

Part-Time Students

Students who register for 1 through 11 credits during a semester or equivalent term maintain part-time status. Part-time status may be held by students attending the university during the day or in the evening.

Maximum Semester Credit Load Policy

Maximum semester credit load taken by a student in residence plus at other universities during the Fall or Spring semester may not exceed:  18 credits without approval of the student's advisor; or 21 with advisor approval.

Maximum Summer Credit Load Policy

Students are not permitted to take more than 18 credit hours during any summer. They are not permitted to take more than 9 credit hours in any six week summer term. These limits apply to the sum of credit hours from courses taken in residence and at other institutions. There is no override to these limits.

Matriculation

Matriculation is the formal act of registering to study for a specific degree offered by the University.  Matriculation is, therefore, not automatic. A student must request matriculation by seeking admission to a specific University degree program. Formal acceptance into a degree program shall constitute the granting of matriculation.

Students seeking credit to be transferred to another institution, or simply wishing to audit courses or to take them without working toward a degree, need not matriculate. Non-matriculated students must register to take their chosen courses, however, and will be allowed to enroll in courses only as space permits. It is the student's responsibility to seek matriculation should he or she later decide to pursue a University of New Haven degree.

Maximum Time to Completion

Associate and bachelor degrees and undergraduate certificate programs must be completed within ten (10) years from the time of matriculation.

Academic Worksheets

Generally, matriculating students are subject to those requirements defined in the Undergraduate Catalog and listed on the academic worksheet in effect for the semester of initial enrollment. The academic worksheet is housed within Degree Audit, our automated system of measuring progress toward graduation.

If students change academic majors, they are subject to the requirements of the catalog and worksheet in effect at the time of the change.

If students withdraw or are dismissed from the University and decide to return at a later date, they are subject to the requirements of the catalog and worksheet in effect at the time of their return. Reapplication for University for admission is required.

Part-time students are permitted a total of three semesters (consecutive or otherwise) of break in study during which they may continue on the original academic worksheet. After the three-semester limit has been reached, students are subject to the requirements of the new catalog and worksheet in effect at that time.

Students who initiate a leave of absence will continue on the same academic worksheet upon their return to the University. However, students who fail to return after the designated leave of absence period will be considered withdrawn students and are subject to the catalog and worksheet requirements outlined above.

Students who begin their studies based on a catalog and worksheet that subsequently changes may request to use the latest worksheet for that major; however, those students are not required to change to the current worksheet unless they have been away from the University as described above.

Year of Study

A student's year of study at the University of New Haven is defined at the undergraduate level using the following scale:

Freshman - 0 to 26 completed credits

Sophomore - 27 to 56 completed credits

Junior - 57 to 86 completed credits

Senior - 87 or more completed credits

It is important to note that a student's year of study does not transition to the next level until credits have been completed. Attempted credits, such as those not yet completed in a current term, or those for which a student is pre-registered in a future term, are not included in determining a student's year of study.

Change of Student Status

Full-time undergraduate students who wish to change their status to part time must complete a Classification Package Change form available from the Registrar's Office. Full-time students who wish to change to part-time status may become part-time day or part-time evening students. To qualify for part-time evening status, a student normally is restricted to enrolling in evening courses only.

Part-time undergraduate students who wish to enroll in more than 11 credits in any term must apply to Undergraduate Admissions to first be accepted as a full-time student.

Major

By the end of the sophomore year of study, each matriculated student must designate a specific degree program, called a major. Major program requirements are detailed in the Catalog under the relevant department listing. A minimum cumulative 2.0 G.P.A. in major courses is required for graduation in addition to a minimum cumulative 2.0 G.P.A. in all courses. See program requirements for further clarification of specific courses/requirements.

Minor

A minor represents an optional, secondary field of study for a degree-seeking student and recognizes significant additional coursework beyond what is already required for a student's major.  It is a structured plan of study requiring a minimum of 15 credit hours.  The following rules apply to the completion and award of a minor:

• A minor does not appear on the diploma but is included on the official transcript.  Minors cannot be awarded without simultaneous completion of a baccalaureate degree.
• At least 50% of the minor courses must be unduplicated, i.e., not used to simultaneously satisfy credit requirements of the major, core curriculum, or additional minors.
• A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in the minor though programs may set higher requirements.
• At least 50% of the minor credits must be completed in residency.
• No student may declare a major and minor in the same program.

The minor worksheet, developed by the academic department, must be signed by the department chair and submitted to the Office of the University Registrar for a student to receive credit for the minor. 

Grading System

The following grading system applies to final course grades.(See the Grade Point Average section for additional information.)

Incomplete Grade Agreement & Policy

Incomplete (INC)

A grade of Incomplete (INC) is given only in special circumstances and indicates that the student has been given permission by the instructor to complete required course work (with the same instructor) after the end of the term.  In the absence of the instructor a student should contact the Department Chair. 

An Incomplete shall not be automatic but shall be based upon an evaluation of the student's work completed up to that point and an assessment of the student's ability to complete remaining course requirements. 

To remove the INC grade, the student must complete all required course work in timely fashion as stipulated by the instructor but no later than the end of the following term.  Fall and intersession course incompletes must be completed no later than the last day of the spring term.  Spring and summer course incompletes must be completed no later than the last day of the fall term. 

If the course work is not submitted within the allotted time, the INC grade will be changed to an F shortly after the deadline by the Office of the University Registrar.  Students will be notified via campus email at least two weeks prior to the change of grade process.

Incomplete Plus (INC+)

The incomplete change policy (INC) does not include grades of INC+ assigned to Internships, Practicums, Thesis, or Research Projects.  These grades will be left incomplete plus grades (INC+) for up to one year unless an extension is filed beyond that time period. 

Internships are limited to a maximum extension of one year. The internship grade will be changed to an F after the deadline.

Grade Point Average

The academic standing of each student is determined on the basis of the grade point average (G.P.A.) earned each term. Each letter grade is assigned a quality point value. (See the Grading System section.)

The grade point average is obtained by multiplying the quality point value of each grade by the number of credits assigned to each course as listed in the Catalog, then dividing the sum of the quality points earned by the number of credits attempted in courses for which a grade of A+ through F is awarded. Course grades of AU, DNA, INC, S, U, and W are not calculated in the grade point average since they carry no quality points. A cumulative grade point average is obtained by calculating the grade point average for all courses attempted at the University of New Haven.

Satisfactory Progress

Completion is defined as the receipt of a final letter grade (A+ to F), but not the receipt of a Withdrawal (W), Did Not Attend (DNA), or an Incomplete (INC). Successful completion is defined as the receipt of a passing letter grade (A+ to D-).

Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average in accordance with the following scale:

Cumulative grade point average of 1.75 for 3 to 27 GPA credits attempted;

Cumulative grade point average of 1.85 for 28 to 57 GPA credits attempted;

Cumulative grade point average of 2.0 for 58 or more GPA credits attempted.

A minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 is required in the major, in a minor, or in any undergraduate certificate program in order to graduate with that credential.

Dean's List

The dean's list honors undergraduate students who demonstrate excellence in their academic performance. Full-time undergraduate students who earn a grade point average (G.P.A.) of 3.50 or better in any one semester will be appointed to the dean's list for that semester.

Part-time undergraduate students who have accumulated a minimum of 14 credits of course work at the university will automatically be considered for the dean's list at the end of each semester. A cumulative G.P.A. of 3.50 or better is required.

Academic Standing

Good academic standing for undergraduate students is defined as maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.00 based on credits earned for completed courses, excluding grades of "W," "INC," and "INC+."  Academic standing is evaluated at the end of the fall and spring semesters and the summer II term; evaluation at these times applies to both full-time and part-time students.

Academic standing is recorded on the student's transcript.

Academic Probation

Students are placed on academic probation when they fail to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average in accordance with the following satisfactory progress scale:

Cumulative grade point average of 1.75 for 3 to 27 GPA credits attempted;

Cumulative grade point average of 1.85 for 28 to 57 GPA credits attempted;

Cumulative grade point average of 2.0 for 58 or more GPA credits attempted.

Academic probation of transfer students is determined in accordance with the same graduated, minimum cumulative grade point average scale as for non-transfer students, as detailed above. In determining a transfer student's academic standing, the student's total semester hours completed - those transferred from other institutions plus those attempted at the University of New Haven - are applied to the minimum cumulative grade point average scale.

Students who are on academic probation are limited to a course load not to exceed four courses (13 credits). The University may void a registration by a probationary student for more than four courses. Any course above the four-course limit taken by a student at another institution during a period of academic probation is not accepted for credit by the University. Because the university is dedicated to helping students be successful, probationary students are required to work with assigned academic skills counselors in the Center for Student Success as a condition of their academic probation.

The counting of the number of academic probations for any student shall not change as the result of an academic dismissal. A student shall be dismissed automatically as a result of the third or, if readmitted, any subsequent probation.

Academic probation(s) are recorded on the student's transcript.

Academic Dismissal

Students are dismissed from the University (1) upon qualification for a third probation, (2) upon qualification for any subsequent probation after readmission from an academic dismissal, or (3) when the student's grade point average for any individual semester is less than 1.0 and the student's cumulative grade point average does not indicate satisfactory progress as described in the Satisfactory Progress section.  If the cumulative grade point average indicates Satisfactory Progress as described in the satisfactory progress section, an academic warning is issued instead of an academic dismissal.

First-semester freshmen earning a grade point average of less than 1.0 for the first semester are not dismissed, but are automatically placed on academic probation.

Academic dismissals are recorded on the student's transcript.

Dismissal/Readmission Procedure

Notification of academic dismissal is made by the Registrar to the student's university email address in accordance with university policy as published in the Student Handbook regarding official notifications via university email accounts. This notification specifies the time span and criteria for appeal.

Upon written submission by the student, an appeal will be heard by the Academic Standing and Readmissions Committee (ASRC). If the appeal has merit and is granted, the student will be so notified by the chair of the Committee. The Committee may require special arrangements or conditions to allow the student to continue. Satisfaction of such conditions is an obligation of the student.

If there is no appeal or if an appeal is denied, the student will be removed from any courses for which he or she is registered that began or are scheduled to begin following the date of dismissal, and the student will receive a full tuition refund for those courses.  If an appeal is successful, readmission may not be granted retroactively, but will take effect only for a subsequent term as specified in the conditions for readmission presented in the appeal decision letter.

Notations of readmission by successful appeal and/or denial of appeal appear on the student's transcript.

Readmission is not automatic. The Committee reviews each application and makes a decision on acceptance, rejection, or conditional acceptance of students. A student who is readmitted may be prohibited from continuing with the academic program in which he or she was enrolled at the time of dismissal as a condition of readmission.

Upon successful readmission, a student may enroll in the normal manner as a continuing student and does not need to submit a new application unless he or she does not return in the semester immediately following the date of readmission. Students who decide not to return until a later date must submit a new application and pay another application fee to the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Course Repeat Policy

1. No more than five courses of the student's academic record may be repeated.  Any one course may be completed a maximum of three times. 
2. Repeating a course for which the student has previously obtained a grade of C- or lower will result in the new course grade and the original grade(s) being recorded on the transcript with a notation indicating a repeated course.  Only the highest grade is used in calculating the cumulative GPA.   Credit will be given once toward the degree program. 
3. Repeating a course for which the student has previously obtained a grade of C or higher will result in the new course grade and the original grade(s) being recorded on the transcript with a notation indicating a repeated course.  The two (or three) grades will be averaged in calculating the cumulative GPA.   Credit will be given once toward the degree program. 
4. All grades remain on the official transcript.
5. Repeat courses must be taken at the University of New Haven.
6. Approvals will not be granted after a degree is awarded. 
7. G.I. Bill students and others receiving Veterans Administration benefits are advised that replacement of any grade other than an unsatisfactory grade must be reported to the V.A. and may result in the retroactive reduction of benefits for the semester for which the replaced grade was originally assigned.  An unsatisfactory grade may be replaced without similar consequences.  Notify the Veterans representative located in the Registrar's Office when repeating a course.
8. Federal and/or state regulations may supersede portions of this policy.  For example, students with financial aid are required to follow federal regulations regarding repeating courses.  Please consult with the Office of Financial Aid to check how this policy may impact your eligibility for financial aid.

Progress to Degree Completion

Full-time undergraduate students will be assessed for progress to completion of their degree at the end of each semester.  Full-time students who complete fewer than 67% of their credits attempted in a given semester, but who are otherwise in good academic standing, will be assigned a status of PACE Warning.  (Grades of Incomplete [INC or INC+] are excluded from the calculation.)  Staff counselors of the Center for Student Success will contact these students to explain their status and offer assistance.  All students on PACE Warning will be required to meet with a Center for Student Success staff member as long as they are completing fewer than 67% of their courses attempted.

Students who are on PACE Warning will incur these restrictions similar to students on academic probation:

• May not hold elected positions in student clubs, organizations, or governance;
• Must consult with a CASA counselor before registering for subsequent terms;
• Further course withdrawals will not be processed by the registrar unless the student's counselor from the Center for Student Success concurs, following their consultation with faculty and other staff offices as necessary.

Changes

Adding and Dropping Classes

The self-service add/drop period will open one month prior to the start of the term and close at the end of the first week of classes.

During the second week of classes, further adjustment requires the approval of the chair of the department offering the course.  Waitlists will remain accessible to students until one week prior to the opening of the term.

Course Withdrawal Policy

Full-time or part-time, graduate or undergraduate, students may withdraw from a full term course prior to the end of the tenth week of classes.  If a course meets less than the 15 week term, the student may withdraw from the course prior to the two thirds mark of the course.  The student should verify the date for withdrawal from courses meeting less than 15 weeks with the Office of the University Registrar (Bergami Hall).  The deadline for students to withdraw from full term courses will be published in the academic calendar.

During the first two thirds of a class, any student may withdraw and receive a final grade of W on their academic transcript by:

1. Considering the academic consequences: consulting with his or her academic advisor or program coordinator is recommended.
2. Considering the financial, billing, and US immigration implications:  consulting with the Financial Aid Office, Bursar's Office and, if applicable, the International Office is recommended.
3. Completing  the "Course Withdrawal Form".
4. Having the form signed as required.
5. Submitting the form to the Office of the University Registrar by the published deadline date.

Changing a Major

Students wishing to change their major must meet with the chair of the department into which they wish to transfer. In consultation with the student, the chair completes an Academic Program Change Request (available online and in the Registrar's Office) and forwards it to the Registrar's Office.

Double Majors and Double Degrees

Qualified students may pursue double baccalaureate degrees or double majors at the University of New Haven, within constraints determined by University policy and by the requirements of the component programs.

Double baccalaureate degrees are two separate degrees earned simultaneously in different fields; two diplomas are awarded and the transcript shows both degrees.  A double baccalaureate requires a minimum of 150 credits and the program requirements for both degrees must be met.  Application to the second degree is possible in the sophomore year or later.  The student must maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA to continue in the double baccalaureate and to graduate with both degrees, and must achieve a minimum 2.50 GPA in each major to graduate with both degrees.  Restrictions apply on the use of course credits to simultaneously satisfy the requirements of both component degrees and the Core Curriculum requirements.

Double majors result in a single degree (e.g., BA or BS) with two declared majors; one diploma is awarded and the transcript shows both majors.  A double major requires a minimum of 120 credits and the program requirements for both majors must be met (a minimum of 30 credits).  Application to the second major is possible in the sophomore year or later.  The student must maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA to continue and to graduate with both majors, and must achieve a minimum 2.50 GPA in the combined major requirements to graduate with the double major.  Restrictions apply on the use of credits to simultaneously satisfy the requirements of both component majors and the Core Curriculum requirements, but some flexibility exists in the use of overlapping program requirements.  Double majors are not possible where the component majors are different degree types-a BA major and a BS major require a double baccalaureate instead.  Not all combinations of majors are possible.

The interested student must consult the coordinators of both programs to determine whether a double major or double baccalaureate is possible and the requirements for doing so.  A formal application is required.  Double credentials may not be declared at the time of admission.

Leave of Absence

Undergraduate matriculated students may interrupt continuous enrollment by electing to take a leave of absence from the University for medical or personal reasons.  Before taking a leave of absence, students are encouraged to discuss their particular situation with an academic adviser, the dean of their school, an academic skills counselor in the Office of Academic Services, or a counselor in the Counseling Center.

The policies regarding leaves of absence are as follows:

• Noninternational students must file for a leave of absence through the Registrar's Office or the Office of Academic Services; international students must initiate the leave of absence through the International Student Services Office.
• Students who are on University disciplinary probation are not eligible for a leave of absence.
• A student who has been dropped or dismissed from the University for disciplinary or academic reasons is not eligible for a leave of absence until properly reinstated.
• A student who has withdrawn as a degree candidate is not eligible for a leave of absence. If a student withdraws while on leave of absence, the leave is invalidated.
• Leaves of absence are not required or granted for intersession or summer terms.
• Normally, leaves are not approved for a period longer than two semesters. Under special extraordinary circumstances, usually medical in nature, a leave of absence may be approved for a maximum of four semesters or two years.
• A student who wishes to return later than the semester originally stated on the leave of absence form must apply through the Registrar's Office for an extension of the leave of absence, not to exceed the maximum period as outlined above.
• Taking a leave of absence may affect a student's financial aid. Students receiving financial aid are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office before taking a leave of absence.
• A student who fulfills the conditions of an approved leave of absence may return to the University and register for classes without applying for readmission; such students may preregister for the semester in which they plan to return.
• A student who does not apply for an extension or who exceeds the maximum period but wishes to return to the university must be formally readmitted by the Undergraduate Admissions Office.  Upon successful readmission, the student may register for classes for the first term of their return through the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Withdrawal from the University

An undergraduate student who wants to withdraw from the University should consult with a representative from Centers for Academic Success and Advising (CASA) to discuss the withdrawal and make a preliminary evaluation of readmission possibilities.  Graduate students should consult with the Program Coordinator before making the decision to withdraw.  Once the decision in consultation with CASA (undergraduate) or the Program Coordinator (graduate) is made, the student should complete the official University Withdrawal form and submit it to the Office of the University Registrar.  Students who are withdrawing are advised that:

• Students who withdraw are subject to prorated tuition and fee charges based on the last date of attendance in classes and according to the established withdrawal policy (see academic calendar for withdrawal deadlines and refund percentages if applicable) of the Bursar's Office.
• Students who withdraw from the University and have their tuition prorated according to the established withdrawal policy  will be  graded with a "W" for each registered course.
• Students must withdraw from the University prior to the Final Examination period.
• Readmission at a later date is not automatic.  An application for readmission must be made to the Undergraduate Admissions Office or to the Graduate Admissions Office depending on student level. 
• Students readmitted to the University after a withdrawal are held to the academic requirements in effect in the catalog at the time of readmission. Courses that were taken at the University longer than five years prior to the readmission date may not apply to a current degree program.  You are advised to speak to the Academic Department as to the validity of those course credits.

General Policies

Academic Integrity Policy

The University of New Haven expects its students to maintain the highest standards of academic conduct. Academic dishonesty is not tolerated at the university. To know what it is expected of them, students are responsible for reading and understanding the statement regarding academic honesty in the Student Handbook or on the University website at www./newhaven.edu/studenthandbook.

Attendance Regulations

Students are expected to attend regularly and promptly all their classes, appointments, and exercises. The instructor has the right to dismiss from class any student who has been absent more than two weeks (pro-rated for terms different from that of the semester). A dismissed student will receive a withdrawal (W) from the course if they are still eligible for a withdrawal per the university "Withdrawal from a Course" policy, or a failure (F) if not.

A student who is not officially registered in the course is not permitted to attend classes or take part in any other course activities.

Students absent from any class meeting are responsible for making up missed assignments and examinations at the discretion of the instructor.

Course Work Expectations

All undergraduate full-time and part-time students are expected to spend at least two hours on academic studies outside and in addition to each hour of class time. This expectation should be used by the student as a guide in determining how much time to spend on academic studies outside class. It should also be used by the student, in consultation with the academic adviser, to help determine the student's course load each semester so that the course load matches the amount of time available for academic studies.

The Center for Student Success (CSS) works with students individually or in small groups to assist them to become academically successful. The mission of the CSS is to facilitate and enhance students' academic progress through the University by providing guided access to advisory sources and relevant support systems. One of their objectives is to focus on strengthening study and time-management skills. Workshops to accomplish this objective are offered throughout the academic year.

Make-Up Policy

Make-up examinations are a privilege extended to students at the discretion of the instructor, who may grant consent for make-up examinations to those students who miss an exam as a result of a medical problem, personal emergency, or previously announced absence. On the other hand, instructors may choose to adopt a "no make-up" policy. Students should refer to the instructor's make-up policy in the course syllabus and, if no mention is made therein, should inquire directly of the instructor.

If an instructor does choose to offer a make-up examination, a University proctor may be used or the instructor may choose to administer the examination without the use of a proctor. If a University proctor is used, the student must pay a make-up examination fee for regular examinations and final examinations. If the instructor administers the make-up examination, the make-up examination fee is charged at the instructor's discretion. In either case, the make-up examination fee will be paid by the student through the Bursar's Office.

Graduation

Graduation Criteria

Graduation is not automatic. Graduation applications, once submitted, ensure the a student's record will be formally assessed in terms of degree requirements. An application may be denied if graduation requirements are not met. If an application is approved, a degree will be awarded for the appropriate commencement.

A degree will be conferred when a student has satisfied all program requirements and met all University requirements by having done the following:

• submitted a degree application via their Banner self-service account;
• earned a cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of no less than 2.00 in all courses applicable toward the undergraduate degree;
• earned a cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of no less than 2.00 (or higher if required by an individual department) in all courses in the student's major field of study;
• passed the University's Writing Proficiency Assessment (for bachelor's degree candidates);
• met all financial and other obligations and conformed to any local, state, or federal law concerning graduation; and
• met the residency requirement of the University.

If a student does not meet all the requirements as outlined above prior to the commencement date, a diploma with the requested commencement date will not be issued. It is the student's responsibility to file a new application for a future commencement date.

Residency Requirement

The residency requirement for undergraduate degrees is 30 undergraduate credits taken at the Main Campus or at one of the University's off-campus centers. This requirement applies to all associate and bachelor's degrees. Transfer credit, credit by examination, AP, CLEP, DANTES, or other proficiency examinations do not fulfill the residency requirement.

To ensure depth of study, the residency requirement must include passing grades in 12 credits of work in the declared major for an associate degree and 18 such credits for a bachelor's degree. Exceptions may be granted only by the dean who administers the major. In addition, the residency requirement for undergraduate certificates or minors is passing grades in one-half of the number of required credits for each.

Writing Proficiency Assessment

In May 2015, The University Senate voted to replace the Writing Proficiency Examination (a timed exam that students had to pass to graduate) with a Writing Proficiency Assessment (WPA), which requires only that students submit a sample of writing before graduation. The sample of writing can come from a university course or it can be written in response to an essay prompt during a timed writing scenario similar to the WPE. Instead of being graded, the writing that students submit will be used to assess the quality of writing instruction on campus. To learn more about this graduation requirement, please visit newhaven.edu/wpa

Honors

Academic honors are posted on the student's final transcript along with the name of the degree earned and the date the degree was conferred.

Honors are conferred upon candidates for graduation according to the following standards:

• An associate degree With Honors is awarded to students who have a grade point average of 3.25 for the credits specifically required for the degree program from which they are graduating and who have taken 30 or more hours of required work at this University.
• An associate degree With High Honors is awarded to students who have a grade point average of 3.50 for the credits specifically required for the degree program from which they are graduating and who have taken 30 or more hours of required work at this University.
• The bachelor's degree Cum Laude is awarded to students graduating with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50 who have taken 60 or more credits of required work at UNH and completed all the suggested courses within their curriculum.
• The bachelor's degree Magna Cum Laude is awarded to students graduating with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.70, whose grade point average in all courses counting toward their major is at least 3.70, and who have taken 60 or more credits of required work at UNH and completed all the suggested courses within their curriculum.
• The bachelor's degree Summa Cum Laude is awarded to students graduating with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.90, whose grade point average in all courses counting toward their major is at least 3.90, and who have taken 60 or more credits of required work at UNH and completed all the suggested courses within their curriculum.

In determining eligibility for degrees with honors, transfer credit and credits earned by crediting examination will not be considered. Only the cumulative grade point average for courses completed at the University of New Haven is considered in determining a student's eligibility for honors.