Academic Policies

Ways of Earning Credit Following Matriculation

The Credit Hour

• Credit Hours

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.

• Contact Hours

The expectation is that for each academic credit awarded, there will be at least 750 contact minutes over the term (50 min/week x 15 weeks, including exams), or 37.5 contact hours (2250 minutes) for a typical 3-credit course; further, that roughly twice this time is spent on related activities outside of class.  Significant deviation from these norms must be justified on the basis of demonstrable learning outcomes as presented in course syllabi, and giving due consideration to nature of the student's total course experience and activity.

Academic Credit

Academic credit is granted on a credit-hour basis. In addition to successfully completing regular courses, students may earn credit by crediting exams, independent study or CLEP exams, or transfer of credit from other institutions.

Credit by Examination

A student who has independent knowledge of the content of an undergraduate course offered by the University may, with the approval of the appropriate department chair or designee, take a special crediting examination in lieu of taking the course. Credit by examination does not count towards residency.

Students are reminded that they must earn at least thirty credits through regular UNH 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.

Independent Study

In all courses of independent study the student and adviser must complete the Proposal for Research Project, Internship, or Independent Study form and 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. Independent study is possible after consultation and approval of that instructor and their department chair (or designee).

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 complete the Proposal for Research Project, Internship, or Independent Study form and 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.

Study Abroad

UNH students planning for study abroad must seek preapproval of courses taken abroad through the Study Abroad Office prior to registering for study abroad at UNH and prior to registering for courses at the destination institution.  Those courses to be taken to satisfy University core requirements must be approved as part of this preregistration process.  Such courses must be approved by the chair of the UNH department offering a University core course suitable for substitution.  For those courses already approved at the destination institution and included on the list of approved courses maintained by the Office of International Education, no further approval is necessary.  Forms for preregistration course approval are available from the Office of International Education.

Transfer of Credits to the University

Students transferring from other institutions must have at least a 2.00 grade point average based on a four-point scale.  Provisional admission can be offered when overall GPA is not available.

Transfer of Credit to the University Prior to Matriculation

1. The University will consider for transfer academic credit from:

• foreign post-secondary institutions recognized by their local Ministry of Education as degree-granting institutions, and whose quality standards can be verified;
• and regionally accredited American 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 Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and
  • WASC Senior College and University Commission (SCUC)
    • ​Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC): Western Association of Schools and Colleges 

2. Credit is accepted for transfer courses that are similar in depth and content to University of New Haven courses or electives or that otherwise relate to degree requirements.
3. Credit is only granted for courses completed with at least a grade "C-" (1.67 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).  Grades of "C" (2.00 on a 4-point scale) are required to substitute for courses that serve as prerequisites for other courses and have a "C or better" requirement.
4. Transfer credit must be from accredited institutions.  The number of transfer credits is limited by the University residency requirement.
5. Credit is not awarded for courses that are remedial in nature and do not qualify as college-level education.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.

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.

Bachelor's Degree-Completion Plan

The Bachelor's Degree-Completion Plan is used by students with a completed associate's degree or bachelor's degree or if they have 45 or more credits either from the University of New Haven or from another regionally accredited institution.  Those with fewer than 45 credits should refer to the admission policies for transfers.  A Bachelor's Degree-Completion Plan is available for many majors and may be developed where not available.

• The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will compile a tentative degree-completion plan, subject to final approval by the program chair (or designee) for the bachelor's degree.
• The degree-completion plan is designed on the current requirements for the declared major at the time of matriculation into the bachelor's degree program.
• The program chair (or designee) will determine whether and how prior coursework satisfies the University's requirements for a writing-intensive course and for meeting the Experiential Education (HIP) degree requirement.

For those with a completed associate's degree:

1. For those with a completed core-to-core articulated associate's degree, the plan will result in the completion of a minimum residency requirement and a maximum of 60-72 credits in a pre-determined combination of electives, major requirements, and core courses.
2. For those where a core-to-core articulation agreement does not exist, the program chair (or designee) will determine whether that coursework completed for the associate's degree more than 10 years prior to matriculation in the bachelor's must be repeated in order to satisfy major requirements, and will determine how prior coursework can satisfy the requirements for the bachelor's degree, including major requirements, major cognate requirements and electives (the criteria for transfer credit will apply), but no credits or courses beyond the credits in the bachelor's degree minus 60-72 of the associates degree credits will be required at the University of New Haven.

For those with a prior bachelor's degree, the following conditions apply:

1. The degree-completion plan must require a minimum of 30 credits, including a minimum of 18 credits in the major, completed at the University of New Haven;
2. The program coordinator will determine whether coursework completed for the prior bachelor's degree more than 10 years prior to matriculation must be repeated in order to satisfy major requirements, and will determine how prior coursework can satisfy the requirements for the bachelor's degree, including major requirements, major cognate requirements and electives (the criteria for transfer credit will apply);
3. The University's 40-credit Core Curriculum requirements will not apply to the degree-completion plan; however, the program coordinator will determine whether general education requirements that are also required by the major must be completed or repeated as part of the degree-completion plan. 

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 Credit Authorization 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 12, unless approved by a program chair (or designee). Programs may have restrictions on the number of credits and/or which courses may be transferred while matriculated at the University of New Haven.
• The maximum number of credits transferred from two-year institutions including those transferred upon matriculation may not exceed 68.
• Individual academic departments may have additional conditions.

Conditions for awarding Matriculated Student Transfer Credit

1. The student must receive a grade of "C-" (1.67 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.

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.

Use of Graduate Credit to Fulfill Undergraduate Requirements

Graduate courses may be taken for credit by undergraduate students: a) in the context of their participation in a designated linked undergraduate/graduate program when the student has been formally accepted; or b) with permission of their advisors and individual graduate program coordinators, when their cumulative GPA is at least 3.00.

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 student activities and benefits and are subject to full-time tuition charges and other relevant fees. 

Part-Time Students

Students who register for 1 through 11 credits during a semester or equivalent term maintain part-time status.

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 may apply a maximum of 18 credit hours taken during any full summer, or 9 credit hours during any six-week summer term.  These limits apply to the sum of credit hours from courses taken in residence and at other institutions.  An override to these limits may be possible after consultation and approval from the department chair (or designee).

Matriculation

Matriculation at the University of New Haven occurs automatically upon acceptance into a specific degree program.  Students seeking credit to be transferred to another institution, or simply wishing to audit courses may take courses without matriculating. To take a class, a non-matriculated student must contact admissions by email (admissions@newhaven.edu) and follow their process to register for a class.

Academic credit earned at the University of New Haven with a GPA of 2.0 can be used as grounds for admission to UNH. Benefits following admission may include eligibility for financial aid and admitted students are supported with advice on planning their path to graduation.

Time Limits to Complete Degree

Associate and bachelor degrees and undergraduate certificate programs must be completed within ten (10) years from the time of matriculation.  Leaves of absence have no effect on this limit.

Expiration of Course Credit

There will be a ten-year time limit on courses taken at the University of New Haven.  The determination as to which of the courses carried forward that are acceptable in satisfying specific degree requirements will be made by the academic department where the course resides.  If a student has been continuously enrolled for the ten years, and is in pursuit of their degree, the coursework will not expire.

Academic Worksheets

Generally, matriculating students are subject to those requirements defined in the Undergraduate Catalog and listed on the academic worksheet (our system of measuring progress toward graduation) in effect for the semester of initial enrollment.

Students who begin their studies based on a catalog and worksheet that subsequently changes may request to use the latest worksheet for that major.

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

Students returning after withdrawal, dismissal, or following a leave of absence, should consult with the department offering the major to find the most appropriate worksheet.

Part-time students are permitted a break in study and on return should consult with the department offering the major to find the most appropriate worksheet.

If students withdraw or are dismissed from the University and decide to return at a later date, a simplified Resumption of Studies Application will require approval of the chair of the department (or designee) in which the student's major is housed.

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.

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 GPA in major courses is required for graduation in addition to a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA in all courses. See program requirements for further clarification of specific courses/requirements.

Minor

Many baccalaureate programs can be supplemented by an associated minor program, which normally includes five or six courses.  The University encourages students to augment their major program with an associated minor.  Details, requirements, and a minor worksheet can be obtained from the academic department that offers the minor.

The minor worksheet, developed by the academic department, must be submitted to the Registrar's Office in order for a student to receive credit for the minor.  A minimum of one-half of the courses required for any minor must be completed in residence at UNH.

Minors are recorded on the student's transcript in conjunction with the degree and major awarded.  Minors cannot be awarded without completion of a baccalaureate degree.

Specific Requirements for Minors:

• 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.
• At least 50% of the minor courses must be completed in residence at UNH.
• A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in the minor (programs may set higher requirements).
• A student may not declare a major and minor in the same program.

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)

An incomplete indicates that the student has been given permission by the instructor to complete the required course work (with the same instructor) before the end of the next term. In the absence of the instructor, a student should contact the Department Chair.  

In order to request an incomplete, a student may request an incomplete grade if most of the coursework, as determined by the faculty member, has been completed but they cannot complete the remaining work due to extenuating circumstances. The request may only be submitted after the official course withdrawal date has passed and before the last day of classes. Approval is at the discretion of the instructor.

In special circumstances where the student is unavailable to initiate an incomplete request, an instructor may fill out the Incomplete Request Form. In these non-student-initiated circumstances, the request must secure an additional level of approval from the instructor's dean. Such non-student-initiated requests should be pursued with caution due to unintended consequences related to the student's GPA, financial aid eligibility, and other complications.

At the time of the request, the instructor must calculate what the course grade (called the Reversion Grade) will be if the student does not complete any additional work. All incomplete requests must be approved first by the instructor.  The department chair or, in cases where the instructor is the department chair, the associate dean will be notified of the incomplete. 

Fall and intersession course incompletes must be completed no later than the last day of the following spring term.  Spring and summer course incompletes must be completed no later than the last day of the following fall term.  In special circumstances, an incomplete may be granted for one year, but must be approved by the academic dean.

If some or all of the work is completed, the instructor will re-calculate the course grade for the student and submit a grade change form. If no additional work is completed within the incomplete period, then the Registrar will assign the Reversion Grade identified on the Incomplete Form.

Students and instructors will be notified via campus email regarding the status of any incompletes at the start of each term.

Any extension of an incomplete must  be approved by the academic dean. 

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.

Incomplete Active Military (INCM)

An incomplete (INCM) is appropriate for students who are enrolled, have completed the majority of a course, wish to complete the course and are deployed to active duty military service before the current term has ended.

If the student elects to receive an "INCM" (Incomplete), the regulation regarding conversion of an "INC" to an "F" grade will not be implemented.

Upon return to campus and completion of course assignments, the instructor will submit the appropriate grade to the Registrar's Office.

Upon notification to the Registrar's Office that the student will not be returning to campus, the INCM will remain on the transcript or may convert to a "W" if determined to be appropriate after consultation with the faculty advisor and the Registrar.

Policy on Pass/Fail Courses for Undergraduate Students

To encourage intellectual exploration, the University of New Haven permits matriculated students in good academic standing to elect up to three courses total of academic coursework on a Pass/Fail basis to satisfy elective credit requirements for the bachelor's degree.

Grades and Grading Policies

• Students taking a course on a Pass/Fail basis must satisfy all the course requirements that students taking the course for a regular letter grade must satisfy.
• Students will be graded as usual throughout the course.
• A student's earned grade in the course designated as Pass/Fail will be replaced by a "P" for Pass as long as the grade is D- or better.
• ​A student's earned F grade in the course designated as Pass/Fail will be designated as "F."
• When a student earns a P in a course they have designated as Pass/Fail, the credits from that course count toward the degree, and neither credits nor grade are used in calculating the student's GPA.
• A "P" grade is used in determining class standing and eligibility.
• An "F" grade is factored into the GPA. The credits do not count toward degree requirements.

Exclusions

Pass grades (P) may not be used to satisfy the following degree components:

• Core courses
• Major course requirements
• Minor course requirements
• W courses
• Study Abroad courses
• Directed Study or Directed Research courses
• Internships

Note: Individual programs may further restrict eligible classes. Students should consult with major advisors for specific exclusion rules.

Process and Deadlines

• The deadline for a student to designate a course Pass/Fail is the add/drop deadline that will be published by the university registrar on the university registrar webpage.
• To request the Pass/Fail option on a course, students must file a Pass/Fail Grade Election Form with the registrar.
• Designating a course Pass/Fail is irrevocable.
• It is the responsibility of the student to track the number of courses they have taken on a Pass/Fail basis. Should the student elect and receive, in error, more than three P/F grades during their bachelor's degree studies, the fourth and subsequent P or F grades will be changed to the earned letter grade.

Other Considerations

• The courses designated as Pass/Fail cannot be taken in the same or overlapping terms.
• Students may not elect to take a course on a Pass/Fail basis during any semester in which they are not in good academic standing.
• Students may not repeat a course they have passed using the Pass/Fail option for credit.
• Courses taken Pass/Fail may not be repeated unless the course itself is repeatable (e.g., topics course).
• Pass/Fail courses are subject to standard tuition and fees.
• Please note that passed (P) courses might not transfer to other schools.
   

Grade Point Average

The academic standing of each student is determined on the basis of the grade point average (GPA) 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

For full-time matriculated students, satisfactory progress toward a degree is defined as successful completion of 24 credits applicable to that degree program during an academic year.  This should include registration for at least 12 credits per semester and successful completion of at least nine credits per semester.  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 GPA of 2.0 is required in the major, in a minor, or in any undergraduate certificate program in order to graduate with that credential.

In addition, financial aid eligibility is limited to accumulated attempted credits totaling no more than 150 percent of the published credits required to receive an undergraduate degree.  For example, a program that requires 120 credits x 1.5 = 180 maximum allowable credits attempted for financial aid eligibility.  Every semester that a student is enrolled in school is counted, even the semesters when a student does not receive financial aid.  Transfer credits accepted by the University from other institutions count toward the maximum credit limit.

Progress to Degree Completion

Full-time undergraduate students will be assessed for progress to completion of their degree (PACE) 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.

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 (GPA) 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 GPA of 3.50 or better is required.

Pre-medical Studies Designation

The pre-medical studies designation is designed for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing doctoral or advanced professional degrees in medicine such as MD, DO, DDS/DMD, PharmD, and DPM.

The pre-medical designation is not a stand-alone program and is completed in addition to the student's undergraduate degree and major.

Enrolled students may seek advice on pre-professional development and the professional school application process from the University's Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC). The Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC) will guide students through the entire process; however, students with a pre-medical designation are encouraged to research specific prerequisite course requirements and policies of professional programs to which they intend to apply. The Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC), along with the Composite Letter Committee, provides committee letters of evaluation for eligible applicants to medical school.

Students designated as pre-medical or who intend to designate themselves as pre-medical should refer to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR®) database for more information regarding all required and recommended course work for medical schools. Resources can be found on the AAMC website.

It is also recommended that students:

• Participate in Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC) workshops
• Volunteer in the local community
• Shadow local health care professionals
• Demonstrate leadership skills through health-related student organizations
• Assist faculty with research
• Attain clinical certifications and experience with patients

REQUIREMENTS

Students may request to join the pre-medical designation if they have a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher after completing 15 credits at the University of New Haven.

In order to maintain the pre-medical designation:

• Students must maintain a minimum of a 3.5 cumulative GPA with a 3.3 pre-medical science GPA (based upon the required science courses in the pre-medical designation).
  • Note that pre-health professional admissions committees will not accept "grade replacements" (repeated courses) in the calculation of a student's GPA and generally will not accept courses taken online.
• Science courses with associated labs must be taken during fall and spring semesters and may not include online laboratory courses.
• Students must continuously seek to develop their skill set and competencies during their undergraduate program as well. Students are required to participate in two 3-day Winter Intersession Programs in order to complete the designation. These Intersession Programs include MCAT preparation skills and tips as well as medical school interviewing and application preparation.

All courses listed below may count toward your major (if applicable), the University's general education requirements (the "Core"), and the pre-medical designation.

Transfer Student Policy

Transfer students are eligible to declare the pre-medical designation after taking 15 credits of the required coursework at the University of New Haven while maintaining the required GPA. Transfer credits in pre-medical designated courses from other accredited universities may be eligible for application to the pre-medical designation at the University of New Haven. Eligibility will be determined by GPA calculation. Where GPA is not available, an alternative assessment method or equivalent may be applied.

Advanced Placement (AP) Credit Policy

While there is no consistent standard regarding the use of AP credits for pre-medical designated courses, a majority of medical schools will not accept AP credit for the required biology, chemistry, and physics courses and their associated labs. There are fewer restrictions on AP mathematics; however, we advise that at least one math course is taken at the University of New Haven. Graduate health programs vary in their policies regarding the use of AP credits, so we encourage students to check the specific policies for programs to which they intend to apply.

Required Courses (55-56 credits)

It is required that a student complete each of the listed courses. These courses are the minimum prerequisites for application to most medical schools. These courses also form the basis of standardized admission tests including:

• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
• Dental Admission Test (DAT)
• Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
• Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)

NOTE: Social sciences such as sociology and one additional 2000+ level psychology, and other advanced sciences such as genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, and anatomy & physiology, while not required, are highly recommended.

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. Some courses taken at the University may be repeated for additional credit, as indicated in the course description. For courses that are not identified as repeatable for additional credit, the grade received in a subsequent attempt supersedes the original grade in the computation of the GPA only if the new grade is higher. The course may be used only once for credit toward the requirements for the degree program.  
2. All students should consult with their program director regarding program-specific requirements that may disallow course repeats. All students should check with their program regarding internship requirements and limits to the repetition of coursework.   
3. Grades for courses repeated at another institution will not replace the grade previously earned at the University and will not be factored into the student's GPA.  
4. All grades remain on the official transcript.  
5. Students using financial aid are required to follow federal regulations regarding repeating courses. It is the responsibility of the student to consult with the Office of Financial Aid to check how the repetition of coursework may impact eligibility for financial aid.
6. Students using Veterans Administration benefits are advised that replacement of any grade other than an unsatisfactory grade must be reported to the VA, 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. Students must notify the School Certifying Official when repeating a course.
7. If a course is repeated off-campus, the transferred course will follow the rules and regulations codified in the University "Transfer of Credit" policy. 
    

Changes

Adding and Dropping Classes

The self-service add/drop period will 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 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.  The deadline for students to withdraw from 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, University Immigration Services 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.  See the list of approved double majors under Other Programs.

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 Center for Student Success, or a counselor in the Counseling Center.

A Leave of Absence from the University form must be submitted on or before the first day of classes. 

The policies regarding leaves of absence are as follows:

• A Leave of Absence from the University form must be submitted on or before the first day of classes.
• Students must file for a leave of absence through the Registrar's Office or the Center for Student Success.
• 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 notify the Registrar's Office that they will extend 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 file a Resumption of Studies application.  Upon successful approval from the chair of the department (or designee) in which the student's major is housed, the student may register for classes.
• International students must contact the University Immigration Services Office to discuss the necessary actions to their SEVIS records in order to maintain F-1 or J-1 visa status during their leave of absence.

Absences due to United States Military Service

For purposes of this section, service in the uniformed services means service, whether voluntary or involuntary, in the U.S. Armed Forces, including service by a member of the National Guard or Reserve, on active duty for training, or full-time National Guard duty under Federal authority.  The University recognizes that students who serve in the U.S. uniformed services may encounter situations in which military obligations force them to withdraw from a course of study, and that this may happen with little advance notice. 

U.S. Military Service Leave

A Military Service Leave is a University-approved withdrawal from a course or program that is necessitated by service, whether voluntary or involuntary, in the United States Armed Forces, including service by a member of the National Guard or Reserve, on active duty.  The University will act in accordance with federal law and regulations regarding readmission for service members, 34 CFR § 668.18.

A copy of military orders should be presented to the Registrar as soon as they are available.  Students should consult with their advisor for coordination with instructors to determine the best course of action based on the length of absence and percentage of the term completed.  The Registrar will work with the students and faculty to administer the appropriate resolutions.

The resolutions may include:

• An alternate method to complete coursework, including online engagement if available, is appropriate for students who, wish to complete the course and before the current term has ended.
• An incomplete (INC-M) is appropriate for students who are enrolled, have completed the majority of a course, wish to complete the course and are deployed to active duty military service before the current term has ended.
• If the student elects to receive an "INC-M" (Incomplete), the regulation regarding conversion of an "INC" to an "F" grade will not be implemented. 

• Upon return to campus and completion of course assignments, the instructor will submit the appropriate grade to the Registrar's Office.
• Upon notification to the Registrar's Office that the student will not be returning to campus, the INC-M will remain on the transcript or may convert to a "W" if determined to be appropriate after consultation with the faculty advisor and the Registrar.

A Leave of Absence is appropriate for students who are deployed to active duty military service, but do not need to begin duty during a current term; for example, if duty will begin during a future term before classes begin.

Students should complete an appropriate Withdrawal or Leave of Absence form and include a copy of the applicable military orders to qualify for the considerations detailed in this policy.

Readmission to the University

A student who has taken a military service leave from the University and wishes to re-enroll must notify the University's Registrar's office of the intention to return to resume the student's program of study.

The University will act in accordance with federal law and regulations regarding readmission for service members, 34 CFR § 668.18. Students who have questions  or need assistance in returning to campus may contact the Coordinator for Transfer and Veteran Success in the Center for Student Success.

Withdrawal from the University

An undergraduate student who wants to withdraw from the University should consult with a representative from the Center for Student Success (CSS) to discuss the withdrawal and make a preliminary evaluation of readmission possibilities. Once the decision in consultation with CSS 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.
• A student who has been dropped or dismissed from the University for disciplinary or academic reasons is not eligible for a withdrawal until properly reinstated. 
• Resumption of studies will require approval of the chair of the department (or designee) in which the student's major is housed. 
• Students resuming studies at the University after a withdrawal may continue with their original degree requirements or may be required to transition to the academic requirements in effect at the time of resumption. This choice may depend on changes that have occurred at the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, accrediting agencies, or where applicable laws have changed. Some courses that were taken at the University longer than five years prior to the resumption date may need to be approved by the chair of the department (or designee) in which the student's major is housed.
• International students should be aware that withdrawal from the University will affect their F-1 or J-1 visa status, and must contact the University Immigration Services Office to discuss their options.

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 policy found on the University portal.

Attendance Regulations

Students are expected to attend regularly and promptly all their classes, appointments, and exercises. Attendance is defined as a number of forms of student participation in a variety of modalities, to include on-ground classes, digital classrooms, academic assignments, exams, study groups, online instructional resources and academic discussions, and course-related academic discussions with faculty members. Federal regulations require evidence of "academic engagement" for online enrollments in the form of documentation of "regular and substantive interaction between the students and faculty." This includes submitted work that demonstrates sufficient "mental effort, active participation and commitment" as to be gradable.

The instructor has the right to dismiss from class any student who has been absent (using attendance definition above) 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.

Students will be removed from any/all classes at the end of the registration period if they have not been attending.

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.

If an instructor is more than 15 minutes late for a class meeting, without providing notification to the students, the students may leave without penalty.

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.

Auditing Classes

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 as auditors only as space permits and with instructor approval. It is the student's responsibility to seek matriculation should they later decide to pursue a University of New Haven degree.  Online courses are not eligible for auditing.  Students may not audit more than two courses prior to matriculation.

Graduation

Graduation Criteria

Graduation is not automatic. Graduation applications, once submitted, ensure the 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 (GPA) of no less than 2.00 in all courses applicable toward the undergraduate degree;
• earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) 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. 

Writing Proficiency Assessment

The Writing Proficiency Assessment (WPA) requires 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. 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.

Posthumous and In Memoriam Degrees

The conferral of Posthumous and In Memoriam degrees provides a means by which the University of New Haven can honor students whose education at the University was tragically halted due to an untimely death, while at the same time upholding the requirements of integrity in the awarding of academic degrees.
Posthumous degrees can be awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student who was in good academic standing when they passed away during the last semester of their degree program at the University of New Haven. If the deceased student had completed sufficient work in order to be awarded course grades for their final semester, the student will be issued either the grade for which they were eligible at the time of their death or a passing grade. Grade determinations are made following discussion with the faculty member teaching the course in question and are approved by the school dean. Posthumous degrees are regular degrees included in the official count of degrees and thus are awarded with an official diploma. Hence, any Latin Honors for which the deceased student was eligible will be conferred.

In Memoriam degrees can be awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student whose death occurred prior to the student's last semester in their degree program. The In Memoriam degree honors a deceased student's progress toward a degree, but is not included in the official count of degrees. To be eligible for the In Memoriam degree, at the time the student's studies at the University of New Haven were halted due to an illness or accident leading to death, a deceased student must have been:
1) enrolled in classes in the current term or the most recent fall or spring term; and
2) in good academic standing.
For any courses the student was enrolled in at the time of their death, the student will be issued either the grades they earned if sufficient coursework had been completed, or grades of W. The In Memoriam degree is awarded with a distinct document that affirms the student's good academic standing and progress toward a degree. Latin Honors are not applicable.
 

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 UNH.
• 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 UNH.
• 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 50 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 50 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 50 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.

Students should note that Honors criteria used for the Commencement ceremony is based on academic requirements met on or around April. Final determination of degrees awarded with honors will be made by the Registrar after all grades are received and posted at the end of the semester. Final honors may differ from the honors level reflected at the ceremony. Honors awarded will appear on the final, official transcript.