A full listing of academic policies and procedures can be found in the academic catalogs. No one expects you to memorize every policy, but you should be familiar with what is here. You may run into a situation in which you'll need to follow procedures outlined in this section.
In considering the role of students in institutional governance, the University is guided by one overriding principle - namely, that individuals who are directly affected by decisions should have the opportunity to participate appropriately in making those decisions.
At the University of New Haven, students are represented on all major committees of governance. In addition, opportunities for collective expression are available through the Undergraduate Student Government Association, Graduate Student Council, and Residence Hall Councils.
The University may, at its' discretion, alter the method classes are delivered for any reason at any time. This amended delivery can include, but is not limited to, online classes, hybrid classes, and on ground classes.
The University of New Haven complies with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). This act affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. All academic records are stored in the Office of the Registrar. Financial Aid records are stored in the Office of Financial Aid. Students who may wish to review their records must request to do so in writing. The student's current contact information must be provided in the written request.
A student's permanent academic record includes official grades and transcripts. Other academic records include, but are not limited to admission application, transcripts from high schools or other institutions, exam scores, supporting documentation, and correspondence from other offices. Relevant documents are scanned to the student's record in Banner and destroyed when they no longer have immediate administrative use.
FERPA records are updated in myCharger. From the Student Resources page, students click on "Update Academic and Disciplinary Contacts" and follow the directions. Be sure to share passwords with the appropriate people.
More information about FERPA can be found on the website here: https://www.newhaven.edu/about/departments/registrar/ferpa/index.php
In accordance with federal regulations, the University of New Haven will follow all guidelines to determine a student's location throughout their enrollment. The addresses that students enter on their formal application to the University will be the initial determinant of a student's location.
Thereafter, the University will require all students to verify both a current local address of where the student will be physically located during the current year, and a permanent home address.
Students who subsequently relocate or change addresses must update their student record with the new location information within 10 days of the change of address. Please follow directions below to update information.
Important note if relocating during the course of a program: Students who are matriculated in an academic program that may allow them to pursue professional licensure or certification should keep in mind that licensing and certification requirements vary by state and that relocating during the course of a program to another state could impact whether that student can meet the eligibility requirements of that state. If students are considering relocating, they should contact their program advisor or department chair to check for licensure or certification eligibility requirements.
If you change your permanent home address, the following instructions should be followed:
Step 1: Log into MyCharger and click on the SSB icon.
Step 2: Click on Personal Information
Step 3: Click on Update Address and Phones
Step 4: Click on the "Current" link and update your information. Then, click Submit. To create a new address, click on the down arrow in the box located next to "Type of Address to Insert" and select type of new address.
Religious Observance Policy for Students
The University of New Haven respects the right of its students to observe religious holidays that may necessitate their absence from class or from other required University-sponsored activities.
Students who wish to observe such holidays should not be penalized for their absence although, in academic courses, they are responsible for making up missed work. If a class, an assignment due date, or exam interferes with the observance of such a religious holiday, it is the student's responsibility to notify their instructor, preferably at the beginning of the term, but otherwise at least two weeks before the holiday. In a similar vein, students who will not participate in other required activities due to religious observance should notify the staff or faculty member who oversees the program with the same lead-time.
Although this policy appears in the Student Handbook, you may find a link in your syllabus to the religious policy. Should a student feel their right to observe a religious holiday was violated, the student has a right to appeal through the student grievance procedure which is found in the Student Handbook. There should be no prejudicial effect for a student who avails themselves of the policy.
Attendance Regulations
Please refer to the University catalogs here:
Undergraduate
Graduate
Matters dealing with course grades should be handled between the student and their instructor. Occasionally students are confronted with classroom situations that may cause concern. Resolution of most problems may be achieved by discussing the matter with the instructor directly, which the student should do first. If the issue is not resolved at this level, please refer to "Policy on Filing a Grievance " in the University Policies section of this handbook.
Matters related to classroom disruptions should first be handled between the student and the faculty member. If issues cannot be resolved after an appropriate and timely dialogue, concerns may be forwarded to the Dean of Students Office for disciplinary review.
Class Standing
Academic class standing is determined by the total number of credits successfully completed (including transfer credit awarded) as follows:
| 1 - 26 hours |
First Year |
| 27 - 56 hours |
Sophomore |
| 57 - 86 hours |
Junior |
| 87+ hours |
Senior |
Please refer to the University catalogs here:
Undergraduate
Graduate
All students receiving financial aid should contact the Financial Aid Office, and residential students should contact the Office of Residential Life, before taking a leave of absence.
Please refer to the University catalogs here:
Undergraduate
Graduate
Information regarding the May Commencement Ceremony can be found online at www.newhaven.edu/commencement.
Degree Conferral
A degree is not conferred until all academic requirements have been met. A student has not "graduated" until the conferral date has been listed on the official transcript. Degrees are conferred two to four weeks after final grades are received in each of the three conferral cycles in May, August, and January.
Ceremony Participation
Students are invited to participate in the annual Commencement ("graduation") ceremony in May. Participation in the graduation ceremony does not mean the degree has been conferred.
While degrees are conferred in May, August, and January, there is only one commencement ceremony per year, scheduled in May. August and January graduates may participate in the May ceremony that follows their degree conferral.
"How do I sign up for the commencement ceremony?"
Your name will automatically be sent to the Commencement Committee to be included in communications about the upcoming May Commencement ceremony. Undergraduate students who are within nine credits of completing their degree requirements, and graduate students who are within six credits may participate in the Commencement ceremony.
Please note that participation in the commencement ceremony does not mean that your degree has been conferred. Degrees will not be conferred until all final grades have been received and your GPA has been finalized.
All questions regarding Commencement should be directed to: commencement@newhaven.edu.