Rules and Regulations

University Regulations (For All Students)

The responsibility for knowing and meeting the applicable degree requirements, as well as the academic regulations of the University and its schools, rests with each student. University regulations, protocols and procedures govern all degree programs at the University. Beyond these fundamental regulations, protocols and procedures, the University’s schools abide by additional specific regulations, protocols and procedures consonant with their missions and curricula. [Also consult specific Undergraduate or Graduate Regulations, later in this chapter.]

University academic regulations, protocols and procedures pertaining to undergraduate study are set forth below. The specific regulations of the individual undergraduate schools appear in the sections of this Bulletin devoted to the programs of the individual schools. Students wishing to seek clarification of such information, or exceptions from academic regulations, are invited to consult with the Office of Academic Services and Retention. The Office of Academic Services and Retention is charged with the interpretation, execution and maintenance of the standards, policies and procedures that guide and govern undergraduate studies and pedagogy at Adelphi University. Federal and state regulations are not subject to petition.

Dispensations from Regulations

Students may request dispensations from University regulations or deadlines, only for exceptional circumstances, by filing a petition. A student may petition through the Office of the Dean in the college or school of their major for a waiver of an academic regulation or deadline. Students who have not declared a major petition the College of Arts and Sciences. Petitioning students must provide supporting documentation with their petition. Academic approval of course drops or course withdrawals does not imply a right to a refund. Petitions requesting retroactive actions must be submitted within one calendar year. Federal, state and local regulations are not subject to petition.

Honor Code

The University is an academic community devoted to the pursuit of knowledge. Fundamental to this pursuit is academic integrity. In joining the Adelphi community students accept the University’s Statement of Academic Integrity and pledge to uphold the principles of honesty and civility embodied in it; to conduct themselves in accordance with ideals of truth and honesty; and to forthrightly oppose actions which would violate these ideals. For the complete Honor Code, please go to operations.adelphi.edu/policies/academic-honesty.

Code of Conduct

The primary mission of Adelphi University is the development of an intellectual community in an environment that promotes high standards of integrity and fosters respect for all members. In order to maintain that environment, the University developed a Code of Conduct, operations.adelphi.edu/policies/code-of-conduct, for both individuals and organizations, setting standards necessary to protect the well-being of the community and advance the University’s educational mission. Students are also expected to abide by the Compliance Statement, operations.adelphi.edu/policies/compliance-statement.

Student Conduct and Community Standards was established to respond to potential allegations of non-academic violations of the behavioral standards and other University regulations, while respecting and protecting the rights and privileges of Adelphi students.

The educational foundation upon which the disciplinary process is based is intended to promote responsible conduct by holding students accountable for their behavior and its impact on the campus community. Responses to findings of misconduct are intended to be educational, providing students with vehicles for growth and development and, whenever possible, allowing for responsible membership in the University community.

Please see the University Policies at operations.adelphi.edu/policies for more information on policies relating to:

• Academic Honesty operations.adelphi.edu/policies/academic-honesty
• Illicit Drugs and Alcohol operations.adelphi.edu/policies/illicit-drugs-and-alcohol
• Hazing operations.adelphi.edu/policies/hazing
• Non-Smoking operations.adelphi.edu/policies/smoking-policy
• Anti-Discrimination and Harassment hr.adelphi.edu/title-ix

Academic Assistance for Students with Disabilities

(See “Support Services and Resources ”)  

Academic Integrity

Adelphi University demands the highest standards of academic integrity. Proper conduct during examinations, the proper attribution of sources in preparation of written work and complete honesty in all academic endeavors is required. Submission of false data, falsification of grades or records, misconduct during examinations and plagiarism are among the violations of academic integrity. Students who do not meet these standards are subject to dismissal from the University. Please see the University’s Honor Code in The Student Guide to Life or go to operations.adelphi.edu/policies/academic-honesty.

Attendance

Only students who are registered for courses, and whose name appears on the Official Class Roster may attend courses at the University. Adelphi students make a commitment to be active participants in their educational program; class attendance is an integral part of this commitment. Attendance requirements for each course will be announced by the faculty member at the beginning of each term. Students are expected to be present promptly at the beginning of each class period, unless prevented by illness or by other compelling cause. In the event of such absence, students may request that faculty members be notified by the Office of Academic Services and Retention. Students are responsible for completing course work missed through absences. Students should wait a reasonable length of time for an instructor in the event that the instructor is delayed.

Credits

The unit of credit at the University is the credit hour. As defined by regulations of the New York State Education Department, one credit hour is earned by a minimum of 15 instructional hours (of 50 minutes, i.e. 12.5 clock hours), together with 30 hours of supplementary assignments (i.e. out-of-class work, homework of 25 clock hours). Thus, a standard three-credit class (e.g. a lecture or seminar) must provide a minimum of 45 hours (37.5 clock hours) of instruction together with 90 hours (75 clock hours) of supplementary assignments. For a three-credit class taught in traditional mode (in-person, in the classroom, face-to-face), this amount of instruction would most commonly be offered as 150 minutes of class meeting time per week over a 15 week semester (14 weeks of classes plus one final exam week), e.g. three 50 minute sessions per week, two 75 minute sessions per week, or one 150 minute session per week. For semesters of lengths other than 15 weeks (e.g. January intersession of 3 weeks, summer semesters of 5 weeks, or “cycles” of 8 weeks offered by the School of Education and the School of Business), the duration of each class meeting is adjusted accordingly to give the same total instructional time. Departments may require more instructional time than specified here, but cannot require less. When pedagogically appropriate, instructors can provide non-classroom instruction (e.g. online) to supplement in-person classroom teaching, as described separately in Adelphi’s “Guidelines on Non-Classroom Instruction”.

Credit for non-classroom-based types of classes including laboratories, studios, performances, research and independent studies may be adjusted from this common correspondence of a minimum of 12.5 clock hours of instructional time and 25 clock hours of supplementary assignments to one credit hour, based on different expectations for the amount of supplementary assignments, in accordance with common practice in higher education. For example, in laboratory classes where less time is required for out-of-class supplementary assignments, a minimum of 37.5 clock hours of in-class instruction is awarded one credit. In classes such as independent study, research,and directed readings, in which students are engaged in independent projects that require additional out-of-class work and are guided by regular instructor feedback, the credit awarded for supervised individual activity will be awarded with a correspondence of one credit per 45 hours of student activity, again in accordance with common practice in higher education.

Credit awarded for classes such as internships, clinical or field work, and student teaching, where the primary learning activity is experiential, must comply with the standards of the relevant professional accrediting organization and with common practice in higher education. Specifically: 1. Field work in Education requires a minimum of 25 clock hours per credit. 2. Clinical experiences in Nursing and student teaching both require a minimum of 45 clock hours per credit. 3. Clinical experience in the Speech-Language Pathology program and field work in Social Work both require a minimum of 50 clock hours per credit. 4. Internship courses require 50 hours of work in an internship per credit hour. Again, departments may require more instructional or experiential time than specified here, but cannot require less.

Blended and online courses in which more than 30% of the total instruction is provided online shall be assigned credit based on the credit assigned to traditional courses of comparable rigor, content and time requirements. Evidence used to establish comparability of time requirements, content and level of rigor of courses may include syllabi, learning goals, curricular units covered, assignments and faculty interaction with students. Credit assignment for blended and online courses will be evaluated as part of the normal new course and course changes approval process by faculty academic affairs committees and the provost’s office, with final approval for courses that are part of new programs given by the New York State Education Department.

Methods of Instruction

In addition to classroom instruction that is delivered traditionally in-person, Adelphi offers courses in various modalities.  The University’s methods of instruction are defined as:

• Traditional (0%–29% online) — all or nearly all instruction is in-person
• Hybrid/Blended (30%–79% online) — a mixture of in-person and online instruction
• Online (80-100% online) – there is little or no in-person instruction (usually limited to course introductions, presentations, exams, etc.)
• Synchronous – the course meets online at specified days and times
• Asynchronous – no specified course meeting times; students complete work online in learning management system by deadlines specified by instructor
• Combination (asynchronous and synchronous) – there are some synchronous online meeting times and some work is completed online in learning management system
• Hyflex – course is delivered in-person and is simultaneously streamed online, and students may choose to attend in-person or online; courses are recorded for students who are unable to attend synchronously

The Academic Calendar

The academic calendar (registrar.adelphi.edu/academic-calendar) encompasses two semesters (fall and spring), approximately 15 weeks each, an intersession of approximately three weeks, and two summer terms, five weeks each. The University recognizes that there are other holidays, both secular and religious, that may be observed by individuals or groups on campus. Students who wish to observe such holidays must so inform their instructors within the first two weeks of each semester so that alternative arrangements convenient to both students and instructors can be made. The Exam/Assignment Policy can be found at registrar.adelphi.edu/final-exams/absence-policy.

Intersession

The Adelphi University Intersession meets in the beginning of January. This intersession gives students an opportunity for non-traditional learning experiences including exploring art galleries or museums, intensive writing or language acquisition, and study abroad. While each course meets New York State regulations for instructional time, the various creative, enriching approaches imply great variability in meeting times and locations. Undergraduate students may register for only one course per Intersession. Intersession courses are considered a part of the spring semester and will be grouped with them on student transcripts. All relevant University fees will apply to intersession offerings.

Deadlines

Every semester students have sufficient opportunities to reconsider, for a period of time, their selection of courses. The academic calendar sets forth the specific deadlines for decisions about, and adjustments to, registration, adding and dropping courses, changing a grading option and withdrawing from courses. Meeting academic deadlines is the student’s responsibility.

Records

Student records maintained by the University are classified as education records and are governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  This federal law defines types of education records and how they are protected.  To understand more about rights regarding the inspection and review, amendment, and release of education records, students should refer to the University’s annual FERPA statement.

Timely notification of any change to biographical or demographical information, such as changes to name or address, is the obligation of the student.  Contact the Office of the University Registrar regarding changes to, or questions about, education records.

Registration

Registration is the process by which the Office of the University Registrar certifies the enrollment of students in courses of study and verifies their right to use the services available at the University. Registration information is available on the website at registrar.adelphi.edu/academic-calendar. The Directory of Classes is available online at registrar.adelphi.edu/course-search.

Freshmen register separately for their first semester at the University. In subsequent terms they register with all other students. Freshmen and transfers are mailed all pertinent information for their respective orientations and registrations.

There are several ways to register at Adelphi:

• Priority registration begins in late fall and spring and is  weeklong. It is an opportunity for students to select the courses in which they wish to enroll the following semester.
• A rolling registration period begins after Priority Registration ends. This period extends to the first day of classes, at which point Late Registration is established.

For specific semester dates and deadlines, please refer to the University’s academic calendar at registrar.adelphi.edu/academic-calendar.

Definition of a Student

Official designation of the status of “student” at Adelphi University is reserved for those individuals who have applied to the University for acceptance to a particular program or school and have been granted admission (in writing) and in accordance with the University policies that govern such decisions. University recognition of an individual as a student does not, however, imply or assign matriculation in the particular school or program of choice. Candidates who desire matriculation into a degree or certificate program are advised to investigate all the requirements necessary for official acceptance into their program of interest, since it is possible to carry the designation of “student” at Adelphi University and yet not have completed all necessary requirements for program acceptance or matriculation.

The University requires that all students submit proof of compliance with New York State immunization requirements (See “Admission Credentials ”).

Only students who have been cleared by the Office of Student Financial Services and who are officially registered for a course as of the end of the late registration period shall be eligible to receive a grade for that course.

Changes in the Registration

After the registration periods end, students may make four kinds of changes to their registration: adding courses, dropping courses, changing the grading option and withdrawing from courses. These changes to a registration (except for withdrawals) can be processed online via the CLASS system. Deadlines to make these changes are clearly set forth in the academic calendar and can be reviewed at registrar.adelphi.edu/academic-calendar.

Adding Courses

Students who wish to add a course to their program after they have processed their initial registration can add the course using the CLASS system until the deadlines stated on the academic calendar. Students are advised that there is a fee for adding courses and that there may be additional tuition charges.

Dropping Courses

Students who wish to drop a course from their program after they have processed their initial registration can drop the course using the CLASS system until the deadlines stated on the academic calendar.

Students are advised that there is a fee for dropping courses. Dropped courses will not appear on the transcript. Students should be aware that their status as a full-time student will be affected by dropping courses if their resulting credit load is less than 12 credits. It may also affect their financial aid.

Unfinished Course Work

The designation “I” (Incomplete) will be issued when the student has not completed the course requirements by the end of the semester and has obtained permission from the instructor to take additional time to complete the course work. The incomplete designation “I” may be used by instructors only if a student has been excused from the completion of course requirements because of illness or other exceptional, compelling circumstances. Students may have no more than twelve (12) months after the end of the semester in which the grade was given to resolve Incompletes. Unresolved Incompletes convert to “F”s after this time. This then becomes the final grade.

Withdrawing from Courses

Withdrawals from courses are possible after the deadline to drop courses but no later than the ninth week of the semester, the third week of a summer term, or the second week of a one-month term. Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete an Action Request Form, obtain appropriate signatures of academic approval and process the form in the Office of the University Registrar by the deadlines stated in the academic calendar. Withdrawals from courses appear on the transcript as a W. Non-attendance in a course does not constitute an official drop or withdrawal from a course. The student’s failure to drop or withdraw properly from a course does not preclude the instructor from submitting a grade for the student on the basis of the work previously submitted.

Removal from Courses

The individual faculty member has primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment. If a student engages in any behavior that results in disruption of a class, he or she may be directed by the faculty member to leave the class for the remainder of the class period.

An instructor may make a request to the Associate Provost in the Office of Academic Services and Retention to withdraw a student from a course if the student’s behavior continues to disrupt the course. The Associate Provost will seek to resolve the issue by attempting to find a resolution that is agreeable to both the student and the professor. However, the Associate Provost will inform the Student Judicial Officer in all cases of inappropriate behavior, even if a resolution is implemented, and the Student Judicial Officer may need to take additional action. If the Associate Provost is unsuccessful at finding a resolution, the Associate Provost will then refer the matter to the Student Judicial Officer who will proceed in accord with the Code of Conduct. The Student Judicial Officer will make every attempt to resolve the matter quickly, and whenever possible within seven business days. The student will not be allowed to return to the class until the matter is resolved by the Student Judicial Officer. The Student Judicial Officer will work with the Associate Provost in the Office of Academic Services and Retention to arrive at an outcome that preserves the integrity of the classroom, the authority of the professor and the rights of the student.

Individual schools and departments may have behavioral codes and expectations of professional standards that apply to classroom, clinical, field or other settings. Students in these schools or departments are accountable for those standards as well as the Code of Conduct.

Final Examinations

Final examinations for fall and spring semesters are held at the close of the semester. Final examinations for summer courses are normally held during the last regularly scheduled class meeting. Examination times are scheduled by the Office of the University Registrar and can be found online at registrar.adelphi.edu/final-exams. Instructors indicate their final examination requirements on syllabi or announcements distributed during the first week of class. If a course does not require a final examination, appropriate course-related activity will be substituted at the scheduled time during finals week. Classes may not meet at other times during finals week without written consent of the appropriate academic Dean and Provost.

Students are advised that no final examinations will be administered to an individual or group before the last official class meeting without the written consent of the appropriate academic dean and Provost:

• No instructor may increase the time allowed for a final examination beyond the scheduled two hours without written consent from the appropriate academic dean or the Office of Academic Services and Retention.
• No instructor may change the time or date of the final examination.
• No student may be required to take more than two final examinations during one calendar day. Students with more than two examinations on one calendar day should go to the appropriate academic dean or to the Office of Academic Services and Retention.
• Postponed examinations may be requested only by students who are seriously ill or who have more than two examinations in one day. Students will make the arrangements through the appropriate academic dean or the Office of Academic Services and Retention.
• Instructors must offer a make-up examination to all students who were excused from the final examination because of illness or because of conflict with other examinations.
• All students must be allowed to see their graded finals.
• Access to graded finals should be ensured for a period of one semester after the examination was completed.
• Completed and graded finals may not be left in public places for retrieval by students.

The Transcript

The transcript lists a student’s complete academic record.  Information on how students can obtain a copy of their transcript can be found at registrar.adelphi.edu/transcripts. There is a $10 charge per official transcript. An official transcript bears the seal of the University and the signature of the University Registrar. Unofficial transcripts are given to or sent directly to students and carry the notation UNOFFICIAL COPY. Transcripts will not be issued for students who have failed to meet their financial obligation to the University.

Grades

Grades represent the instructor’s evaluation of student competencies and course performance. Grades assigned by Adelphi instructors conform to University standards, policies and procedures. Each instructor will inform students of applicable grading standards for a course. Students may review the material submitted to the instructor for evaluation, such as that student’s papers and examinations. At the end of each semester, grades are given in semester courses. Instructors submit grades to the Office of the University Registrar within 48 hours of the scheduled final exam.

Computing the Grade-Point Average (GPA)

Earned Hours are credit hours awarded to the student for successful completion of academic course work or its equivalent.

Attempted Hours are the number of credit hours actually registered for by a student, except for audited courses and those from which one has been officially dropped.

Quality Points are computed by multiplying the grade points per hour by the credit hours of the course. For example, a “B+” in a 3-credit undergraduate course would generate 9.90 quality points. Quality Hours are all graded credits taken at Adelphi University.

No points are given for the “P” grade, and the “P” is not computed in either the semester or the cumulative GPA. A failing grade is recorded and computed as an “F.” Refer to the section “Unfinished Course Work” concerning how “I” is treated in the computation of the GPA.

For each semester’s work, a semester’s GPA is computed as follows:
The total number of quality points earned is divided by the total number of quality hours.
For example, 45 Quality Points ÷ 15 Quality Hours = 3.000 GPA

Withdrawal for Medical Reasons

Students requesting a withdrawal from the University because of medical reasons must submit the appropriate medical documentation and a letter requesting a medical withdrawal to the Office of Academic Services and Retention. This must be done during the semester for which the leave is requested. Students approved for Medical Withdrawal might have a credit posted to their account to be applied toward future semesters. All unused credit will be forfeited after one year of issuance and tuition and fee charges will not be refunded. Students who withdraw from the University for medical reasons will be dropped from all of their courses. Students wishing to return after a Medical Withdrawal must submit medical documentation clearing them for return to the Office of Academic Services and Retention. Adelphi University retains the right to obtain supplemental medical information.  Instructions for seeking a Medical Withdrawal can be found at academic-services.adelphi.edu/forms.

Residence fees will be refunded according to the policies outlined in the section “Residence Fees Refund .”

Readmission

Except for Medical Withdrawals, students who wish to be readmitted to Adelphi University should petition their school or college. Students who wish to be readmitted after a Medical Withdrawal petition the Office of Academic Services and Retention. Students in good standing who return following a leave for personal reasons will be asked to review their academic program with their academic adviser, their dean or an adviser in the Office of Academic Services and Retention. Students who withdraw for medical reasons must supply medical documentation as to their ability to return to school from a competent health professional. Students who have been dismissed from the University for academic deficiencies will not be considered for readmission within the year following their dismissal. Dismissed students will be readmitted under conditions agreed to by the student in an academic contract drawn up by the appropriate academic dean.

Unfinished Course Work

The designation “I” (Incomplete) will be issued when the student has not completed the course requirements by the end of the semester and has obtained permission from the instructor to take additional time to complete the course work. The Incomplete designation “I” may be used by instructors only if a student has been excused from the completion of course requirements because of illness or other exceptional, compelling circumstances. Students may have no more than one calendar year after the end of the semester in which the grade was given to resolve Incompletes. Unresolved Incompletes convert to Fs after this time. This then becomes the final grade.

Application for Graduation

All students must apply for graduation. Students should consult the university’s academic calendar for deadlines related to graduation application. Students that are credit eligible for graduation will receive an alert when they log on to eCampus. They will then have access to the on-line graduation application which they can submit to start the graduation check process. Additional information can be found at registrar.adelphi.edu/graduation.

Students who have completed degree requirements but who have not applied for graduation will not receive a diploma nor will the degree be conferred.

Students whose courses do not end by the date of graduation need to apply for the next applicable graduation date.

A student is considered “graduated” when the graduation application has been filed and all academic requirements have been met. Notation of graduation will appear on the student’s transcript as of the applicable graduation date.

Conferring of Degrees

Degrees are conferred in May, August, December and January. The formal conferring of degrees takes place annually at Commencement in May. Students who are within 12 credits of degree completion and will complete them by August may participate in the Commencement ceremonies but will not receive their degree until they have completed all degree requirements.

For more information, please visit the Commencement website at commencement.adelphi.edu.

Diplomas

Students who are awarded degrees are mailed diplomas certifying that all degree requirements have been met. Adelphi University will not issue diplomas to students who have outstanding financial obligations with the University. Diplomas are mailed 8–10 weeks after the date of graduation.

VA Pending Payment Compliance

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), this school adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA.  This school will not prevent or delay the student’s enrollment; assess a late penalty fee to the student; require the student to secure alternative or additional funding; or deny the student access to any resources available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution, including but not limited to access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities.  However, to qualify for this provision, such students will be required to produce the Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class.

Undergraduate Rules and Regulations

In addition to the Undergraduate Rules and Regulations found in this section, students should also consult the University Regulations for All Students section at the beginning of this chapter.

Age of Majority

Under New York State law, 18 is the age of majority. Except for the provision and sale of alcohol, students that age and older have the rights, responsibilities and privileges of all other adults. Adelphi University will normally communicate directly with students in matters of academic progress and standing, discipline, grades and financial obligations. Individuals outside the University seeking this information must obtain the written consent of the students. A parent may request information from his or her student’s education record if the student is a dependent (as defined in section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) without their dependent’s written consent. Upon receiving the written request from a parent (with documentation that the student is a dependent as indicated above), the University will respond to such requests at its discretion, on an individual basis.

Honor Code

The University is an academic community devoted to the pursuit of knowledge. Fundamental to this pursuit is academic integrity. In joining the Adelphi community students accept the University’s Statement of Academic Integrity and pledge to uphold the principles of honesty and civility embodied in it; to conduct themselves in accordance with ideals of truth and honesty; and to forthrightly oppose actions which would violate these ideals. For the complete Honor Code, please go to operations.adelphi.edu/policies/academic-honesty.

Matriculation Ceremony

New freshman officially join the University, become candidates for its degrees, bound to its principles, responsible to its policies and eligible for its privileges at the annual matriculation ceremony held at the beginning of the academic year.

The Associate Degree

Adelphi confers associate degrees on undergraduates who have fulfilled the requirements in the University College program. The 64-credit associate’s degree in liberal arts consists of 28 credits of General Education requirements and 36 credits of electives and major course work.

The Baccalaureate Degree

Adelphi confers baccalaureates—bachelor’s degrees—on undergraduates who have fulfilled their academic requirements. Typically, eight semesters are sufficient to complete a baccalaureate, with a minimum accumulation of 120 credits. All Adelphi baccalaureates have three components: General Education, a major course of study and a grouping of electives. Adelphi awards these baccalaureates: B.A. (Bachelor of Arts), B.S. (Bachelor of Science), B.B.A. (Bachelor of Business Administration), B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts), B.S.Ed (Bachelor of Science in Education) and B.S.W. (Bachelor of Social Work).

Concurrent Registration

Normally, Adelphi will not permit matriculated students to register for courses at other institutions while they are concurrently registered at Adelphi. In all cases, the policies on study at other institutions apply. (See section titled “Study at Other Institutions.”)

Auditing a Course

A course may be audited if the student has registered and paid the regular tuition for the course. Normally, an auditor will attend the course regularly. The instructor will stipulate the auditor’s responsibilities in the course. Once students have elected to register as auditors, a change in that status is not possible beyond the last day to add courses, nor can students who have elected to register as regular students change that status beyond the last day to add courses.

Academic Advising

Adelphi undergraduates have many sources for academic advice: faculty advisers, academic advisers in the offices of the deans of their School and the Office of Academic Services and Retention. Faculty advisers from the individual academic units assist students who have declared their major with course selection and are charged with approval of registration decisions.

Students who have not declared a major are assigned a freshman adviser on entering the University as freshmen. They advise the Pre-major (undeclared) students in their course selection and registration until they declare a major.

Students who wish to change majors or who have questions about the planning or progress of their degrees that cannot be answered by their major adviser can seek the advice and assistance of academic advisers in the Office of the Dean of their academic unit or the Office of Academic Services and Retention. Students who have not declared a major are included within the Arts and Sciences and go to the office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for help if needed. Similarly, students with problems relating to the conduct of courses (lectures, laboratories, evaluations, work load, grades, etc.) that cannot be resolved with the instructors concerned can also seek the advice and assistance of the academic adviser in the office of their dean. Students may also seek assistance in the Office of Academic Services and Retention at any time.

Academic advising at Adelphi both challenges and supports students as they examine, determine and work toward their educational and career goals. Each full-time member of the faculty holds a minimum of four office hours per week to serve the interests of students and to provide full and accurate academic advice. All undergraduates are required to consult with their advisers about their academic progress and to seek their approval for their academic plans. In addition, there is the Office of Pre-Professional Advising and Fellowships to counsel students interested in pursuing law, medicine, engineering, etc.

The Major

All students must pursue and complete an approved major. A major is a prescribed series of courses that enables students to acquire depth of knowledge and competence in an academic area of particular interest to the student. Adelphi recognizes and respects that students need different time frames to make their decision about a major. Students are urged to read the information on the different majors in this Bulletin. Students are also encouraged to discuss their options with departmental chairs or deans. All prerequisites are included in the major and course descriptions appearing in this Bulletin and can be found by accessing a degree audit at adelphi.edu/degree-audit. A minimum GPA of 2.0 in the major is required for graduation. Departments or schools may establish a GPA higher than 2.0.

Declaration of Major

Adelphi students may formally choose (declare) a major at any point during their first four semesters at the University. All students must have declared their major by their fifth semester, or after the completion of 60 credits of course work. A student may declare a major by 1) obtaining a Change of Major form from academic departments or from the Office of the University Registrar, or by going online to registrar.adelphi.edu/forms, and 2) submitting the, signed, completed form to the Registrar. Please also read sections below on “Acceptance Into a Major” and “Change of Major.” Once students decide on a major, and have been accepted into it, they are assigned to faculty advisers in their major.

Acceptance into a Major

Students must meet the minimum required grade-point average (GPA) of the major in order to gain acceptance into that major. Sometimes the student might have to complete certain pre-requisites before formal acceptance into the major.

Change of Major

As students learn more about their preferences and abilities—through course work and more precise knowledge about the characteristics and expectations of a major—they may make new choices.

When changing majors, students must thoroughly discuss their degree progress with their academic advisers. Students who wish to change their major may obtain a Change of Major form from academic departments or from the Office of the University Registrar or online at registrar.adelphi.edu/forms.  A change of major may also require adjustments to students’ graduation plans. These should be carefully reviewed by the students and their academic advisers. Students changing their major are expected to meet requirements for graduation according to the University Bulletin at the time the change is made.

Separation from a Major

Students who fall below the minimum GPA for their major may be placed on academic probation or separated from the major. A student cannot graduate with a GPA below the minimum required for her/his major.

Double Majors

Students who wish to complete the degree requirements of two departments in the College of Arts and Sciences or between Schools may do so with the permission of the chair of each department or School. The forms for declaring a double major are available in the Office of the University Registrar and after completion should be returned to that office. Double major students are candidates for a single degree only and must indicate the degree toward which they are working. If a course fulfills the requirements of two departments, the course may be accepted as fulfilling requirements of both departments toward the completion of the double major.

Minors

Many departments offer academic minors. Students are encouraged to declare a minor by the end of the junior year and must do so no later than the start of the second semester of their senior year. To receive official recognition and have the specified minor listed on their final transcript, students must complete a Change of Major form available from the Office of the University Registrar or online at registrar.adelphi.edu/forms and obtain written permission from the departmental chair of the minor or the Dean. Minors must include a minimum of 18 credits. Pass/fail grades may not be included in the minor and students must achieve a minimum 2.0 GPA in their minor in order to qualify for the minor.

Concentrations, Specializations, Tracks or Clusters

Some departments offer focused undergraduate programs of study within a major consisting of no fewer than twelve credits as a concentration, specialization, track or cluster. They will be officially recognized by the university on a student’s transcript. Its title (e.g., Concentration in Optics) will appear on the transcript of any student completing the requirements for said course of study within a major. Each department or school defines these focused programs of study as a specialization, a cluster, a track or a concentration according to the standards of usage of that discipline. To receive official recognition and have the specified focused undergraduate program of study within a major listed on their final transcript, students must complete an Application for Major/Minor/ Concentration, Specialization, Track or Cluster form available from the Office of the University Registrar and obtain written permission from the department chair and faculty advisor where the focused undergraduate program of study is to be undertaken.

Credit Hours

The total number of credit hours students take in one term determines their course load, or total course credits. A full course load, or full-time status, means that an undergraduate student is registered for at least 12 credit hours. Fewer than 12 credits means part-time status. Tuition and fee rates are determined by course load, which may also affect financial assistance eligibility.

Credit for Courses

For courses taken at Adelphi, a student receives academic credit for those completed with a grade of D– or better, or a grade of P in a class taken Pass/Fail. If a student fails a course and subsequently repeats it, both grades will appear on the transcript and will be used in computing the GPA. If a student who passed a course elects to repeat it, both grades will appear on the transcript and will be used in computing the GPA; however, the credits will be counted only one time toward graduation.

Standard Number of Credits

Students who wish to complete the minimum 120 credits required for graduation within eight semesters (four years) should register for an average of 15 or 16 credits per semester. Students who wish to major in disciplines that require a significant commitment of credits or that call for credits to be taken in a particular sequence (chemistry and physics, for example) may find it necessary to register for more than 15 credits in some semesters. Students may not register for more than 17½ credits without permission of their adviser. Students wishing to register for more than 18½ credits must also have the approval of their academic dean. These additional credits require additional tuition charges.

Credits for Physical Education Skills Courses

Each College of the University establishes the maximum number of physical education skills credits that count toward the baccalaureate degree. They are:

• College of Arts and Sciences–2 credits
• College of Education and Health Sciences (non Physical Education majors) –3 credits
• Robert B. Willumstad School of Business –3 credits
• School of Nursing –4 credits
• School of Social Work –2 credits
• Gordon F. Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies –4 credits
• University College –4 credits

Credits from Professional Schools

Adelphi has articulation agreements with several Professional Schools. Adelphi will grant credit towards the baccalaureate degree for courses taken at these accredited schools, as outlined by their agreement. Such credit will be granted, however, only under the following conditions:

• Completion of 90 academic credits at Adelphi with a 3.0 GPA
• Approval of the chair of the student’s major department at Adelphi
• Approval of the Adelphi department of the subject matter of the courses submitted for such credit
• Approval of the appropriate Academic Standards Committee is received before leaving Adelphi

A student in the College of Arts and Sciences who leaves Adelphi at the end of the junior year, having completed all work through the end of that year at Adelphi, may apply for the baccalaureate degree, contingent on satisfying the conditions listed above. Before leaving Adelphi, students should consult with their advisers and the directors of the joint degree programs in which these professional school participate to be sure that the students will meet all necessary Adelphi requirements for the baccalaureate degree and that any necessary forms have been completed.

Credits for Advanced Placement

Students may enter Adelphi with advanced standing in some disciplines because of their high achievement on the Advanced Placement (AP) offered by the College Board (collegeboard.com). International Baccalaureate (IB) or other approved examinations. Students who take AP or other approved examinations should have their scores sent to the Office of Admissions. For AP the request must include the code #2003, assigned by the College Board to Adelphi. Advanced Placement or other credits mean that students will be granted Adelphi credits—but no grades—because of the scores. If a student registers for courses in which they have received credits they will not receive additional credit, but the grade will be used in computing the GPA. Adelphi accepts AP credits in most areas, usually for tests in which students earned scores of 4 or 5 (see individual departments’ policies for details). A maximum of 30 credits earned before high school graduation will be accepted.

Transfer Credits

The official transcript of a transfer student from another college or university is evaluated by the Office of Admissions and the evaluation is sent to the Office of the University Registrar, where it is recorded on the permanent Adelphi University record. A student admitted to Adelphi and holding an associate of arts or associate of science degree is deemed to have met all general education requirements. Only courses in which grades ranging from A+ to C– may be transferred; courses in which a D was earned will not be awarded transfer credit.

Grade points of accepted courses are not transferred to the permanent Adelphi University record, nor are they included in the Adelphi cumulative GPA (see statement regarding graded credit in section titled “Latin Honors”). Students wishing to transfer from any one of the professional schools within the University into the College of Arts and Sciences, in order to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, can transfer no more than 30 professional school (applied) credits.

If a student successfully completes a course for which transfer credit has been awarded, only the Adelphi course will apply toward satisfying graduation requirements and the University reserves the right to remove the transfer credit from the student’s record.

For more information, see “Admission of Transfer Students ” in the Admissions section of the Bulletin.

Residency Requirements

Students transferring from an associate’s degree program at a regionally accredited college may transfer a maximum of 64 credits (with or without an associate’s degree). A student who was enrolled in a baccalaureate program at a four-year institution is eligible for a maximum of 90 credits.

Adelphi requires that the last 30 hours of college work be completed in residence. The maximum number of credits a student may receive from Advanced Placement tests offered by the College Board or other pre-college credits is 30 credits.

Transfer students entering the University with 60 credits or more are required to declare a major at the time of matriculation.

General Education Transfer Policy

See “General Education” in the Bulletin section “An Adelphi Education .”

Study at Other Institutions

Matriculated students who wish to take a course or courses at another institution and transfer the credits to Adelphi must secure permission for the course(s) to be taken before registering for for the course(s). Only students in good standing (i.e. not on academic probation) are eligible to take courses elsewhere and transfer them to Adelphi. Applications for this purpose, entitled “Permission to Study at Another Institution”, are available in the unit Deans’ Offices. Students whose major is Undeclared should go to the Office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences.

Approval to take courses at another institution must be obtained from:

• The student’s major adviser
• The chair of the Adelphi department of the courses to be taken elsewhere
• The Office of the Adelphi Dean of the student’s School. (Students who are Undeclared should go to the Office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences.)
• The Office of Academic Services and Retention.

The student may be granted permission to take courses at another institution only if the student is currently in good standing and if at least one of the following applies:

• The student needs extra credit to graduate on time or to move to the next class.
• The student needs a prerequisite for major classes to keep pace for graduation.
• The student demonstrates better academic success with 12–13 credits per semester than with 15–17.
• The student wants to take a class that is not offered at Adelphi University.

Courses taken at other institutions appear on the Adelphi transcript but are not calculated in the student’s GPA. Credit from a two-year college cannot be accepted toward a bachelor’s degree if a student has earned 64 or more credits toward that degree.

If a student successfully completes a course at both Adelphi and another institution, only the Adelphi course will apply toward satisfying graduation requirements and the University reserves the right to remove the transfer credit from the student’s record.

Preliminary arrangements for courses to be taken at overseas institutions to be applicable toward an Adelphi University degree must be approved through the Center for International Education in the same manner outlined above.

Course Policies and Practices

Course policies and practices are made explicit in each course syllabus. These are established by the course instructor and are never at variance with University policies and practices. The course syllabus describes attendance policy, course requirements and grading criteria. The instructors are required to distribute course syllabi during the first week of classes. Course syllabi are also on file in the appropriate Dean’s Office. Students planning to take advantage of advanced technology (e.g., recorders, laptops) in the classroom must seek the consent of the instructor. At Adelphi, time spent in the classroom is only a part of the student’s course work. Courses require reading, research and study to complete the classroom work assignments and may also require laboratory, tutorial, or fieldwork.

Course Numbering System

Below is the course numbering system used by the University:

• 100 to 299, appropriate for freshmen and sophomores;
• 300 to 499, appropriate for juniors and seniors;
• 500 to 599, graduate courses, sometimes open to seniors.

Students should note that registration in a graduate course does not constitute admission to graduate studies. See “Acceptance of Seniors into Graduate Courses” in this section of the Bulletin.

Removal from Courses

The individual faculty member has primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment. If a student engages in any behavior that results in disruption of a class, he or she may be directed by the faculty member to leave the class for the remainder of the class period.

An instructor may make a request to the Associate Provost in the Office of Academic Services and Retention to withdraw a student from a course if the student’s behavior continues to disrupt the course. The Associate Provost will seek to resolve the issue by attempting to find a resolution that is agreeable to both the student and the professor. However, the Associate Provost will inform the Student Judicial Officer in all cases of inappropriate behavior, even if a resolution is implemented, and the Student Judicial Officer may need to take additional action. If the Associate Provost is unsuccessful at finding a resolution, the Associate Provost will then refer the matter to the Student Judicial Officer who will proceed in accord with the Code of Conduct. The Student Judicial Officer will make every attempt to resolve the matter quickly, and whenever possible within seven business days. The student will not be allowed to return to the class until the matter is resolved by the Student Judicial Officer. The Student Judicial Officer will work with the Associate Provost in the Office of Academic Services and Retention to arrive at an outcome that preserves the integrity of the classroom, the authority of the professor and the rights of the student.

Individual schools and departments may have behavioral codes and expectations of professional standards that apply to classroom, clinical, field or other settings. Students in these schools or departments are accountable for those standards as well as the Code of Conduct.

Acceptance of Seniors into Graduate Courses

Acceptance of undergraduates into graduate courses is carefully supervised by the institution, as follows:

• College of Arts and Sciences and School of Nursing
  A limited number of seniors of superior scholastic ability who are within 15-credit hours of completing requirements for the bachelor’s degree may be accepted into certain graduate courses.
  
  Acceptance into a graduate course during the senior year does not constitute admission to graduate standing. At the discretion of the Graduate Admissions Committee, however, a limited number of credits so earned, and not used to fulfill the requirements for the bachelor’s degree, may be applied toward an advanced degree. Such credits may not be applied toward fulfillment of the residence requirement for a higher degree.
   
• College of Education and Health Sciences
  Under advisement, undergraduate students in their junior or senior year may take 500 and 600 level courses for undergraduate credit toward their bachelor’s degree; or, with permission of the Chair, for graduate credit (courses for graduate credit will not count toward Bachelor’s degree).
   
• Robert B. Willumstad School of Business
  No undergraduate student may register for graduate course work in the School of Business.
   
• Gordon F. Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies
  Undergraduates may register for graduate courses in the Derner Institute only with permission of the Dean.
   
• School of Social Work
  Junior and senior students enroll in selected sections of SWK 500 graduate-level courses as part of their required course of study and receive undergraduate credit for these courses. They are eligible to enroll in selected SWK 700-level electives with the approval of the director and receive undergraduate credit.

Independent Study

The purpose of independent study is to pursue an academic interest not adequately covered by the regular course offerings. Students must register for independent study during the regular registration periods and never later than the last day to drop courses. Each College and School has separate requirements concerning independent study. Information concerning these requirements is listed by School. Independent study may not be taken Pass/Fail.

Grades

Grades represent the instructor’s evaluation of student competencies and course performance. Grades assigned by Adelphi instructors conform to University standards, policies and procedures. Each instructor will inform students of applicable grading standards for a course. Students may review the material submitted to the instructor for evaluation, such as that student’s papers and examinations. At the end of each semester, grades are given in semester courses. Instructors submit grades to the Office of the University Registrar within 48 hours of the scheduled final exam.

Grading System

Adelphi has a letter grading system. Passing grades, in rank order, are A, B, C, D and P (Pass). Failing grades are designated with F.

Unfinished Course Work

The designation “I” (Incomplete) will be issued when the student has not completed the course requirements by the end of the semester and has obtained permission from the instructor to take additional time to complete the course work. The Incomplete designation “I” may be used by instructors only if a student has been excused from the completion of course requirements because of illness or other exceptional, compelling circumstances. Students may have no more than one calendar year after the end of the semester in which the grade was given to resolve Incompletes. Unresolved Incompletes convert to Fs after this time. This then becomes the final grade.

What Grades Signify

Other Transcript Designations

Computing the Grade-Point Average (GPA)

Earned Hours are credit hours awarded to the student for successful completion of academic course work or its equivalent.

Attempted Hours are the number of credit hours actually registered for by a student, except for audited courses and those from which one has been officially dropped.

Quality Points are computed by multiplying the grade points per hour by the credit hours of the course. For example, a B+ in a 3-credit undergraduate course would generate 9.90 quality points. Quality Hours are all graded credits taken at Adelphi University.

No points are given for the “P” grade, and the “P” is not computed in either the semester or the cumulative GPA. A failing grade is recorded and computed as an “F.” Refer to the section “Unfinished Course Work” concerning how “I” is treated in the computation of the GPA.

For each semester’s work, a semester’s GPA is computed as follows:
The total number of quality points earned is divided by the total number of quality hours.
For example, 45 Quality Points ÷ 15 Quality Hours = 3.000 GPA

A student who has received advanced placement credit and/or transfer credit will have the cumulative GPA computed on the basis of total quality hours at Adelphi. Example: if a student presents 120 credits for graduation, 8 credits of which are for advanced placement or transfer credit, the cumulative GPA is computed on 112 credits.

Pass/Fail Option

The Pass/Fail grade option is designed to encourage students to explore disciplines outside their major without affecting their GPA. The letter “P” (Pass) or “F” (Fail) are the only grades assigned when students choose the Pass/Fail grade options. The student will be given credit for courses in which the grade of “P” is earned, but these courses will not affect the computation of the GPA. A grade of “F” earns no credit but will affect the computation of the GPA. The following restrictions apply:

The P/F option is not available:

• to students whose semester or cumulative GPA is less than 2.0
• for courses required for a major or a minor
• for independent study
• for General Education courses
• for courses which do not allow the P/F option

A maximum of eight courses may be taken with the P/F option in the baccalaureate. Transfer students are advised to consult the section titled “Latin Honors.”

Grade Changes

Grades are submitted only by the instructor of the course. Any change of grade must be approved by that instructor. A grade may be changed only if there is unequivocal evidence that it was the result of computational or mechanical error.

Students who believe their grades are incorrect or unfair should:

• Discuss their course work with the instructor
• Review with the course instructor the grading policies for the course
• If still dissatisfied, disputes concerning grades should be brought to the chair of the department (if there is a chair)
• The chair may choose to discuss the matter with the instructor to try to resolve the issues
• If still dissatisfied, or if there is no chair, students should bring their concerns to the assistant or associate dean of the school responsible for the course
• The dean may choose to discuss the matter with the chair and/or the instructor to try to resolve the issues
• If the issues remain unresolved, the student may request that the Office of Academic Services discuss the matter with the instructor
• The Associate Provost may choose to discuss the matter with the dean

If the Chair, Dean, or Provost concludes that a grade was a result of arbitrary or capricious conduct on the part of the instructor, the student may be allowed to withdraw from the course. In the case of arbitrary or capricious conduct, the department or school may allow the substitution of another course to replace the course in question.

All disputes concerning the accuracy of a grade must be raised within one calendar year. Grade changes must first be signed by the instructor and then by the department chair and the appropriate dean before being submitted to the Registrar.

Academic Standing

Academic standing is defined by a student’s semester and cumulative GPA and the level of progress made toward the number of credits required for the completion of the baccalaureate.

Class Standing

Class standing is determined by the number of credits passed. Credits not completed do not count toward the number of credits required for class standing. The number of credits passed required for each class is:

• Freshman 0 to 29 credits
• Sophomore 30 to 59 credits
• Junior 60 to 89 credits
• Senior 90 or more credits

Dean’s List

The Deans of Arts and Sciences, Education, Business, Nursing, Social Work, Derner IAPS and University College recognize superior academic work every semester. The Dean’s List comprises full-time students—registered for 12 or more credits—who have completed at least 9 graded credits and achieved a GPA of 3.5 or above for that semester. This recognition becomes part of the student’s academic record and is entered into the student’s transcript.

Good Academic Standing

Good academic standing describes the minimum academic attainment required of students in order to remain at the University.

• All Adelphi undergraduates, regardless of grades in their major, must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in order to remain in good academic standing and to be eligible for graduation.
• Students who have not chosen a major must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in order to remain in good academic standing.
• Students who have declared a major must maintain the minimum GPA of that major in order to continue their affiliation with that school, and to graduate with the chosen major. Some majors require a GPA higher than 2.0.

Grade-Point Minimum Cumulative Requirements GPA

Poor Academic Standing

Students who fall below the minimum GPA required by the University or their major are in poor academic standing and will be placed on academic probation. The fall from good academic standing does not preclude students from registering for courses of study but they may register for no more than 13 credits. It may have consequences for their eligibility to participate in student activities such as student government, intercollegiate athletics, fraternities, sororities and other student organizations.

Students in poor academic standing may also lose their eligibility to continue to receive financial assistance, as determined by Adelphi University, the New York State Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education. Students and their advisers should read carefully the state and federal policies and criteria that relate academic standing to financial aid eligibility. Students who participate in intercollegiate athletics must comply with the eligibility regulations agreed upon by the University and the NCAA and, therefore, may become ineligible for participation in team sports because of their poor University academic standing.

University Academic Probation

University academic probation indicates that the student’s academic performance, as reflected in the semester or cumulative GPA, raises doubts about the student’s ability to complete the particular requirements and meet the specific standards for the baccalaureate. Such students will be placed on probation by the dean of the college or school offering the student’s major. Students who have not declared their majors and are not in good academic standing will be placed on academic probation by the College of Arts and Sciences.

School or College Academic Probation

Students who do not maintain the GPA required for their major will be placed on School Academic Probation by the dean of the appropriate school in which the major is maintained.

Terms of Academic Probation

Academic probation ordinarily entails an academic contract between the student and the dean to complete a specific number of courses in a specific period of time and to achieve a specific GPA. Academic contracts normally prescribe other remedial actions, such as reduced course load, assessment of learning skills, or tutoring.

Length of Academic Probation

Students placed on academic probation must remedy their academic deficiencies within the next regular semester. This period may be extended by the appropriate dean if the student shows significant academic progress or if the student was admitted to the University under the academic agreements of a particular program. Failure to return to good standing may result in dismissal from the university.

Notification

Students placed on academic probation will be advised of this action by an e-mail from their dean. The letter will specify the criteria used in determining the probation action (GPA or number of credits, for example) and will specify the terms under which good academic standing can be regained. Students who fulfill the terms of their academic probation will be advised in writing by their dean of their return to good academic standing.

Failure to Return to Good Academic Standing

Students on academic probation who fail to fulfill their academic contract or fail to return to good academic standing may be separated (dropped) from their major or, if warranted, dismissed from the University.

Students who are separated (dropped) from their majors but who still have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 will be referred to the Office of Academic Services and Retention for assistance in the identification of a new major or pertinent remedial actions.

Dismissal

Academic dismissal means separation from the University because of the student’s poor quality of academic attainment and low level of progress toward the baccalaureate. Dismissal is a most serious academic action. Students who are dismissed from the University will have their next term’s registration canceled, if they have registered in advance, and will have all their affiliations with the University terminated.

Students who have been dismissed from the University will not be considered for readmission within the year following their dismissal. Dismissed students are advised that there is no real or implied right to such readmission.

Academic dismissals can occur after the conclusion of any semester. Academic dismissals are carried out on behalf of the University by the Office of Academic Services and Retention. A student who is subject to dismissal may petition the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs.

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence is  permission to be temporarily away from the University, generally to study at another institution in the United States or abroad. (See “Study at Other Institutions” under “Credits”) A leave of absence is sought in writing from the appropriate academic dean. A leave of up to one year can be granted to students in good academic and financial standing. Medical and personal leaves are also possible. (See “Withdrawal for Medical Reasons.”)

A request for a leave of absence must be received by the appropriate academic dean prior to the beginning of the semester(s) for which the leave is requested. After a leave of absence, students should seek readmission from the appropriate academic dean. (See “Readmission,” following.)

Withdrawal from the University

Withdrawal from the University means that students interrupt the course of their study and discontinue all their affiliations with the University. Withdrawal from the University is sought in writing from the Office of Academic Services and Retention. The date of receipt of the written request determines refunds or financial obligations.

Students who withdraw from the University after the fourth week and before the end of the ninth week of the semester receive the grade of “W” for all their courses. “W” is not calculated into the cumulative average. Withdrawals from the University after the ninth week of the semester will not be granted because of inability to attend classes, take final examinations, or complete course work. (See “Incomplete.”)

Adelphi reserves the right to withdraw from the University students who discontinue their registration for one semester. In addition, Adelphi reserves the right to withdraw from the University any student for any reason without notification to parents or guardian. Students who withdraw or are withdrawn from the University are advised that there is no real or implied right to readmission. Students who are not registered for any credits for two consecutive semesters are administratively withdrawn from the University.

Academic Forgiveness Readmission Policy

Former Adelphi students who have been away from the university for at least three years who had a GPA of less than 2.0 can apply for Academic Forgiveness. The applicant would be admitted or readmitted to the school to which s/he is applying under a Final Probation Contract. The student would qualify for “Academic Forgiveness” after completing one semester (12–13 credits) with a GPA determined by the school. In no case would the qualifying GPA be less than 2.3. If the student is successful, the GPA prior to readmission would be cancelled. All grades would remain on the transcript. Credits received prior to readmission with the grades of D–, D, or D+ would be cancelled. Students must complete at least 30 credits at Adelphi after return.

Graduation

GPA Required for Graduation

Students who have completed the minimum number of credits required by their major for graduation and attained a cumulative GPA of 2.0 must apply for graduation. Majors in the Schools of Business, Nursing and Social Work are required to have a higher cumulative GPA for graduation, respectively 2.3, 2.5 and 2.75. Majors in Physical Education and Communication Science (School of Education) should refer to the Bulletin section for the School of Education for specific requirements.

Determination of Graduation Requirements

Normally, matriculated students follow the graduation requirements established in the Bulletin under which they are admitted to the University; however, students who interrupt enrollment for two or more consecutive semesters (fall and spring) are governed by the Bulletin in effect when they are readmitted. Requests for exceptions are reviewed by the appropriate academic dean.

Residence Requirements

A student must complete the final 30 credits toward a degree at Adelphi in order to be eligible for the degree.

Students who transfer credits in excess of 64 from two-year colleges may apply only 64 of those credits toward a baccalaureate degree to be awarded by Adelphi University. (See statement regarding graded credits in section titled “Latin Honors.”)

Departmental or School Honors

Students graduating with the highest averages in their major may be nominated for departmental or school honors, provided that the GPA of the nominated student is 3.5 or above for courses taken in that department. A student must have completed 30 credits in a major field to be eligible for departmental or school honors.

Latin Honors

An undergraduate student whose cumulative GPA is between 3.3 and 3.599 may graduate with honors (cum laude); whose cumulative GPA is between 3.6 and 3.849 with high honors (magna cum laude); whose cumulative GPA is 3.85 and above with highest honors (summa cum laude).

In addition to the cumulative GPA, fifty-six Adelphi credits of graded courses—excluding “P” grades—must be completed for a student to be considered for Latin Honors.

If a student has 56 earned hours at Adelphi but was required, for completion of the major, to take a major course offered only on a Pass/Fail basis, the student may request the Registrar to calculate the cumulative GPA (for purposes of determining Latin Honors only) based on all grades and course work taken both at Adelphi and other institutions.

Requirements for Two Bachelor’s Degrees

If a student would like to complete two undergraduate degrees simultaneously at Adelphi University, the student can do so under the following conditions:

• The two degrees must be two distinctly different degrees (e.g. Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts, or a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Science, but not two Bachelor of Arts degrees or a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in the same subject).
• According to NY State regulations, the two degrees must be completed in “a time span greater than required for one degree.” Therefore, Adelphi requires that a student complete a minimum of 30 credits above the minimum required for one Bachelor’s degree.
• Students must file for both degrees when applying for graduation.
• Students will receive two diplomas.

Graduate Rules and Regulations

In addition to the Graduate Rules and Regulations found in this section, students should also consult the University Regulations For All Students section at the beginning of this chapter.

Honor Code

The University is an academic community devoted to the pursuit of knowledge. Fundamental to this pursuit is academic integrity. In joining the Adelphi community, students accept the University’s Statement of Academic Integrity and pledge to uphold the principles of honesty and civility embodied in it; to conduct themselves in accordance with ideals of truth and honesty; and to forthrightly oppose actions which would violate these ideals. For the complete Honor Code, please go to operations.adelphi.edu/policies/academic-honesty

Acceptance as a Degree Candidate

Acceptance as degree candidates in all programs is recommended by the school and department in which a student wishes to specialize. Status as a degree candidate depends upon a student’s qualifications and the policy of the degree program in which he or she wishes to enroll. Students who are provisionally accepted must apply for a change in status at the office of the dean of their chosen school.

Academic Forgiveness Readmission Policy

When a former Adelphi graduate student has been away from the University for at least three years and had a GPA of less than 3.0 and is offered admission or readmission to an Adelphi graduate program (based on the admission standards of that program), the student will be admitted or readmitted under a final probation contract to be developed according to standards of the graduate program. The student’s GPA would be calculated without previous graduate grades, although all previous classes and grades would remain on the student’s transcript.

Continuous Matriculation

Students wishing to maintain their status as graduate students and continue to have access to faculty and the resources of Adelphi University must register for continuous matriculation. Registration is required, for example, of students who have completed all course requirements except the thesis and dissertation and who want supervision or advice from faculty, use of laboratory facilities, or the use of the University Libraries.

Payment of the registration fee entitles students to all the privileges of registered students. This fee need not be paid by a student whose only contact with the University during an academic semester is to take a comprehensive or similar examination for a graduate degree. Certified candidates for a doctoral degree, if not registered for courses or thesis or dissertation research carrying academic credit, may register for continuous matriculation during each semester of the academic year until they have completed degree requirements.

Academic Advising

Upon beginning study for a master’s or doctoral degree, students are assigned an academic adviser. The adviser approves the student’s program of studies, counsels and advises on academic regulations, protocols and procedures.

Students themselves are solely responsible for developing their programs of study and meeting all requirements for degrees. Students must therefore familiarize themselves thoroughly with the University regulations, protocols and procedures set forth here, and with the specific regulations, protocols and procedures set forth under each school and degree program.

Academic Residence

Candidates for the M.A., M.S. and M.B.A. degrees are expected to carry at least one course each semester. Candidates for all master’s degrees are expected to fulfill all degree requirements within the following time periods from the start of graduate study:

• M.S.—six years
• M.B.A. in accounting, M.B.A. in management and M.S. in banking and money management—six years
• M.S.W.—four years
• others—five years

Under extraordinary circumstances and with the recommendation of a student’s department, the dean may grant an extension of the time limit.

Credit Hours

The total number of credit hours students take in one term determines their course load, or total course credits. A full course load, or full-time status, means that a graduate student is registered for at least 9 credit hours. Fewer than 9 credits means part-time status. For federal and state financial aid purposes and for tuition and fee rate calculations, 12 or more credit hours is considered full-time status.

Specific information regarding the various types of graduate financial aid and the number of credits necessary to qualify for graduate financial aid is available at financial-aid.adelphi.edu.

Course Policies and Practices

Course policies and practices are made explicit in each course syllabus. These are established by the course instructor and are never at variance with University policies and practices. The course syllabus describes attendance policy, course requirements and grading criteria. The instructors are required to distribute course syllabi during the first week of classes. Course syllabi are also on file in the appropriate dean’s office. Students planning to take advantage of advanced technology (e.g., recorders, laptops) in the classroom must seek the consent of the instructor. At Adelphi, time spent in the classroom is only a part of the student’s course work. Courses require reading, research and study to complete the classroom work assignments and may also require laboratory, tutorial, or fieldwork.

Course Numbering System

Graduate courses are numbered 500 and higher. Graduate students may not take courses numbered lower than 500 for graduate credit. Graduate courses numbered 500 to 599 are open to Adelphi seniors under strictly controlled admission to graduate standing. However, at the discretion of a dean, a limited number of graduate credits so earned, and not used to fulfill baccalaureate requirements, may be applied toward a higher degree. Graduate courses numbered 600 to 699 are normally taken during the first year, and those numbered 700 to 799 taken in the second year, of full-time graduate study. Courses numbered 800 and higher are reserved for third- and fourth-year graduate students in doctoral programs.

Auditing Courses

Some departments do not permit auditing at the graduate level and regularly enrolled students always are given priority over students who are auditing if space in the class is limited.

Students wishing to audit graduate courses are advised to obtain permission from the appropriate department head or graduate director. No credit may be earned for an audited course by examination or any other means, and no audited course may be repeated for a credit at a later date.

Removal from Courses

The individual faculty member has primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment. If a student engages in any behavior that results in disruption of a class, he or she may be directed by the faculty member to leave the class for the remainder of the class period.

An instructor may make a request to the Associate Provost in the Office of Academic Services and Retention to withdraw a student from a course if the student’s behavior continues to disrupt the course. The Associate Provost will seek to resolve the issue by attempting to find a resolution that is agreeable to both the student and the professor. However, the Associate Provost will inform the Student Judicial Officer in all cases of inappropriate behavior, even if a resolution is implemented, and the Student Judicial Officer may need to take additional action. If the Associate Provost is unsuccessful at finding a resolution, the Associate Provost will then refer the matter to the Student Judicial Officer who will proceed in accord with the Code of Conduct. The Student Judicial Officer will make every attempt to resolve the matter quickly, and whenever possible within 7 business days. The student will not be allowed to return to the class until the matter is resolved by the Student Judicial Officer. The Student Judicial Officer will work with the Associate Provost in the Office of Academic Services and Retention to arrive at an outcome that preserves the integrity of the classroom, the authority of the professor and the rights of the student.

Individual schools and departments may have behavioral codes and expectations of professional standards that apply to classroom, clinical, field or other settings. Students in these schools or departments are accountable for those standards as well as the Code of Conduct.

Grades

Grades represent the instructor’s evaluation of student competencies and course performance. Grades assigned by Adelphi instructors conform to University standards, policies and procedures. Each instructor will inform students of applicable grading standards for a course. Students may review the material submitted to the instructor for evaluation, such as that student’s papers and examinations. At the end of each semester, grades are given in semester courses. Instructors submit grades to the Office of the University Registrar within 48 hours of the scheduled final exam.

Grading System

Adelphi has a letter grading system. Passing grades for graduate students, in rank order, are A, B, C and P (Pass). Failing grades are designated with F.

Unfinished Course Work

The designation “I” (Incomplete) will be issued when the student has not completed the course requirements by the end of the semester and has obtained permission from the instructor to take additional time to complete the course work. The incomplete designation “I” may be used by instructors only if a student has been excused from the completion of course requirements because of illness or other exceptional, compelling circumstances. Students may have no more than one calendar year after the end of the semester in which the grade was given to resolve Incompletes. Unresolved Incompletes convert to “F”s after this time. This then becomes the final grade.

What Grades Signify

Other Transcript Designations

Grade Changes

Grades are submitted only by the instructor of the course. Any change of grade must be approved by that instructor. A grade may be changed only if there is unequivocal evidence that it was the result of computational or mechanical error.

Students who believe their grades are incorrect or unfair should:

• Discuss their course work with the instructor
• Review with the course instructor the grading policies for the course
• If still dissatisfied, disputes concerning grades should be brought to the chair of the department (if there is a chair)
• The chair may choose to discuss the matter with the instructor to try to resolve the issues
• If still dissatisfied, or if there is no chair, students should bring their concerns to the assistant or associate dean of the school responsible for the course
• The dean may choose to discuss the matter with the chair and/or the instructor to try to resolve the issues
• If the issues remain unresolved, the student may request that the Office of Academic Services discuss the matter with the instructor
• The Associate Provost may choose to discuss the matter with the dean.

If the Chair, Dean, or Provost concludes that a grade was a result of arbitrary or capricious conduct on the part of the instructor, the student may be allowed to withdraw from the course. In the case of arbitrary or capricious conduct, the department or school may allow the substitution of another course to replace the course in question.

All disputes concerning the accuracy of a grade must be raised within one calendar year. Grade changes must first be signed by the instructor and then by the department chair and the appropriate dean before being submitted to the Registrar.

Pass/Fail Option

Graduate students may not take any courses required for their major Pass/Fail, with the exception of any course that is only offered Pass/Fail.

GPA Required for Graduation

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for all graduate students for graduation. The doctoral program in Social Work requires a minimum GPA of 3.3 for graduation.

Leave of Absence

Graduate degree candidates who find it necessary to interrupt their education for a period exceeding one year’s time must request in writing a leave of absence from their chair and dean.

Without such notice, students will be dropped from the official roster of degree candidates.

Withdrawal from the University

Withdrawal from the University means that students interrupt the course of their study and discontinue all their affiliations with the University. In cases of withdrawal for other than medical reasons, students should notify, in writing, the dean of the pertinent school. The date of receipt of the written request determines refunds or financial obligations.

Adelphi reserves the right to withdraw from the University students who discontinue their registration for one semester. In addition, Adelphi reserves the right to withdraw from the University any student whose quality of academic performance or conduct is unsatisfactory. Students who withdraw or are withdrawn from the University are advised that there is no real or implied right to readmission. Furthermore, students who withdraw or are dismissed from a graduate program who wish to enter a different graduate program at Adelphi must apply separately to that program for admission. Following withdrawal or dismissal, there is no automatic admission to a different graduate program even within the same department.

Students who are not registered for any credits for two consecutive semesters are administratively withdrawn from the University.

For associated withdrawal fees, please see the tuition and fees section of this Bulletin, in Expenses and Financial Aid.

Determination of Graduation Requirements

Normally, matriculated students follow the graduation requirements established in the Bulletin under which they are admitted to the University; however, students who interrupt enrollment for two or more consecutive semesters (fall and spring) are governed by the Bulletin in effect when they are readmitted. Requests for exceptions are reviewed by the appropriate academic dean.

Residence Requirements

A student must complete the final 30 credits toward a degree at Adelphi in order to be eligible for the degree.