Academic Policies & Standards
Academic Standards | Academic Policies | Computer & Network Policy
Standards
Academic Honor Code
All students are expected to accept and abide by the values of honesty, integrity, and truthfulness in their academic work. Sanctions imposed by course instructors for academic dishonesty - such as plagiarism or cheating - range from failing the work involved, to failing the course, to being dismissed. Records of violations and sanctions are maintained in student files. Appeals are to be directed to the vice president for academic affairs or the vice president's designate.
Academic Probation
A cumulative grade point average of B- (2.70) is required to qualify for a degree. Students whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.70 in any given semester are considered to be on academic probation for the following semester. Those on probation for two continuous semesters may be dismissed.
Grade Interpretation
F/P indicates student registered on Pass/Fail basis and passed. Students may only register P/F for electives, and must do so before the third week of the semester. Course credit is received, though GPA is not affected.
The grade point average (GPA) is the weighted average that indicates academic progress. It is cumulative since each grade's point value is added to all accumulated course grades.
To determine the GPA: multiply the quality point value of a course grade by the credit value of each course, add all values together divide by the total number of quality credits earned at Salve Regina University. Note: P, I, IE, AU, W, and NG are not computed in the GPA.
Incompletes
Students who have not completed all course work and believe they have valid academic reasons may submit a request to the instructor for an Incomplete (I). If approved, the instructor indicates the date by which the work must be completed on an "Incomplete" form. If it is not finished by the stated date, the grade becomes an F.
Grade Review - Resolving Questions
All requests for a review of a semester grade must address the process followed in calculating the final grade and not the instructor's evaluation of the student's work. Students must first attempt to resolve their questions informally with the instructor. If no resolution is achieved, students who wish to pursue a formal grade review need to adhere to the following process and schedule:- A request for a review of a semester grade must be made in writing by the student to the course instructor no later than 30 days after the date semester grades become available to students online at 'My Salve'. The student sends a copy of this request to the director of the program which offered the course and to the dean of graduate studies.
- Within 10 working days of the receipt of this request, the instructor shall forward to the
student, the program director, and the dean, a grade review in writing. The grade review
will consist of:
- a copy of the course syllabus outlining assignments, tests and examinations, along with their respective percentage weights to the final grad calculation;
- the student's grades for all tests and assignments;
- a demonstration of the calculations by which the final grade was determined.
A student who finds the review unsatisfactory (i.e., there are still questions remaining regarding the calculation) may present the case to the graduate program director in which the course was offered within ten working days of the receipt of the review or, if the instructor is also the program director, directly to the dean. The program director or dean will have ten working days in which to respond. If necessary, a final appeal may be made to the dean within ten working days of the program director's response, and the dean will have ten working days in which to determine the matter. The dean's decision in the matter will be final.
Policies
Academic Calendar
Salve Regina's academic year includes a fall and spring semester and two summer sessions. Calendar information may be found in the Schedule of Classes in the Registrar's Office, and on the website. Click here for the academic calendar.
Academic Load
Students may pursue graduate degrees on either a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time graduate students take at least three and no more than four courses (nine to twelve credits) in a degree program each semester. Please note that not all graduate programs offer courses for full-time study. Students employed full-time are advised to register for no more than two courses (six credits) each semester. Students are also advised to register for no more than one course each summer session.
All graduate courses are three credits unless otherwise noted.
Attendance
For on-campus courses, class participation is considered an essential part of the educational experience. Students are expected to attend all classes and to be responsible for course content. Faculty members establish attendance policies for their courses.
Cancellations
Classes canceled due to inclement weather or other emergencies will be announced through the University's central switchboard (401-847-6650), local radio and television stations, and on the SalveToday website.
Confidentiality of Student Information
Procedures for the release and disclosure of student records maintained by the University are in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (FERPA). Where the law is silent, the University is guided by the principles that the privacy of an individual is of great importance and that as much information in a student's file as possible should be disclosed to the student upon request. University officials may have access to student information when access is necessary for legitimate educational interests such as appropriate advising relating to the student's academic or campus life. Third parties have access to personally identifiable student records or information only with the student's written consent or as otherwise provided by FERPA. Parents and guardians are considered third parties who need a written release signed by the student to gain access to student records (Parental Release form). Detailed guidelines for release and disclosure of information are available from the Registrar's Office. These guidelines comply with FERPA and the Students' Right to Know/Campus Security Act of 1990. A detailed description of student rights under FERPA is contained in the Student Handbook.
Required graduate and undergraduate student theses and other papers authored by students may be made available by the University for the research purposes of third parties with the students' permission.
Course Numbers
Graduate-level courses have numbers of 500 and above. Courses of 600 and above are limited to doctoral or CAGS students.
Course Changes
Students may add and drop courses without academic penalty any time prior to the second class meeting. If a student does not officially drop or withdraw from a course prior to the last class, a final grade will be given.
Graduation Requirements
To qualify for graduation, candidates must be fully matriculated into their respective graduate programs and complete all requirements with a minimum grade point average of 2.70. All students in the master's degree programs must complete the Graduate Student Enhancement Program.
Graduation Procedures
Candidates intending to graduate must submit a completed File for Degree Form in the Office of the Registrar prior to Commencement. All program requirements must be complete before conferral of the degree and participation in commencement ceremonies. Where applicable, the following documents also must be on file prior to graduation:
- Official transcripts validating any transfer credit to be applied toward the degree
- Evidence of an Exit Interview with the Director of Financial Aid
Graduate Student Enhancement Program
All students completing their graduate degree exclusively through online study must complete the Graduate Student Enhancement Program.
Independent Study/Research
Matriculated graduate students who want to pursue independent study/research for credit, need to discuss proposed work with the instructor and Program Director. If the proposal is approved, a proposal form (available in the Registrar's Office) is completed, signed and presented at Registration.
Leave of Absence
Students who decide not to enroll in courses for two or more consecutive semesters must request, in writing, a leave of absence from the Dean of Graduate Studies. Students returning to classes after an absence of two or more consecutive semesters without an approved leave are required to apply for readmission. Readmission forms may be obtained from the Graduate Studies office.
Non-credit Registration
Matriculated students in good academic standing may audit courses to receive an AU (no credit) on their transcript. They must complete all course requirements except exams. Unless stated otherwise, tuition for audited courses is the same as courses taken for credit. Students may not change registration from credit to audit or audit to credit after the end of the first week of class.
Time Limitations
Master's degree work must be completed within five years of matriculation and doctoral work must be completed within seven years of the comprehensive examination.
Transfer of Credit
Students may transfer up to 40% of the credits required of a particular graduate program if the following conditions apply: courses are appropriate for that particular graduate program; students received a grade of B or better in each course requested for transfer; credits transferred were not applied toward a previous degree; credits were obtained from a regionally accredited institution, and credits were earned within eight years of request to transfer.
Transfer credits must be authorized by the Dean of Graduate Studies after recommendation by the Program Director.
Students who have completed courses approved by the American Council of Education (ACE) at non-degree granting military or professional schools may request additional transfer credits up to a total of 18.
Students with a CPCU designation may transfer 12 credits into either management program at the master's level.
Transcripts
Transcripts are released following a written student request and payment of the appropriate fee or when mandated by law. Transcript services may be denied to students who have outstanding financial obligations at the University.
Withdrawal from a Course
Students who want to withdraw from a course after the drop/add deadline must make this request in writing and have it approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies. They can do so by submitting a course withdrawal form (available from the Registrar's Office), writing a letter, or sending a fax. If the request is approved, a grade of "W" will appear on the student's transcript. All withdrawal requests must be received by the Graduate Studies Office prior to the last class meeting. Please refer to the "Financial Information" section of this catalog for details on tuition refunds.
Students who seek to withdraw from an online course must notify the Graduate Extension Study Office by email or fax. If the request is approved, a grade of "W" will appear on the student's transcript. All withdrawal requests must be received by the Graduate Extension Studies Office prior to the last week of class. Please refer to the "Financial Information" section of this catalog for details on tuition refunds.
Withdrawal from the University
If a decision is made to withdraw from the University during the academic year, students should submit a completed withdrawal form to the Graduate Studies Office. Failure to enroll in courses for two consecutive semesters without an approved leave results in automatic withdrawal from the University. Students who are automatically withdrawn must apply for readmission should they wish to resume their studies.
Time is of the essence for tuition refunds; the date the request for withdrawal is received will determine the percentage of tuition refunded to the student. Students who do not complete the required forms may be responsible for full semester tuition charges. Please refer to the "Financial Information" section of this catalog for details on tuition refunds. Students who receive financial aid must arrange for an exit interview with the Director of Financial Aid.
Computer & Network Policy
Salve Regina University is dedicated to the mission of "seeking wisdom, promoting universal justice and through teaching, research and community service to work for a world that is harmonious, just and merciful." In support of this mission, the university provides access to information technology resources (including computer networks and computer equipment) to its faculty, student, staff and other members of the university community. The Computer and Network Use Policy (Policy) contains the University's philosophy and requirements governing faculty, students, staff and other members of the community in their use of the University's information technology resources.
General Principles
The information technology resources are to be used exclusively to further the mission of the University. All members of the university community have the obligation to use these resources in a manner consistent with this goal.
The University's information technology resource is a finite, shared resource of its community worthy of respect. As such, the University expects each member of the community to use these resources responsibly, ethically and to comply with the Policy, relevant laws and contractual obligations to other parties.
The use of these resources is a privilege. If a member of the community fails to comply with the Policy or relevant laws or contractual obligations, that member's privilege may be revoked.
Members of the University community should seriously bear in mind that their use of the University's resources contributes to the perception that the public at large has of the University. In addition, each time a member of the University community uses these resources (such as sending email) in relation to non-University persons or entities that member is identified as belonging to the University community. As such, everyone should use these resources consistent with the freedom of expression but without compromising the integrity and the well being of the University.
Computer Account and Revocation Procedures
All members of the University community are provided with a network username and password upon their enrollment in a course or the start of their employment. Access to the University's network system may be revoked temporarily or permanently if one's information technology related behavior or use of one's network account falls within one or more of the following circumstances:
- Involvement in violation of federal or state law or criminal activity.
- Behavior that constitutes a violation of a University policy or code, including this Policy.
- The use of the Internet or the University's computer network and associated resources for one's own commercial gain, or for commercial purposes not officially sanctioned by the University.
Your use of your account constitutes acknowledgement and acceptance of all published rules and regulations regarding the network, including this Policy.
Freedom of expression and an open environment within which to pursue scholarly inquiry and to share information are encouraged and supported at the University. While the University rejects censorship, behavior that constitutes misconduct will not be protected. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to use of, the University's information technology resources in connection with child pornography, harassment of any kind, copyright infringement, theft, unauthorized access and other violations of the law.
Privacy
Members of the University community are entitled to privacy in their use of information resources. Each user number, log-in name, account name, or any other username and associated password belongs to an individual or a department. No one should use a user number, log-in name, any username or account name and password without explicit permission from the owner. No one should use aliases, nicknames, pointers, or other electronic means to attempt to impersonate, redirect, or confuse those who use the information resources. Each member of the University community shall accept the burden for the responsible use and dissemination of his or her user number, log-in name, username and account name and password and is further responsible for any authorized use of one's account.
The University, to fulfill its responsibility to the academic community, reserves the right to monitor periodically the activities on its network system. Further, the University may be subject to subpoena or other lawfully mandated legal process related to unlawful use or other violations which will subject the entire network or individual accounts to outside monitoring.
Intellectual Property
The University expects all members of its community to respect the property of others and to be aware of how intellectual laws, regulations and policies that apply to the electronic environment. In this regard, all personnel should be familiar with the University's copyright policy, the Faculty Manual and the Student's Handbook. No member of the University community shall use another's material or property in a way that violates copyright law or infringes on the rights held by others. In particular, the unauthorized duplication or use of software that is licensed or protected by copyright is theft.
Members of the University community should recognize that placing their work in the electronic public domain may result in widespread distribution of their work and could jeopardize their rights to that work. One should assume that works communicated through the network are subject to copyright unless there is a specific disclaimer to the contrary.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism basically occurs when a person uses someone else's creative work but fails to give that person credit. It also occurs even when a person credits the author but uses his exact words without so indicating with quotation marks or block indentations. It even occurs when a person uses words so close to those in the source, that if the person placed his/her work next to the source, you would see that it could not have been written without the source 'at the elbow.' "Plagiarism constitutes intellectual theft [emphasis added]. Strictly speaking, it is a moral and ethical offense rather than a legal one, since most instances of plagiarism fall outside the scope of copyright infringement, a legal offense. Nevertheless, plagiarism often carries severe penalties, ranging from failure in a course to expulsion from school" (Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 5th ed. [New York: The Modern Language Association of America, 1999]: 30).
Given the increasingly widespread use in academia of computer technology and online sources of information, 'plagiarism and the Web' assumes a particularly important moment today. Where plagiarism and the Web runs anywhere from unreferenced electronic sources through ecommerce companies that prepare student papers (even in their own style!) to other companies which can scan papers for possible plagiarism, the task of cultivating ethical scholars faces serious challenges. In this respect, every person should consult those sources that devote particular attention to the method of properly referencing electronic sources. In this regard, two sources are currently in widespread use: Kate L. Turabian, A Manual, 158-64 and especially Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Handbook, 158-201.
By adopting this Policy the University recognizes that all its faculty, students, staff and other members of the University community are bound not only by the Policy but also by local state and federal laws related to electronic media, copyrights, privacy and security. Each member of the University community is expected to be familiar with the foregoing laws.
