Rowan Policies & Procedures

Key Rowan/CGCE Policies & Procedures

Any school-wide policies that apply to all Rowan students (such as the student code of conduct, rules concerning drug and alcohol use, appropriate classroom behavior, non-discrimination policy, the process for academic complaints, grievances, and disputed grades, etc.) are included in Rowan’s Student Handbook.  All CGCE students are instructed to review that Handbook and become familiar with Rowan policy.  In addition, the Handbook includes many useful resources (such as lists of facilities, markets, operating hours, parking, etc.) that would be helpful to any Rowan student. 

The Handbook also contains certain policies applicable only to undergraduate-level students. For this reason, we have included below certain policies that are applicable only to graduate/post-bac-level students. (The 2012-2013 version of the Rowan Student Handbook is expected to contain both undergraduate and graduate/post-bac information in one document.)

Listed below are a few of the key CGCE policies and procedures that should be followed in order to complete your academic program through the College of Graduate & Continuing Education at Rowan University.

Should you ever have any questions about CGCE/graduate/post-bac policy, please contact the Office of the Assistant Dean & CGCE Academic Services at cgceacademicservices@rowan.edu.

Key policies for all Rowan Students:

• Student Responsibilities
• Grading System
  • Calculating Grade Point Average (GPA)
  • Viewing your official grades and cumulative GPA
• Incomplete Grades
• Change of Grade Policy
• Academic Integrity
• Accommodation Policy
• Denial of Services
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

Policies specific to Graduate/Post-bac-level Students:

• Academic Advising
• The Graduate Record/Educational Experience
• Matriculated Status
  • Full-time status
  • Part-time status
• Non-matriculated Status and the Maximum Number of Credits Allowed (prior to formal matriculation)
• Transfer Credit Evaluation Process & Policy
  • For CGCE Graduate and Post-bac Students
  • For CGCE Undergraduate Degree-completion Students
• Class Attendance
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (Academic Warning, Probation and Dismissals)
  • Dismissal Conditions
  • Appeals Process for Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Repeating a Course
• Auditing a Course
• Requirements to graduate from the academic program
• Requirements to apply for graduation (Rowan diploma/certification)
• Undergraduate Senior Privilege (Enrolling in graduate coursework while an undergraduate student)
• Time and Credit Limits
• 2010-2011 Graduate Handbook - Currently under review - please contact the Office of the Assistant Dean & CGCE Academic Services at cgceacademicservices@rowan.edu with any questions regarding policies.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible to become knowledgeable of and to observe all university policies, regulations, and procedures. Rowan is under no obligation to waive a requirement or grant an exception because a student pleads ignorance of a policy, regulation, or requirement or because a student asserts that he or she has not been informed of such a policy, regulation, or requirement. Students are responsible for becoming familiar with and to remain informed about all academic, administrative, financial, or other policies, regulations, or requirements concerning admission, registration, payment of tuition or fees, continued enrollment, grades and satisfactory program progress, graduation requirements, or any matter which affects students. Students are especially expected to know the requirements of the program in which they are enrolled. While faculty and staff will assist in every possible manner, students are responsible for becoming aware and remaining informed of current program and graduation requirements, their status in that program, and their progress toward graduation.

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Grading System

The following are used to evaluate students’ performances in Rowan courses:

The NR notation will be inserted by the registrar when instructors do not record grades for students in courses in which these students are registered. This notation may be changed later to a regular letter grade by instructors using the Change of Grade procedure. The symbol could be changed to a W if students present sufficient evidence of withdrawal from the course involved.

The interim grade of IN (incomplete) may be assigned by an instructor under certain circumstances. This grade must be removed before the end of the following academic semester. If students believe that circumstances warrant an extension, they may request the instructor, in writing, for such an extension. If approved, the instructor will renew the incomplete in the Registrar’s Office when grades are due. Failure to remove the incomplete grade within the prescribed time will automatically change the IN to an F.

Calculating Grade Point Average (GPA)
A. Multiply the number of credits attempted for each class by the number of points per credit, which is dependent on the grade. The answer is the number of quality points for the semester.

Grades not calculated in the GPA are IN, P, IP, and AU.

B. Add quality points for each class to get total quality points received for the semester.
C. To calculate the semester GPA you calculate the total number of semester quality points divided by the total number of semester quality hours.

Example:

GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Quality Hours
GPA = 12.0 + 9.9 + 6.9 + 6.0 + 3.0 = 37.8 / 15 = 2.52

Note: To calculate cumulative GPA, use the same formula:
Total Quality Points divided by Total Quality Hours.

Viewing your official grades and cumulative GPA
You may view your official grades and cumulative GPA on your academic transcript in Self Service:

• Go to: www.rowan.edu/selfservice
• Click on “Access Banner Services” and log in with your Rowan ID and PIN number
• Click on “Student & Financial Aid”
• Click on “Student Records”
• Click on “Academic Transcript”

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Incomplete Grades

The interim grade of IN (incomplete) may be assigned by an instructor under certain circumstances. This grade must be removed before the end of the following academic semester. If students believe that circumstances warrant an extension, they may request the instructor, in writing, for such an extension. If approved, the instructor will renew the incomplete in the Registrar’s Office when grades are due. Failure to remove the incomplete grade within the prescribed time will automatically change the IN to an F.

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Change of Grade Policy

Grades are subject to change under the following conditions:

INCOMPLETES: A grade of incomplete (IN) may be changed to a letter grade before the end of the following academic semester. Any “IN” grade remains unchanged to an“A-F” grade will automatically be given a letter grade of “F”.

ERRORS: A grade calculated or recorded erroneously may be changed to the grade actually earned.

DISPUTES: A disputed grade may be changed if the student appeals it successfully. A disputed grade differs from a grade recorded in error in that disagreement over evaluation or application of criteria rather than miscalculation or clerical mistake is involved.

The policies for these three conditions differ substantially. Students are advised to read each policy carefully, paying particular attention to the respective time lines.
A request for change of grade is appropriate only when an error has been made by the professor in calculating or recording a student’s grade or when an “Incomplete” has turned into an“F” and the student has met all requirements, for the course. In cases of a need to change a final grade assigned for a course, the time limit for confirmed contact of the professor who awarded the grade is twenty (20) business days, not including summer, into the semester following the one in which the grade was recorded. If the professor is unavailable or fails to respond by the 30th business day of the semester, students have an additional ten (10) business days to contact the department chair. Where the department chair and the instructor are one and the same, twenty (20) business days suffice before the student can move on to the next step. Students should retain evidence of their attempts to reach either party, in extraordinary, rare, and compelling circumstances beyond the control of the student, these limits may be extended, and changes may be made only with the written approval of the course instructor, when available, the department chair, and the dean.

A change of grade is not a substitute for an “Incomplete.” If a student has work missing at the end of a semester –exams, papers, assignments to be written or rewritten – an “Incomplete” may be assigned if circumstances warrant.

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Academic Integrity

The integrity of academic programs is imperative to Rowan University’s mission. While acknowledging the social and collaborative nature of learning, the University expects that grades awarded to students will reflect individual efforts and achievements. All members of the Rowan community are responsible for understanding what constitutes academic dishonesty; upholding academic integrity standards and encouraging others to do likewise; and knowing the procedures, rights and obligations involved in the Academic Integrity Policy. Academic dishonesty, in any form, will not be tolerated. Students who commit an act of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion from the university.

Definitions of Academic Integrity Violations

Cheating:  Cheating is an act of deception by which a person misrepresents his or her mastery of material on a test or other academic exercise.

Fabrication: Fabrication refers to the deliberate use of invented information or the falsification of research or other findings with the intent to deceive.

Plagiarism: Plagiarism occurs when a person represents someone else’s words, ideas, phrases, sentences, or data as one’s own work. When submitting work that includes someone else’s words, ideas, syntax, data or organizational patterns, the source of that information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate and specific references. All verbatim statements must be acknowledged through quotation marks. To avoid a charge of plagiarism, a person should be sure to include an acknowledgment of indebtedness, such as a list of works cited or bibliography.

Academic Misconduct: Academic Misconduct includes the alteration of grades; involvement in the acquisition or distribution of unadministered tests, and the unauthorized submission of student work in more than one class.

Classification of Academic Integrity Violations by Offense

Violations of academic integrity are classified into four categories based on the seriousness of the behaviors and the possible sanctions imposed. Brief descriptions are provided below. These are general descriptions and should not be considered as all inclusive.

Level 1 Violations: Level 1 violations may occur because of ignorance or inexperience on the part of the person(s) committing the violation and ordinarily include a very minor portion of the course work. A sanction for a level 1 violation will not exceed a failing grade on the assignment.

Example: Improper footnoting or unauthorized assistance with academic work on the part of a first-year Rowan University student.

Recommended Sanction(s): Make-up assignment at a more difficult level or assignment of no-credit for work in question, required attendance at a workshop on academic honesty, and/or an assignment that will increase the student’s awareness of academic integrity.

Reporting Mechanisms: Matters involving Level 1 violations are normally adjudicated by the instructor and sanctioned accordingly. A record of this violation will be retained in the Office of the Provost in accordance with State record retention guidelines. The student can appeal the determination and/or the sanction imposed in accordance with policy.

Level 2 Violations: Level 2 violations involve incidents of a more serious nature and affect a significant aspect or portion of the course. Any violation that involves repeat offenses at level 1 is considered a level 2 violation. A sanction for a level 2 violation will not exceed a failing grade in the course.

Example: Quoting directly or paraphrasing without proper acknowledgment on an assignment or failing to acknowledge all sources of information and contributors who helped with an assignment.

Recommended Sanction(s):  A failing grade in the course, Academic Integrity Probation and/or the imposition of other lesser sanctions as deemed appropriate.

Reporting Mechanisms: Matters involving Level 2 violations are normally adjudicated by the instructor and sanctioned accordingly following a sanction review by the Academic Integrity Review Board (for additional information refer to Section V below, “Academic Integrity Review Board Procedures”). The student can appeal the determination and/or the sanction imposed in accordance with policy. A record of this violation will be retained in the Office of the Provost in accordance with State record retention guidelines.

Level 3 Violations: Level 3 offenses are even more serious in nature and involve dishonesty on a more significant portion of course work, such as a major paper, hourly or final examination. Any violation that is premeditated or involves repeat offenses below level 3 is considered a level 3 violation. A sanction for a level 3 violation will not exceed suspension from the University.

Example: Copying from or giving assistance to others on an hourly or final examination, plagiarizing major portions of an assignment, using forbidden material on an hourly or final examination, presenting the work of another as one’s own, or altering a graded examination for the purposes of re-grading.

Recommended Sanction(s): A failing grade in the course, Academic Integrity Probation, and suspension from the University for one or more semesters with a notation of “Disciplinary Suspension” placed on a student’s transcript and/or the imposition of other lesser sanctions as deemed appropriate.

Reporting Mechanisms: Matters involving Level 3 violations are adjudicated by the Academic Integrity Review Board and sanctioned accordingly. The student can appeal the determination and/or the sanction imposed in accordance with policy. A record of this violation will be retained in the Office of the Provost in accordance with State record retention guidelines.

Level 4 Violations: Level 4 violations are the most serious breaches of academic integrity. They also include repeat offenses below Level 4 violations and violations committed while already on or after returning from Academic Integrity Probation.

Example: Forgery of grade change forms; theft of examinations; having a substitute take an examination; any degree of falsification or plagiarism relating to a senior or graduate thesis; using a purchased term paper; sabotaging another’s work; the violation of the clinical code of a profession.

Recommended sanction: Expulsion from the University and a permanent dismissal notation on the student’s transcript and/or the imposition of other lesser sanctions as deemed appropriate.

Reporting Mechanisms: Matters involving Level 4 violations are adjudicated by the Academic Integrity Review Board and sanctioned accordingly. The student can appeal the determination and/or the sanction imposed in accordance with policy. A record of this violation will be retained in the Office of the Provost in accordance with State record retention guidelines.

Responsibilities of The Faculty

Each member of the faculty is responsible for:

• Reviewing this policy at the beginning of each semester and/or incorporating it into each course syllabus
• Making clear to each student that academic dishonesty will not be tolerated
• Making clear to each student what constitutes academic dishonesty
• Making clear to each student what penalties can be imposed under this policy
• Employing adequate measures to deter, detect, and appropriately punish all acts of academic dishonesty

Responsibilities of The Administration

Each University administrator is responsible for:

• Supporting and encouraging the faculty to deter, report and appropriately punish all instances of academic dishonesty
• Providing the cooperation and resources necessary to enforce this policy, including legal counsel in the event of student-initiated litigation of faculty action enforcing this policy
• Publishing this policy in the Faculty Handbook, the Student Handbook, and the University catalog. Also, publishing the PHILOSOPHY and DEFINITIONS OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY in the Master Schedule of Classes.

Responsibilities of The Student

Each student is responsible for:

• Upholding University standards of academic honesty and encouraging other students to do likewise
• Understanding what constitutes acts of academic dishonesty
• Understanding the procedures when accused of academic dishonesty as well as the rights and obligations of all parties involved in the process
• Understanding the penalties that may be imposed for acts of academic dishonesty as well as the consequences of receiving any penalties

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Accommodation Policy

The University will provide reasonable accommodations for anyone to obtain equal access to educational or occupational programs and activities.

Applicants will need to provide comprehensive and current documentation of a qualifying disability and submit a request for services from. Forms are available by contacting the office or visiting the Academic Success Center online.

Within one month of the beginning of the semester and submission of all essential information, the Director or Associate Director of the Academic Success Center, whose office is the first contact for students requiring assistance, and the student will meet to seek agreement on accommodations to be provided.

Request for Services Process

1. Bring documents that verify disability
2. Fill out Request for Services form
3. Personal Interview
4. Verification of documentation
5. For in-classroom accommodations, pick up instructors’ letters

ADA/504 Grievance Procedures for Students

1. Students requesting accommodations under the ADA or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act who are dissatisfied with the results of the Disability Resource/Academic Success Center (ASC) may file a written grievance with the Dean of Students (DOS) within ten days of receipt of the ASC’s decision. The grievant must provide all pertinent documentation supporting the grievance. If the student has been denied accommodations after they have been determined eligible, the process begins at the Office of Disability Resources.
2. The grievant must specifically state the reasons for grievance, and the action he or she believes should be taken to accommodate the identified disability.
3. Within eight days after notification of the grievance, the ASC will report to the DOS what was done in response to the request for accommodations and the reasons why agreement could not be reached.
4. The DOS may request additional information from the grievant or the ASC at any time and may discuss the matter with anyone in reaching a decision. The grievance record will be closed when all information is received by the DOS. The DOS’s report and recommendation will be sent to be UP Staff within ten days of the closing of the records.
5. Within ten days following the receipt of the DOS’s report, the UP Staff will accept, reject or modify the report and recommendation and issue a determination.
6. If the grievant is not satisfied with the UP Staff’s determination, he or she can appeal the determination to the president.
7. The president must issue a determination within eight days, which is the University’s final decision.
8. These time/frames are subject to change in any given manner when essential individuals and/or information is not readily available or when the academic calendar
warrants.

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Denial of Services

Rowan University may withhold any student’s transcript and deny permission to register for courses in future semesters if the student has outstanding debts to the University.

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Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

In accordance with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, students have the right to inspect and review their own educational records. Records include permanent academic records in the Registrar’s Office, student housing records in the Office of Residence Life, placement records and credentials (except those on file prior to January 1, 1975), and disciplinary records in the Office of Judicial Affairs. However, students must personally sign a release permitting the University the right to release copies of such records to outside individuals or agencies. Unless students sign such a release, records can be released only in accordance with the exceptions stipulated in the law. For details concerning this policy, contact the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students in Savitz Hall.

More information and a release form may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar.

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Academic Advising

Providing academic advisement at Rowan University is a partnership between advisor and advisee to provide information and support that will assist students in creating and accomplishing their educational and career goals. The University will make academic advising available to each matriculated student. Students have the responsibility and right to meet with the advisor for information relevant to their academic and career goals. Academic and career information is also provided to students by sources such as websites (e.g., University, College, Department, Career and Academic Planning Center, and Registrar’s Office websites), published materials, and email announcements, as well as through individual and group meetings with advisors.

Advising that Contributes to the Teaching and Learning Mission

• Is a student-centered process
• Facilitates problem-solving, decision-making and evaluation skills
• Encourages both short-term and long-term goal-setting
• Stresses the shared responsibility between students and their advisors

Implementation

• Academic advising will be available to all students upon matriculation at Rowan University.
• Students are encouraged to meet with the advisor each semester prior to registration.
• Advisors will provide available times for individual or group meetings to advise students.

Responsibilities of Advisors

(The following responsibilities are illustrative as opposed to exhaustive.)
Make reasonable efforts to be:

• Accessible to and an advocate of the students
• Knowledgeable of university policies and procedures
• Helpful to students in defining and developing realistic goals
• Participatory, and inform students, when applicable, of special research and learning opportunities, remediation or special assistance, and opportunities in a community of learners
• Helpful in assisting students with their planning programs
  consistent with their abilities and interests
• A source of information to students about matters such
  as course sequencing, grade point average, and special requirements for graduation for their program
• A resource concerning the linkage between academic preparation and the worlds of work and graduate studies

Responsibilities of Advisees

(The following responsibilities are illustrative as opposed to exhaustive.)
Make reasonable efforts to be:

• Responsible and understand requirements for educational progress
• Clear about personal values and goals
• Knowledgeable about college programs, policies, and procedures
• An active learner by participating fully in the advising experience
• Proactive in seeking out their advisor, prepared, and accurate
• Actively engaged in monitoring their academic progress and following through on the advisor’s recommendations

Please click here to see the list and contact information for the Academic Advisors for all CGCE programs.

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The Graduate Record/Educational Experience

The undergraduate and graduate educational experiences are distinct and clearly delineated in student records. Students admitted to a graduate program will have all of their records stored in a graduate account, be charged for all courses (graduate or undergraduate) at the graduate rate for tuition and fees, apply all courses taken at Rowan University to the graduate GPA, and be subject to all graduate academic policies and procedures.

Any courses taken as a graduate student at Rowan University, regardless of level, will be applied to the Graduate GPA regardless of whether or not the courses count toward a graduate degree.

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Matriculated Status

Matriculated students are those who have formally been admitted to the University through CGCE, have confirmed their intention to enroll in an official academic Rowan program through CGCE by submitting the signed Matriculation form, and who subsequently register (or are manually registered) and attend classes. Matriculated students regularly enroll in classes on either a full-time or part-time basis.

Full-Time Status

• A full-time graduate student is one who has enrolled for a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester. The maximum credits allowed per semester is 15.
• A full-time post-bac student is one who has enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. The maximum credits allowed per semester is 18.

Part-Time Status

• A part-time graduate student is one who has enrolled for a minimum of 4.5 credit hours per semester (but fewer than 9).  4.5 is the minimum number of credit hours required for a graduate-level student to be eligible for federal financial aid consideration.
• A part-time post-bac student is one who has enrolled for a minimum of 6.0 credit hours per semester (but fewer than 12).  6.0 is the minimum number of credit hours required for a post-bac student to be eligible for federal financial aid consideration.

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Non-Matriculate Status and the Maximum Number of Credits Allowed (prior to formal matriculation)

Non-matriculated students may, with the prior permission of CGCE, register for graduate/post-bac, undergraduate-level courses at Rowan University for which they are otherwise qualified.  To be activated and registered as a non-matriculated student, please download and submit the “CGCE Activation & Registration” form as early as possible before the course(s) in which you are interested begins.  Please read this form carefully for further instructions and details.

Non-matriculated students should keep in mind that they are limited to a maximum of Nine (9) graduate credits If they plan to apply to a graduate-level degree program, six (6) graduate/post-bac credits if the plan to apply to a COGS/CAGS/Post-bac program, and twenty-four (24) undergraduate credits (but only 11.5 any particular term) if they plan to apply to an undergraduate degree-completion program.

Courses taken by non-matriculated students are taken at their own risk as they are not guaranteed to count toward a particular academic program at Rowan (since this depends upon the academic program requirements at the time the student may eventually be admitted and formally matriculated). Courses taken by non-matriculated (non-degree) students will be treated in the same manner as transfer credits from another institution. Exceptions to this policy may only be granted with the written approval of the graduate program advisor (and academic advisor, where applicable), the department chairperson, the appropriate academic dean, and the Dean of CGCE.

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Transfer Credit Evaluation Process & Policy

Rowan University will consider the transfer of credits from accredited institutions of higher education. The utilization or application of the courses associated with these credits to a Rowan University program is determined by the departmental adviser and/or the Registrar’s Office. In some cases, the number of credits that may be applied to a Rowan University program is less than the number of credits transferred.

Note: Transfer grades do not transfer and are not included within the Rowan GPA.

For CGCE Graduate and Post-bac Students

1. Most graduate degree programs allow incoming matriculated students to transfer up to 12 credits and most COGS/CAGS/post-bac programs allow incoming matriculated students to transfer up to 6 credits into the program providing that:

• a grade of B or better was earned
• the courses and credits are deemed equivalent to required courses and credits in the sequence
• and the coursework was taken within the past 10 years

2. Transfer credit at the graduate or post-bac level is only evaluated upon request. Instructions and forms for requesting transfer credit are available from the CGCE website at www.rowancgce.com/forms.

• Transfer Request Forms must be submitted to CGCE Enrollment Services by the same application deadline for your program of interest.
• Evidence supporting this request (official transcripts, syllabi, and course descriptions) must also be included with the request form.
• Transfer credit is not fully evaluated or posted until a student is admitted and matriculated.

3. Transfer credit is evaluated by the academic department. Once the transfer credit evaluation/review process is complete, you are notified by CGCE Enrollment Services and any awarded credit is posted by the Registrar to your student account viewable on Rowan Self Service at www.rowan.edu/selfservice. (Instructions for viewing posted transfer credit are available at www.rowancgce.com/forms.)

4. Any questions about awarded transfer credit should be directed to your Academic Advisor.

For CGCE Undergraduate Degree-completion Students

1. Rowan University may accept up to 90 credits towards the undergraduate academic program and grades of C- and above are usually acceptable; however, each undergraduate academic program may have specific requirements that limit the transfer of certain courses, the number of courses, and/or grades into their particular program.  Students should always check with their individual program of interests to determine exact transfer requirement for the particular major.  Rowan University also requires a minimum of 30 credits be taken in residency (through Rowan University) in order to receive an undergraduate Rowan degree.

2. Transfer credit at the undergraduate degree completion level is performed automatically for any admitted/matriculated students according to the official transcripts submitted during the admissions process.

• If you believe you may have applicable undergraduate-level transfer credit, please discuss this with the a CGCE Enrollment Advisor during the admission process
• Transfer credit is not fully evaluated or posted until a student is admitted and matriculated.

3. Transfer credit is evaluated by the Registrar according to articulation agreements and then by the academic department. Once the transfer credit evaluation/review process is complete any awarded credit is posted by the Registrar to your student account viewable on Rowan Self Service at www.rowan.edu/selfservice. (Instructions for viewing posted transfer credit are available at www.rowancgce.com/forms.)

4. Any questions about awarded transfer credit should be directed to your Academic Advisor.

Per the NJ Statewide Transfer Agreement

(Lampitt Law), the A.A. and A.S. degrees (from all community colleges in NJ) will satisfy all lower-level General Education requirements, unless there are major-specific pre-requisites or special graduation requirements that were not completed within the Associate degree.

For more information about undergraduate transfer credit, please contact the Registrar or view: http://www.rowan.edu/provost/registrar/transfer.html

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Class Attendance

Attendance Policy – Faculty & Students Responsibilities

Because classroom experiences vary greatly among disciplines, deliveries and instructors, Rowan’s community of learners is best realized when teachers and learners interact in ways deemed appropriate for any particular class. Thus, although what constitutes attendance can differ from course to course, the following applies to all courses:

Responsibilities of Students

• Students are expected to be present at each meeting of each scheduled class for which they are officially registered. Students are responsible for knowing the instructor’s attendance policy as stated in the syllabus.
• Students absent for any of the following reasons:
• Official University activities,
• Documented illness,
• Death of a family member or loved one,
• Inclement weather*,

must inform their instructor with official or written documentation before the fact in the case of official University activities, or as soon as possible thereafter in cases of illness, death of a family member or loved one, and inclement weather. Students should consult with their instructor regarding acceptable documentation.
*Note: Inclement weather is not accepted as a reason for absence from any online component of a course (whether fully online or hybrid).

• Rowan respects the diversity of faiths and spiritual practices in the university community. Students who wish to observe religious holidays which occur when classes are scheduled must inform their instructors before the fact, and preferably within the first two weeks of each semester, even when the exact date of the holiday will not be known until later. Students who make such arrangements will not be required to attend classes or take examinations on the designated days, and faculty must provide reasonable opportunities for students to make up missed work and examinations.
• In the case of rare and compelling circumstances not listed in #2 above, students should make every effort to discuss reasonable accommodations with the instructor in advance if feasible or as soon as possible afterward.

A note about non-traditional courses and attendance:
Statistics regarding student usage are collected in the LMS.  Faculty and administration can track student usage throughout the system including the number of times a student logs into the LMS and every section, tool, page that a student visits within the system (duration of time spent in the system is not tracked, nor does it have any bearing on attendance).

• Attendance in online courses and/or the online portion of hybrid courses:
  To officially be considered “present” in the online portion of the course, system tracking reports must show that the student in question has visited each page, tool, or assignment as is reasonably necessary to conduct class work by the end of that week.  This includes at least one visit to all materials and tools presented in the current weekly lesson folder as well as any other materials associated with class work for that week as specified in the current weekly overview.  Instructors may actively check attendance and provide students with written notice regarding their attendance records at their discretion.  Additional policies regarding attendance and consequences for failure to meet the attendance requirements for this course, if any, are provided in the official course syllabus.>
• Attendance in accelerated face-to-face courses and/or the face-to-face portion of hybrid courses:
  In such courses, the planned Face-to-Face class meetings are mandatory, unless otherwise noted.  Failure to appear at Face-to-Face meetings without documentation for excusing the absence may result in penalties as prescribed by the instructor or at the discretion of the instructor in accordance with Rowan University attendance policy. Additional policies regarding attendance and consequences for failure to meet the attendance requirements for this course, if any, are provided in the official course syllabus.
• Also note that online, hybrid and off-site courses do not necessarily close down when Rowan University closes.  Be sure to check your syllabus and the CGCE Emergency Closing policy for details.

Responsibilities of Faculty

• Faculty are expected to keep accurate attendance records.
• Attendance requirements must be part of the syllabus provided to students prior to the end of the drop/add period.
• In the case of #2 under Student Responsibilities, faculty must make reasonable accommodation to provide these students the opportunity to make up their written work, tests, or other assignments at the earliest possible convenient time. In cases where graded classroom activities cannot be repeated and the student has not exceeded the maximum number of allowable absences (as explained below under #6), the faculty member will either provide an alternative graded exercise to replace the missed activity or remove the activity from the calculation of the student’s final grade.
• Faculty are under no obligation to make special provisions for students that are absent for reasons other than those listed above. However, faculty are encouraged to consider accommodations for rare and compelling circumstances.
• If a student develops a pattern of excessive and/or unexplained absences, the faculty should advise the student to request assistance from the Dean of Students.

Faculty (singularly or as part of a department or program) may establish additional reasonable attendance criteria that are consistent with the above. This may include setting a maximum number of absences for a course---whether excused or unexcused---after which a student should withdraw from the class with a WF. If the Dean of Students determines, in consultation with the faculty member, that excused absences were a significant factor, the withdrawal may be altered to a simple W.

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Satisfactory Academic Progress (Academic Warning, Probation, and Dismissals)

At the conclusion of the fall and spring semesters, a review is made of the academic status of each graduate student at Rowan University to determine if they have maintained satisfactory academic progress. According to current policy, to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress, graduate students must maintain a 3.000 cumulative GPA, may earn no more than one grade of “C+,” and may not earn any grades lower than a “C+.” However, Rowan University does currently allow up to two C+ grades to apply to the graduate program as long as the student still also has at least a 3.000 cumulative GPA. Therefore, during the academic progress review for Spring 2012, students are placed on warning or probation only for the following reasons: a) received more than two “C+”grades; b) had any grade lower than a “C+”; c) had a cumulative GPA lower than 3.000.

The first instance (term) in which a student fails to meet all of the conditions of satisfactory academic progress, the student will be placed on academic warning status. 

Unless a special exception is made via an appeal, students on academic warning who do not meet the conditions of satisfactory academic progress during the next semester for which they are registered will be placed on academic probation.

Students on academic probation who do not meet the conditions of satisfactory academic progress during the next semester for which they are registered risk academic dismissal from their academic program and the University.

Dismissal Conditions

Students academically dismissed may not register for any additional graduate courses at Rowan University either as matriculated or non-matriculated students. Students who do register will have their registrations withdrawn by the CGCE or the Registrar. Students who have been dismissed may seek readmission through The College of Graduate & Continuing Education after one academic year. Students who are dismissed forfeit grants, graduate assistantships, and/or scholarship aid that may be in effect at the time

Appeals Process for Satisfactory Academic Progress

Our goal is to keep you on track for program completion and we will consider appeals where appropriate.  Appeals to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Review (warning, probation, dismissal) are considered in the following situations:

1. if you believe that your academic review included undergraduate coursework (other than required foundation courses) with grades of a “C+” or lower and without that inclusion you would not have been placed on an academic progress status;
2. if you believe that your academic review included graduate coursework with grades of a “C+” or lower that you will not be counting toward your graduate program, and without that inclusion you would not have been placed on an academic progress status;
3. if your Academic Advisor and Chair submit special circumstances in writing to CGCE that warrant an exception to the academic progress policy be made in your particular case.  (Please note, appeals are only approved in situation #3 in rare and compelling cases.)

Appeals that outline exactly how your record meets one or more of the situations listed should be sent to cgceacademicservices@rowan.edu. Your appeal will be reviewed by the Assistant Dean of CGCE in consultation with Dean of CGCE, and in certain cases, your Academic Advisor/Academic Department.  If the appeal is approved, you will be notified and the academic status (warning, probation, or dismissal) will be de-activated on your record.

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Repeating a Course

Should you need to re-take a course to raise your GPA and/or replace an unacceptable grade, keep in mind that the grade received for the repeated course will constitute the final grade for that subject for cumulative GPA purposes whether the grade is higher or lower than the grade received in the original course. The original grade, although not counted in the cumulative GPA, remains on the student’s transcript. Herein, the University stipulates that the same course may not be taken more than twice including withdrawals. However further restrictions may be determined by the individual departments/colleges, only to meet standards recommended by accrediting bodies, statutory regulations, and/or professional societies.

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Auditing a Course

Students may attend a particular class and not receive credit for it by registering for the class as an auditor. The course will be recorded on the student’s transcript as “AU.” Students auditing courses may choose to do or not to do required course work, but, regardless, will receive neither credit nor a grade. Audited courses do not count in defining full-time or part-time status, or in determining financial aid, veteran’s benefits or degree requirements. Students may receive graduation credits only by repeating the course for credit. Requests to audit will only be filled after all students taking the course for credit have seats. Registration for a course as an auditor may occur only during the drop/add/late registration period. (Keep in mind the drop/add period is different for CGCE Extension. Click here for drop/add dates for traditional-format courses and click here for CGCE Extension details.) Auditing is not permitted for internships, student teaching, independent study, or private lessons for credit in the Music Department. For the 2011-2012 year, students auditing a traditional Rowan course (non CGCE Extension) pay the tuition only and no university fees. Those auditing a CGCE Extension course pay the costs as listed.

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Requirements to graduate from the academic program

Students must complete an academic graduate program to the satisfaction of the department administering the program. Students must successfully complete all requirements set forth by the individual graduate program with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.

A maximum of 12 credits of a student’s total graduate degree program may be taken at accredited higher education institutions other than Rowan University (subject to program/department approval). For certificate-level programs, a maximum of 6 credits of coursework may be taken outside of Rowan University (subject to program/department approval).

The University reserves the right to modify its requirements for graduation, continued registration, or appropriate progress towards the degree as directed by the Commission on Higher Education, the Presidents Council, or by the Board of Trustees of Rowan University.

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Requirements to apply for graduation (Rowan diploma/certification)

All students planning to complete degree/COGS/CAGS requirements at the end of the semester must submit an Application for Graduation to the Office of the Registrar before the appropriate filing deadline as outlined by the Office of the Registrar.

Graduation applications must be submitted online through Self-Service Banner. (www.rowan.edu/selfservice). Please visit the Registrar website (www.rowan.edu/registrar) for information regarding filing instructions, deadlines, and fees.

Diplomas/Certificates will be available approximately 8 weeks after the end of the term in which all coursework and related requirements are completed and approved as complete by the Academic Department and the CGCE Thesis Coordinator (if applicable).

Applications for New Jersey state teaching/educational certification are available from the Dean of the College of Education’s office.

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Undergraduate Senior Privilege

Seniors at Rowan University who have earned a 3.0 GPA may request permission from The College of Graduate & Continuing Education (CGCE) to register for one graduate level course per semester for two semesters, not to exceed a total of six (6.0) credit hours. Students may take a graduate course for application to an undergraduate degree. If the number of graduate semester hours is to be applied to a graduate degree, the student must request a transfer of credit from The College of Graduate & Continuing Education (CGCE). Approval from the instructor of the graduate course(s), the department chair of the graduate program, the undergraduate program advisor, and The College of Graduate & Continuing Education (CGCE) is required for a student to be allowed to enroll in a graduate course for undergraduate credit. Permission and final approval for exceptions to the policy must also be obtained from the Dean of The College of Graduate & Continuing Education (CGCE), who reserves the right to limit the number of graduate courses in which seniors may register. Undergraduate students who register for graduate level, courses without permission of the Dean of The College of Graduate & Continuing Education (*CGCE) will have their registrations withdrawn.

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Time and Credit Limitations

Unless otherwise specified, students enrolled in CGCE graduate/post-bac academic programs must complete the program within six (6) academic years following the term of official matriculation in the program at Rowan University. In rare and compelling instances, an extension of one year may be requested by the student to cgceacademicservices@rowan.edu.

Final approval for such requests is granted by the Dean of CGCE. Only graduate/post-bac courses completed within the ten years prior to acceptance into the current program will be applicable to the program requirements; however, in certain content areas,  (See the Transfer Credit Policy for more details.)

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