MISERICORDIA UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC ADVISING RESOURCE GUIDE Faculty Senate Misericordia University

MISERICORDIA UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC ADVISING RESOURCE GUIDE

Updated August October 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... i Statement on Academic Advising ...... 1 Academic Advising Program ...... 1 Policy and Practice ...... 1 Academic Advisor: Roles and Responsibilities ...... 2 Student Access to Information ...... 4 Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ...... 4 Advisement Week ...... 5 Credit Load- Full-time ...... 5 Credit Load- Part-time ...... 6 Long Range Course and Degree Planning ...... 6 Graduation Requirements ...... 6 Transcript Requests ...... 7 Protocol for Assignment or Change of Advisor ...... 7 Change of Advisor and Major Program ...... 7 Change of Advisor/Major to Undeclared ...... 7 Change of Advisor/Major (dismissal) ...... 8 Undergraduate College Dismissal, Withdrawal, Graduation ...... 8 Transfer Admit to a Major ...... 8 Transfer Admit- Traditional Full-time (Undeclared) ...... 8 Non-Traditional Admit- Part-time (Major) ...... 9 Non-Traditional Admit- Full-time (Major) ...... 9 Non-Traditional Admit- Undeclared...... 9 Change of Advisor ...... 9 Office Services ...... 10 Registrar’s Office ...... 10 Center for Adult and Continuing Education (CACE) ...... 10 Student Support Services ...... 10 Student Success Center (SSC) ...... 10 Insalaco Center for Career Development ...... 11 Academic Policies and Procedures ...... 12 Academic Honors...... 12 Academic Integrity...... 13 Academic Restart ...... 13 Academic Standing ...... 14 Alternate Format Courses Request ...... 14 Cancellation of Classes ...... 15 Change of Academic Major ...... 15 Change of Grade ...... 15 Change of Name/Address ...... 15 Change of Status ...... 15 Class Attendance ...... 15 Classification of Students ...... 16 College Level Examination Program/Prior Learning Assessment Credits ...... 16 Consortium Programs ...... 17

Course Repeat/ Grade Replacement Policy ...... 17 Contract Learning ...... 18 Directed Study ...... 18 Independent Study ...... 18 Declaration of a Major ...... 19 Degree Requirements ...... 19 Academic Core Curriculum Requirements ...... 20 Behavioral Science ...... 20 English ...... 21 Fine Arts...... 21 History/Political Science ...... 21 Mathematics ...... 22 Philosophy...... 22 Religious Studies ...... 23 Natural Sciences...... 23 Free Electives ...... 24 Technical Competency ...... 24 Written Communication...... 24 Drop/Add ...... 24 Grading System ...... 25 Off-campus Courses...... 26 Probation/Dismissal ...... 27 Registration ...... 28 Second Degree ...... 28 Second Major ...... 28 Students with Special Needs ...... 28 Study Abroad Programs ...... 29 Short-Term Study Abroad Programs ...... 29 Transfer Program ...... 29 Articulation Agreements ...... 31 Part-Time Students...... 31 Undergraduate Academic Grievance ...... 31 Graduate Academic Grievance ...... 33 Withdrawal from the University ...... 34 Withdrawal from a Course ...... 35 Directory ...... 36 Senior Administration ...... 36 Administrative and Student Services Offices ...... 36 College Deans ...... 37 Academic Chairs and Program Directors ...... 37 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... i Statement on Academic Advising ...... 1 Academic Advising Program ...... 1 ii

Policy and Practice ...... 1 Academic Advisor: Roles and Responsibilities ...... 2 Student Access to Information ...... 4 Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ...... 4 Advisement Week ...... 5 Credit Load- Full-time ...... 5 Credit Load- Part-time ...... 6 Long Range Course and Degree Planning ...... 6 Graduation Requirements ...... 6 Transcript Requests ...... 7 Protocol for Assignment or Change of Advisor ...... 7 Change of Advisor and Major Program ...... 7 Change of Advisor/Major to Undeclared ...... 8 Change of Advisor/Major (dismissal) ...... 8 College Dismissal, Withdrawal, Graduation ...... 8 Transfer Admit to a Major ...... 8 Transfer Admit- Traditional Full-time (Undeclared) ...... 9 Non-Traditional Admit- Part-time (Major) ...... 9 Non-Traditional Admit- Full-time (Major) ...... 9 Non-Traditional Admit- Undeclared...... 9 Change of Advisor ...... 9 Office Services ...... 10 Registrar’s Office ...... 10 Center for Adult and Continuing Education (CACE) ...... 10 Student Support Services ...... 10 Student Success Center (SSC) ...... 10 Insalaco Center for Career Development ...... 11 Academic Policies and Procedures ...... 12 Academic Honors...... 12 Academic Integrity...... 13 Academic Restart ...... 13 Academic Standing ...... 14 Alternate Format Courses Request ...... 14 Cancellation of Classes ...... 15 Change of Academic Major ...... 15 Change of Grade ...... 15 Change of Name/Address ...... 15 Change of Status ...... 15 Class Attendance ...... 15 Classification of Students ...... 16 College Level Examination Program/Prior Learning Assessment Credits ...... 16 Consortium Programs ...... 17 Course Repeat/ Grade Replacement Policy ...... 17 Contract Learning ...... 18 Directed Study ...... 18

Independent Study ...... 18 Declaration of a Major ...... 19 Degree Requirements ...... 19 Academic Core Curriculum Requirements ...... 19 Behavioral Science ...... 19 English ...... 20 Fine Arts...... 20 History/Political Science ...... 20 Mathematics ...... 21 Philosophy...... 21 Religious Studies ...... 22 Natural Sciences...... 22 Free Electives ...... 23 Technical Competency ...... 23 Written Communication...... 23 Drop/Add ...... 23 Grading System ...... 24 Off-campus Courses...... 25 Probation/Dismissal ...... 26 Registration ...... 27 Second Degree ...... 27 Second Major ...... 27 Students with Special Needs ...... 27 Study Abroad Programs ...... 28 Short-Term Study Abroad Programs ...... 28 Transfer Program ...... 28 Articulation Agreements ...... 29 Part-Time Students...... 31 Undergraduate Academic Grievance ...... 32 Graduate Academic Grievance ...... 33 Withdrawal from the University ...... 35 Withdrawal from a Course ...... 36 Directory ...... 37 Senior Administration ...... 37 Administrative and Student Services Offices ...... 37 College Deans ...... 38 Academic Chairs and Program Directors ...... 38 Emergency Numbers ...... 378

Academic Advising Resource Guide

STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC ADVISING

The following information serves as a guide to the delivery of competent academic advisement for full and part-time students at Misericordia University.

Personal relationships that develop during the advisement process can be very meaningful. Your dedication and assistance in this extremely important aspect of student development is appreciated. The Vice President of Academic Affairs Office, the Registrar’s Office, the Center for Adult and Continuing Education, and the Student Success Center are prepared to provide you with the necessary assistance you require.

ACADEMIC ADVISING PROGRAM

Policy and Practice

High quality academic advising plays an important role in helping students move thoughtfully through the academic process with confidence that they will accomplish the academic goals they have set for themselves. Good advising plays a significant role in student retention. It is identified by students as an important factor in the university’s impressive retention rate. Therefore, it is important that the academic community understands the expectations for academic advising regardless of when and in what format students matriculate at Misericordia University.

The functions of academic advising include:

 providing students with information on policies, procedures, and programs of the university;  assisting students in choosing educational and career objectives commensurate with their interests and abilities;  educating students about the role that core, cognate and major courses play in achieving disciplinary knowledge;  assisting students in exploring the possible short- and long-range consequences of their academic choices;  making students aware of the wide range of services and educational opportunities that may be pertinent to their educational objectives at Misericordia University.

Therefore, department chairs will facilitate an orientation which includes a clear explanation of an advisor's responsibilities. Department chairs and college deans will assure continuity of academic advising services from year to year, as well as throughout the calendar year, and assure maintenance of faculty office hours for advising and registration.

The catalog (print and online version) and any officially approved supplement provide an authoritative and reliable description of courses, degree programs, and university requirements. Changes in academic policy and curriculum requirements will become effective upon formal approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Upon admission, full-time traditional students and graduate students who have declared a major will receive notification of their advisor from the department chair. Advisee assignments will be shared with faculty through their respective department chairs.

Individual departments will create processes for maintaining advising folders of students majoring in their programs. Department chairs will be responsible for effective advising practice for current and prospective majors within their departments. When a student requests a change of major, advisement records should be transferred to the chair of the receiving department so that a new advisor can be assigned. During recess periods deans may act on behalf of the advisor.

It is the responsibility of each student to know and meet major and other requirements and to participate in academic advising. The academic advising program assumes that freshman students need guidance to make the transition from high school to college and that transfer students need assistance in adjusting to Misericordia University's academic environment. Advisors must make every effort to facilitate this transition. Students are responsible for their academic planning; however, advisors maintain responsibility for offering guidance, sharing educational and professional opportunities, and coaching the student through their academic and career planning.

New and readmitted students are required to see their academic advisor either prior to their initial registration or during the first semester they are enrolled. Continuing students may be required to see their academic advisor at times deemed necessary by the department chair or student advisor. Students are required, at a minimum, to see their advisors prior to registering for classes. Frequent advisor contact helps to ensure that students have current academic information and are making progress toward educational goals.

Advisors have access to student curriculum guides through Oasis. These guides detail courses taken and grades earned by the student at the university, in addition to any accepted transfer work.

Academic Advisor: Roles and Responsibilities

Academic advisors provide students with information on academic requirements and regulations, advise or counsel about curriculum, major courses, and career opportunities, establish personal relationships with advisees which contribute to the student’s sense of membership in the Misericordia University academic community, and advise and support advisees as necessary and appropriate. Advisors must be aware that under the FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974, academic information (grades, GPA, etc.) cannot legally be shared with the student’s parents without the written consent of the student. Consult the registrar's office to determine if advisees have provided this consent. Even if the student has given consent the advisor is still not required to speak with parents. See page 4 for more detailed information.

To achieve a high degree of effectiveness in their responsibilities, advisors are expected to:

 post and maintain regular office hours and encourage advisees to "drop in;"  make provisions for part-time and non-traditional students who cannot meet during posted hours;  orient students to their rights and responsibilities in the advising relationship;  record all advisee meetings and place documentation of the meeting in the student's online advising record; 2

 explain academic policies, procedures, and curriculum requirements to students;  refer advisees for personal counseling as needed;  monitor advisees' academic progress via mid-term and final grades, and urge students in difficulty to seek tutoring and/or review in study skills at the Student Success Center;  act as advisee’s advocate during grievance procedures;  assist students in course selection during registration and drop/add periods;  collaborate with the Office of Student Disabilities staff when appropriate.

Non-traditional students often have different needs from those of a traditional student. Faculty assigned to advise non-traditional students should:

 be sensitive and responsive to the needs of non-traditional students including the willingness to offer flexible scheduling and phone advising;  assume that non-traditional students are responsible for their own education and thus may not need to meet with advisors as often as traditional aged students.

It is critical that advisors are both accurate and clear with students regarding university policies and curriculum requirements. Unclear or inaccurate information can lead to confusion and distrust in the advising relationship and/or litigation. When in doubt, contact the registrar's office to clarify information. A record of advisement should be maintained. Both the advisor and the student should be fully aware of the outcome of the advising session.

Advising records should be maintained by advisors or online until students graduate or otherwise leave the university. In cases where students change majors or advisors, advising records should be given to the chair of the department into which the student transfers. This should occur after the major change has been approved by all appropriate parties listed on the change of major form. When students leave, either via graduation or discontinuation, their records should be retained for a period of no more than five years. Advising records should be considered confidential. Faculty who leave the university have the responsibility of forwarding the records to the department chair.

The department chair is responsible for all aspects of the academic programs of the department, including the quality of the advising program. To insure that the advising program is of high quality the chair must:

 assure that the university catalog clearly and accurately states the requirements for graduation, including the courses to be taken for the majors, minors, certifications, certificates, and/or specializations in the department;  notify advisors and students in the major of all changes made in requirements for graduation;  assure that advisors of students in the major understand the requirements for graduation, unique aspects of the curriculum, and any other programmatic requirements (i.e., licensure requirements);  assure that the advisor is knowledgeable about and has access to university-wide policies which relate to the advisee's successful completion of the academic program;  approve the academic programs of students in the major (this responsibility may be delegated to advisors);  approve all student requests for changes from the stated requirements of a major;

 assist the registrar when needed to determine the applicability of transfer credit as it relates to the academic degree;  supervise and evaluate faculty performance including advisement.

The chair should meet with probationary faculty to discuss their performance, including advising, and suggest strategies for improving performance if necessary. If performance in the advising role is unsatisfactory, the chair may choose to remove the faculty member from their advising responsibilities. In this case, after consultation with the college dean, the faculty member will be assigned alternate responsibilities in place of advising. Final determination of such action resides with the department chair.

Student Access to Information

Students may review their records upon request. Student records, files and data will be made available to faculty and specific university personnel only as needed to assure student success. When individuals or agencies outside of the university need information contained in the student record, these will only be made available after the student has given written authorization for the release of the information with the following exceptions:

1. if required for accrediting agency review; 2. in connection with a student's application for, or receipt of financial aid; 3. in the case of an emergency if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health and safety of the student or others.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (Buckley Amendment)

Misericordia University recognizes the privacy rights of individuals who are or who have been students, as guaranteed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. No information from records, files, or data directly related to a student shall be disclosed to individuals or agencies outside the University without the express written consent of the student. FERPA does authorize disclosure without consent to school officials with legitimate educational interests who need to review an education record in order to fulfill their professional responsibilities. The following people or agencies are also allowed access to records without consent: persons or companies with whom the University has contracted (such as attorneys, auditors, or collection agents); students serving on official committees, such as disciplinary or grievance committees, or assisting other school officials in performing their tasks; persons or organizations to whom students have applied for financial aid; persons in compliance with a lawful subpoena or court order; and persons in an emergency in order to protect the health or safety of students or other persons.

The University considers the following to be public information which may be made available, at its discretion, without prior consent of the student: student name, hometown and state, electronic mail address, dates of attendance, degrees, awards and honors received in the curricular and co-curricular life of the university, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, the most recent previous educational institution attended by the student, and individually identifiable photographs of the student solicited by or maintained directly by Misericordia University as part of the educational record. 4

A student wishing to prevent the public disclosure of any or all of the above information may request so by notifying the Registrar's Office, where she or he may obtain the form prohibiting disclosure.

Except where prescribed by law, information regarding a student's educational records may not be disclosed to a parent, guardian or spouse without the student's written authorization on file in the Registrar's Office.

FERPA affords students the right to inspect and review their educational records within 45 days of the day the University receives such requests. Students should submit to the Registrar official written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

Students have the right to request the amendment of any educational records that they believe are inaccurate or misleading. They should write to the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record that they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to appeal the decision. Additional information regarding the appeal will be provided to the student when notified.

Advisement Week

Advisement week is the period during which students formally declare their intention to enroll in specific courses for the next term or semester. Pre-registration dates are indicated in the academic calendar found in the catalog and on the university portal. Prior to or during the pre-registration period, all students are to meet individually with their advisors to obtain advice on their academic program and goals. These meetings usually begin as soon as pre-registration materials are available, usually two weeks before the registration dates. Faculty members add additional office hours to accommodate the needs of students during this period.

Prior to registration, the registrar's office provides information about courses available, and a schedule of times for online registration. Part-time students may register through the Center for Adult and Continuing Education using a similar schedule.

Current copies of the student’s curriculum guide can be found on the university portal. The "curriculum guide" is used to track student progress toward fulfilling curriculum requirements. Advisors are responsible for reviewing class registration information and releasing the student’s online registration. Faculty should create a record of the advisement appointment. It is highly recommended that this be done online.

Credit Load - Full-time

A Misericordia University Baccalaureate Degree requires a minimum of 120 credits. A maximum semester load is 17 credits. Students who wish to take 18 credits in one semester must have a minimum GPA of 2.75, or the approval of their academic advisor. Students who wish to take 19 or more credits must also receive written permission from their department chair/program director and 5

college dean prior to registration. Students will pay an additional per credit charge for every credit taken over 17. No student may take more than 21 credits in one semester.

Credit Load - Part-time

Ordinarily, students who are classified as part time may take no more than 12 credits, 13 credits if one of the courses is a 1-credit lab-based science course or a 4-credit course, in any combination of traditional, accelerated, or weekend formats in any one semester period while being charged the per- credit tuition rate.

Long Range Course and Degree Planning

Advisors should help students estimate what courses they will need over a series of semesters to graduate. Traditional students can estimate courses needed by reviewing suggested course sequence found in the university catalog. Transfer students’ planning requires more specific attention. To complete a long range estimate of courses needed advisors should:

1. determine the number of semesters the student plans to spend at Misericordia University; 2. identify the number of courses/credits the student needs to graduate; 3. suggest when the student should take specific courses; 4. assure a schedule that allows for the completion of written communication and other core requirements

It is extremely important to pay particular attention to the times when courses will be available. Any questions about the availability of a particular course at a given time should be directed to the chair of the appropriate department.

Graduation Requirements

The minimum number of credits required of a baccalaureate degree from Misericordia University is 120 credits. To obtain a baccalaureate degree a student must complete the minimum hours of credit required by the declared major program even if that number exceeds 120 credits. A transfer student must complete a minimum of 30 credits at Misericordia University for any given degree. That number may exceed 30 credits contingent on the number of total credits a student needs to meet degree requirements. Students should consult individual program descriptions.

A minimum of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average is required to graduate with a baccalaureate degree. Students should consult individual program descriptions for program specific grade point average requirements.

A degree application form, available from the registrar's office, must be completed by the specified deadline by the student and advisor. This form is to be submitted to the registrar's office during the term prior to his/her intended term of graduation. All bills must be paid in advance for a student to be eligible to receive the diploma and have transcripts released, and to participate in commencement ceremonies.

Only students currently enrolled in all courses necessary to complete all academic requirements by the end of the Spring semester will be permitted to process in the Spring Commencement ceremony held in May of that same year. Only students who have completed their degrees in the Summer semester, or who are currently enrolled in all courses necessary to complete all academic requirements by the end of the Fall semester, will be permitted to process in the Winter Commencement ceremony held in December of that same year.

Transcript Requests

Students who want official transcripts sent to graduate schools, prospective employers, etc. should be advised to complete a transcript request form, available from the registrar's office. Processing time is usually 48 hours. Students may obtain a student copy of a transcript for their personal use. There is a fee for issuing each transcript. No request for a transcript will be honored if there is a balance due on the student's account.

Protocol for Assignment or Change of Advisor

New Freshman (declared)  Student Success Center (SSC) initiates advising file at orientation and sends file to department chair/program director at close of 3rd orientation, but no later than the end of the first week in August.  Advising assignments are made by department chair and shared with the registrar by August 15th (or Monday following if on Saturday or Sunday).  Letters sent by department chair to student and copied to advisor no later than 7 days after notifying the registrar’s office.  Department chair makes advising record available to advisor.

NOTE: As we move increasingly to electronic records, the use of electronic advising notes is highly recommended to reduce the need for transfer of files.

Change of Advisor (not major)  Department chair notifies registrar’s office, current and new advisor and student of change via letter.  Current advisor responsible for making record available to new advisor.

Change of Advisor and Major Program

 Student notifies advisor of plan to change major.  Student and advisor initiate change of major form.

1st signature: new department chair (signifies acceptance to major and assigns new advisor on form) generates letter to student, registrar and new advisor. 2nd signature: former advisor makes the record available to new advisor. 3rd signature: former department chair 4th signature: financial aid 5th signature: registrar – form is placed in the permanent file in the registrar’s office.

Change of Advisor/Major (to undeclared – student initiated)

 Student notifies advisor of plan to change major.  Student and advisor initiate change of major form.

1st signature: SSC director (undeclared freshman program director), will assign advisor on form and notify new advisor and student via letter.

2nd signature: former advisor forwards the file to new advisor.

3rd signature: former department chair

4th signature: financial aid

5th signature: registrar – form is placed in the permanent file in the registrar’s office.

Change of Advisor – Major (dismissal) Department Initiated

 Student notified by department chair, copy to retention coordinator and registrar and college dean.  Retention coordinator follows up with student within 72 business hours.  Retention coordinator assesses plans for future program and initiates change of major form.

1st signature: new department chair (signifies acceptance to major and assigns new advisor on form) generates letter to student and new advisor.

2nd signature: retention coordinator

3rd signature: financial aid

4th signature: registrar – form is placed in the permanent file in the registrar’s office.

Undergraduate College Dismissal, Withdraw, Graduation

Advisor will receive copy of withdrawal or dismissal letter from the Student Success Center. The Commented [JR1]: This whole section needs to be revised – completely out of date. Withdrawal notifications come from SSC, withdrawal form comes from Vice President of Student Affairs. Dismissal letter comes from and I notify advisors of the withdrawal. Advising record should stay Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs (AVPAA). Advisor informs should keep advising with the advisor/department for the retention period, in case the record department chair and forwards advising record to AVPAA ((records are maintained for a student re-enrolls in the program. period of 5 years). Upon graduation, record becomes property of the major – files should be maintained based on department policies.

Transfer Admit to a Major

 Registrar generates enters transferred courses with their Misericordia equivalents into the system, which produces a curriculum guide with transfer information and makesthat is available toaccessible by the department chair.

 Department chair assigns advisor, notifies student, advisor, and registrar. Upon assignment of the advisor in the system, the advisor is able to review the and makes curriculum guide. available to new advisor.

Transfer Admit – Traditional Full-time (undeclared)

Summer undeclared transfer registration (full-time) will be completed by the admissions transfer counselor. Record will then be forwarded to the registrar. Registrar The director of the Student Success Center assigns an undeclared advisor, sends letter to student and advisor, Upon assignment of the advisor in the system, the advisor is able to review the curriculum guide.

and makes curriculum guide available to new advisor.

Non-Traditional Admit - Part-time (to a major)

Office of Center for Adult and Continuing EducationAdmissions initiates the admission file. When admission requirements are fulfilled and the registrar has completed the transcript evaluation, the acceptance letter and transfer evaluation are sent to the student and a copy is sent to the department chair and registrar. The department chair assigns the advisor, and notifies the student and registrar of the change. Upon assignment of the advisor in the system, the advisor is able to review the curriculum guide.

Advising record is made available to advisor.

Non-Traditional Admit - Full-time (to a major)

Office of Admissions initiates the admission file. When admission requirements are fulfilled and the registrar has completed the transcript evaluation, the acceptance letter and transfer evaluation are sent to the student and a copy is made available to the department chair and registrar. The department chair assigns the advisor and sends a letter to the student and registrar. Upon assignment of the advisor in the system, the advisor is able to review the curriculum guide.

Advising file is made available to advisor.

Non-Traditional Admit (undeclared)

Center for Adult and Continuing EducationOffice of Admissions initiates file. Dean Director of CACE assigns advisor and forwards record. Registrar, student, and advisor are notified via letter.

Change of Advisor

At the request of an advisor - Current advisors may request that one of their advisees be given a new advisor in the student's major program. The reasons for the request should be discussed with the advisee as well as the department chair. The department chair should then notify the dean of the assignment of the new advisor so that a letter documenting the change can be sent to the student, the

new advisor, and appropriate university offices. The department chair should insure that the student folder is forwarded to the new advisor.

At the request of a student - A student may request a change of advisor in the major program. This is done by discussing the situation with the department chair and/or dean. If the department chair makes the change, he/she should be send a letter documenting the change to the student, the new advisor, and the appropriate university offices. The department chair should insure that the student record is forwarded to the new advisor.

Upon a student's change of major - If, for any reason, a student changes his/her major program, the student will complete a change of major form, which is forwarded to the registrar. At that time, a new advisor will be assigned by the chair of the department into which the student is transferring. A letter documenting the change must be sent to the student, the new advisor and the appropriate university offices. The department chair of the program from which the student is transferring should insure that the student folder is forwarded to the department chair into which the student is transferring.

Office Services

Registrar’s Office Commented [JR2]: No mention here of sending students to the registrar for review of their progress toward degree or records. FREQUENTLY advisors are sending their students to us for, in The registrar's office provides a variety of services to the academic community including the essence, advising that they do not feel capable of. I think this needs following: class lists; mid-term and final grades and calculation of same; maintenance of student's to either formally be acknowledged, or there needs to at least be acknowledgement that the regisrtrar frequently serves in a capacity official records/transcripts; development of fall/spring master class schedule; student registration for to assist advisors with issues regarding academic requirements. We classes; final verification of students' eligibility for graduation; evaluation of transfer credits; etc. All should discuss this. forms relative to a student's academic life can be found on the portal.

Center for Adult and Continuing Education (CACE) Commented [JR3]: CACE doesn’t really service graduate students, nor do they provide services for non-traditional full time students. They are pretty much Expressway, and part-time evening The Center for Adult and Continuing Education services non-traditional full-time and part-time undergraduate programs. But I don’t feel comfortable correcting this undergraduate and graduate students. The staff will initially advise, register, and advocate on behalf without Barb’s say so first. of this non-traditional student population. The center manages the accelerated degree and Expressway programs. Evening and weekend hours are maintained for the convenience of students and faculty supporting this population.

Student Support Services

Student Success Center

The Student Success Center, located on the ground floor of Alumnae Hall, offers a variety of services for students including study skills development - individual and group sessions on study skills, test taking strategies, time management, stress management, etc. These support services help students organize for academic success.

Face-to-face and online tutoring is available free-of-charge to all students. For further information contact the tutorial coordinator in the Student Success Center.

The Choice Program consists of a series of workshops designed to assist undeclared students explore their interests, values and skills, as well as the various Misericordia major curricula and the world of work. All incoming first-year undeclared students are encouraged to participate in this experience. During the series, students complete a series of informal assessments, engage in individual and group reflection experiences, interact with area employers representing student’s fields of interest, explore the Misericordia catalog and meet with Misericordia professors to explore career options in major fields. The Choice Program offers undeclared students an opportunity to interact with other students who are exploring their futures and provides them with a support system as they adjust to college and make decisions about their major field of study. This workshop series is co-facilitated by the Student Success Center and the Insalaco Center for Career Development.

The Bridge Program provides incoming first-year students with an opportunity to come on campus before their first semester begins to learn skills and techniques to help them build a “bridge” between their high school and college experiences. The Bridge Program provides both academic and personal motivational support through a series of workshops that address note-taking, academic organizing, time management, textbook reading, goal development, stress management, peer pressure, and positive thinking. Students are assessed in the areas of study skills, personality/learning style and self-esteem. They are also provided with techniques to strengthen areas of weakness and opportunity to get to know other students before the formal semester begins and to develop staff, student, and faculty support networks that can assist in making a smooth transition to college. Student participation in the Bridge Program is by invitation and is strictly voluntary.

In addition to the services identified above, the following services are provided to students:

The Counseling Center is located on the ground floor of McGowan Hall. Misericordia employs a full-time psychologist, counselor, and certified substance abuse specialist, who are professionally trained to provide confidential counseling for a variety of personal and social problems.

The Writing Center is located on the ground floor of Alumnae Hall. The Center offers assistance in the development of writing skills.

The Office of Students with Disabilities provides students with diagnosed learning disabilities with training to use learning strategies and accommodations, as well as support through individualized programs of accommodations associated with their schedules of regular courses during the school year.

Insalaco Center for Career Development

The Insalaco Center for Career Development is located on the first floor of McAuley- Walsh Hall. The Center offers a variety of services to assist students with career choice and development, including career counseling, career interest assessments, computerized career exploration, workshops covering major selection and decision making, internship assistance to support programming in the major, job and graduate school search assistance, coordination of the Guaranteed Placement Program and a variety of career related resources.

The Guaranteed Placement Program (GPP) is a well planned integration of classroom and workshop instruction, academic internships, service, leadership, and various career oriented experiences and activities. The program is specifically designed to develop students professionally and prepare them to meet the needs of tomorrow's employers. The opportunity to be part of the program is offered to all entering full-time freshman. Once a student decides to become part of the program, the student signs a contract agreeing to fulfill the necessary requirements needed to remain in the program. If upon graduation a student has fulfilled all requirements, the university "guarantees" a paid internship in his/her chosen field if they have not been accepted to graduate/professional school or have not been offered an entry-level job within six months after graduation. Requirements within the GPP includes: graduate with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0; meet with an Insalaco Center professional once a semester; complete at least one academic internship or approved work experience; complete specific career-related activities including workshops in resume creation, experiential education, inclusive excellence in the workplace, financial fitness, professional etiquette and interviewing skills; maintain regular contact and conduct an active job search with the Insalaco Center during the student's final year at Misericordia and continue through the first six months after graduation if necessary.

Academic Policies and Procedures

Academic Honors

The dean’s list, which is issued at the close of each semester, recognizes students who have completed a minimum of 12 graded undergraduate credit hours and have earned a grade point average of 3.55 (on a 4.0 system) for the semester. Part-time students are eligible for the dean’s list after they have completed 12 credits at Misericordia University, and earn six or more undergraduate credits in a given semester. The dean’s list is an award earned at the end of each semester.

Undergraduate students are awarded baccalaureate degrees with distinction for exceptional academic achievement. A student must have completed at least 60 credits at Misericordia University to qualify for these honors. Honors are awarded as follows:

Distinction Grade Point Average at Graduation Summa Cum Laude 3.90 and above Magna Cum Laude 3.70 - 3.89 Cum Laude 3.50 - 3.69

The class valedictorian is determined by the full-time matriculated student with the highest cumulative undergraduate average who has completed all course work at Misericordia University with the exception of credit allowed through off-campus requests or any advanced placement credits. A separate valedictorian for the Winter and Spring Commencements shall be determined from the graduating students. In the event that multiple graduating students possess identical grade point

averages, all will be recognized as valedictorians, and the student speaker for the commencement ceremony shall be determined as follows:

 The valedictorian with the highest percentage of credits taken at Misericordia University out of the total number of credits required for the undergraduate degree according to the major (as stated in the catalog) will serve as the student speaker.

 Should a tie remain, a selection committee comprised of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the College Deans, and a faculty representative from each College will determine the student speaker from the remaining valedictorians, who each will submit a draft of her/his speech to the selection committee. The selection committee will decide on the basis of the drafts which valedictorian will serve as the student speaker.

For Winter Commencement, if the scheduling of the ceremony does not allow the determination of valedictorian to take place prior to the ceremony, the student speaker shall be the graduating student with the highest grade point average at the start of the fall semester immediately prior to the Winter Commencement.

Students who complete the Misericordia University Honors Program while achieving a GPA of 3.25 or higher will be awarded an honors designation.

Academic Integrity

Any form of cheating or dishonesty, including plagiarism, is a fundamental violation of the nature and purpose of Misericordia University. Such behavior will not be tolerated and will result in at least lowered grades, possibly failure in a class, program dismissal, and, in the most serious cases, dismissal from the university.

Plagiarism is using someone else’s ideas or words and claiming them as one’s own. Students who use another person’s words must copy them accurately, enclose them in quotations marks, and identify the source clearly. If another person’s ideas are used in a student paper, the source must still be identified and the author of the ideas given credit. Students are responsible to make sure they are using sources properly and documenting them properly.

The responsibility for maintaining personal integrity and honor in academic activities rests with the student. Each faculty member will provide information on academic integrity to students in the course outline at the beginning of the semester, including any necessary explanation of violations, possible infractions of academic integrity and the scope of sanctions, e.g., warning, lowering of the grade on the assignment or course, course failure, or dismissal from the program or university.

Should a violation of academic integrity occur, the faculty member must inform the student of the violation before imposing any sanction. Should the violation be considered serious enough to merit any grade of “D” or lower on any major assignment, or a more serious penalty, such as course failure or dismissal from the program, the faculty member must notify the vice president of academic affairs 13

(VPAA) and supply any supporting evidence. In the case of multiple violations, the VPAA will discuss this issue with the student and may impose additional sanctions up to and including dismissal from the university. In a case where dismissal from the university is contemplated, the VPAA will consult with the faculty member, student’s advisor, department chair/program director, and college dean.

In cases where the student contests the accusations of academic dishonesty, the student may file a grievance under either the undergraduate or graduate grievance procedure, whichever one is applicable.

Academic Restart Policy

Undergraduate students who have been academically dismissed or have been withdrawn for at least two academic years from Misericordia University may apply for readmission to the university one time under the academic restart policy. Readmission to Misericordia University under this policy will be granted at the sole discretion of the vice president of academic affairs. In order to qualify, a student must not have attended Misericordia University for 24 months following the dismissal or withdrawal date, or must have completed at least 12 credits approved in advance by the Misericordia University director of student success center earning a “C” or better in each course. He/she will be academically advised by the registrar for at least the first semester of his/her return.

Students admitted under the academic restart policy will have their cumulative index reset to 0.00 at the time of their readmission. Courses taken and grades earned before the restart will remain on the student’s transcript (permanent record), but they will be treated as the equivalent of transfer credits. Any required courses which were taken at Misericordia University earning a grade below a “C-“ will not be awarded credit and will need to be retaken. Students admitted under this policy are not automatically readmitted to any given program.

Academic Standing

All students must maintain an acceptable cumulative grade point average to remain in good academic standing. Failure to do so will result in either academic probation or academic dismissal. Some majors have academic performance criteria which are program specific.

Alternate Format Course Requests for Students in Traditional Programs

This policy does not apply in the summer semester, as students generally take a lighter course load. The accelerated evening, weekend, and online formats are ordinarily available to the University’s nontraditional/adult students. Nontraditional students can be full or part-time. A nontraditional student is defined as an adult learner who is starting or returning to college and is generally 25 years of age or older; or because of life circumstances has assumed such responsibilities as family and career, and would be classified by Financial Aid as an independent student. In restricted circumstances, a full-time, traditional student may be granted permission to register for these adult focused formats. In such a case, registration will only be accepted for a full-time, traditional student prior to the beginning of the semester.

Criteria to be considered for approval of a full-time traditional student are:

1. The student has senior standing and is not able to complete necessary degree requirements for graduation without enrollment in the alternate course format.

2. The desired course is not available in the traditional schedule or a conflict with the required course exists.

3. The student’s total semester credit load with the alternate format course does not exceed 18 credits.

4. The student has a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above.

5. The student has received specific written permission to register for the alternate format course from his/her advisor and the Director of the Center for Adult and Continuing Education (CACE).

Process for approval for traditional students to register for alternate format course:

1. Student completes a Traditional Student’s Approval to Take Alternate Format Course form and submits to the Registrar after obtaining the advisor’s signature.

2. The Registrar evaluates the student’s request per the criteria indicated on the form (and above) and submits the form to Center for Adult and Continuing Education (CACE).

3. The Center for Adult and Continuing Education (CACE) reserves the right to make the final determination, which will be based on the criteria met, special circumstances, or other significant factors. After a decision is rendered, the form is returned to the Registrar for communication to the student of the outcome of his/her request and for processing, if approved.

(Note: CACE will inform student of the demands of online courses, direct students to the Blackboard tutorial and other resources available to ensure student’s success.)

Cancellation of Classes

Students may call (570) 674-6311 or log onto e-MU for information regarding the closing of the university. If the university is to be closed, open for part of a day, or placed on compressed schedule because of weather or other unforeseen events, the decision will be made as soon as possible and posted on the portal and relayed promptly to local television stations. Individual class cancellations are posted on e-MU by the vice president of academic affairs office as they are reported. To locate the list of cancellations, click on the Academics/Academic Affairs tab.

Change of Academic Major

Students who wish to change from one major program to another will consult with their assigned academic advisor. The student must secure approval for the change from the department chair of the major program into which the student wishes to transfer. Forms which must be completed in order to change one’s major may be obtained in either the registrar’s office, on e-MU, or in the Center for Adult and Continuing Education. The change of major does not take place until the appropriate form is properly executed and filed with the registrar. 15

Change of Grade

Grades may be changed only when the course instructor discovers a grade miscalculation from a previous semester. A change of grade form (available in the registrar’s office or on the portal) must be completed by the instructor. Students who believe they have been treated unfairly in the process of grade assignment, may file an academic grievance if they have not been able to resolve the situation within the existing structure. Commented [JR4]: Should this be clarified? By the way – this is NOT in the catalog as an academic policy. Change of Name/Address

Students are responsible for notifying the registrar’s office in writing of any change in name and/or address. This change will be appropriately processed throughout the university.

Change of Status

Students who wish to change from full-time to part-time status or from part-time to full-time status must address a letter to the director of admissions stating their intention. Students considering such a change should also consult with their academic advisor and the office of student financial services for information about the implications of the decision on financial aid eligibility.

Class Attendance

It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of the attendance policy of each faculty member in whose classes they are enrolled. It is the responsibility of the student to consult with the appropriate faculty member prior to a necessary absence to determine and confirm arrangements for make-up work.

If a student is unable to attend class, she/he is to contact the faculty member directly in accordance with the class syllabus, if applicable. Should a situation arise where a student will be missing classes for an extended period of time, the student is to contact the student affairs office secretary (570-674- 6238) who will then notify the vice president of academic affairs office. The office of academic affairs will notify the student's course instructors of the absence. It is the student's responsibility to contact his/her instructors for information on fulfilling course requirements.

Classification of Students:

Students are classified as follows: First Years -- students who have earned between 0-29 credits Sophomores -- students who have earned between 30-59 credits Juniors -- students who have earned between 60-89 credits Seniors -- students who have earned 90 or more credits Special Students -- students who have a baccalaureate degree and are pursuing a second degree Full-time Students -- students carrying a minimum of 12 credits Part-time Students -- students carrying fewer than 12 credits (exception: students in the accelerated program often carry 12 credits) Matriculating Students -- students seeking a degree who have been formally admitted to the university

Non-matriculating Students -- students who have not been admitted to the university or who have been academically dismissed and are taking courses on a part-time or full-time basis Certificate Students -- students following a sequence of courses leading to an educational certificate.

Major programs of study have their own classification based on their sequence of required courses that may differ from the university’s classification of students. For example, a student classified as a senior by the university based on the number of earned credits may for purposes of a given major be restricted to sophomore-level courses.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)/Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Credits

CLEP allows non-traditional students to demonstrate their knowledge in a wide range of subject areas. CLEP examinations are standardized tests that measure a person’s knowledge of the material covered in introductory college courses. The knowledge may have been obtained through on-the-job experiences, professional workshops, classes at business or technical schools, volunteer activities, or vocational pursuits. CLEP credit is treated as transfer credit and is awarded on a credit/no credit basis. Only passing grades appear on transcripts. Contact the Center for Adult and Continuing Education for more information.

PLA credits provide students the opportunity to validate their relevant learning in a written document called a portfolio. The portfolio information is organized to correspond as closely as possible to comparable courses from Misericordia’s inventory of undergraduate offerings. Emphasis is placed on the satisfactory presentation of the student’s achievement relative to each course’s learning objectives.

For challenged courses, a faculty assessor from the involved department will be selected by that college's dean. The assessor will review the portfolio according to the following criteria: the learning will be demonstrated to be college level; the learning is current, particularly in quickly-changing fields such as computer science and business; the learning must be able to be generalized and transferred, i.e., it can be applied outside of the specific context or situation in which it was acquired; the learning must be measurable; the learning must have a theoretical as well as a practical component; credits will be awarded for competence and actual learning outcomes, not merely the experience; the credits awarded will not duplicate other earned credits. (This includes transfer, CLEP, and/or completed course credits, ACT, PEP exams, etc.)

Students who request assessment of their prior learning must:

1. Be matriculated at the university with a declared major;

2. Limit requests for assessment to those course areas that will fulfill degree requirements in their declared major;

3. Have had all transfer credits officially evaluated prior to attempting this credit option.

4. Submit the designated fee for each PLA assessment being evaluated made payable to the Center for Adult and Continuing Education.

Students will not be required to have any previously earned university credits; thus there will be no minimum GPA requirements. Students who have been awarded prior learning assessment credits at another institution will not automatically be awarded such credit in transfer. Students have the opportunity to present their portfolios, with updated information, to the appropriate department chair for consideration.

The option for prior learning assessment will be available only during fall and spring semesters. The PLA decision of the department is final. For more information contact the Center for Adult and Continuing Education at 570-674-6450. credits provide students with the opportunity to validate their relevant learning in a written document (portfolio). The portfolio information is organized to correspond as closely as possible to comparable courses from Misericordia’s inventory of undergraduate offerings. Emphasis is placed on the satisfactory presentation of the student’s knowledge relative to each course’s learning objectives.

For challenged courses, a faculty assessor from the involved department will be selected by that college dean. The assessors will review the portfolio according to the following criteria: the learning will be demonstrated to be college level; the learning is current, particularly in quickly changing fields such as computer science and business; the learning must be able to be generalized and transferred; i.e., it can be applied outside of the specific context or situation in which it was acquired; the learning must be measurable; the learning must have a theoretical as well as a practical component; credits will be awarded for competence and actual learning - outcomes not merely the experience; credits awarded will not duplicate other earned credits. This includes transferred credits, CLEP credits, completed course credits, ACT, PEP exams, etc.

Students who request assessment of their prior learning must be matriculated at the university with a declared major, must limit requests for assessment to those course areas that will fulfill degree requirements in the declared major, and have had all transfer credits officially evaluated prior to attempting this credit option.

Students will not be required to have any previously earned university credits; thus there will be no minimum GPA requirements. Students who have been awarded PLA credits at another institution will not automatically be awarded such credit in transfer. Students have the opportunity to present their portfolios with updated information to the PLA committee. The option for prior learning assessment will be available only during fall and spring semesters. Students will attend an initial orientation session (free of charge) to familiarize them with the university policy and process of PLA. The credit-free workshop, portfolio requirements, and fee structures will be explained. Contact the Center for Adult and Continuing Education for more information.

Consortium Programs

Students at Misericordia University may register for courses at King’s College and/or Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre if those courses are not part of Misericordia’s curricula. The program is reciprocal. Full-time students in good academic standing who meet specific course prerequisites are eligible. Ordinarily, cross registration is available only to juniors and seniors who have received permission from their major department to participate in the program. Cross-registered courses are considered part of a student’s regular course load; no additional tuition fees are charged and courses carry full academic credit and grade value. 18

Course Repeat/Grade Replacement Policy

Students can only receive credit for a course once. Students are eligible for a maximum of five grade replacements. However, the same course can be repeated only one time for the purpose of grade replacement. The student must indicate his/her intention of replacing the old grade with the new one by filing the appropriate form with the registrar at registration. All grade replacement courses must be taken at Misericordia University. The repeated course will appear on the transcript twice. The original grade will be indicated with an "R*" next to the original grade. Only the new grade, even if it is lower than the original, will be used in calculating the student's grade point average (GPA). A directed study may not be used as a grade replacement without the permission of the chair of the department offering the course and the approval of the college dean.

If a student has grade replaced a course and receives a second unacceptable grade, and is required to pass the course to achieve the degree, he/she may request the opportunity to take the course a third time. This must be approved by the department chair of the program offering the course. The second unacceptable grade will remain on the student’s transcript and be calculated into the student’s GPA.

Once a student has graduated, the student's record prior to graduation is not subject to change through this policy.

Contract Learning

Two types of contract learning are available at Misericordia University: (1) directed study and (2) independent study. Student must be formally admitted to the university to register for contract learning. A student can earn no more than 15 credits via the contract learning option. A maximum of six contract learning credits may be carried in a semester.

Directed Study

When a student must take a specific university course in a given semester but it is not part of the offerings in that semester, the student may petition for a directed study. Students may apply for directed study only in exceptional situations. Students may not use a directed study for grade replacement. Students who wish to apply for a directed study must have at least a 2.5 GPA.

A student interested in this option must first discuss this possibility with his/her advisor, and then approach the appropriate department chairperson and college dean sponsoring the course under consideration. If the contract is approved at that level, the student will approach the appropriate faculty member to determine his/her availability. Faculty retain the right to decline a request for a directed study. Final approval of this arrangement is made by the college dean. A written contract is required between the instructor and the student. The minimum number of times that a student and instructor are to meet will be included in this contract. Copies of the contract are to be forwarded to the college dean, the student's advisor, the instructor, and the registrar. The student must register prior to the beginning of a semester for a contract learning directed study. Ideally the contract should be completed during the previous semester. Students will be expected to assume the majority of responsibility for actually writing the contract. Forms are available in the offices of the registrar, Center for Adult and Continuing Education, and online through the e-MU portal.

Independent Study 19

Independent study is the special investigation of a selected topic. It may be undertaken by a junior or senior student whose academic requirements cannot be met by regular catalog offerings. Only elective credits may be used for independent study. Depending on the depth and scope of an independent study, anywhere from one to six credits may be earned (determination of assigned credits is made by the appropriate department chair and faculty member).

Students who wish to apply for an independent study must have at least a 3.0 GPA. The student must have demonstrated the ability to pursue independent work. To apply for independent study, students must (a) define the topic or issue to be pursued; (b) discuss their plan with their advisor; (c) contact the chairperson of the appropriate department/program to request approval of their proposal; (d) if the independent study is approved, the student will approach a faculty member in the department that sponsors the independent study to serve as a mentor. Faculty are free to choose whether or not to mentor a student for independent study.

Part of the intent of an independent study is to foster self-directed learning. Therefore, after a student has specified the content area to be studied and has diagnosed his/her learning needs, the faculty member and student will jointly negotiate course objectives; learning resources and methodology; and procedures for evaluation. The minimum number of meeting times will also be specified. A written contract, which includes these areas, is to be drafted and signed by the faculty member and student. Copies are to be forwarded to the student’s advisor, the mentor, and the registrar.

Independent study application forms may be obtained from the offices of the registrar, the Center for Adult and Continuing Education, and online through the e-MU portal.

Declaration of a Minor

A minor is a focused program involving specific clusters of courses around a general area of study. Minors are not associated with particular degree programs and are open to all students. Students wishing to pursue a minor must complete a declaration of minor form, available from the registrar’s office and the Registrar’s Office section of the e-MU portal. The form must be completed by the student and signed by the academic advisor, college deanchair or director of the minor sponsoring the program, and the registrarstudent. Only minor programs defined in the university catalog are available.

Degree Requirements

An undergraduate student seeking a degree or certificate at Misericordia University is responsible for adhering to the following policies:

1. Students must meet the graduation requirements of the Catalog under which they first enroll. These requirements will be in effect for a period of ten (10) academic years beginning with the term of initial enrollment.

2. As a result of changes mandated by external accrediting or licensing agencies, students may be required by their programs to complete additional and/or alternate requirements for their current major necessitated by a curriculum change that occurs after their initial enrollment and within that initial ten (10) year period. Decisions to require additional and/or alternate requirements that are a direct result of those accreditation or licensing changes will be 20

communicated in writing to students by the chair of the department in which the program is housed, a copy of which will be sent to the registrar to be included in the student’s official academic file.

3. All students enrolled in a given major may opt to complete the requirements of the newest approved curriculum within their major. Such students must meet all the requirements for their major as described in the most recently published Catalog and must obtain approval for this change from their academic advisor and department chair, and submit the appropriate documentation to the Registrar's Office. Students will complete the core requirements under which they entered the University, provided that the change of major does not require the students to exceed the ten academic years under which the catalog of entry is in effect; however, students may also choose to meet the Core Curriculum requirements that are contained in the same Catalog as the newest approved curriculum within their major. If the students wish to opt for the later Core Curriculum requirements, they must indicate that choice, have it approved by their academic advisor and department chair, and submit the appropriate documentation to the Registrar's Office.

4. Students wishing to change their major(s) must obtain approval for the change with the chair of the department in which they are seeking to enroll. Students who change their major(s) must meet all requirements for the new major(s) as described in the most recently published Catalog at the time the student officially confirms this change with the chair of the appropriate department and submits the appropriate documentation to the Registrar’s Office. Students will complete the core requirements under which they entered the University, provided that the change of major does not require the students to exceed the ten academic years under which the catalog of entry is in effect; however, students may also choose to meet the Core Curriculum requirements that are contained in the same Catalog as the newest approved curriculum within their major. If the students wish to opt for the later Core Curriculum requirements, they must indicate that choice, have it approved by their academic advisor and department chair, and submit the appropriate documentation to the Registrar's Office.

5. Students wishing to declare a minor, certificate, or specialization with their major(s) must obtain approval for the change with the chair of the department in which they are seeking to enroll. Students must meet all requirements for a minor, certificate, or specialization as described in the most recently published Catalog at the time the student officially confirms this change with the chair of the appropriate department and submits the appropriate documentation to the Registrar's Office.

A student may graduate under the degree requirements of the Misericordia University catalog in force when she/he enrolled as a degree candidate. Students resuming studies after an approved leave of absence (granted by the Vice President of Academic Affairs) must re-enter under the new catalog and will be held to any new requirements. Students re-admitted who did not formally withdraw will follow the major sequence of courses current at the time of re-admission. Students who have been academically dismissed are handled as re-admits, thus they return under current catalog requirements. Checklists for the core curriculum and major sequencing are to be included in each student’s advising record. Should a curriculum change be implemented prior to the publication of the newest catalog, that change should be forwarded to the college dean, Vice President of Academic Affairs, registrar, Student Success Center and admissions office. 21

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation. Several programs require more credits. Of the 120 credits, 49 credits are in the core curriculum. The balance is made up of major requirements, suggested requirements for the major and elective credits.

Academic Core Curriculum Requirements

All undergraduate students, regardless of major, are required to complete a minimum of 49 credit hours of core courses, as listed below:

Behavioral Science: Select any two (6 course credits required)

PSY 123 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits) SOC 101 Comparative Sociology (3 credits) BUS 205* Macroeconomics (3 credits) BUS 206* Microeconomics (3 credits) BUS 207* Contemporary Economics (3 credits) (*Only one Economics course may count towards core)

English: Select any two (6 course credits required)

ENG 101 Literature of Values: Ancient and Medieval (3 credits) ENG 102 Literature of Discovery: Modern/Early Modern (3 credits) ENG 104 Literature of Discovery: American Literature (3 credits) ENG 109 Modern World Literature (3 credits) ENG 151 University Writing Seminar (3 credits) ENG 185 Special Topics-Core (3 credits) ENG 207 British Literature (3 credits) ENG 208 African American Literature ENG 216 Italy in Literature & Film (3 credits)

Fine Arts: Select any two (6 course credits required)

FA 102 Cultural Synthesis in the Ancient World (3 credits; for Transfer students only) FA 104 Art, Self, and Community in the Modern World (3 credits; for Transfer students only) FA 203 Subjects and Symbols (3 credits) FA 204 Beauty and Ugliness (3 credits) FA 207 World Music (3 credits) FA 208 Pop Music: Diversity and Identity (3 credits) FA 209 Themes in Art (3 credits) FA 211 Global Contemporary Art (3 credits)

History/Political Science: Select one course from Group A and one course from Group B (6 course credits required)or select a survey sequence (HIS 101/102, HIS 103/104)

History Group A:

HIS 103 US History I (3 credits) HIS 104 US History II (3 credits) 22

HIS 105 Turning Points in American History (3 credits) HIS 110 Spies, Traitors, and Saboteurs (3 credits) HIS 115 Introduction to U.S. Environmental History (3 credits) HIS 120 The U.S. in a World at War (3 credits) HIS 125 Modern U.S. History through Popular Culture (3 credits) HIS 151 University Writing Seminar (3 credits) POL 100 American National Government (3 credits)

History Group B:

HIS 101 Western Civilizations I (3 credits) HIS 102 Western Civilizations II (3 credits) HIS 151 University Writing Seminar (3 credits) HIS 155 Nineteenth Century Europe (3 credits) HIS 160 Contemporary Europe (3 credits) HIS 165 The History of Human Rights (3 credits) HIS 170 The Holocaust: History, Memory, and Legacy (3 credits) HIS 175 Introduction to Middle Eastern History (3 credits) POL 103 Global Politics (3 credits)

Mathematics: All students are required to take two mathematics courses: one from Group A and one from Group B (minimum of 6 course credits required).

Placement into Mathematics Group A courses is determined by a student’s score in the mathematics section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT):

MTH 120: Mathematical Reasoning: SAT Math scores of 440 and below MTH 160: Discrete Mathematics: SAT Math scores of 450-490 MTH 165: Survey of Calculus: SAT Math scores of 500 and above MTH 171: Required Mathematics Bank A course for Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and Mathematics majors.

Mathematics Group A

MTH 120 Mathematical Reasoning (3 credits) MTH 160 Discrete Mathematics (3 credits) MTH 165 Survey of Calculus (3 credits) * MTH 171 Calculus I (4 credits)

Mathematics Group B (May be specified by program)

MTH 115 Statistics (3 credits) MTH 160 Discrete Mathematics (3 credits) MTH 165 Survey of Calculus (3 credits) * MTH 171 Calculus I (4 credits) MTH 172 Calculus II (4 credits)

*NOTE: This course may NOT be taken for credit by students who have previously received credit for MTH 151 or MTH 171.

Philosophy: Take PHL 100 and one of the following courses (6 course credits required).

PHL 105 Introduction to Logic (3 credits) PHL 200 Ethical Theory (3 credits) PHL 202 Environmental Philosophy (3 credits) PHL 210 Philosophy of Person (3 credits) PHL 215 Wisdom Traditions (3 credits) PHL 220 Philosophy and Literature (3 credits) PHL 223 Social Ethics (3 credits) PHL 257 Philosophy of Religion (3 credits) PHL 261 Philosophy of Women (3 credits) PHL 270 Social and Political Philosophy (3 credits) PHL 285 Special Topics-Core (3 credits) * NOTE: PHL 100 is a prerequisite for every 200 level course.

Religious Studies: Select one course from Group A and one course from Group B (6 course credits required).

Group A

RLS 104 World Religions (3 credits) RLS 151 University Writing Seminar (3 credits)

Group B

RLS 100 Biblical Studies (3 credits) RLS 106 Theology and Human Experience (3 credits) RLS 107 Women and Spirituality (3 credits) RLS 113 Theology of the Church (3 credits) RLS 114 Introduction to Christian Thought (3 credits) RLS 115 Religion in America (3 credits) RLS 116 American Catholicism (3 credits) RLS 117 Christian Health Care Ethics (3 credits) RLS 118 Catholic Social Teaching and Mercy Spirituality for the 21st Century (3 credits) RLS 160 Marriage, Sexuality and Family (3 credits) RLS 185 Special Topics-Core (3 credits) RLS 215 Death and Dying (3 credits) RLS 285 Special Topics-Core (3 credits)

Natural Sciences - Select one lab science course and one non-lab science course, or two lab science courses (minimum of 7 course credits required).

Courses are listed in sequence when the first course is a prerequisite for the second course. Lab courses:

BIO 105/105L Essential Biology with Laboratory (4 credits) BIO 111/711-112/712 Evolution, Genetics and Ecology & Cell and Molecular Biology (4 credits each) BIO 121/721 Human Structure and Function I (4 credits) BIO 211/709 Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits) CHM 101/701-102/702 Chemistry in Context I & II (4 credits each) CHM 104/704-105/705 General Chemistry and Introduction to Organic Chemistry (4 credits each) CHM 133/733-134/734 Chemical Principles (4 credits each) PHY 117/717-118/718 Physics Introduction I & II (4 credits each) PHY 135/735 Introduction to Physical Science (4 credits) PHY 145/745 Observational Astronomy (4 credits) PHY 221/703-222/704 General Physics (4 credits each)

Non-lab courses:

BIO 105 Essential Biology (3 credits) BIO 106 Introduction to Environmental Science (3 credits) BIO 210 Biology of Aging (3 credits) PHY 121 Energy in Our World (3 credits) PHY 141 Introduction to Astronomy (3 credits) PHY 142 Earth Science (3 credits)

Free Electives

Courses taken as part of a minor, specialization, or certification may be included as the nine credits of free electives, provided that they are outside the major. Students are encouraged to take additional free electives whenever their program of study permits.

Technical Competency Requirement

Students are required to successfully complete TC 000, a non-credit course. Students who complete either BUS 105- Basic Computer Technology or TED 121- Educational Technology with a “C” or higher grade automatically meet the technology competency requirement.

Written Communication Requirement

All students must complete: a. University Writing Seminar (either ENG 151, HIS 151 or RLS 151; must be successfully completed prior to taking any WI courses)** b. Two Writing Intensive (WI) courses.

**These courses also satisfy core requirements in the department in which they are offered (see chart below). A UWS course should not be taken by a student who has already successfully completed another UWS course in a different department, as it will not count toward the Writing Intensive requirement. A UWS course from one department cannot be used to grade replace a UWS course taken in another department.

Drop/Add

Students should consult the academic or adult education calendars for the dates of the drop/add period, during which time schedule changes may be made with the registrar, or through the online registration system in Oasis. For all non-Oasis transactions, drop/add forms are available in the registrar’s office and online through the e-MU portal. The drop/add form must be signed by the student’s advisor before it may be processed. Any course adjustment is not official unless the form is received and processed by the registrar during the drop/add period.

Grading System

The grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing honor points earned by credits attempted. Any courses failed will be charged as credits attempted through the final calculation of a student’s grade point average. A minimum of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average both overall and in the core curriculum is required to graduate with a baccalaureate degree.

Some majors require a higher cumulative grade point average for graduation and program retention. Students should consult individual academic program descriptions for major requirements.

Grades Honor Points per Credit Hour

A 4.0 A– 3.7 B+ 3.3 B 3.0 B– 2.7 C+ 2.3 C 2.0 C– 1.7 D (undergraduate courses only) 1.0 F 0.0 I Incomplete Not calculated AU Audit Not calculated W Withdrawn Not calculated

IP In progress Not calculated S Satisfactory: pass Not calculated U Unsatisfactory: fail Not calculated

Please note the following implications of this grading system: 1. A grade of “W” is given to students who withdraw prior to the end of the withdraw period. As noted in the university calendar, no academic penalty is incurred. Withdrawal forms may be obtained from the registrar’s office or online through the e-MU portal. The date on which the form is received by the registrar’s office is considered as the date of withdrawal. The tuition refund and grade assignment are based on this date (see refund policy). 2. If a student does not officially withdraw from a course and ceases to attend it, a grade of “F” is incurred, except in extenuating circumstances.

3. An "Incomplete" grade (which is recorded as an "I" on the academic record) will be issued only for those courses in which a student has not completed the necessary requirements because of extenuating circumstances, such as a medical or family emergency. The student's inability to complete required work in a timely fashion is not an acceptable reason for granting an Incomplete. An Incomplete will not count toward completed credits or be factored into the student's semester or cumulative grade point average. It is the responsibility of the undergraduate student to contract with the instructor in writing to apply for an Incomplete grade. It is the exclusive purview of the instructor to determine if the Incomplete is to be granted. All contracted requirements for the Incomplete must be completed and submitted to the instructor within six weeks after the end of the semester, or an earlier date determined by the faculty member and agreed upon by the student, or the Incomplete will default to a failing grade.

4. An “In Progress” grade (which is recorded as an “IP” on the academic record) may only be issued for very specialized courses that lead to the production of a significant final project and often require students to devote additional time beyond the one-semester norm in order to successfully complete the required project (such as a senior thesis, or an Honors Capstone Project). In Progress grades may not be submitted for undergraduate courses that are expected to be completed within a single semester. An In Progress grade will not count toward completed credits or be factored into the student’s semester or cumulative grade point average. All requirements for the In Progress course must be completed and submitted to the instructor by the completion of the Final Exam period of the semester that immediately follows the semester in which the In Progress grade was granted, or an earlier date determined by the faculty member and agreed upon by the student, or the In Progress grade will default to a failing grade.

5. Pass/Fail grading is limited to those courses designated in the university catalog to be on a S/U basis. The letter grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory) will be assigned to these courses. S and U grades are listed on the transcript but are not calculated in the grade point average. Credits for these courses are not included in the 12 graded credit hours required for the dean's list.

Off-campus Courses

Off-campus courses are defined as those not sponsored by Misericordia University or by our consortium partners, King's College and Wilkes University (see Consortium Programs). Students may transfer in three (3) 3-4 credit courses (no more than two (2) of which may be 3-4 credit core

courses) for a total of no more than 12 credits. Credits earned through study abroad are also considered off-campus courses except those earned through our consortium partners or at institutions with which Misericordia has cooperative agreements.

A student who will have completed 60 credits of academic work by the time the off-campus course begins will only be approved to take additional off-campus courses at an accredited four-year institution (or an equivalent institution, if taking credits through a study abroad program).

All off-campus courses must be evaluated and approved as to their equivalency to Misericordia University courses. This determination will be made in consultation between the department chair in the discipline which sponsors the course at Misericordia University and the registrar. Only grades of C- or better will be accepted for transfer. Transfer credits must come from an accredited degree- granting institution or equivalent as determined by the registrar in consultation with the department chair.

Off-campus course requests for currently enrolled students must be submitted to the registrar, and must be accompanied by a course or catalog description of the course the student intends to complete. Department chairs may request additional information if deemed necessary. If a course is not approved in advance of taking the course, it will not be accepted in transfer.

Probation/Dismissal

The university academic status committee meets each semester promptly after grades are run to deliberate the standing of students relative to the university probation/dismissal policy. University academic probation is the automatic and minimum penalty for failing to maintain an acceptable cumulative grade point average (GPA). Students failing to maintain an acceptable cumulative GPA are also subject to dismissal from the university.

Acceptable Cumulative Grade Point Average: 12 to 23 credits 1.75 24 to 37 credits 1.90 38 credits and above 2.0

Full-time students on university academic probation are required to carry a restricted academic load of 12 credits and are mandated to meet with their respective College Retention Liaison. Part-time students are required to carry a restricted academic load of no more than 6 credits. A student on university academic probation is prohibited from representing the university in any official capacity. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, holding an elected or appointed office or seat in student government, or on the executive board of student government, serving as a resident advisor, or participating in intercollegiate athletics. Furthermore, students may have their participation in non- 28

prohibited extracurricular activities curtailed if, in the judgment of the academic status committee, such activities interfere with their academic performance.

Initial university academic probation will begin with the first class meeting of the semester (fall or spring) following the decision to place a student on academic probation. Students who are placed on probation will have one semester to raise their cumulative GPA to the acceptable level referenced above. Students who take summer courses and raise their cumulative GPA to the acceptable level will be removed from probation prior to the start of the fall semester.

Failure to make satisfactory academic progress after initial probation will result in a student being placed on final university academic probation. Final university academic probation will begin with the first class meeting of the semester (fall or spring) following the decision to place a student on final university academic probation. Students who are placed on final university academic probation will have one semester to raise their cumulative GPA to the acceptable level referenced above. Students who take summer courses and raise their cumulative GPA to the acceptable level will be removed from probation prior to the start of the fall semester. Full-time students on final probation are assigned an academic advisor in the Student Success Center by the Director of the center. Students on final university academic probation will complete an academic probation contract with their new academic advisor that includes the semester cumulative GPA necessary to mathematically increase their current cumulative GPA to the acceptable level, as well as other academic support necessary to do so.

Failure to make satisfactory academic progress after final probation will result in dismissal from the university. A student may be retained if the Academic Status Committee determines that sufficient academic progress has been attained, but an additional semester is needed to mathematically raise his/her current cumulative GPA to the acceptable level. After a student has been dismissed, he/she may submit a written letter of appeal to the Academic Status Committee requesting to remain enrolled at the university. The date by which appeals must be submitted is stated in the student’s dismissal letter from the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Students who have been removed from academic probation must maintain the above acceptable GPA level throughout the remainder of their academic program. Probation status does not restart. If a student was removed from initial probation and his/her cumulative GPA falls below the acceptable level in a future semester, s/he will be placed on final probation. If a student was removed from final probation and his/her cumulative GPA falls below the acceptable level in a future semester, s/he will be dismissed from the university.

Registration

All registration will be done online by current class standing that is determined by credit hours earned for undergraduates seeking the a first bachelor's degree ("freshman" = 29 or less credits earned; "sophomore" = 30-59 credits earned; "junior" =60-89 credits earned; "senior" = 90 or more credits earned), or by the degree level pursued for students seeking a second bachelor's degree ("special") or a graduate degree ("graduate"). Students must make an appointment with their advisor to approve course selection prior to registration. Students should check their status on the portal and resolve any conflict with the registrar’s office prior to registration.

Second Degree

Students who wish to obtain a second baccalaureate degree may do so if they meet the following conditions:

1. The student must be officially admitted into the major program in which the second degree is desired. 2. The student must meet all of the curriculum requirements of the second degree. 3. The student must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours in addition to the credits taken in the first degree program. 4. For the purposes of a second degree, the core curriculum is waived with the exception of those courses required for the major.

Second Major

Graduates of Misericordia University who wish to return for a second major may do so by completing only the requirements necessary for the second major. The registrar will post a statement on the official transcript stating “requirements completed for a second major in ….” Students cannot declare second majors in Interdisciplinary Studies or Professional Studies. See individual department policies regarding standards for second majors.

Students with Special Needs

The university, through the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), coordinates the efforts to integrate students with disabilities into all areas of campus life. All accommodations are coordinated through the OSD office. Services from the OSD are provided based on receipt and acceptance of specific documentation requirements.

Misericordia University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to its programs, services, in access to them, in treatment of individuals with disabilities or in any aspect of their operations. The university also does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices. Should a student with a disability feel that he/she is a victim of discrimination based on ability, he/she can file a grievance through the OSD office.

This notice is provided as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Questions, complaints or requests for additional information regarding the ADA and Section 504 may be forwarded to the Office for Students with Disabilities.

This notice is available from the OSD in large print, on audio tape, and in Braille.

Study Abroad Programs

Misericordia University works with program providers for semester-long study abroad opportunities. Students may choose to study abroad for one or two semesters, normally in their junior year. Students must consult with their academic advisor regarding courses and number of credits to be taken at the institution abroad. Students who wish to use courses taken abroad to satisfy specific course requirements at Misericordia University, whether in the core or the major, must secure the approval in advance of the appropriate department chair. More information can be found at the 30

Insalaco Center for Career Development and in “International/Intercultural Opportunities” under the Academics Tab on eMU. To obtain the appropriate study abroad paperwork, students must contact the Insalaco Center for Career Development.

Study abroad credits earned through an affiliated program provider are considered part of the student’s regular course load and carry full academic credit and grade value. Study Abroad credits earned through non-affiliated providers are treated as transfer credits and governed by the "Off Campus Courses" policy. Students planning a study abroad experience must consult with the director of student financial services to determine appropriate financial responsibility.

Short-Term Study Abroad Programs

Short-term study abroad programs are less than a semester long and are developed and led by Misericordia University faculty. Short-term programs create international opportunities for students who have never been abroad, students who are unable to spend an entire semester abroad due to curricular or financial restrictions, non-traditional students, and study abroad returnees who wish to repeat a study abroad experience. More information can be found at the Insalaco Center for Career Development and in “International/Intercultural Opportunities” under the Academics Tab on eMU. To obtain the appropriate study abroad paperwork, students must contact the Insalaco Center for Career Development.

Transfer Program

Misericordia University welcomes students who wish to transfer from other accredited four-year colleges or universities, or two-year junior or community colleges. Prospective full-time and part- time transfer students are encouraged to arrange an interview with the admissions office to review academic status and proposed curriculum. Although part-time students may begin their studies on a non-matriculating basis, they are expected to apply for formal admission to the university at the earliest possible date. Non-matriculated students are limited to earning 15 credits at the university unless special arrangements have been approved.

Prospective transfer students will be considered for admission if they have maintained a cumulative GPA (grade point average) of 2.0 or better (based on a 4.0 system). Higher GPA may be required to specific majors. GPA requirements for advancement into the professional level of individual programs vary (see individual curriculum guides for each program). Candidates who meet the GPA requirements for general admission and who seek advanced standing for previous college work must provide the director of admissions with the following:

1. Application for Admission with a non-refundable fee. 2. Official copy of secondary school transcript or GED test results. 3. Official transcripts from each college/university previously attended. 4. Registered nurses seeking acceptance to the R.N. to B.S.N. program in Nursing must also send transcripts from their diploma-granting institution, as well as a copy of the RN license.

Transfer students must complete a minimum of 30 credits at Misericordia University. The university will accept no more than 60 credits from any single or combination of associate degree programs. Only courses with a grade of C- (1.7) or better will be accepted for transfer. Grades earned at other institutions are not included in the student's GPA at Misericordia University. 31

Credit may transfer from other institutions if one of the following criteria is met:

 The institution is regionally accredited (not applicant or candidate status) by a commission on higher education. Misericordia University recognizes the following regional accreditations: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools North Central Association of Colleges and Schools New England Association of Schools and Colleges Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges  The American Council on Education has reviewed and recommended the course for college credit.  The institution is legally authorized to grant standard college degrees and is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Misericordia University may award transfer credit based upon an individual review of factors such as course equivalencies, expected student learning outcomes, quality of most recent academic work, cumulative grade point average, number of credits completed, intended field of study, coursework relevant to a prospective student’s major, and applicability or transferability of completed work to Misericordia University’s curricula, standards, and course offerings. This determination will be made in consultation between the Department Chair in the discipline which sponsors the credit at Misericordia University and the Registrar.

Articulation Agreements

Misericordia University maintains the following program-specific articulation agreements with a number of other institutions. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for the current listing as these agreements change regularly.:

With Luzerne County Community College

 Associate in Science in General Studies to Bachelor of Science in Health Science/Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (weekday program only)  Associate in Science in General Studies to Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging  Associate in Science in Business Administration to Bachelor of Science in Sport Management  Associate in Science in Education to Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education  Associate in Science in Cyber Security Management to Bachelor of Science in Information Technology  Associate in Science in Nursing to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing  Associate in Arts in Humanities to Bachelor of Arts in English  Associate in Science in Accounting to Bachelor of Science in Accounting 32

 Associate in Applied Science in Human Services to Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavioral Science  Associate in Science in Business Administration to Bachelor of Science in Business Administration  Associate of Science in Social Science to Bachelor of Science in Psychology  Associate in Science in Social Science to Bachelor of Social Work  Associate in Applied Science in Human Services to Bachelor of Science in Psychology  Associate in Arts in Humanities to Bachelor of Science in Psychology  Associate of Arts in Humanities to Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy  Associate in Applied Science in Journalism and Media Writing to Bachelor of Arts in Communications Associate in Science in Social Science to Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavioral Science Associate of Science in Social Science to Bachelor of Arts in History Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice to Bachelor of Arts in Government, Law and National Security Associate in Arts in Humanities to Bachelor of Arts in History  Associate in Science in Social Science to Bachelor of Arts in Government, Law and National Security

With Lackawanna College

 Associate in Arts in Communication Arts to Bachelor of Arts in Communications  Associate in Science in Sport Management to Bachelor of Science in Sport Management

With Keystone College

 Associate in Applied Science in Allied Health (Radiologic Technology) to Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging  Associate in Applied Science in Allied Health (Nursing) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

With Lehigh Carbon Community College

 Associate in Science in Sport Management to Bachelor of Science in Sport Management  Associate in Science in Computer Science to Bachelor of Science in Information Technology  Associate in Applied Science in Computer Specialist to Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

With the Pennsylvania State University-Hazleton Campus

 Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (after completion of a bachelor's degree at Pennsylvania State University) to Doctor of Physical Therapy

With Northampton Community College

 Associate in Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography to Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

With Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center School of Practical Nursing

 Licensed Practical Nursing to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

With Valley Forge Military Academy and College

 Associate degree, with pre-nursing requirements (as stipulated) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

With Mount Aloysius College

 Associate in Science in General Studies to Bachelor of Science in Health Science/Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (weekday program only)

Students with Credentials from Foreign Institutions

Applicants with prior coursework from institutions outside of the United States will be required to provide a credential evaluation prepared by either the international credentialing service of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers (AACRAO), available at ies.aacrao.org; or, a credentialing service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES -- a list of members may be found www.naces.org).

Part-time Students

Students who wish to be accepted to Misericordia University on a part-time basis in either the accelerated degree program (evening/weekend); the Expressway Program at Hazleton, Nanticoke, Scranton or Tannersville; or the semester format should contact the Center for Adult and Continuing Education for a personal interview. Curriculum requirements, relevant university policies, the process for transfer credit evaluation, and financial aid referral will be explained in detail at that time.

Although part-time students may begin their studies on a non-matriculating basis, they are expected to apply for formal admission to the university at the earliest possible date. Non-matriculated students are limited to earning 15 credits at the university unless special arrangements have been approved. Students applying for part-time admission to the university must:

1. Complete a part-time student application form and submit a non-refundable $25 fee.

2. Send one official transcripts from each institution previously attended to the Center for Adult and Continuing Education.

3. Send one copy of secondary school (high school) transcript or GED test results to the Center for Adult and Continuing Education if this is the first time attending college.

4. Registered nurses must send transcripts from their diploma-granting institution, as well as a copy of the registered nurse (RN) license to the Center for Adult and Continuing Education.

Upon receipt of the application for admission, the secondary school record/transcript or post- secondary transcripts (if applicable), and the appropriate recommendations, the Center for Adult and Continuing Education and department faculty review the applicant’s portfolio. Applicants are notified by mail of the admission decision usually within three weeks. Certain programs have specific requirements for acceptance. Applicants are referred to the description of programs, which appears in the university catalog. Courses, which apply to the student’s field of study, will be evaluated by the Misericordia University’s registrar on a course by course comparison and are subject to approval by the department chair in consultation with the registrar.

Undergraduate Academic Grievance

The university provides a uniform method by which students can pursue grievable issues. Grievable issues are either complaints about alleged violations of the institution’s academic policies or about unfairness in the application of policies.

In all cases, formal grievances must be filed and resolved within one semester of the occurrence of the event being grieved. Summer enrollment period is considered as a semester.

A student who has a grievance must attempt to resolve it by using the following procedures:

 Prior to initiating a formal grievance, the student must attempt to resolve the matter on an informal basis by speaking to the person with whom the complaint rests.  If unable to reach a resolution, the student must discuss the matter with the department chair who supervises the person against whom the complaint is lodged to attempt to resolve the matter.  If the matter is not resolved at that level, the student proceeds to the dean of the college in which the grievance resides.

To initiate the formal grievance process the student must submit in writing a letter to the dean of the college in which the event being grieved resides and the vice president of academic affairs informing them of his or her intent to seek formal redress through the grievance procedure, indicating the nature of the complaint.

Within 14 university business days of receipt of the written complaint, the vice president of academic affairs will convene the academic grievance committee, provide the chair of the committee, and the person against whom the complaint rests, with the student’s statement of complaint. The academic grievance committee is composed of one administrator and one faculty member appointed by the vice president of academic affairs, and the academic affairs coordinator of student government.

At least five university business days in advance of the hearing, the chair of the committee will notify the grievant and the individual charged with the complaint of the date, time and place of the hearing, the specification and nature of the complaint, and the composition of the committee. Notification will occur by telephone with confirmation that all parties have been notified.

The grievance hearing is an internal review and, as such, shall be private. The grievant may be assisted by a faculty representative. However, persons external to the university, including outside counsel, shall be excluded from the grievance hearing.

Both the grievant and the person being grieved have the right to be present when charges and evidence are presented to the committee, and to provide evidence in support of their respective positions. Committee members may question witnesses to evaluate all the relevant facts of a given case. Witnesses shall be excluded except for the period of their questioning.

The report and recommendation of the committee shall be in writing, including the committee's rationale for the decision; the report may include any dissenting opinions. Only those committee members who have heard all testimony and evidence in a given case may vote on the committee's recommendation.

The committee's report and recommendation shall be forwarded to the vice president of academic affairs within 10 university business days of the hearing. The vice president of academic affairs will make the final determination and formally advise the parties involved in the grievance within five university business days.

Students who wish to grieve circumstances that prohibit immediate continuation in a program or in a sequence of courses (e.g. dismissal from a program or a failing grade), must begin to attempt to resolve the issue based on the procedures outlined above immediately, but no longer than five days upon receipt of the grade or of the dismissal notification. An expedited grievance process is then followed, and the process must be completed before the end of the add period of the subsequent semester. In the event a sequential course begins during the grievance process, the student may be granted permission to register for the course; however, if the resolution of the grievance is not in the student's favor, the student will be withdrawn from the course by the student's department chair or in the chair's absence, by the college dean.

Note: University business days are the business days of Monday through Friday during which the university's administrative offices are open.

Graduate Grievance

The university provides a uniform method by which students can pursue grievable issues. Grievable issues are either complaints about alleged violations of the institution's academic policies or about unfairness in the application of policies.

In all cases, formal grievances must be filed and resolved within one semester of the occurrence of the event being grieved. Summer enrollment period is considered as a semester.

A student who has a grievance must attempt to resolve it by using the following procedures:

Prior to initiating a formal grievance, the student must attempt to resolve the matter on an informal basis by speaking to the person with whom the complaint rests.

If unable to reach a resolution, the student must discuss the matter with the program director who supervises the person against whom the complaint is lodged to attempt to resolve the matter.

If the matter is not resolved at that level, the student proceeds to the chair of the department in which the grievance resides.

If the matter is not resolved at that level, the student proceeds to the dean of the college in which the grievance resides.

To initiate the formal grievance process the student must submit in writing a letter to the dean of the college in which the event being grieved resides and the vice president of academic affairs informing them of his/her intent to seek formal redress through the grievance procedure, indicating the nature of the complaint.

Within fourteen (14) university business days of receipt of the written complaint, the vice president of academic affairs will convene an academic grievance committee and provide the chair of the committee, and the person against whom the complaint rests, with the student's statement of complaint. The academic grievance committee is composed of: one administrator, one faculty member and one graduate student appointed by the vice president of academic affairs.

At least five (5) university business days in advance of the hearing, the chair of the committee will notify the grievant and the individual charged with the complaint of the date, time, and place of the hearing; the specification and nature of the complaint; and the composition of the committee. Notification will occur by telephone with confirmation that all parties have been notified.

Both the grievant and the person being grieved have the right to be present when charges and evidence are presented to the committee, and to provide evidence in support of their respective positions. Committee members may question witnesses to evaluate all relevant facts of a given case. Witnesses shall be excluded except for the period of their questioning.

The committee report and recommendation shall be forwarded to the vice president of academic affairs within ten (10) university business days of the hearing. The vice president of academic affairs will make the final determination and formally advise the parties involved in the grievance within five (5) university business days. Penalties for violations of the Misericordia University’s Academic Integrity Policy range from a warning to dismissal from the university. The university reserves the right, depending upon the severity of the conduct, to dismiss a student for a single violation of the university’s academic integrity policy. In cases where a student previously has been found to have violated the university’s academic integrity policy, for which he/she received a penalty less than dismissal from the university, and the student is subsequently found to have violated the policy once again, the vice president of academic affairs may take more severe action for the subsequent violation than that previously imposed for the prior violation(s), up to and including dismissal from the university. 37

Students who wish to grieve circumstances that prohibit immediate continuation in a program or in a sequence of courses (e.g. dismissal from a program or a failing grade), must begin to attempt to resolve the issue based on the procedures outlined above immediately, but no longer than five (5) days upon receipt of the grade or of the dismissal notification. An expedited grievance process is then followed, and the process must be completed before the end of the add period of the subsequent semester. In the event a sequential course begins during the grievance process, the student may be granted permission to register for the course; however, if the resolution of the grievance is not in the student's favor, the student will be withdrawn from the course by the student's department chair or in the chair's absence, by the college dean.

Note: University business days are the business days of Monday through Friday during which the university's administrative offices are open.

Withdrawal from the University

Full-time, undergraduate students must complete the following before an official withdrawal can be granted:

 Contact the retention specialist located in the Student Success Center, Alumni Hall, to begin the process

 Contact his/her advisor or department representative

 Return books to the library

 Return residence hall keys to a member of the residence life staff.

 Return parking permit, student ID, and mailbox key to the retention specialist.

 Clear student balance in Student Financial Services.

 Complete withdrawal form and exit interview.

Part-time, undergraduate students must complete the following before an official withdrawal can be granted:

 Notify in writing the director of the Center for Adult and Continuing Education (CACE)

 Contact his/her advisor or department representative

 Return books to the library

 Return parking permit and/or student ID to CACE.

 Clear student balance in Student Financial Services.

 Complete withdrawal form and exit interview.

The date of withdrawal will be determined by the completion of the above. That date will determine if any refund of tuition is warranted. Cancellation of charges will depend on the date that the withdrawal is official (see refund policy).

In the event that the student returns, this policy does not bind the institution to offer the student’s curriculum or major program, which may have been discontinued or substantially altered during the period in which the student was not enrolled. Please see the Determination of Requirements Governing Undergraduate Degree or Certificate Conferral policy for further clarification. Students who wish to withdraw from the University must see the retention specialist, located in the Student Success Center, Alumnae Hall, to begin the withdrawal process. Generally, the students who are in good academic standing both in their program and institutionally at the time of withdrawal, are granted a period of up to one calendar year from the time of withdrawal to return to the institution or to the program on a space available basis. In extraordinary circumstances, students may request an extension of this time period. Requests for an extension must be submitted in writing to the director of the Student Success Center who will consult with the appropriate program chairs.

This policy does not bind the institution to offer the student’s curriculum or major program, which may have been discontinued or substantially altered during the period in which the student was not enrolled.

The following must be completed before an official withdrawal can be granted:

 Return books to the library.  Return residence hall keys to a member of the residence life staff.  Return parking permit, student ID, and mailbox key to the retention specialist.  Clear student balance in Student Financial Services.  Complete withdrawal form and exit interview.

Withdrawal from a Course

A student may withdraw from a course in a traditional semester format from the end of the add/drop period through the tenth week of the semester (see academic calendar for specific date) only with the signatures of the instructor, the student’s academic advisor(s), and the chair of the student's major. A grade of “W” will be issued for the course at that time. A student may withdraw from a course for medical reasons, supported by a written excuse from a physician, or for other serious circumstances, approved by the vice president of academic affairs in consultation with the course instructor, provided a grade has not yet been submitted for the course. Students taking courses on alternative calendars should refer to the published deadline for their program.

The student is responsible for initiating the withdrawal process by obtaining a withdrawal form from the registrar’s office or the e-MU portal, having it signed by the appropriate personnel, and returning

it to the registrar’s office within the period described above. A grade of “F” will be recorded for all courses in which no official withdrawal has been completed by the student.

Note: Students taking classes exclusively on weekends, at an Expressway site, or online must communicate their intent to withdraw to their advisor, their instructor, the chair of the student's major program, and the registrar via Misericordia email.

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University Directory (570) 674-6400

Senior Administration

Extension

President Dr. Thomas Botzman 6401

Vice-President of Academic Affairs (interim) Dr. TJ Arant 6403

Vice President of Planning, Dr. Barbara Loftus 6195 Assessment, & Research

Vice President for Mission Integration Sr. Jean Messaros, RSM 6238

Vice-President of Finance & Administration Mr. Eric Nelson 6725

Vice-President of University Advancement Ms. Susan M. Helwig 6368

Vice President of Student Affairs Ms. Kit Foley 6304

Administrative and Student Services Offices

Director, Center for Adult and Continuing Education Mrs. Barbara Leggat 8144

Bookstore Ms. Diane Morreale 6339

Career Development Office Ms. Bernie Rushmer 8028

Computer Services Mr. Val Apanovich 6749

Counseling Center Dr. Cindy March, RSM 6366

Dean of Students Ms. Amy Lahart 6263

Director of Multicultural Initiatives Ms. Maria Cabrera 6160

Executive Director of Enrollment Management Ms. Jane Dessoye 6168

Director of Health Center Ms. Angela Evans 6432

Human Resources Ms. Pamela Parsnik 6310

Information Technology Help Desk 6449

Library Services Ms. Jenn Luksa 6325

Registrar Mr. Joseph Redington 6756

Director, Campus Ministry Ms. Chris Somers 6314

Retention Specialist Ms. Megan Hurley 8170

Safety Mr. Paul Murphy 6272

Service Learning Mr. Kevin Feifer 6322

Student Success Center (interim) Ms. Kristen Ricardo 6263

Tutorial Coordinator Mr. Bruce Riley 6204

College Deans

Arts & Sciences Dr. Russ Pottle 1484

Health Sciences Dr. Leamor Kahanov 6288

Professional Studies & Social Services Dr. Fred Croop 6367

Academic Chairs and Program Directors

Please see the updated Academic Chairs and Program Directors list on Oasis under the Academics tab.

Emergency Numbers, Dallas

Campus Safety 6300

Dallas Fire Department 911

Dallas Twp. Police 675-5251 or 911

Dallas Ambulance 911