UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG 2016–2017 Academic Calendar Fall 2016 Semester Classes begin (Main and 7.5wk1 Session) Monday, August 29 Convocation Thursday, September 1 Labor Day Holiday Break (no classes) Monday, September 5 Mercy Day Mass Thursday, September 22 Columbus Day Holiday Break (no classes) Monday, October 10–Tuesday, October 11 7.5wk1 Session Ends Saturday, October 22 7.5wk2 Session Begins Monday, October 24 Critical Concerns Week Friday, November 4–Friday, November 11 Thanksgiving Holiday Break (no classes) Wednesday, November 23–Sunday, November 27 Study Day Tuesday, December13 Final Assessments (Main and 7.5wk2 Session) Wednesday, December 14–Tuesday, December 20 (Snow Date for Final Assessments) Wednesday, December 21 Winter 2017 Session Wednesday, December 21, Thursday December 22; Tuesday, January Classes Meet 3-Friday, January 6; Monday, January 9–Friday, January 13; Monday, January 16–Friday January 20. Final Assessments Friday, January 20, 2017 Spring 2017 Semester Classes begin (Main and 7.5wk1 Session) Monday, January 23 Mass of the Holy Spirit Tuesday, January 31 President’s Day (no classes) Monday, February 20 Spring Break (no classes) Sunday, March 5– Saturday, March 11 7.5wk1 Session Ends Saturday, March 18 7.5wk2 Session Begins Monday, March 20 Easter Break (no classes) Wednesday, April 12–Monday, April 17 Assessment Planning Day for Faculty (no classes for students) Tuesday, April 18 Last Day of Classes Monday, May 15 Final Assessments (Main and 7.5wk2 Session) Tuesday, May 16–Monday, May 22 Graduate Commencement Ceremony Wednesday, May 24 Baccalaureate Mass Thursday, May 25 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony Thursday, May 25 Summer 2017 (Main Session) Tuesday, May 30–Saturday, July 8 Summer 1–6 Week Holiday: Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4 Tuesday, May 30–Saturday, August 19 Summer 1–12 Week Holiday: Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4 Summer 1–4 Week Monday, June 5–Thursday, June 29 Summer 2–4 Week Monday, July 10–Thursday, August 3 Summer 2–6 Week Monday, July 10–Saturday, August 19 Catalog dates were accurate as of the time of printing. Please verify academic calendar dates by accessing the online academic calendar published under the Academic tab at www.georgian.edu. Majors, Minors, Concentrations, Certifications & Contents Other Programs 21 Academic Calendar The University Honors Program 24 I: General Information 1 Preparation for Careers in Engineering, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy & Physical Therapy 25 Mission Statement 1 Our Core Values 1 IV: Academic Policies & Procedures 27 Statement on our Special Concern for Women 1 Academic Advisement 27 Notice of Nondiscrimination Policy 1 Graduation Requirements 27 Undergraduate Study at Georgian Court University 2 Grading System 27 History 2 Audit 28 Historic Highlights 2 Grade Posting 28 Accreditations & Memberships 4 Grade Appeals 28 The Campus 4 Academic Progress 28 Class Status 28 II: Admission 7 Course Load 28 Classification of Undergraduate Students 7 Incomplete Work 29 Admission of First-Year (High School Senior or Graduate) Add/Drop Policy 29 for Matriculation 7 Course Withdrawal Policy 29 Secondary School Preparation 7 Academic Early Warning System 29 Secondary School Preparation for Nursing Applicants 7 Academic Probation and Dismissal 29 Admission Procedures for First-Year Students 7 Repeating a Course 30 Admission of Transfer Students 10 Class Attendance 30 Admission of Students Participating in Dual Degree/Joint Admission Agreements with Community Colleges 15 Cancellation of Classes 30 Programs at Brookdale Community College’s Course Final Assessment 31 Hazlet Center 16 Transfer of Credit 31 Admission for a Second Baccalaureate Degree 16 Articulation Agreements 31 Admission of Registered Nurses 16 Nondisclosure 31 Admission to Postbaccalaureate Teacher Education Summer Session 31 Certificate Programs 16 Credit by Testing 31 Readmission of Students 16 Policy for Credit for Prior Learning for Admission of Nonmatriculating (Nondegree, Undergraduate Coursework 32 Noncertificate, Noncertification) Students 16 Online, Hybrid, and VTC Courses 32 Step Ahead for High School Students 17 Independent Studies 32 Nondisclosure 17 Credit Hour Assignments for Courses 32 Notice 17 Study Abroad 32 III: Academic Programs 18 Access to Records 32 Solomon Amendment 33 Institutional Learning Goals 18 Request for Transcript 33 Bridge General Education Program: Vision Statement 18 Academic Honesty 33 Bridge General Education Program: Goals and Learning Outcomes 18 Procedures for Dealing with Academic Dishonesty 34 Bridge General Education Program: Requirements 18 Withdrawal from the University 34 Bridge General Education Program: Categories Leave of Absence 35 and Courses 19 Academic Year 35 Writing Requirement 20 Dean’s Scholars and President’s List 35 Writing Program 21 Fall Convocation 35 Honors at Graduation 35 V: Financial Information 36 Holistic Health Studies 78 Interdisciplinary Studies 79 Tuition and Fees: 2016–2017 36 Interdisciplinary Courses & Earth Sciences Courses 79 Manner of Payment 36 Mathematics & Computer Information Systems 81 Refund Policy 36 Music Courses 83 International Student Policy & Procedures 37 Natural Sciences 84 International Student Addendum 37 Nursing 86 Financial Aid Information 38 Philosophy 90 Types of Financial Aid 38 Physical Education 91 Verification Policy 38 Physics 91 Returning Students & Renewal Awards 39 Psychology & Counseling 92 Federal Title IV Refund Policy 39 Religious Studies 97 Military (Tuition Assistance [TA]) Refund Policy 39 Social Work 99 Federal Financial Aid Programs 39 Sociology, Anthropology, & Pre-Law 102 Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy 42 World Languages & Cultures 103 Remedial Coursework 42 Maximum Time Frame 42 VIII: School of Business 108 Appeal Process 43 Business Administration, Accounting & Economics 108 VI: Student Life 48 Communication, Graphic Design & Multimedia 117 Residence Life 48 IX: School of Education 123 Commuting 48 Student Organizations 48 X: Interdisciplinary Minors 132 Athletic & Recreation Program 49 Campus Ministry 50 XI: Skills Development 134 The Counseling Center 50 The Office of Career Development and XI: Appendices 135 Experiential Learning 50 Administration 135 Health Services 50 Librarians & Teaching Faculty 135 Academic Development and Support Center 51 Associate Faculty in Medical Technology Program 140 Office of Global Education Programs 51 Athletics Staff 140 TRIO–Student Support Services 51 Special Programs 140 The Learning Connection 52 Disabilities Services Office 52 How to Read Course Listings 52 VII: School of Arts & Sciences 53 Applied Arts & Sciences 53 Art & Visual Studies 54 Biology 56 Chemistry & Biochemistry 60 Criminal Justice 63 Dance 65 English 68 Exercise Science, Wellness & Sports 73 History, Geography & Politics 75 I: General Information Statement on our Special Concern for Women Georgian Court University, a Catholic institution founded by the Mission Statement Sisters of Mercy, is committed to the equality of women in all facets of Georgian Court University, founded by the Sisters of Mercy of New Jersey in society, to the full development of women’s abilities, and the generous 1908 and sponsored by the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas outpouring of women’s influences and contributions in the world. since January of 2007, provides a comprehensive liberal arts education Women’s knowledge, leadership, and engagement are critical in creating in the Roman Catholic tradition. The university has a special concern for a vibrant culture, just society, and healthy global environment. women and is a dynamic community committed to the core values of justice, respect, integrity, service, and compassion, locally and globally. GCU’s special concern for women gives life to the ideals of justice, compassion, and excellence by educating both women and men to be Georgian Court University provides students with informed, active citizens of a dynamic and complex world. GCU aims to • A curriculum broad enough to be truly liberal, yet specialized graduate students who incorporate creativity, thoughtful discernment, enough to support further study and future careers; and care for all of creation in their personal and professional lives. • An environment for the entire university community to grow through shared educational, cultural, social, and spiritual Women’s equality issues are integrated into the curriculum— experiences; and undergraduate and graduate—in student/faculty research, and in • The will to translate concern for social justice into action. student life. As a result, Georgian Court teaches women and men about the importance of an equitable society where women are valued, treated with respect, and enjoy the same fiscal and leadership opportunities as Our Core Values their male counterparts. As an institution sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court The university ensures access to transformative educational experiences University is committed to the following guiding principles: where students cultivate balanced, informed, productive, forward-thinking leadership skills. By placing women’s success at the center of the mission, Respect: We reverence the dignity of all persons and all GCU underscores the pivotal role that women play in global change. life as gifts of God and strive to promote community in our world. Choosing to accept what may be perceived as different without passing judgment—choosing to appreciate social and cultural differences as strengths that enable people to work together. Notice of Nondiscrimination Policy