Professional Program Academic Policies and Regulations

Federal Definition of the Credit Hour

Federal regulation defines a credit hour as an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalence that reasonably approximates not less than

1. One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester.
2. At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution, including laboratory work, internships, practicals, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

Registration and Enrollment Confirmation

Students matriculated in any professional program can register for courses during dates established in the University's Academic Calendar.

At the beginning of each session, all students must confirm their enrollment within specified timelines using methods provided by the University Registrar's Office. Instructions for enrollment confirmation are communicated to each student via email.

Course registration can only be confirmed after fulfilling all other university obligations, including resolving matters with Student Accounts, Financial Aid, the Health Center, Security, or any other relevant offices necessary for complete enrollment at the university.

Changes to course schedules are permitted only during a designated add/drop period, as outlined in the current academic calendar. Detailed instructions and timelines regarding the add/drop process are emailed to each student. It's important to note that tuition and/or financial aid may be adjusted based on the number of credit hours enrolled during this period.

Class Attendance

All students are required to attend all classes for which they are registered. Each instructor establishes and communicates attendance policies, including guidelines for unexcused absences. If a student's absence significantly impacts their academic performance, the instructor will notify the department chair or program director with remarks regarding their standing in the course. Typically, the number of absences in a semester should not exceed the frequency of class meetings per week for each course.

If an instructor formally reports a student as excessively absent in writing to the department chair or program director, and upon approval from the department chair or program director, the instructor may withdraw the student from the course with an appropriate grade.

Absences due to religious observances are considered excused, and students should not face academic penalties for these absences. Before the absence, students are responsible for arranging with the faculty to obtain missed class information. Additionally, at the faculty's discretion, students may be required to take any missed exams before or after the scheduled exam time. All assignments must be submitted on time as per the course requirements.

Athletic Competition and Class Attendance

If an athlete misses class due to a scheduled varsity intercollegiate competition, the absence is considered excused, and the student-athlete should not face any academic penalties. However, this policy does not extend to students on clinical rotations.

In such cases, the student-athlete is responsible for initiating communication with faculty to obtain all missed class materials and training. Additionally, arrangements must be made to take any exams scheduled on the day of absence before or after the scheduled exam time, based on the instructor's preference. All assignments are still expected to be submitted on time.

It's important to note that faculty are not obligated to provide additional remediation for student-athletes due to these absences.

Grade Changes

Students who have concerns about the accuracy of a grade should reach out to the respective instructor for resolution. If there is a valid reason for a grade change, the instructor will submit a Faculty Request to Change a Grade form to the Registrar's Office. It's important to note that grade changes will not be considered for students who have been separated from the course or the University for two semesters, or for those whose degree has already been conferred.

Incomplete Policy

The instructor may assign an incomplete (I) grade to a student who is performing satisfactorily in a course but cannot finish the work on time due to circumstances beyond their control. The (I) grade must be resolved within a timeframe set by the instructor, not exceeding six weeks after the end of the semester or 30 days for sessions lasting eight weeks or less. Until resolved, the (I) grade postpones the calculation of credits and grade points for the course. If the work is not completed within the specified timeframe, an administrative *F grade is assigned for the course.

Certain programs may have more stringent policies on incomplete grades, so students should refer to their program guidelines for any exceptions. Upon resolution of the (I) grade, the student's academic standing will be updated based on standard criteria. If a course is completed after the term in which it was offered due to an (I) grade, the degree awarded date (if applicable) will be recorded in the current term when all requirements are fulfilled. This is consistent with reporting graduation status to external entities. Students with incomplete grades are ineligible for the Dean's List.

Repeat to Replace Course Policy

A student may repeat a course to improve their grade. However, only the second or last course taken will receive credit on the student's transcript, and only the second or last grade received will be calculated into the cumulative GPA. Transfer courses cannot be taken to replace a grade.

Add/Drop Period

A student may add or drop a course during the time frames published on the UNE Academic Calendar. Courses dropped during the add/drop period will not appear on a student’s official transcript.

Course Withdrawal Policy for Professional Programs

Course Withdrawal Period

A student may withdraw from a course after the add/drop period has ended through the designated withdrawal deadline, which is approximately at the 60% point of the course's length. The withdrawal period for each semester and session is published on the UNE Academic Calendar.

Grade for the Course Withdrawal

A course withdrawal during the withdrawal period results in a grade of “W,” which will appear on a student’s official transcript. The grade of “W” is awarded only if a student has submitted a completed Course Withdrawal Form to the Registrar’s Office by the deadline. A “W” grade does not impact the term or cumulative GPA.

Consultation Before a Course Withdrawal

Before deciding to withdraw from a course, students must consult their program director and are encouraged to discuss the situation with the instructor.

International students must obtain the approval of the Office of Global Education, as withdrawals may affect visa status.

Students are strongly urged to consult with Student Financial Services, as course withdrawals may affect financial aid or Veterans benefits.

Course Withdrawal Process

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must submit a Course Withdrawal Form, signed by their advisor or program/academic director, and Office of Global Education (if applicable), to the Registrar’s Office before the Course Withdrawal deadline.

Ceasing to attend classes or notifying the instructor does not constitute an official withdrawal.

Late Withdrawal

Requests to withdraw from a course after the withdrawal period will only be considered in extreme circumstances. To request a late withdrawal, a student must consult with their instructor and program/academic director.

If approved, the Instructor will issue a grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing). The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average as a failing grade.

Late withdrawal forms must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the last day of the class.

Note: All deadlines, procedures, and policies related to course withdrawal are subject to the guidelines specified on the UNE Academic Calendar.

Semester and Term Grades

Semester and term grade reports are issued after examinations have been held at the close of each semester or term and are viewable on U-Online. Semester and term grades reported by faculty members to the Registrar's office are final. Notices of deficiency, if reported, will be viewable at mid-semester on U-Online.

Petition to Graduate and Receipt of Diploma

In the last year of enrollment, students who anticipate completion of all degree requirements must submit an online petition to graduate. The Petition to Graduate form is available via the "Apply to Graduate" link in U-Online. The completed form sets into motion all final processing towards verification of the degree completion, correct spelling of name on the diploma, correct mailing address, and indication of plans to participate in the commencement ceremony.

If a mailing address should change after submission of the form, the student is responsible for notifying the Registrar's office of a new address. The office's goal is to verify/post degree completions and mail out diplomas within six to eight weeks of a student's completion of studies.

Commencement is held at the end of each spring semester (usually May), and students who complete all degree requirements per academic policy are considered to be in the "Class of...[that particular year]." Student names must be approved by the Board of Trustees, on the recommendation of the faculty, before a degree and diploma from the University of New England can be authorized.

Under some circumstances, verification of degree completion may be possible for students who complete all of their degree requirements before the end of the semester. Requests for degree completion letters should be made to the Office of the University Registrar.

Guidelines for submission of the petition to graduate form are as follows:

The degree awarded date will correspond to the term when the last course requirement was completed and graded. The exception is where one or more courses are completed late (after the end of the term in which the course was provided). In the case of late completion of course requirements (e.g., due to an "Incomplete" grade), the degree will be awarded in the current term (in progress) when the final course requirements are completed. This practice is consistent with graduation reporting to external sources. Further information regarding graduation procedures can be obtained through the Office of the University Registrar or by launching the link: http://www.une.edu/registrar/graduation.

Posthumous Degree Policy

A posthumous degree will be awarded if the student is enrolled in coursework to complete degree requirements at the time of death.

A posthumous degree may be awarded if, at the time of death, the graduate or professional student has completed 75% or more of the degree requirements, and the appropriate Dean recommends it to the University Registrar. After reviewing the guidelines, the University Registrar will forward the recommendation to the Provost.

The Provost will make the decision to award a Posthumous Degree after consultation with the Dean of the College and the Registrar. Arrangements for diploma or certificate awards will be determined by the Dean of the College and Provost in consultation with the family.

The transcript, commencement program, and diploma will note that the degree is presented posthumously.

Leave of Absence Policy

A matriculated student may request a leave of absence for up to one academic year, equivalent to two consecutive semesters. This leave must receive approval from the academic dean, program/school director, or their representative. To apply for a leave of absence, students must complete the Request for Leave of Absence form, available from the respective program/school director, Student Affairs, University Registrar's Office, or online.

While on an approved leave of absence, students are classified as "active/not enrolled" and cannot enroll in courses for credit at another institution*. If a student returns as planned, there's no need for readmission procedures. However, failure to return as scheduled will result in the student being administratively withdrawn and subject to readmission procedures.

Students planning to return from a leave of absence should contact the University Registrar's Office well before the returning semester to update their status, enabling access to course registration. Details about tuition credit during a leave of absence can be found in the Financial Information sections of this catalog. Students receiving financial aid should consult with a financial aid representative before finalizing their leave of absence.

Please note: Students must inform the appropriate academic dean's office, program/school director (for graduate students), University Registrar, or their representative (for undergraduate students) if there are any changes to their plans.

*Students enrolled in university-sponsored dual enrollment programs are exempt from this enrollment restriction.

Reinstatement

To return to the University after taking a Leave of Absence, students must send a written request from their official UNE email indicating their desire to be reinstated for a specific term. In cases where the leave duration surpasses the permitted time, students may need to reach out to Admissions to complete a re-admission application. If such an application is necessary, it may result in a change to the student's catalog year and potentially alter their degree requirements.

University Withdrawal Policy

Matriculated students intending to withdraw from the University must complete the University Withdrawal and LOA Request form available online or at the University Registrar’s Office. The form requires signatures from designated academic and administrative personnel.

Students are responsible for:

• Understanding the University's policies on tuition and fee refunds, as detailed in the respective catalog.
• Returning their university identification (ID) card to the Office of Student Affairs.
• Returning any University keys to the appropriate departments.

The University may withhold refunds and transcripts until these procedures are finalized. Should a withdrawn student wish to re-enroll at the University of New England, they must submit a new application through the Office of Admissions.