{"id":5,"date":"2012-06-04T14:23:04","date_gmt":"2012-06-04T14:23:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/catalogs.wcsu.edu\/ugrad1213\/academic-services-procedures\/"},"modified":"2017-04-13T15:39:14","modified_gmt":"2017-04-13T15:39:14","slug":"academic-services-procedures","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/catalogs.wcsu.edu\/ugrad1617\/academic-services-procedures\/","title":{"rendered":"Academic Services &amp; Procedures"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>Academic Services &amp; Procedures<\/h1>\n<p class=\"subTitle\">Academic Support Services<\/p>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Academic Advisement<\/p>\n<p>All undergraduate students who have been formally admitted to the university are responsible for seeking academic advisement and following a program of study to fulfill the requirements for a degree. Program sheets outline degree requirements for all academic majors and are available in the Admissions Office, the Academic Advisement Center, the office of the appropriate school dean, all academic departments and online at <a href=\"http:\/\/wcsu.edu\/academics\/programsheets\">wcsu.edu\/academics\/programsheets<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Students who have not yet decided on an academic major will be advised in the Academic Advisement Center. Those who have declared a major will be advised within the major department. Students are responsible for arranging to meet with an adviser as soon as possible after admission, and for carrying out the decisions made to ensure their progress toward a degree. Advisers are responsible for communicating accurate and up-to-date academic information. Students and advisers must make a commitment to work together to make the advising process effective.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\"><strong>Academic Advisement Center<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Adviser<\/em>s: Isabel Carvalho, Lisa Peck, Allyson Peluso, Thomas LaPorta\u00a0and AnnMarie Puleo<\/p>\n<p>Designed for students who have not yet decided on an academic major, the center provides up-to-date information on all academic programs. Advisers are available to help students select courses and determine a field of study. The center is located in Higgins Hall, Room 214, (203) 837-8397. For more information about services available through the Academic Advisement Center, visit <a title=\"www.wcsu.edu\/aac\" href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/aac\">www.wcsu.edu\/aac<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Advisement in the Major<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Students who have declared an academic major should make an appointment as soon as possible with a faculty adviser in the major department. Some departments pre-assign students to advisers. Whether or not they receive notice of an assignment, students should visit or telephone the department for an appointment. The locations and telephone numbers of all departments may be found in this catalog at the beginning of the section on each school.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Academic Advisement for Evening Students<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Students who attend classes only in the evenings and are seeking academic advisement, should contact the Academic Advisement Center for advisement. The office is located in Higgins Hall 214, (203) 837-8397.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pre-Professional Advisement<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Specialized advising is available for students who wish to prepare for professional study at the graduate level (pre-medicine, pre-law, etc.). Please see the section of pre-professional options listed in this catalog.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"inlineheader\">International Services<\/span><\/p>\n<p>International students or individuals with questions regarding international services should contact the International Services Coordinator in Old Main, Room 306. The International Services Coordinator assists students and their spouses and dependent(s) in obtaining and maintaining F-1 non-immigrant student status. The office also helps students navigate the processes of non-immigrant F1 laws and university procedures. In addition, the office supports other programming that allows students to learn more about United States culture.<\/p>\n<p>For matters relating to international services, please call the International Services Coordinator at (203) 837-3270.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"inlineheader\">Learning Centers (TLC) at Western<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The Learning Centers at Western are three professionally staffed, independent labs based in the School of Arts and Sciences that provide academic services for students who want help in specific subjects or who want to improve their study skills. All three labs are equipped with IBM computers with Internet capability.<\/p>\n<p>Located\u00a0in the Haas Library and Higgins Hall\u00a0on the Midtown campus, the labs are open Monday through Friday, with some weekend hours. Students may work one on one with staff members or student tutors in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. In the Tutoring Resource Center, students may choose to work on computers independently or form small study groups. Students are welcome to visit the labs on a drop-in basis or by appointment.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>The Tutoring Resource Center<\/em><\/strong> (Haas Library, 2nd floor; (203-837-9245) is managed by the Academic Advisement Center and provides the following services free of charge:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Individual tutoring assistance to students in all academic disciplines taught at Western.<\/li>\n<li>Workshops and individual assistance in areas such as studying, time management, note-taking, reading, outlining, test-taking and research.<\/li>\n<li>Assistance with second-language skills.<\/li>\n<li>Links to all student services on campus via <a title=\"www.wcsu.edu\/trc\" href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/trc\">www.wcsu.edu\/trc<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><em>The Math Clinic<\/em><\/strong> (105A Higgins Hall; managed by the Mathematics Department, provides tutoring on a walk-in basis for students taking math courses at Western. Tutoring is done in a friendly and non-threatening manner. Tutors help students with class material, the use of graphing calculators and mathematical software, homework assignments and preparation for quizzes or exams.\u2002Computers with access to ALEKS, MyMathLab, Derive, Maple, ODE Architect, Geometer\u2019s Sketchpad, Minitab and other mathematical software are available for student use. The clinic also houses many mathematics textbooks for student perusal. Tutoring is provided on a first-come\/first-served basis; appointments cannot be made.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>The Writing\u00a0Center<\/em><\/strong> (302 Haas Library; is staffed by graduate and advanced undergraduate student tutors from a variety of majors who have been identified by their professors as advanced writers. Tutors receive ongoing training in the theory and practice of writing and in methods of effective tutoring.\u00a0 The Writing Center offers free, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/writingcenter\/whatwedo.asp\">one-to-one consultations<\/a> for all currently enrolled Western students. We are committed to helping students become better writers, not just to foster better writing, and so we work with writing in all contexts:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>assignments from any course, discipline, major, or level<\/li>\n<li>writing tasks at any stage of the process<\/li>\n<li>job, scholarship, and graduate school cover letters and applications<\/li>\n<li>personal writing projects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><em>Ancell Learning Commons<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(Westside Classroom Building, Young Library) <span style=\"color: #0000ff\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/asb\/learning-commons\/\">www.wcsu.edu\/asb\/learning-commons\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The Learning Commons is committed to offering every Ancell student the tools needed for academic and professional development.<\/p>\n<p>We strive to deliver a positive and personalized learning experience for all students through:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Free tutoring in business subjects geared to the needs of Ancell students.<\/li>\n<li>WCSU YOUR MONEY, our personal financial literacy program offering a variety of on-line and in-person services (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsuyourmoney.com\/\">http:\/\/www.wcsuyourmoney.com\/<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li>Business-focused, strategy-based coaching for Ancell students on academic probation that is intended to make graduation their prime life-goal and provides tools to achieve that objective.<\/li>\n<li>A wide range of support services, online resources and enrichment events and workshops designed to help each student draw the greatest value from their Ancell education.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"subTitle\">Library Services<\/p>\n<p>Students at Western have access to two university libraries \u2013 the Ruth A. Haas Library on the Midtown campus and the Robert S. Young Library on Westside.<\/p>\n<p>The Haas Library provides access to information resources designed to meet the curricular and research needs of the students and faculty of WCSU, including books, ebooks, journals (mostly online), newspapers, databases, video and sound recordings. In addition to the research resources, the library offers study space for individuals and groups and houses the Midtown Computer Center (MTCC) computer lab.<\/p>\n<p>The Young Library \u2013 located on the fourth floor of the Westside Classroom Building, primarily serves the Ancell School of Business and holds a core collection of business materials, including books; ebooks; online journals; and business, general, and law-related databases. The Young Library houses and cooperates with the Ancell Learning Commons, a space dedicated to student achievement and success.<\/p>\n<p>Professional librarians are available in both libraries to assist students in finding and obtaining appropriate research materials for any topic or project. For more information, visit the library website: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.library.wcsu.edu\">library.wcsu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Information Technology Services<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Information Technology &amp; Innovation (IT&amp;I) supports six staffed computer labs, three 24 hour computer labs and technology classrooms on both of Western\u2019s campuses. These facilities support a variety of software packages including: Microsoft Office, Visual Studio, Visio, SharePoint Designer and Adobe programs. These facilities also support specialized software on various machines and are equipped with both black and white and color laser printers and scanners.Students with a valid university ID card may use the computer facilities at Western. These facilities are staffed with student Computer Center Assistants to provide help if needed. Students who need extensive support and training should visit the Student Technology Training Center.To learn more, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/\">http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/<\/a>and select \u201cComputer Centers\u201d under WestConn IT Essentials.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>Student Technology Training Center<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The Student Technology Training Center (STTC) is located on the Midtown campus in the Student Center, Room 225. This facility provides students with a comfortable environment in which to learn technology. The primary goal of the STTC is to improve student life outside the classroom by creating and maintaining an environment in which all students can empower themselves with a practical understanding of current technology. This facility provides tutorials, hardware and software, workshops and individualized attention. The STTC, funded by the student technology fee, is not designed to be a classroom or lab.<\/p>\n<p>The roles and goals of the facility are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>to be a valuable technological resource to all students, regardless of their level of knowledge of computers and technology;<\/li>\n<li>to provide an environment in which students feel comfortable exploring and learning a variety of new technologies;<\/li>\n<li>to provide the necessary technological and intellectual tools;<\/li>\n<li>to empower students with a better understanding of today\u2019s technology;<\/li>\n<li>to integrate student life with technology in an effort to better prepare students for today\u2019s and tomorrow\u2019s classroom environments; and tomorrow&#8217;s classroom environments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The staff of the STTC are dedicated to facilitating the technological empowerment of the university\u2019s student body. Students who visit the STTC can learn about Microsoft Office and Adobe products and Web page design. The facility provides both PC and Apple computers. \u00a0All computers have the ability to print to both black and white and color laser printers.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/sttc\/\">http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/sttc\/<\/a>. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with a staff member, call (203) 837-8715.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Midtown and Westside 24-Hour Labs<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>There are three 24-Hour Labs, open seven days a week throughout the year. One lab is located in the Westside Classroom Building, Room 247c. The other labs are located on the Midtown campus in the Student Center, Room 214, and in the Science Building, Room 127. These facilities support both Windows and Apple desktops and are equipped with at least a black and white laser printer in each facility. To gain access to these labs, students must swipe their university ID card through the facility\u2019s card reader. The 24-Hour Labs are not staffed but are monitored and maintained regularly. It is the responsibility of each student to use these facilities in accordance with CSCU and Western\u2019s computer policies. These facilities have the same software as the staffed computer centers.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/\">http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/<\/a>\u00a0and select \u201cComputer Centers\u201d under WestConn IT Essentials.<\/p>\n<p>To report any problems, or if you have any questions, please call the Information Technology &amp; Innovation Help Desk at (203) 837-8467.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Student Accounts\/Resources:<\/strong> All Western students are eligible for the following accounts:<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Western Windows Account<\/strong> <\/em>\u2013 Students who wish to use any of the computer facilities at Western (Computer Centers, technology classrooms, 24-Hour Labs, etc.) or access the wireless network must obtain a Western Windows account. Registered students can receive a Windows account at any staffed computer center. Your university ID card is required. To learn more about Windows accounts, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/\">http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/<\/a> and select \u201cWestern Windows Account\u201d under Westconn IT Essentials.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>File Share<\/strong> <\/em>\u2013 Information Technology &amp; Innovation provides students with network file storage where they may save their academic-related documents and data. Students automatically receive a file share when their Windows account is created or password is reset. When a file share is generated, faculty and other students do not have the ability to read, change or delete files in another person\u2019s file share. To learn more about file shares, visit\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/\">http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0and select \u201cFileshares\u201d under WestConn IT Essentials.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>WestConnduit<\/strong><\/em> \u2013 WestConnduit is Western\u2019s campus portal. It brings together campus announcements, upcoming events, social media and access to essential resources like Blackboard Learn (course management system) and Banner Web (see your grades, course schedules, financial aid information, register for classes and make payments).<\/p>\n<p>To get to WestConnduit, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/conduit.wcsu.edu\/\">http:\/\/conduit.wcsu.edu\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>E-Learning at Western<\/strong> <\/em>\u2013 Blackboard Learn is a course-management system that enables efficient delivery of online education. Students may access their Blackboard courses through WestConnduit (<a href=\"http:\/\/conduit.wcsu.edu\/\">http:\/\/conduit.wcsu.edu\/<\/a>) by clicking on the \u201cStudent Tools\u201d tab and then \u201cLog in to Blackboard\u201d in the \u201cMy Courses\u201d widget.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Connect365 Account<\/strong> <\/em>\u2013 The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System (Western, Eastern, Southern and Central) email policy states that university email will be considered an official means for communication. All students will be issued a university email for university business through Microsoft\u2019s Office 365 suite of online services. In addition to email, Connect365 gives you access to online storage, collaboration tools and Office Web Apps.<\/p>\n<p>To access your Connect365 account for the first time, visit\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/email\/notice.asp\">http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/email\/notice.asp<\/a> Your username will be \u201cyour-Western username@connect.wcsu.edu.\u201d To learn more about Connect365, visit\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/\">http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/<\/a>\u00a0and select \u201cConnect Suite\u201d under WestConn IT Essentials.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>ConnectPrint<\/strong><\/em> \u2013 All the staffed and 24-hour Computer Centers at Western use the ConnectPrint system that makes printing easier and reduces printer waste and supplies. All students will use their university ID card to release print jobs in the Computer Centers.<\/p>\n<p>For more information, please visit\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/\">http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/<\/a>\u00a0and select \u201cConnectPrint\u201d under WestConn IT Essentials.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>WestConn Mobile<\/strong> <\/em>\u2013 Western has a mobile website for quick, on-the-go access to important information and services including news, announcements, email, weather, phone numbers and more. Point your mobile device to\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/default-mobile.asp\">http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/default-mobile.asp<\/a> . Western Mobile is accessible anytime, anywhere!<\/p>\n<p>Help \u2013 If you need help using any of these resources, please visit a staffed computer center for help or visit the Student Technology Training Center for more individualized assistance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Western is Wireless<\/strong> Western is 100 percent wireless, including residence halls and wireless printing. To use the wireless network, your laptop or other mobile device must be equipped with a wireless network adapter. To use the Western wireless network and wireless printing, you must have a Western Windows Account.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more about the wireless network and wireless printing, please visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/\">http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/<\/a>\u00a0 and click on \u201cWireless\u201d under WestConn IT Essentials.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Your Technology Fee at Work<\/strong> &#8211;<\/em>Students can get free copies of the latest Microsoft Office suite and Windows operating system through our download portal. For more information, visit\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/\">http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/<\/a> and select \u201cCurrent Students\u201d under WestConn IT Essentials.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>Technology Classrooms<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>We are proud to say that all Western classrooms are equipped with technology, offering an ideal, hands-on learning environment for both students and instructors.<\/p>\n<p>For more information about Western\u2019s technology classrooms, visit\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/\">http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/<\/a> and select \u201cComputer Centers\u201d under WestConn IT Essentials.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Information Technology Policies<\/strong> &#8211;<\/em>Learn about Western\u2019s information technology policies at http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/technology\/students\/:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Policies &amp; Guidelines for Computer Use<\/li>\n<li>CSU Network Policy<\/li>\n<li>Electronic Monitoring Notice<\/li>\n<li>Computer Center Usage Rules &amp; Policies<\/li>\n<li>CSUS Email Policy<\/li>\n<li>Wireless Policy<\/li>\n<li>Information Security Policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As new policies become effective, they will be listed on this website.<\/p>\n<div>\n<h2>Matriculation<\/h2>\n<p><em>Matriculated Student<\/em> (Degree Seeking) \u2013 Someone who has been formally accepted by Western Connecticut State University to pursue a degree. Matriculated students may attend full-time or part-time.<\/p>\n<p><em>Non-matriculated Student<\/em> (Non-Degree Seeking) \u2013 Someone who is not enrolled as a degree seeking student at Western Connecticut State University.\u00a0 Registration is limited to less than 12 credit hours each semester.<\/p>\n<p>Note: Students who have been academically suspended are no longer considered matriculated students but may enroll as a non-matriculated student.<\/p>\n<p class=\"title\">Course Load<\/p>\n<p class=\"subTitle\">Part-time \/ Full-time<\/p>\n<p>A <strong>part-time student<\/strong> is an undergraduate student who is registered for less than 12 credits. Charges are assessed on a per-credit basis.<\/p>\n<p><em>NOTE:<\/em> Part-time matriculated undergraduate students must register for at least one class each academic semester in order to maintain their enrollment status.<\/p>\n<p>A <strong>full-time student<\/strong> is an undergraduate student who registers for at least 12 credits in a given semester. The normal course load for a full-time student is 15 credits. Full-time students may take a maximum of *17.5 credits per semester.\u00a0 Music, Theatre, majors as well as students in the Kathwari Honors Program may carry up to 21 credits per semester.\u00a0 Education majors enrolled in their professional seminar may carry up to 19 credits per semester.<\/p>\n<p>NOTE: Any course load above the maximum requires approval of the school Dean. *Full-time students will be charged the per credit hour fee for every credit over 18 credits. The excess credit fee is non-refundable.<\/p>\n<p>Matriculated students who do not register and do not complete a formal leave of absence or withdraw from the university will be administratively withdrawn and must reapply through the Admissions Office.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Class Determination<\/p>\n<p>A student\u2019s class standing is determined by the number of credits the student has successfully completed.<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 97%\" border=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><em>First-year Student (Freshman)\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p>1st Semester \u2013 fewer than 15 credits<\/p>\n<p>2nd Semester \u2013 15 to 29.5 credits<\/td>\n<td><em>Third-year Student (Junior)\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p>5th Semester \u2013 60 to 74.5 credits<\/p>\n<p>6th Semester \u2013 75 to 89.5 credits<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><em>Second-year Student (Sophomore)\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p>3rd Semester \u2013 30 to 44.5 credits<\/p>\n<p>4th Semester \u2013 45 to 59.5 credits<\/td>\n<td><em>Fourth-year Student (Senior)\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p>7th Semester \u2013 90 to 104.5 credits<\/p>\n<p>8th Semester \u2013 105 or more credits<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"subTitle\">Registration for Courses<\/p>\n<p>Students enrolled at the university register for courses in advance of the fall and spring semesters, winter intersession and summer sessions, on a schedule announced by the Registrar.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Prior to any registration activity, students meet with their designated academic adviser or appropriate advising center personnel, to plan a course of study. Students must meet the prerequisites for courses and, when necessary, obtain specific permission from the Department chair for the course to enroll. Students may register for courses using their Banner Web account at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bannerweb.wcsu.edu\">bannerweb.wcsu.edu<\/a> visit the Registrar\u2019s Office located in Old Main Room 104, mail in, fax in, or complete the online registration form.<\/p>\n<p>For additional details, go to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\">www.wcsu.edu<\/a>\u00a0 and click the Course Registration link in the right-hand directory. Or call the Registrar\u2019s Office at (203) 837-9200.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\"><strong>Add\/Drop<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The add\/drop period is held during the first five business days of every fall and spring semester. Students can make adjustments to their schedule during this time as necessary.\u00a0 Exceptions are made during the second week of classes for courses scheduled to meet only once a week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>To add courses, you must complete your request before the end of the 5th business day of the semester. Any requests later than the first week of classes will require the approval of the instructor and department chairperson. Added courses that result in an overload (more than 17.5 credits) also need the approval of the dean.<\/p>\n<p>You may drop a course during the first five business days of the semester.\u00a0 For courses held during one to eight week terms, you may drop the course prior to the second class meeting time. Dropped courses do not appear on your academic transcript. If dropping a course results in a student\u2019s credit load falling below full-time status (12 credits), the student will be considered part-time and will be subject to changes in housing, financial aid and NCAA eligibility.<\/p>\n<p>Note: The dean of the school reserves the right to make changes in personnel and to cancel, if necessary, any course offered (including Student-Developed Study). The dean also reserves the right to limit class size and to refuse registration when limits have been reached.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Auditing a Course<\/p>\n<p>Students may audit any course with permission of the instructor. Auditors are subject to those conditions established by the instructor. You must obtain approval to audit within the first four weeks for full-semester courses or within the first two weeks for courses scheduled less than a full semester. Audited courses carry no credit. Audit forms, obtained at the Registrar\u2019s Office, must be signed and completed within the time period stated for the audit grade to be assigned.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Withdrawal from Courses<\/p>\n<p>You may withdraw from a full-semester course, without penalty, until the end of the 10th week of the semester. Withdrawals are recorded on your transcript with a grade of \u201cW.\u201d There is no academic penalty attached to this grade. Withdrawals after the 10th week of a course normally result in an automatic penalty grade of \u201cWF.\u201d Withdrawals through the 10th week must be initiated by you in the Registrar\u2019s Office. If you wish to initiate a later request for withdrawal from a course without penalty, you must do so through a conference with your instructor. Withdrawal without penalty refers only to academic penalty (i.e., failure).<\/p>\n<p>Withdrawal may affect your attainment of satisfactory progress as defined by financial aid, housing, athletic eligibility and other policies. Withdrawal deadlines for other than full-semester courses are posted at the Registrar\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Undergraduate Repeat Policy<\/p>\n<p>Students are permitted to repeat most courses at Western; however, credit is granted only once toward graduation unless specifically noted in the course description (e.g., ENG 376). For up to the first seventeen (17) academic credits of repeated courses, the highest grade attained by the student will be substituted for the lower grade(s) for the purpose of calculating the student\u2019s grade point average (GPA). Although the lower grade received in the repeated course will not be calculated in the GPA, it will remain visible on the student\u2019s official university transcript.\u00a0 If a student repeats courses beyond the seventeen (17) academic credit limitation, the multiple grades attained for the repeated course(s) shall be used in the calculation of the student\u2019s GPA.\u00a0 This policy applies to undergraduate courses completed at WCSU only, and may be applied only to courses taken after Fall 2008.<\/p>\n<p>Repeating any course taken in a previous semester may affect certain federal and state benefits, various financial aid programs, loans, scholarships and social security benefits and veteran\u2019s benefits. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements must be met for continued financial aid eligibility. See the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment section of the catalog for the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.<\/p>\n<p>Any course designated as X98 (Faculty-Developed Study) or X99 (Student Independent Study) is excluded from this policy. Special Topics classes are also excluded. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic adviser before repeating a course.\u00a0 Education majors and post-baccalaureate certification students should refer to the Education Department for information regarding the repeating of courses as this policy may affect eligibility for certification.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Taking a Course at Another Institution<\/p>\n<p>Continuing matriculated undergraduate students have the option to take a course at another institution and transfer the credits to Western Connecticut State University. The course will appear as transfer credit with a grade of \u201cT\u201d on your WCSU transcript. This action will not affect your WCSU GPA. Courses that are transferred are not eligible to use for the \u201cCourse Repeat Policy\u201d at WCSU.<\/p>\n<p>In order for transfer credit to be posted students need:<\/p>\n<p>1. Permission to take a course at another institution BEFORE the course is taken. The permission ensures that the credit will be transferable back to WCSU.<\/p>\n<p>2. A minimum grade of \u201cC-\u201d must be earned for the course to be eligible for transfer credit. NOTE: Certain degree programs have specific grade requirements for courses that are higher than a \u201cC-\u201d. Therefore this earned minimum grade would not allow the course to be transferred. Refer to your degree program for details.<\/p>\n<p>3. To request the visiting institution send an official transcript to the Registrar&#8217;s Office immediately after the course is completed.<\/p>\n<p>Transfer credit cannot be posted to your academic record at WCSU until the official transcript is received. The official transcript should be mailed to the following address:<\/p>\n<p>Western Connecticut State University<br \/>\nRegistrar\u2019s Office, Old Main 102<br \/>\n181 White Street<br \/>\nDanbury, Connecticut 06810<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>A policy agreed to by both the Connecticut State University and Connecticut Community College systems requires that mathematics courses taken at a community college, on or after Fall 2001, must have had a prerequisite of intermediate algebra in order to be transferred to Western and meet general education requirements.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><strong>Pre-Approved Courses:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>1. If the school and course is listed on the database as an approved equivalent course, no further action is required.<\/p>\n<p>2. To determine WCSU course equivalencies, visit our database of local schools and WCSU transfer course equivalencies.<\/p>\n<p>3. Students will not receive duplicate credit for a course in which they have already earned credit.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Courses Not In Transfer Equivalency Database:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>If the course is not listed on the database as an approved equivalent course, then you must complete the following steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Fill out the Permission to Take a Course at Another Institution form.<\/li>\n<li>Courses considered for transfer credit must come from a regionally accredited institution.<\/li>\n<li>Attach catalog or course description from the other school (indicate subject and course number).<\/li>\n<li>Discuss your intentions with your academic adviser.<\/li>\n<li>Bring the description of the course you wish to take at the other institution to the WCSU Department chairperson responsible for the subject matter taught in the course.<\/li>\n<li>Submit the completed form to the Registrar\u2019s Office in Old Main.<\/li>\n<li>A minimum grade of \u201cC-\u201d must be earned for the course to be eligible for transfer credit. NOTE: Certain degree programs have specific grade requirements for courses that are higher than a &#8220;C-&#8220;. Therefore this earned minimum grade would not allow the course to be transferred. Refer to your degree program for details.<\/li>\n<li>The course will appear as transfer credit with a grade of \u201cT\u201d on your WCSU transcript. This action will not affect your WCSU GPA.<\/li>\n<li>Courses that are transferred are not eligible to use for the &#8220;Course Repeat Policy&#8221; at WCSU.<\/li>\n<li>Immediately after the course is completed, request to have the other school send your official transcript to our office for proper transfer credit entry.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div>\n<p>The official transcript should be mailed to the following address:<br \/>\n<strong>Western Connecticut State University<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> Registrar\u2019s Office, Old Main 102<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> 181 White Street<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> Danbury, Connecticut 06810<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A policy agreed to by both the Connecticut State University and Connecticut Community College systems requires that mathematics courses taken at a community college, on or after\u00a0fall 2001, must have had a prerequisite of intermediate algebra in order to be transferred to Western and meet general education requirements.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Withdrawal or Leave of Absence from the University<\/p>\n<p>Full-time and part-time matriculated students who\u00a0find it necessary to withdraw from the university\u00a0and does not intend to return\u00a0should follow the formal withdrawal procedure with the Registrar&#8217;s Office.\u00a0 Students who must withdraw from the University but intend to return within one year (i.e., two academic semesters) should apply for a Leave of Absence.<\/p>\n<p>A student who wants to withdraw from the university should consult with a representative in the Registrar&#8217;s Office to discuss the withdrawal. <strong>Students who are withdrawing are advised that:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If the student does not apply for a\u00a0Leave of Absence and decides to return, he or she must reapply through the Admissions Office.<\/li>\n<li>Withdrawing from the university does not absolve the student from outstanding financial obligations.<\/li>\n<li>Students should review the refund policy to determine if they are within the refund guidelines.<\/li>\n<li>Students who receive financial aid funds must consult with the Office of\u00a0Financial Aid and Student Employment prior to withdrawing from the university regarding any required return or repayment of grant or loan assistance received for that academic term or payment period.<\/li>\n<li>If a recipient of student financial aid withdraws from the institution during an academic term or a payment period, the amount of grant or loan assistance may be subject to return and\/or repayment provisions.<\/li>\n<li>Students readmitted to the university after withdrawal are held to the academic requirements in effect in the catalog at the time of their readmission.<\/li>\n<li>Students who withdraw from the university before the last scheduled class, a grade of \u201cW\u201d will be assigned for all courses taken that semester.<\/li>\n<li>Students who do not officially withdraw but cease to attend classes are considered enrolled unless they are reported as stopped attending and are likely to receive failing grades.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A Leave of Absence is designed for students who plan to withdraw for a period of no more than one year (i.e., two academic semesters). Students interested in applying for a Leave of Absence must complete the forms with the Registrar&#8217;s Office. <strong>Students who are applying for a Leave of Absence are advised that:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Students will be allowed to maintain their matriculated status.<\/li>\n<li>Students will be allowed to maintain their catalog requirements for graduation.<\/li>\n<li>Applying for a Leave of Absence does not absolve you from any outstanding financial obligations to the university.<\/li>\n<li>Students should review the refund policy to determine if they are within the refund deadlines.<\/li>\n<li>Students who receive financial aid funds must consult with the Office of\u00a0Financial Aid and Student Employment prior to applying for the leave of absence regarding any required return or repayment of grant or loan assistance received for that academic term or payment period.<\/li>\n<li>If a recipient of student financial aid withdraws from the institution during an academic term or a payment period, the amount of grant or loan assistance may be subject to return and\/or repayment provisions.<\/li>\n<li>Students who apply for a leave of absence before the last scheduled class will receive\u00a0a grade of \u201cW\u201d for all courses taken that semester.<\/li>\n<li>Withdrawal forms and leave absence forms are available in the Registrar&#8217;s Office.<\/li>\n<li>For financial aid purposes, student should understand that they will be considered withdrawn and may be responsible for loan repayment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Failure to Register<\/strong><br \/>\nMatriculated students who do not\u00a0enroll in fall or spring and who do not apply for a \u00a0Leave of Absence will be withdrawn for failure to register and must reapply through the Admissions Office.<\/p>\n<p class=\"subTitle\">Grades, Honors\u00a0and Good Standing<\/p>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Attendance Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Western Connecticut State University is a non-attendance taking institution but is required under federal law to report when a student has stopped attending classes.\u00a0 Faculty will report when a student has either never attended a class or when a student has stopped attending a class.<\/p>\n<p>Students must be aware that failure to attend class may result in being dropped for non-attendance and this may impact their student financial aid.\u00a0\u00a0 Students who stop attending class and do not notify the Registrar\u2019s Office will be responsible for 100% of the tuition until they have completed the necessary withdrawal paperwork.<\/p>\n<p>If a student has either dropped or withdrawn from all their courses, they will be considered withdrawn from the institution and may be required to apply for readmission.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><strong>Minimum Student Preparation Hours<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The university expects all students to devote a minimum of two hours of preparation for each hour of class time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Standard Grading System<\/p>\n<p>The following grades and associated numerical values are used on academic records:<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 97%\" border=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"7%\">A<\/td>\n<td width=\"13%\">4.0<\/td>\n<td width=\"8%\">C<\/td>\n<td width=\"72%\">2.0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>A-<\/td>\n<td>3.67<\/td>\n<td>C-<\/td>\n<td>1.67<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>B+<\/td>\n<td>3.33<\/td>\n<td>D+<\/td>\n<td>1.33<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>B<\/td>\n<td>3.0<\/td>\n<td>D<\/td>\n<td>1.0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>B-<\/td>\n<td>2.67<\/td>\n<td>D-<\/td>\n<td>.67<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>C+<\/td>\n<td>2.33<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<td>0.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table style=\"width: 97%\" border=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>P<\/td>\n<td>Pass on Pass\/Fail Option<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>FP<\/td>\n<td>Fail on Pass\/Fail Option<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>AUD<\/td>\n<td>Audit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>INC<\/td>\n<td>Incomplete<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>W<\/td>\n<td>Officially Withdrawn<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">RM or RP<\/td>\n<td>These grades are given in specified courses to permit you to improve competence\u00a0 without academic penalty. Required courses in which a student receives an RP must be repeated. The RM grade requires a student to work with the instructor to correct specified weaknesses until a level of competence of \u201cC\u201d or better has been attained.<\/p>\n<p>Courses in which the RM or RP grade is allowed to be given:<br \/>\nCHE 100, MAT 098\/100P<br \/>\nCOM 160\/161\/162, MAT 100P, PHY 110\/111<br \/>\nWRT 098, FR 162\/164<br \/>\nGER 162\/164, \u00a0IT 162\/164<br \/>\nSPA 162\/164<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Quality Points (Grade Point Average)<\/p>\n<p>In order to determine a student\u2019s grade-point average (GPA), letter grades are assigned numerical values. The numerical weight\u00a0assigned to\u00a0each grade is then multiplied by the number of credits (semester hours) assigned to each course. For example, a grade of \u201cB\u201d in a three-credit course would merit nine (3.0 x 3 = 9.0) quality points.<\/p>\n<p>Your GPA is determined by dividing the total number of quality points by the number of credits attempted. Grades of INC,\u00a0 P, W, AUD, RP and RM carry no quality points, and the credits for courses with those grades are not considered in the total credits attempted; therefore, they have no effect on your GPA.<\/p>\n<p>Courses that are transferred to Western from another institution are not included in the determination of your GPA.<\/p>\n<p>If you fail a course and then repeat it, both grades will appear on your permanent record and both the \u201cF\u201d and the highest grade will be used in determining your cumulative GPA. Refer to the Repeat policy in this catalog if you plan on repeating a course that you failed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Grade Reports<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You can access your grades by logging onto <a title=\"WestConnduit.wcsu.edu\" href=\"http:\/\/conduit.wcsu.edu\">WestConnduit.wcsu.edu<\/a>. If necessary you may request an unofficial transcript at the Registrar&#8217;s Office.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Transcript Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A transcript is the complete, unabridged academic record, without deletions or omissions, compiled while a student attends Western Connecticut State University. Upon the granting of a degree or completion of a program, a student\u2019s transcript is considered officially sealed, meaning no changes in grades or alteration in courses will be made unless that student believes that the information in his or her transcript is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of his or her rights of privacy. It is a student&#8217;s responsibility to review and confirm the accuracy of his or her academic record. Current students may view their transcript online at any time to verify its content. It is recommended that degree recipients confirm the accuracy of all grades, honors, terms and cumulative GPA notations at the time final grades are posted to their academic record upon graduation.<\/p>\n<p>The university prepares and issues two categories of transcripts: An official transcript presents a listing of courses for which the student enrolled and the grade for each course with the original signature of an authorized official, and bears the legal seal of the university. An official transcript can be to another institution or agency.\u00a0\u00a0 Students may request a transcript for their personal use. This transcript is stamped \u201cISSUED TO STUDENT.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em>Note<\/em>: Transcripts will not be issued if you have any outstanding fees (e.g., parking tickets, library late fees).<\/p>\n<p class=\"subTitle\">Honors<\/p>\n<p class=\"sectiontitle\">Dean\u2019s List<\/p>\n<p><strong>Full-time Undergraduate Students<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Eligibility for Dean\u2019s List each semester requires satisfactory completion of a minimum of 12 graded semester hour credits with a 3.5 semester average, with no \u201cincompletes\u201d for the semester at the time grades were processed. Also eligible are full-time students whose minimum of 12 credits includes course work required in their programs of study that must be taken with a pass\/fail option, excluding credits that do not count toward graduation, and whose semester and cumulative average is 3.5.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Part-time Undergraduate Students<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Part-time undergraduate students\u00a0may be eligible for Dean\u2019s List with a minimum of 12 graded semester hours satisfactorily completed within one academic year (fall and spring semesters) and with a grade point average for the year of 3.5.<\/p>\n<p>The only exception is for students whose minimum of 12 credits includes course work (a) that is required in a program of study, taken on a pass\/fail basis, and (b) that does not count toward graduation. These students may be eligible for spring semester Dean\u2019s List\u00a0if both the academic year average and the cumulative GPA are at least 3.5, with no \u201cincompletes\u201d listed on their record at the time grades are processed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Graduation Honors<\/p>\n<p>To be eligible for graduation honors, you must earn a minimum of 30 semester hours of quality point-bearing credit at Western. No pass\/fail credits or transfer credits are included in this minimum. Graduation honors standards are based on your cumulative grade point average and are awarded as follows:<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 40%\" border=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Summa Cum Laude<\/td>\n<td>3.9 to 4.0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Magna Cum Laude<\/td>\n<td>3.7 to 3.89<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cum Laude<\/td>\n<td>3.5 to 3.69<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>December graduates are identified after that term and May candidates are considered at the conclusion of the January intersession semester preceding graduation. Students who have earned a minimum of 30 credits toward their graduation requirements in residence at Western Connecticut State University with a cumulative earned GPA of at least 3.5 are considered to be Graduation Honors candidates eligible for recognition at the May Commencement. Candidacy for May Graduation Honors does not guarantee the award of Graduation Honors upon completion of degree requirements.<\/p>\n<p>Graduation honors, which appear on the transcript and on an honors certificate, will be awarded only to students who complete their graduation requirements with a minimum of\u00a030 credits in residence at Western Connecticut State University and who have a cumulative earned grade point average of at least 3.5. The residency requirement for honors may not be waived. Students with questions regarding academic honors should consult the academic dean of their major.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Good Standing<\/p>\n<p>In order to remain in good academic standing and be granted a diploma from the university, you must maintain a cumulative average of at least 2.0 (\u201cC\u201d). Professional curricula and some major programs have additional or higher academic standards, which the student must meet at specific intervals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Academic Warnings<\/p>\n<p>Log on to <a title=\"WestConnduit.wcsu.edu\" href=\"http:\/\/conduit.wcsu.edu\">WestConnduit.wcsu.edu<\/a>\u00a0to access your mid-semester grades. If you receive a midsemester grade of \u201cD,\u201d \u201cF\u201d or \u201cINC,\u201d consider this report a warning that you may be placed on academic probation. Any grade of \u201cD\u201d or \u201cF\u201d during the semester also constitutes an academic warning and may result in academic probation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">University Academic Probation<\/p>\n<p>Academic probation letters from the dean are sent at the end of the semester to each first-semester freshman with a grade point average below 1.7 and to all other students with averages below 2.0. If placed on probation, you must meet with your academic adviser to review your program requirements, course selections, credit loads and other pertinent information.<\/p>\n<p>The probationary period will commence the semester following the one for which the letter of probation was issued. The dean will review the student\u2019s activities during the period of probation.<\/p>\n<p>Probation is for one semester. If you do not achieve an acceptable average by the end of the semester you are on probation, you may be suspended for academic deficiency.<\/p>\n<p>Students on probation should consider a semester course load of 12 credit hours and limit their participation in extra-curricular activities. Appeals to these policies should be made to the appropriate dean who, for extenuating circumstances only, may waive the policy.<\/p>\n<p><em>Note<\/em>: Individual schools or programs may have standards for probation and dismissal from the school or program that are higher than the university\u2019s standards.\u00a0 Students who are dismissed from a school will be enrolled as Exploratory Studies students until they either raise their GPA to that required by the school or change their major.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Academic Suspension<\/p>\n<p>A student suspended for academic reasons is no longer a degree candidate. A suspended student may, however, enroll in up to\u00a0nine credits per semester as a part-time\u00a0 non-matriculant student. Students may reapply for admission when their cumulative grade point average reaches the minimum university, department or school admission criterion. Eligibility for readmission does not automatically lead to readmission to Western, but only to consideration for readmission by the Director of\u00a0Admissions.<\/p>\n<p>Credits earned at other institutions are not used to raise a student\u2019s cumulative grade point average. Students who, for academic reasons, are suspended a second time will be dismissed and are not eligible for readmission except under the Fresh Start Policy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"subTitle\">Examinations<\/p>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Placement Examinations<\/p>\n<p>Placement tests are given in specified subject areas to ensure that students are assigned to courses appropriate to their levels of knowledge and skill. Subject areas that require testing for placement include foreign languages, mathematics, physics\u00a0and writing. Tests are administered by the Admissions Office or the academic department as noted in this catalog.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Final Examinations<\/p>\n<p>No class meetings will be held during the final examination period at the end of the fall and spring semesters. Examination schedules are published online in advance at\u00a0<a title=\"www.wcsu.edu\" href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\">www.wcsu.edu<\/a>. No student may be absent from a final examination except for a compelling, substantiated reason.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Make-up Examinations<\/p>\n<p>Make-up examinations are given at the discretion of the instructor, but no later than six weeks after the start of the next semester in which the student is in attendance or within one year if the student is no longer enrolled at the university.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inlineheader\">Examinations for Students with Disabilities<\/p>\n<p>Students with disabilities who require special administration of an examination should contact the coordinator of AccessAbility Services at (203) 837-8946 in Higgins Annex 017 to discuss reasonable accommodations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"subTitle\"><strong>Incompletes<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To receive an incomplete (\u201cINC\u201d) grade in a class, you may request that grade in writing on a form available either at the Registrar\u2019s Office or from department secretaries, and then give that form to your instructor. Instructors may also assign an incomplete grade during the final grading period.\u00a0 Students will be ineligible for the Dean\u2019s List if they have an incomplete grade at the time the Dean\u2019s List is generated.<\/p>\n<p>The grade of \u201cINC\u201d will become an \u201cF\u201d if it is not removed by the sixth week of the next semester. The instructor may, upon request of the student, grant an extension beyond the sixth week timeframe, not to exceed one year from the original issuance of the \u201cINC\u201d grade. An \u201cINC\u201d grade is not removed by repeating the course.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pass\/Fail Option<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You may take general elective courses on a pass\/fail basis. The purpose of this option is to encourage students to take courses in areas they would like to investigate in addition to those in which they are majoring or concentrating. A maximum of four general elective courses may be taken as pass\/fail grades, provided that:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>You notify the Registrar\u2019s Office of your intent to take a free elective course on a pass\/fail basis within the first four weeks for full semester courses or the first two weeks for courses scheduled less than a full semester; and<\/li>\n<li>You change no more than one course per semester to pass\/fail credit; and<\/li>\n<li>You do not use the course to satisfy a general education requirement, a requirement for a major or minor program, or the foreign language requirement.<\/li>\n<li>Permission of the instructor<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Credits taken on a pass\/fail basis do not generate quality points and are not included with credits attempted on the standard basis in computing the academic average. Successfully completed pass\/fail credits are included in the credits necessary for graduation unless the description of the particular course indicates otherwise. Information regarding changes of grade or pass\/fail options can be obtained from the Registrar\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Grade Appeal Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>When disagreements occur between student and instructor on the accuracy of a grade, the university regards it as important for the matter to be settled within a reasonable period of time. A specific procedure is in place that ensures students will get an impartial hearing of such a complaint.<\/p>\n<p>Academic grading reflects careful and deliberate judgment by the course instructor. Academic evaluation of student performance requires expert consideration of cumulative information and is to some extent subjective.<\/p>\n<p>The university recognizes that in rare instances there may be \u201cpalpable injustice(s)\u201d in the determination of a final grade. Students may use the appeal process when they believe there is evidence to show that 1) a final grade was determined by methods and criteria different from those used for determining final grades for others in the same class or 2) the evaluation was made as the result of bias or caprice.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Student confers with instructor:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The student shall first confer with the instructor who awarded the grade no later than the end of the fourth week of the next regular semester. In the case of half-semester courses, students shall have the right to begin the appeal process at the conclusion of the course.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Written grievance to professor:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If no amicable settlement is reached, the student shall present the instructor with a WRITTEN copy of his\/her grievance along with any supporting documentation, which shall be considered confidential. The instructor shall respond in writing to the student within five working days. (It is suggested that students prepare a packet of information for the instructor, the chair and the dean).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ability to choose a mentor\/adviser:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Students, if they wish, shall have the right to choose a mentor\/adviser for the purpose of guiding them through the appeal process. Students shall have the right to present their case at each stage of the appeal process. At the student\u2019s request, the mentor\/adviser may accompany the student to meetings related to the appeal process as an observer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Written grievance to department chair:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If not satisfied, the student, within five working days of receipt of the instructor\u2019s response, may present the case in writing to the appropriate department chair who may effect a mutually agreed-upon settlement with the instructor. The department chair shall respond in writing to the student within five working days with a copy sent to the instructor.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Written grievance to academic dean:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If the student is not satisfied, the student may, within five working days of receipt of the department chair\u2019s response, present the case in writing to the appropriate academic dean who may effect a mutually agreed-upon settlement with the instructor and department chairperson. The academic dean shall respond in writing to the student within 10 working days, with copies of the decision sent to the instructor and the department chair.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Written grievance submitted to university senate president by dean (for ad hoc committee):<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If the student is not satisfied, the student may ask, within five working days of receiving the dean\u2019s decision, that the dean contact the president of the University Senate to convene the Ad Hoc Committee on Grade Appeals. The dean shall forward the request to the senate president within five working days of receipt. The dean shall also notify the provost\/academic vice president, in writing, that the senate is being asked to convene an ad hoc committee.<\/p>\n<p>The Ad Hoc Committee on Grade Appeals shall be composed of three members of the instructional faculty in the ranks of tenured professors or tenured associate professors serving on the senate, selected in alphabetical order each time the committee is appointed.<\/p>\n<p>The senate president shall appoint the ad hoc committee within five working days and shall notify the student and the instructor of that fact. The senate president shall not discuss the details of the case with the ad hoc committee. The ad hoc committee will convene within five working days. It is the responsibility of the student to present three copies of all material, including any additional material submitted later in the process and relevant to the case to the chair of the ad hoc committee.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Professor submits materials as requested by ad hoc committee:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The instructors shall submit such materials as requested by the committee and shall have the right to present their case at any stage of the appeal process. The committee shall consider the case and reach a decision within 15 working days of its convening by the senate president.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Committee decisions and next steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Denial:<\/em><br \/>\nFollowing its deliberations, the committee may deny the appeal, in which case the matter shall be closed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>If palpable injustice is found:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If the committee finds that the grading constituted a palpable injustice, as defined above, the case shall be remanded to the instructor for reconsideration. If the instructor disagrees with the finding of the committee, the instructor shall inform the committee and the student within five working days of that fact.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Student requests committee to recommend to provost:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If the student disagrees with the grade change as effected or with the refusal by the instructor following the remand, the student shall request within five working days that the committee make a recommendation to the provost\/vice president for academic affairs.<\/p>\n<p>If either the student or the instructor has disagreed, the committee shall then forward its recommendation for a grade to the provost\/vice president for academic affairs, who will implement the recommendation of the committee within five working days.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Action of the provost is final and binding upon all parties:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The action of the provost\/vice president for academic affairs shall be final and binding upon all parties and shall be communicated by the provost\/vice president for academic affairs to the student and the instructor.<\/p>\n<p class=\"subTitle\">ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY<\/p>\n<p>1. PURPOSE<\/p>\n<p>This is Western Connecticut State University\u2019s policy on Academic Honesty.<\/p>\n<p>2. POLICY<\/p>\n<p><em>2.1 Principles<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>2.1.1 Academic Honesty Code<\/em><br \/>\nA student has an obligation to demonstrate honesty in carrying out his\/her academic assignments.<\/p>\n<p><em>2.1.2 Faculty Responsibility<\/em><br \/>\nFaculty members are responsible for knowing the principles and procedures of the Academic Honesty Policy, and for enforcing the policy when academic honesty violations occur. Faculty members must also remind students of the Academic Honesty Policy and help them comply with it.<\/p>\n<p><em>2.1.3 Student Responsibility<\/em><br \/>\nStudents are responsible for maintaining the academic integrity of the university by following the Academic Honesty Policy. Students are responsible for doing their own work and avoiding all forms of academic dishonesty.<\/p>\n<p><em>2.2 Academic Honesty Violation<\/em><br \/>\nThe most common academic honesty violations are cheating and plagiarism. Cheating and plagiarism are complex issues, therefore we offer the following definitions.<\/p>\n<p>Cheating includes, but is not limited to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Submitting material that is not one\u2019s own.<\/li>\n<li>Using information or devices that are not allowed by the faculty member.<\/li>\n<li>Obtaining and\/or using unauthorized material.<\/li>\n<li>Fabricating information.<\/li>\n<li>Violating procedures prescribed to protect the integrity of a test, or other evaluation exercise.<\/li>\n<li>Collaborating with others on assignments without the faculty member\u2019s consent (not be confused with tutoring in the university learning centers).<\/li>\n<li>Cooperating with or helping another student to cheat.<\/li>\n<li>Having another person take an examination in the student\u2019s place.<\/li>\n<li>Altering exam answers and requesting that the exam be regraded.<\/li>\n<li>Communicating with any person during an exam, other than the faculty member or exam proctor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Directly quoting others without using quotation marks or indented format to identify them.<\/li>\n<li>Using sources of information (published or unpublished) without identifying them. This can be one\u2019s own past work.<\/li>\n<li>Paraphrasing materials or ideas of others without identifying the sources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>2.3 Resolution of Academic Honesty Violations<\/em><br \/>\nA student involved in an academic honesty proceeding may continue to attend all classes until the matter is resolved.<\/p>\n<p><em>2.3.1 Action Initiated by the Faculty Member<\/em><br \/>\nIf a faculty member believes a student has committed an academic honesty violation, the faculty member should complete the Academic Honesty Report (Appendix A).<\/p>\n<p>The faculty member will request a meeting with the student within five university calendar days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) to attempt to resolve the incident. As a result of this meeting, if the faculty member determines that a violation has occurred, he or she should give the student a copy of two things: (a) this policy statement, and (b) the completed Academic Honesty Report (Appendix A).<\/p>\n<p>The faculty member retains a copy of the Academic Honesty Report of this incident, and forwards a copy of the Academic Honesty Report to the faculty member\u2019s department chair, school dean,\u00a0associate vice president for academic affairs\u00a0(if violation occurs in a graduate course) and dean of students. The faculty member may assign a penalty; see section 2.5 below.<\/p>\n<p>If the faculty member is unable to contact the student, or if the student fails to meet with the faculty member, the faculty member may assign the penalty. If a penalty is assigned, the faculty member will send the student a copy of this policy statement and a completed Academic Honesty Report (Appendix A).<\/p>\n<p>The faculty member will send these documents by registered mail to the student\u2019s current mailing address on file with the university, and provide a copy to the faculty member\u2019s department chair, school dean,\u00a0associate vice president for academic affairs\u00a0(if violation occurs in a graduate course) and dean of students. The final grade for the course will not be recorded in the Registrar\u2019s Office until all of the student\u2019s rights to appeal have been exhausted.<\/p>\n<p><em>2.3.2 Appeal Procedures<\/em><br \/>\nIf the student does not admit responsibility for the incident or does not accept the penalty proposed by the faculty member, the student may appeal first to the faculty member\u2019s department chair, then to the dean of the faculty member\u2019s school, and then to the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Grade Appeals. If the student does not appeal, the decision of the faculty member stands and a copy of the Academic Honesty Report will be forwarded by the faculty member\u2019s department chair, school dean,\u00a0associate vice president for academic affairs\u00a0(if violation occurs in a graduate course) and dean of students, where it will be filed for future reference.<\/p>\n<p><em>2.3.2.1 Department Hearing<\/em><br \/>\nWithin five university calendar days of the department chair\u2019s notification to the student that a penalty has been assigned (within an academic long semester, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays), the student or the faculty member may submit a written appeal to the dean of the faculty member\u2019s school. This meeting should take place within five university calendar days of the student\u2019s request.<\/p>\n<p>As a result of this meeting, the department chair will complete an Academic Honesty Report (Appendix A) and, with the consent of the faculty member, affirm, deny or modify the original penalty assigned by the faculty member. Within five university calendar days of the meeting, the department chair will forward copies of the completed Academic Honesty Report to the student, the faculty member,\u00a0the school dean and the\u00a0associate vice president for academic affairs\u00a0(if violation occurs in a graduate course), and the dean of students. Copies of the report will be sent by registered mail (with return receipt) to his\/her current mailing address on file with the university.<\/p>\n<p>Within 10 university calendar days of the department chair\u2019s decision, the student or the faculty member may appeal the department chair\u2019s decision to the dean of the faculty member\u2019s school. If the decision is not appealed, the department chair will send a copy of the Academic Honesty Report to the faculty member\u2019s school dean, the\u00a0associate vice president for academic affairs\u00a0(if violation occurs in a graduate course) and to the Office of the Dean of Students, where it will be filed for future reference.<\/p>\n<p><em>2.3.2.2 Dean\u2019s Review<\/em><br \/>\nWithin five university calendar days of the department chair\u2019s notification to the student that a penalty has been assigned (within an academic long semester, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays), the student or the faculty member may submit a written appeal to the dean of the faculty member\u2019s school. This written appeal should ask the dean to review the department chair\u2019s decision and explain why the student or faculty member believes that the department chair\u2019s decision was wrong.<\/p>\n<p>Within 10 university calendar days from the time the written appeal is received in the dean\u2019s office, the dean will determine if the department chair\u2019s action should be upheld or overturned and will communicate his\/her decision in writing to the student by registered mail, and inform the faculty member, the department chair, the graduate dean (if applicable) and the dean of students.<\/p>\n<p>Within 10 university calendar days of the dean\u2019s decision, the student or the faculty member may appeal the dean\u2019s decision to the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Grade Appeals. If the decision is not appealed, the dean will send a copy of the Academic Honesty Report along with the results of the dean\u2019s review of the report to the student, the faculty member,\u00a0 the associate vice president for academic affairs (if violation occurs in a graduate course) and the Office of the Dean of Students, where it will be filed for future reference.<\/p>\n<p>Students may still be subject to further disciplinary action by the university through the student code of conduct, administered by the dean of students (or his\/her designee).<\/p>\n<p><em>2.3.2.3 Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Grade Appeals<\/em><br \/>\nIf the student or faculty member is not satisfied, he\/she may ask, within five university calendar days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) of receiving the school dean\u2019s decision, that the school dean contact the president of the university senate to convene the Ad Hoc Committee on Grade Appeals. The school dean shall forward the request (along with all relevant materials) to the senate president within five university calendar days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) of receipt. The dean also shall notify the Provost\/Vice President for Academic Affairs, in writing, that the senate is being asked to convene an ad hoc committee.<\/p>\n<p>The Ad Hoc Committee on Grade Appeals shall be composed of three members of the instructional faculty in the ranks of tenured professors or tenured associate professors presently serving on the senate, selected in alphabetical order each time the committee is appointed.<\/p>\n<p>The senate president shall appoint the ad hoc committee within five university calendar days and shall notify the student and the faculty member of that fact. The senate president shall not discuss the details of the case with the ad hoc committee. The ad hoc committee will convene within five university calendar days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays).<\/p>\n<p>The committee shall consider the case and reach a decision within 15 university calendar days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) of its convening by the senate president. Following its deliberations, the committee may deny, affirm or modify the appeal. The committee shall then forward its recommendation to the Provost\/Vice President for Academic Affairs, who will implement the recommendation of the committee within five university calendar days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays).<\/p>\n<p>The action of the Provost\/Vice President for Academic Affairs shall be final and binding upon all parties, and shall be communicated by the Provost\/Vice President for Academic Affairs to the student and the faculty member (with copies to the department chair, school dean, associate vice president for academic affairs, if violation occurs in a graduate course, and dean of students).<\/p>\n<p><em>2.4 Maintenance of Academic Honesty Reports<\/em><br \/>\nThe Office of the Dean of Students will maintain a copy of each Academic Honesty Report filed on a student until that student\u2019s graduation or permanent suspension of studies. Students will be assumed to have permanently suspended their studies at WCSU if they go five years without enrolling for any coursework. Faculty members or administrators investigating allegations of academic honesty violations may request that the Office of the Dean of Students release to them any previous reports that have been filed on the student against whom the current allegations are being made.<\/p>\n<p><em>2.5 Penalties<\/em><br \/>\nThe penalty for an academic honesty violation on a significant course requirement such as a final copy of a term paper\/project or final examination shall be an \u201cF\u201d for the course. The penalty for academic honesty violations in other coursework will be left to the discretion of the faculty member and may be modified upon appeal. When an academic honesty violation includes flagrant behavior, such as having a substitute take an exam or stealing an exam, the faculty member also shall refer the matter to the Office of the Dean of Students for disciplinary action pursuant to the CSCU Student Code of Conduct. The Office of the Dean of Students also may initiate disciplinary action against a student with repeated academic honesty violations.<\/p>\n<p>3. REVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES<\/p>\n<p>1-Provost\/Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President\u00a0for Student Affairs<br \/>\n2-University Senate<br \/>\n3-President<\/p>\n<p>Review: Every three years (and as needed)<br \/>\nPresident<br \/>\nPolicy History<br \/>\nIssue #1: 2006<br \/>\nIssue #2:<\/p>\n<p>Senate Approved as Revised: R-06-05-02<br \/>\nAdministrative Approval: 9\/6\/06<\/p>\n<p>The Academic Honesty Policy may be downloaded at<br \/>\n<a title=\"www.wcsu.edu\/facultystaff\/handbook\/forms\/honesty-policy.pdf\" href=\"http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/facultystaff\/handbook\/forms\/honesty-policy.pdf\">www.wcsu.edu\/facultystaff\/handbook\/forms\/honesty-policy.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Academic Services &amp; Procedures Academic Support Services Academic Advisement All undergraduate students who have been formally admitted to the university are responsible for seeking academic advisement and following a program of study to fulfill the requirements for a degree. Program &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/catalogs.wcsu.edu\/ugrad1617\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/catalogs.wcsu.edu\/ugrad1617\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/catalogs.wcsu.edu\/ugrad1617\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catalogs.wcsu.edu\/ugrad1617\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catalogs.wcsu.edu\/ugrad1617\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/catalogs.wcsu.edu\/ugrad1617\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/catalogs.wcsu.edu\/ugrad1617\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}