Undergraduate Academic Policies

A student must be registered for a course by the end of the drop/add period in order to attend the class.

The academic program at Arcadia University is organized mainly around classroom experiences. Thus, attendance is important. Arcadia University students accept the responsibility for attending scheduled meetings of their classes and completing their assignments on time. Each instructor has the responsibility of making clear to students his or her expectations concerning class attendance. Students are expected to attend all classes at the regularly scheduled hours immediately before and after vacations.

In cases of prolonged absences because of illness or other unavoidable circumstance, the likelihood of the student’s being able to make up the work missed will be determined through consultation between the Vice Provost of the Division of Student Success and the instructors concerned. It is the student’s responsibility to report extended absences to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Success.

Arcadia University recognizes individual student choice in observing religious holidays that occur during regularly scheduled classes. Students should make arrangements with their instructors to make up work missed as a result of a religious observance, and instructors should make every reasonable effort to accommodate such requests.

The semester does not officially end until the last examination is completed. Examinations must be taken as scheduled except in cases of illness or other unavoidable reasons. Final critiques in art are considered examinations and are scheduled during examination week. Exceptions may be made only by petition no later than the Wednesday after mid-semester. Unexcused absence from an examination or critique results in failure of the examination.

The purpose of the evaluations is to give a student a sense of how he/she is doing from the instructor’s perspective. All students are sent an e-mail explaining how to access their evaluations. Sixth Week Evaluation information details and a video are also available to students. The following key explains all of the possible grades and comments on the sixth week evaluations:

Reports of grades are issued to students at the end of each semester. Most courses at Arcadia University are graded by the conventional letter system: A designates excellent quality of performance; B, good; C, satisfactory; D, poor but passing; F, failure. The addition of a plus or minus for each of the passing grades gives opportunity to differentiate performance within each of the stated grades.

Other grading symbols are used in some courses. Departments have the option of grading the senior seminar or practicum S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). S carries credit. The U is equivalent to F.

With the approval of the adviser, the department and, when relevant, the chair of the department in which the course is taught, students who have received a grade of “C–” or below in a course can repeat the course without additional credit if it is essential to their major or career goal. The higher grade would be used for GPA computation and would be considered the final grade for the course. A course can be repeated only once. Repeating examinations or completing additional work may not raise a permanent course grade. All final grades, including Fs, remain a permanent part of the student’s record.  Courses receiving a S or P grading designation could not be repeated for a higher grade. Repeating examinations or completing additional work may not raise a permanent course grade. All final grades, including Fs, remain a permanent part of the student’s record.

The Grade Appeal process applies only to the final grade of a course. If a student believes that a final  grade has been incorrectly determined, the student may appeal the grade, according to the following  process: 

Students may elect to take a limited number of courses on a pass-fail basis in place of traditional grading. Under the pass-fail option, students are graded P (passing) or F (failing). The F is calculated into the semester and overall GPA.

Full-time sophomores, juniors and seniors in satisfactory academic standing may take one elective course pass-fail each semester. Part-time students who have completed a minimum of 30 credits may take one elective course pass-fail for each additional set of 15 credits of Arcadia University coursework. Requests for pass-fail grading must be made no later than the end of the third week of classes. Such a request may be withdrawn by students at any time prior to one week after the mid-semester date. The following may not be taken pass-fail: courses in the major or minor field, other courses required for the major or minor program, courses selected to meet Undergraduate Curriculum requirements and courses in the prerequisite areas for admission into the doctorate-level Physical Therapy or master’s-level Physician Assistant programs.

Grade points earned for a course are determined by multiplying the number of academic credit hours by the grade point value of the grade received. Grade point values are as follows:

The grade-point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the total grade points by the total number of course credits for which the student has been enrolled. A minimum 2.0 cumulative and major GPA is required to graduate from the University. A+ grades may be recorded on student transcripts but are calculated into the GPA as 4.0. Courses graded S and those taken under the pass-fail option are not computed in the GPA. Thus, a student receiving one S and three Cs, or one P and three Cs, would have a GPA of 2.0. Grades earned in courses taken at other schools also are not computed in the GPA As an exception, however, courses taken through SEPCHE agreements and through The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University are computed in the GPA.

Each student accepts the responsibility of maintaining high standards of integrity in his or her academic performance. It is the responsibility of all students to uphold the code through the procedures set forth by the University as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Students are carefully evaluated for successful academic progress each semester so that support can be implemented as needed. When certain thresholds related to GPA and credits earned are passed, a student may move away from satisfactory academic standing and be placed on Academic Warning, Academic Notice, or be dismissed from their major or from the University. Each of these outcomes results in engagement between the students and their advisers so that the best steps can be taken by the students to return to satisfactory academic standing.  
 
Consideration of students’ academic standing includes semester, cumulative, and/or major GPA and the number of credits they have accumulated towards graduation. The categories of cumulative credits earned include, 1) 1-32 credits, 2) 33-60 credits, 3) 61-90 credits, and 4) more than 90 credits. For transfer students, all credits, including transfer credits and Arcadia University credits, count towards the total credits. For first-time students, only Arcadia University credits count towards the total credits. 
 
Circumstances that can result in placement on Academic Warning, Academic Notice, dismissal from a major, or dismissal from the University are shown in the “Considerations for Academic Standing” table below.

In addition to GPA, students must make adequate progress toward their degree to maintain satisfactory academic standing. To support successful progress, students will be reviewed by the Academic Standing Committee if they have an excessive number of course withdrawals and/or failures (e.g. grades of F) each semester for two consecutive semesters. Excessive number of course withdrawals and/or failures is defined as 50% or greater of the student’s course load each semester. After this review, students may be offered academic support or possibly be academically dismissed from the University if they are not making adequate progress toward degree completion. Students with excessive withdrawals and/or failures who would like to remain or become resident students must appeal to the Director of Residence Life for permission to do so.

In addition to the circumstances described above, students must remain in satisfactory academic standing in order to participate in varsity sports, be an officer of a student organization, a class officer, or a senator in Student Government. Other campus leadership positions may require a student to be in satisfactory academic standing, which would be listed in the position description. 

Any student who moves off of satisfactory academic standing has options to improve their status and depending on the severity of the situation may be contacted by a professional advisor that would lead a team of staff/faculty to support the student in attempting to return to satisfactory academic standing.  Although students on Academic Warning or Academic Notice are given the opportunity to achieve satisfactory standing, they are on notice that they could become academically dismissed from their major or the University. Students may be continued on Academic Warning or Academic Notice for a subsequent semester, but they must show progress or they may be academically dismissed from their major or the University. Students are only academically dismissed from the University after a thorough study, with careful attention given to the likelihood that the student can fulfill the graduation requirements of a 2.0 cumulative and major GPA. Academic standing is determined at the end of each semester, with the criteria applied to the major, semester and cumulative GPAs.

If a student is academically dismissed from the University or from the major, they may request reconsideration by either submitting an explanation in writing of why the dismissal should be reconsidered to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Success. In addition, they may also request a Zoom meeting, in-person meeting, or conference call with the Academic Standing Appeal Committee to discuss their explanation. 

Parents of dependent students who are placed on Academic Warning, placed on Academic Notice, dismissed from their major, or academically dismissed from the University will be sent a letter concerning the academic status of the student.

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A student may request reconsideration of an Academic Dismissal from the University decision. Such a request must be submitted in writing and received by the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Success. In addition to the mandatory written request, a student has the voluntary option to appear in a zoom meeting or in person or have a conference call with members of the Academic Standing Committee.
Parents of dependent students who are on Warning or Academic Notice or Dismissed from their Major or are Academically Dismissed from the University will be sent a letter concerning the academic status of the student.

In addition to GPA, students also must be making adequate progress toward the degree to have satisfactory academic standing. Therefore, students who have an excessive number of course withdrawals for two consecutive semesters will have their records reviewed by the Academic Standing Committee. Excessive number of course withdrawals is defined as 50% or greater of the student’s course load. After review, a student may be academically dismissed from the University if it is determined that they are not making adequate progress. Students with excessive withdrawals who would like to remain or become resident students must appeal to the Director of Residence Life for permission to do so. 

A student may petition the Committee on Academic Standing not to count one semester’s work in the cumulative GPA.  The grades and courses taken during that semester would remain on the transcript.  No credits earned during the discounted semester would apply toward the number of credits required for graduation.  However, if a student passes any courses fulfilling AUC requirements during the discounted semester, those AUC requirements will be applied.  A student would be able to apply for amnesty after completing at least one semester in good academic standing.  A student can only be granted “academic amnesty” once in his/her academic career at Arcadia.

The Dean’s Distinguished Honor List and Dean’s Honor List recognize students who have attained high GPAs during the previous term. “Term” is defined as a semester for full-time students (12 earned credits or more) and the previous 12-month period (including summer) for part-time students. Part-time students must have earned a minimum of 12 credits during the previous 12-month period to qualify for either Honor List. Students are placed on the Dean’s Distinguished Honor List with a term GPA of 3.90 to 4.0. The Dean’s Honor List consists of students with a term GPA of 3.67 to 3.89.

Seniors with a 3.60 average in courses in their major and a 3.00 cumulative average are eligible to be considered for departmental honors. Those with outstanding records are graduated cum laude (3.67 cumulative average), magna cum laude (3.78) and summa cum laude (3.90). All undergraduate Arcadia University coursework is included in consideration for graduation honors. All transfer students with 60 or more Arcadia University credits are eligible for honors.

Students with strong academic records who want to accelerate completion of the degree program should work closely with the adviser and begin planning early in their college career. Acceleration may be accomplished in the following ways or combinations of them: admission with advanced placement credit, credit by examination, summer courses, or course overloads during the regular semester.

Faculty advisers and the Registrar are available to assist students in planning their programs; however, the ultimate responsibility of meeting all requirements for the degree or certificate rests with the individual student. The student must notify the Registrar’s Office in writing of his or her intention to complete the degree or certificate requirements during the semester before the one in which the degree or certificate is to be completed.

Students are permitted to participate fully in graduation ceremonies (Commencement) if they have met all academic requirements and obligations to the University. Students who are within one course (four or fewer credits) of meeting all academic requirements and have earned at least a 2.00 cumulative and major GPA at the time of the graduation program printing deadline may petition to participate in the graduation ceremony. The student completes the Petition for Exception to Academic Policy and submits it to the Vice Provost of the Division of Student Success. For the petition to be granted, there must be evidence that it is possible for the student to complete the remaining course no later than December of the year of the graduation ceremony. If the petition is granted, the student is permitted to participate fully in the graduation ceremonies. However, the student’s name is listed in the graduation program with parentheses indicating that all degree requirements have not yet been satisfied.

See Credit Hour Policy in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Transfer credit is granted for college-level work completed at another accredited institution if the course content is comparable to that offered at Arcadia University or appropriate for the degree program. The following policies govern the transfer of undergraduate credits:

Core-to-core agreements and/or Program-to-program agreements exist with several community colleges and a variety of undergraduate majors, including:

New schools and programs are periodically added to this list. For more information, call 1-877-ARCADIA (1-877-272-2342) or email the Transfer Coordinator. 

Generally, students must complete the equivalent of the final three semesters of coursework at Arcadia University for the bachelor’s degree. For day programs, it is 48 credit hours, while for degree completion, it is 45 credit hours.

Notification of withdrawal from the University must be given in writing. Forms for this purpose are available in the Registrar’s Office. Full-time and part-time students withdrawing from the University should meet with the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies before completing the withdrawal form. Explanation of refund policy.

The University may, on recommendation of the University physician, request a student to withdraw for reasons of health. The University reserves the right to dismiss at any time a student whose academic performance is unsatisfactory or whose conduct is detrimental to the welfare of other students.

A full-time or part-time undergraduate student or graduate student who encounters unforeseen emergency circumstances, may apply for a leave of absence during the current semester, provided the leave period is 15 weekdays or less. Students who need to request a leave of absence should complete the Request for Leave of Absence Form (“LOA Form”) available on the Registrar’s webpage. Service members called to active duty should use a Petition for Exception to LOA Policy.

Students granted a leave of absence continue to be charged the regular tuition rate and any financial aid, as originally allocated, will remain the same (for information about other fees please contact the business office). Should the student not return within the specified period indicated on the LOA Form, they will be required to officially withdraw from the University and should immediately contact the Registrar’s Office to complete a withdrawal form. In cases of withdrawal, tuition charges and applied aid will be determined according to the University’s regular refund policy for withdrawing students.

Meeting individually with professors and completing missed coursework due to a leave of absence is solely the responsibility of the student. An approved leave of absence does not guarantee that a student will be able to continue and satisfactorily complete an enrolled course as according to the criteria of individual faculty or course policies as indicated by the course syllabus. Undergraduate students who experience difficulty contacting their faculty members should contact the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Success, and Graduate students should contact the Vice Provost of the Division of Student Success.  Students must consult with their financial aid counselor regarding any possible impact on satisfactory academic progress and loan repayment/grace periods in advance of beginning an approved leave of absence.

The Vice Provost of the Division of Student Success and the Dean of Students, or their designees, will review the LOA Form and will either accept or deny it, based on the individual circumstances of the student and the predicted likelihood that the student will return to classes at the end of the approved leave period.

Application forms for readmission are obtained online and/or from the Registrar’s Office and submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Success by deadlines stated on the form. Forms will be reviewed by a committee consisting of the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Success, Associate Dean of Students, and the Registrar. This committee will seek input from appropriate campus constituents as necessary for each review when making a decision. This committee will establish criteria for readmission. If a former student’s Grade Point Average was under 2.0 at the time of leaving Arcadia University, the deadline to apply for Fall readmission is May 15. For all other former students, the deadlines to apply for readmission are June 15 for Fall and December 15 for Spring or Summer.

If students have taken coursework at another institution, they will need to submit an official transcript. Any Arcadia University course that is more than 10 years old shall be treated as transfer credit at the time of readmission.