Academic Rules and Regulations

Academic Standing Advisory Committee

The Academic Standing Advisory Committee is a body whose duties shall be to deliberate and recommend the appropriate actions regarding undergraduate probation, suspension, reinstatement, and continuance conditions; to deliberate and recommend the appropriate actions regarding undergraduate and graduate grade disputes; to advise the associate vice president for academic affairs on the actions recommended; and to recommend policies on matters of academic standing to the Academic Council.

This committee consists of three faculty members appointed according to the procedures outlined in the Faculty Handbook, and the following administrative representatives appointed by the vice president for graduate and professional studies and dean of the faculty: one member of the Office of Advising Services and one member of the support services division, such as the library or technology support. The following members serve ex-officio: the associate dean of advising services, who shall act as chair; the vice president for enrollment and communications or designee; and the registrar or designee.

If any faculty member appointed to this committee is involved in a dispute that comes before the committee for deliberation, that faculty member shall be recused during deliberation and resolution of the dispute. When required, the committee shall meet three times a year (October, December/January, and May) to recommend academic standing actions in a timely manner. Meetings are called by the chair only when action is required.

Accelerated Degree Programs

Students at the University may choose to enter accelerated degree programs offered by the University, in which undergraduate and graduate degrees have a maximum of four common 3-credit classes (12 credits in all). These credits are offered at the graduate level, and may be taken by students who apply for and are conditionally admitted to the graduate program during their undergraduate studies. The credits may count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees if formal admission to the graduate degree program is received within five years of the award of the undergraduate degree.

Students must satisfy all admission and continuation requirements of the specific accelerated programs in order to enroll in the graduate-level courses. All graduate credits applied to the undergraduate degree are counted in the undergraduate grade-point average, appear on the undergraduate transcript, and are used to determine graduation with honors. Students in an accelerated degree program are formally admitted to the graduate program following attainment of the baccalaureate degree.

Admission

Current admission requirements and standards for all undergraduate and graduate degree programs are published by the Office of Admissions. Degreeseeking students are classified as individuals who have been officially accepted into a degree program. The admission process requires a formal application, application fee, official transcripts from all previously attended institutions (including high school or equivalent for Bachelor of Professional Studies applicants) and other program-specific supporting documents. Students are responsible for becoming familiar with and fulfilling the requirements for admission to the degree or certificate programs.

Advance Registration

Students in good standing who are currently enrolled as degree-seeking students may continue their enrollment for the subsequent semester or summer session by registering during advance registration as scheduled by the registrar.

American Council on Education Credit

Students may receive credit for education and training that has been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE). This includes selected corporate and military training as well as course work and training completed through various other recognized professional schools and programs. Determination of credits awarded is made in accordance with the academic
policies and procedures that govern the University. Some ACE credit may not be consistent with the aims of the University and its degree programs, and therefore is ineligible for credit award. A maximum of 30 ACE credits can be awarded in the undergraduate program. All ACE credit is considered transfer credit.

Application

To become an official candidate for admission to a graduate or undergraduate degree or certificate program, a student must complete the appropriate application form available in the Office of Admissions at the College of Graduate and Professional Studies or at the University’s Fredericksburg campus.

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs focus on specific areas of knowledge and skill and contain courses and credits to meet the occupational, professional, or personal improvement needs of well-defined audiences. Completion of such programs demonstrates that individuals have acquired competency in concentrated areas of study. All credits earned by a student in any certificate program or as a nondegree-seeking student may be applied toward a College degree program if the courses qualify as degree requirements or electives and if the student matriculates into the degree program at least three semesters or summer sessions before graduation.

Certificate Requirements

Students are responsible for understanding and fulfilling the requirements for their certificate program and are asked to submit an application to the Office of Admissions early in the program; the deadline for such submission is no later than one semester or summer session prior to completing their certificate requirements.

Students are subject to certificate requirements in effect at the time of acceptance into the program. To receive a certificate, students must satisfy all stated curriculum requirements; further, they must submit a certificate completion application to the Office of Advising Services at least one semester or summer session prior to completion. Students pursuing certificates in accounting, contracts and procurement management, health care management, or project management have a maximum of six years from time of acceptance into the certificate program until completion of the certificate requirements. At the end of six years, students must reapply to the certificate program in order to continue. Continuance in the certificate program requires the program director’s written approval.

The College reserves the right to make changes to certificate program requirements at any time. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the program director to coordinate any changes in the student’s certificate completion requirements.

College Level Examination Program for Undergraduate Students

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is administered by the College Board and individual exams are available throughout the year. There are two types of CLEP exams: the general exams—humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences/history—and subject-specific exams. A complete listing of CLEP tests accepted by the College is available in the Office of Advising Services. The tests are given by scheduled appointment at the College. Appropriate fees apply. Completion of CLEP credit after acceptance into a degree program must be approved by the Office of Advising Services or the appropriate program director. Credit is awarded for the approved examinations based on American Council on Education (ACE) recommended scores. Determination of credits awarded is made in accordance with the academic policies and procedures that govern the University. CLEP credit is considered to be transfer credit.

Commencement

The degree is posted on the transcript and diplomas awarded at the conclusion of the summer, fall, or spring periods in which all degree requirements were completed and all other obligations to the University have been met. All official spring degree candidates are expected to attend Commencement exercises. If attendance is not possible, a degree candidate must submit a written request at least two weeks before Commencement to the dean of the faculty to graduate in absentia. This request should include an address for the mailing of the diploma if it cannot be picked up after graduation.

Participation in Commencement exercises is limited to those official degree candidates who have completed all degree requirements and met all obligations to the University. Final grades for all courses (UMW and transfer) must be on record and the record approved for graduation by an official of the University before a student is cleared for the awarding of the degree and permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Continuance After Interrupted Enrollment

Students who are on approved leave for one to two semesters are allowed to reenroll and continue with degree requirements in effect prior to their approved absence, provided the University continues to offer the previously approved programs and courses. If the programs or courses are no longer available, the appropriate academic program will be identified and reasonable substitutions will be offered.

Students who interrupt their enrollment for one semester, and who have not been approved for a Leave of Absence, or whose Leave of Absence has expired, must be cleared for reenrollment. Such students must complete the appropriate reenrollment forms through the Office of Advising Services before being allowed to register for additional courses.

Students who interrupt their enrollment for three consecutive semesters or more must apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions. If the cumulative GPA at the time of the interruption in academic study for undergraduate students is lower than 2.0, a petition for reenrollment must be submitted to the Offices of Admission and Advising for permission to reenroll for a specific semester or summer session. Graduate students may petition the program director for reenrollment. Further information on Probation and Suspension is available in this section under Student Academic Progress.

The Office of Advising Services may grant permission for academic bankruptcy to any undergraduate student who wishes to reapply to the University, if the following conditions are met:

The student’s cumulative GPA was lower than 2.0 at the last date of attendance; and
The last date of attendance was at least seven years prior to reapplication.

Continuance After Leave of Absence

Students on an approved Leave of Absence may continue their University enrollment in the period immediately following the approved Leave of Absence, without altering their degree requirements, by registering for classes during advance registration. Further information on Leave of Absence is available in this section.

Continuance After Suspension

Undergraduate students who are suspended academically for the first time and who wish to continue must petition the Academic Standing Advisory Committee for permission to reenroll for a specific semester or summer session. If the petition is approved, the Advisory Committee will extend reinstatement conditions to the student. By reenrolling, students accept and agree to the reinstatement conditions as specified. Further information on Probation and Suspension is available in this section under Student Academic Progress.

Continuance After Withdrawal

At the time of withdrawal, undergraduate students who have a cumulative University GPA of at least 2.0 can file a Leave of Absence with the Office of Advising Services. When filed, students are ensured continuance at the University. If a Leave of Absence is not filed, students will be eligible for continuance by completing the appropriate reenrollment forms through the Office of Advising Services if the student returns to the University within three semesters. Undergraduate students who withdraw at any time with a cumulative UMW GPA lower than 2.0 are not ensured continuance at the University. They must petition the Academic Standing Advisory Committee for permission to reenroll.

Graduate students should consult the appropriate graduate program continuance policy for information about processes within their programs.

Continuance While on Academic Probation

Undergraduate students placed or continued on academic probation may earn 12 subsequent credits at the University following the academic probation action. After completing these 12 credits, their academic status is reviewed and appropriate academic action taken at that time.

Credit by Examination

Enrolled, degree-seeking, undergraduate students may request a special examination from the program director on any College course for which an examination is appropriate. However, it is at the discretion of the program director and faculty to assess whether credit-by-examination for a course is deemed appropriate. If a student passes the examination with a grade of C or higher, the course and grade of CR will be recorded on the student’s permanent academic record to indicate credits earned, but quality points will not be awarded. If the student earns lower than a C on the examination, it is considered a failure. If the examination is failed, a grade of CI will be recorded. Should the latter occur, the student must enroll in the course in the next session that it is offered. The student’s earned grade, with the attendant quality points, will replace the grade CI. Should the student not enroll, the CI will be converted to the grade of F. Information on credit-by-examination fees can be obtained from the Office of Student Accounts at (540) 654-1250.

Upon approval by the program director and the associate dean of advising services, credits earned through credit-by-examination may apply to the program core, program concentration, general education requirements, or elective requirements. Credit-by-examination is not available for program capstone courses, selected technology courses, seminars, directed study courses, and certain courses that require a practicum or a research project, or courses designated as writing or speaking intensive. Students may not use credit-by-examination for any courses they are or have been enrolled in. Requests for credit-by-examination will be reviewed only for those courses listed in the current Academic Catalog. No more than 10 credits may be earned through credit-by-examination.

Credit-by-examination is not an option for graduate-level course work.

Credit Through Standardized Testing

The University accepts many of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized tests as undergraduate transfer credit. Students may earn credit by meeting the minimum required score on selected CLEP or DANTES tests; these credits may be used to fulfill general education and other requirements or as elective credits. The College follows American Council on Education (ACE) recommended guidelines for CLEP and DANTES exams as minimum scores for granting credit. A maximum of 30 credits by examination may be counted toward the degree.

Students should consult the Office of Advising Services for information on specific CLEP or DANTES exams that are accepted by the College. CLEP tests are administered at the College. Students should contact the testing administrator for more information at (540) 286-8000. DANTES exams are offered only on military installations. After acceptance into the MBA program, students must obtain approval from the program director before taking CLEP and DANTES exams to satisfy MBA foundation course requirements. Further information on testing is available in the Academic Resources section.

Degree Application

The Degree Application must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar one year prior to the anticipated graduation date. While all other degree requirements may have been met, no student is allowed to graduate unless this application has been filed appropriately. Degree Applications are available in the Office of Advising Services or the Office of the Registrar on the Fredericksburg or Stafford campus.

Degree Requirements

Undergraduate students are subject to degree requirements in effect at the time of matriculation into their program. They are encouraged to work with their academic advisor to formulate an academic program planning guide for tracking and planning course work toward degree completion. This guide also provides an approximate timetable for completion of the degree.

As a graduation requirement, undergraduate students must satisfy all stated curriculum requirements. Additionally, these students must (1) file a Degree Application with the Office of the Registrar one year prior to graduation; (2) have an earned overall minimum 2.0 GPA and an earned minimum 2.0 GPA in the degree concentration; and, (3) conduct a review of courses completed at least one full semester or summer session prior to planned graduation. Students who interrupt their enrollment may be subject to new degree requirements upon their return. Additional information on continuance policies is available in this section.

Dual Concentrations

An undergraduate student may choose to complete more than one Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) concentration by requesting permission from the appropriate program director and the Office of Advising Services. In the case of dual concentrations, the maximum degree credit overlap permitted between the concentrations is 12 credits. Completion of more than one concentration does not result in the awarding of dual BPS degrees.

A matriculated MBA or MSMIS student can complete multiple concentrations if the requisite course work in each concentration is successfully completed. No more than one course is allowed to overlap between concentrations. Completion of more than one concentration in the MBA or MSMIS does not result in the awarding of more than one MBA or MSMIS. Completion of an additional concentration after graduation requires that students earn a minimum of 12 credits in the appropriate area.

Exams

Final examinations and other culminating assignments are scheduled at the end of each course regardless of the course length. Students who fail to take a required final examination or who fail to submit a final culminating assignment have not completed the course requirements and, therefore, fail the course. In accordance with Honor Council procedures, a student is required to pledge to disclose neither the contents nor the form of any examination until after the conclusion of the examination period.

Conflicts

Students who have more than two examinations scheduled on the same day may elect to have one rescheduled. Students shall decide which examination should be rescheduled and then consult with the instructors. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate this process early so that the student’s revised examination schedule may be reviewed and approved by the Friday
preceding the last week of classes. The makeup date is decided by mutual agreement of the instructors and the student and, if necessary, through consultation with the associate dean of advising services. Requests by students whose religious beliefs preclude taking an examination on specific days are honored.

Illness or Emergencies During the Examination Period

Any illness or emergency that prevents a student from taking a scheduled final examination should be reported to the Office of Advising Services prior to the examination. The student should provide his/her name, the title of the course, name of the instructor, and time of the examination. The Office of Advising Services will notify the instructor, and it is then the student’s
responsibility to contact the instructor to arrange a make-up examination. If a make-up exam cannot be arranged prior to the grade submission deadline, the student must notify the Office of Advising Services.

Grading

Appeal, Grade (Academic Dispute)

If there is a dispute between a student and an instructor concerning a grading decision, every effort should be made by the two of them to resolve the matter. If the disagreement cannot be resolved, the student may request a review of this decision no later than the end of the subsequent semester or summer session, recognizing that the burden of proof is on the student. In such cases, the following procedure is to be followed:

The student will submit a written statement of the dispute, with supporting material and documentation, to the appropriate program director and the faculty member. If the faculty member is the program director, the student should include the associate vice president for academic affairs during this step.
Within two weeks, the program director (or associate vice president for academic affairs) will review the dispute, through discussion and review of documentation, with the instructor, student, and other appropriate individuals. If agreement is reached at this level, the process ends.
If either party does not accept the recommendation of the program director (or the associate vice president for academic affairs), the program director (or associate vice president for academic affairs) will forward all documentation and material including the recommendation to the associate vice president for academic affairs (or the dean of the faculty, in the case of the faculty member being the program director).
The faculty member will submit a statement summarizing the grade dispute situation to the associate vice president for academic affairs or dean of the faculty.
The associate vice president for academic affairs (or dean of the faculty) will review the documentation and material submitted and will determine whether further consideration of the matter is required. If further consideration is not required, the associate vice president for academic affairs will render a final decision. If the associate vice president for academic affairs deems that further consideration is needed, the matter will be referred to the Academic Standing Advisory Committee to mediate the dispute. Information on the Academic Standing Advisory Committee is available in this section.

Attendance

Class attendance is a primary responsibility of students, and regular and punctual class attendance is expected. While an occasional absence may be unavoidable, the student is responsible and accountable for any work missed, including tests, quizzes, assignments, and announcements made in any missed classes. It is entirely at the discretion of the faculty whether to allow students who are absent to make up any missed work. Class participation may in itself be a criterion for grading; failure to participate due to being absent can be expected to affect a student’s grade in the course.

Grade Change

Instructors may submit grade changes for students in the case of a miscalculation resulting in an inappropriate grade or to correct an error. Instructors may submit changes only during the semester or summer session immediately following the period during which the grade was assigned. The associate vice president for academic affairs or the associate dean of advising services must approve all grade changes. Grades will not be changed after a degree has been conferred or a certificate has been awarded.

Grade Type Change

Students may change grade type—letter grade to pass/fail or pass/fail to letter grade—for a course during the time period published in the Guide to Registration. After that time, the registered grade type will be the one used by the faculty to evaluate a student’s performance in the course. Pass/fail grades may not be used to satisfy general education, foundation, core, or concentration requirements.

Incomplete Grade

Incomplete grades are issued on a case-by-case basis when students cannot complete the assigned work or final examination for a particular course due to unforeseen circumstances, e.g., illness, natural disaster, or family catastrophe. A grade of I is issued in lieu of an actual grade for the course. To secure permission for an incomplete grade, the student and faculty member must file an Incomplete Grade Contract clearly stating the reason for the incomplete, the work to be completed, and the due date. Supporting documentation may be required. The Incomplete Grade Contract must be approved by the appropriate program director and filed with the Office of Advising Services and the Office of the Registrar. If appropriate, students must drop any subsequent course for which the incomplete course is a prerequisite. Students must complete the course work by the end of the following semester or summer session, whether enrolled in University course work or not, or by the specified contract date. A grade of F will be applied automatically to the course after the completion deadline has passed if the student fails to complete the work or the faculty member submits no other grade.

Pass/Fail

Students may choose to have their academic performance in particular courses evaluated on a pass/fail basis. No more than four courses in a student’s degree program may be taken pass/fail; courses taken pass/fail can only be used for elective credit and such courses cannot be used to fulfill concentration, core, or general education requirements. Students may enroll in no more than one pass/fail course per semester or summer session.

Reports, Grade

Official grade reports are made available to students through the online Banner system from the Office of the Registrar when courses conclude. The University uses the following grading system to evaluate student academic performance in courses:

grade	quality points	grade	quality points	grade	quality points	grade	quality points
A	4.00	B+	3.30	C+	2.30	D+	1.30
A-	3.70	B	3.00	C	2.00	D	1.00
		B-	2.70	C-	1.70	F	0.00

FA ..............Failure in a pass/fail course
G ...............Delayed grade
I ................Incomplete
NC ..............No Credit
NG .............Audit
PA ..............Pass
W ...............Course drop

FA, G, I, NC, NG, PA, and W all result in 0.00 quality points.

Note: The MBA, MSMIS, and MBA-MSMIS Dual Degree Programs do not use C-, D+ or D to evaluate student academic performance.

Transcripts

The transcript is the student’s official academic record and is maintained by the Office of the Registrar. Transcripts list (1) only those courses that students have registered for and completed, including courses from which the student has withdrawn; (2) transferred course work; and (3) related comments such as honors notations, graduation dates, or probation/suspension notices.

Students may request transcripts of their academic records from the Office of the Registrar only in writing and with signed authorization by the student. Facsimile requests can be honored. Official transcripts may not be released for students who have financial obligations to the University.

Leave of Absence

Degree students who interrupt their program of study, either by withdrawing during a semester or summer session or by not enrolling at the College for a semester or summer session, but who wish to return after a given period of time away, must request an official Leave of Absence prior to the beginning of the first semester or summer session of absence or at the time of withdrawal by contacting the Office of the Registrar. Degree students who do not attend classes at the University, and for a specific period of time attend courses at another institution, also must request a Leave of Absence to remain on active status in their degree program. A Leave of Absence lasts for two consecutive semesters and is granted only to undergraduate students who leave the institution with a minimum overall cumulative 2.0 GPA and to graduate students with a minimum overall cumulative 3.0 GPA.

Degree students who leave the institution with an approved Leave of Absence may return to study and continue their degree program as specified in the catalog in effect at the time of their initial admission to the program in accordance with the approved leave dates. If changes have been made to the academic program while a student is on an approved Leave of Absence, and courses are no longer offered, the student will work with the Office of Advising Services and the appropriate program director to identify courses necessary for satisfaction of program degree requirements.

Undergraduate and graduate degree students who fail to register for three consecutive semesters will be required to apply for readmission to the program through the Office of Admissions. Undergraduate degree students who do not request a Leave of Absence but return to study within three semesters must complete the appropriate reenrollment forms and may be subject to review by the Academic Standing Advisory Committee.

A graduate degree student on Leave of Absence who reenrolls within one semester or summer session after the approved Leave of Absence will be permitted to complete the degree program and satisfy the requirements in effect when the student began. Graduate students who do not request a Leave of Absence and return within three consecutive semesters will be required to comply with any changes in academic regulations and degree requirements made during their absence. Additionally, those graduate students not on an official Leave of Absence may be subject to review by the appropriate graduate program Continuance Committee and may have additional requirements set for reenrollment by the appropriate graduate program Continuance Committee.

Nondegree Status

Students who enroll in courses but have not been accepted into any degree or certificate program are defined as nondegree students. The same academic rules, regulations, and procedures that govern degree students also govern nondegree students. All credits earned by a student in any certificate program or in a nondegree status may be applied toward a degree program if the courses qualify as degree requirements or electives. In the case of undergraduate students, the credits will apply toward a degree program if the student matriculates into that program at least three semesters or summer sessions before graduation.

Nondegree undergraduate students are allowed to register for up to 11 credits per semester or summer session. Those whose cumulative grade-point average falls below 2.0 must secure permission from the Office of Advising Services for continued enrollment. If continued enrollment is granted, restrictions will be placed on the number of credits and courses the student is allowed to enroll in until such time as the cumulative grade-point average reaches a minimum of 2.0.

Nondegree graduate students may complete a maximum of six graduate credits, with approval from the program director and the Office of Advising Services. Such students are required to provide transcripts showing completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university.

Post-Baccalaureate Concentrations and Post-Baccalaureate Degrees

A student who has earned a BPS from the University of Mary Washington and wishes to pursue further undergraduate work may either complete an additional concentration and have it noted on the permanent record (with the date of completion) or earn a second degree from the University if it is different from the first degree (for example, a B.A., B.S., or BLS if the first degree was a BPS). For the second degree, a student must be admitted and then earn at least 30 additional credits at the University, including the concentration and the general education requirements listed in the current catalog. A student who has earned a bachelor’s degree at another institution, provided it is regionally accredited, must enter the College as a transfer student and then complete the concentration, general education requirements, and any other requirements for the second degree as defined by the current catalog.

Readmission

Students who do not enroll for three consecutive semesters must apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions. Students who are readmitted are subject to the degree requirements in effect at the time of readmission.

Reenrollment

All University degree-seeking students in good academic standing who enroll each semester, without interruption, are considered continuing students. Students maintain reenrollment status by completing advance registration each semester.

Reinstatement

Undergraduate students who meet any of the following criteria must request reinstatement in writing from the Academic Standing Advisory Committee:

Students with a University cumulative GPA below 2.0 who voluntarily withdrew from the University during the previous semester;
Students on academic suspension;
Students who have served a period of suspension and did not reenroll during the semester immediately following the conclusion of their suspension; and
Students on an official Leave of Absence who did not enroll during the semester immediately following the conclusion of the approved leave period.

The Committee also considers appeals by students concerning the duration of academic suspension and has the authority to establish and enforce reinstatement criteria.

Resident Credit

Resident credit is University course work that is used toward a University degree or certificate. Resident credit can be awarded through courses, internships, and directed study.

Speaking Intensive Requirement

The Bachelor of Professional Studies program requires students to complete one Speaking Intensive course. Speaking Intensive courses use speaking activities appropriate to the subject matter and the goals of the course to increase student learning in the course and to develop oral communication competence.

Student Academic Progress

Academic Standing

Evaluation of academic standing for full-time and part-time students is based on the total number of University credits attempted and the overall University cumulative GPA. Grades of PA, SA, UN, and W are not considered in calculating the University GPA. In determining academic standing, the number of credits includes all accepted AP, IB, CLEP, portfolio, and transfer credits as well as University credits; the GPA, however, is based on University credits only.

Academic Bankruptcy

Academic bankruptcy releases undergraduate students from prior poor academic performance at the University. Students may request and declare academic bankruptcy for those courses taken at least seven academic years prior to the time of readmission. Academic bankruptcy must be declared at the time of readmission and can be claimed no more than once in a student’s academic career at the University of Mary Washington. With the declaration of academic bankruptcy, course work that is at least seven years old and in which grades lower than C have been earned are not counted in the calculation of the GPA. The associate dean of advising services and the Office of the Registrar must approve permission for academic bankruptcy.

Academic Probation

Undergraduate students placed on probation may continue their enrollment until they complete an additional 12 graded University credits. Nondegree-seeking students who have been placed on probation must petition the Academic Standing Advisory Committee to return as nondegree seeking students. If they wish to become degree-seeking students, the Academic Standing Advisory Committee will consider their case as part of the admission process. Undergraduate students on probation who achieve an overall cumulative University GPA of 2.0 or higher will be returned to good academic standing. Students who were previously on probation and whose overall cumulative University GPA again falls below a 2.0 will be returned to probation.

As appropriate, a notation of probation status is entered on the student’s permanent record. Students placed on academic probation are required to consult with an academic advisor.

Classification of Student Level

Undergraduate students are classified by level based on earned credits:

Freshman....................................0 to 29 credits
Sophomore..................................30 to 59 credits
Junior.........................................60 to 89 credits
Senior.........................................90 or more credits

Students who enter the College as degree-seeking students at the master’s level or who enter a certificate program that requires an earned bachelor’s degree are classified as graduate-level students. However, students who are enrolled in certificate programs that do not require a bachelor’s degree or who are taking classes as nondegree-seeking students will not be classified by the above student levels.

Probation, Suspension, and Dismissal

The purpose of probation and suspension is to warn students that their academic performance is unsatisfactory, to stimulate them to improve their performance, or to serve notice that the institution will not allow them to continue.

All undergraduate University students are expected to make satisfactory academic progress by maintaining a 2.0 overall cumulative GPA, the standard required for graduation. Students who fall below a 2.0 overall cumulative GPA are in academic jeopardy and are subject to the University’s probation and suspension policy.

All undergraduate students who have completed 12 or more University graded credits will be reviewed at the end of each semester/summer session. This action is taken regardless of the number of semesters or summer sessions completed, and includes BPS, graded certificate programs, and nondegree students registered through the College.

Progress, Academic

Academic progress is based on students’ earned GPA. The semester or summer session GPA is based on the quality points earned from all attempted course work during that time frame. The cumulative GPA is based on the quality points earned from all attempted course work while in attendance at the University.

Reinstatement After Suspension for Undergraduate Students

First-time or second-time suspended students who wish to reenroll must notify the Academic Standing Advisory Committee, in writing, of their intent to return to the University at the conclusion of their suspension period. Guidelines for petitioning the Academic Standing Advisory Committee are available in the Office of Advising Services. Reinstatement petitions must be received in the Office of Advising Services by March 15 to be considered for fall or summer reenrollment or by November 15 to be considered for spring reenrollment. The Advisory Committee will extend provisions for reinstatement to students, who, upon registering for classes accept the provisions and thereby are ensured continuance at the University immediately following the conclusion of the suspension period, provided the provisions are adhered to.

Suspension for Undergraduate Students

Students in academic difficulty are granted a probationary period, with at least 12 graded credits allowed before determining their status with the University. Students who do not make satisfactory progress while on probation will be suspended. A notation of the student’s suspension status is entered on the student’s permanent record. A suspended student may not enroll in any classes at the University until the period of suspension expires.

Courses taken at other institutions while a student is on suspension from the University—academic, disciplinary, or honor—are not accepted by the University for transfer credit and will not fulfill any degree requirement. Prior permission for future transfer work is automatically revoked when a student is suspended. A student who undergoes a third suspension under this policy is ineligible to obtain a degree from the University or to continue enrollment in courses offered by the University for a minimum of seven years.

The academic records of all students on probation are subject to review for academic suspension at the conclusion of an additional 12 graded credits after the initial action.

First Suspension – One-semester or summer session suspension. Appeal reviewed by the Academic Standing Advisory Committee. The student will be ineligible to attend the subsequent semester or summer session, but would be eligible to return for the following semester or summer session. Further information on Reinstatement After Suspension is available in this section.

Second Suspension – Two-semester or summer session suspension. Appeal reviewed by the Committee. The student will be ineligible to attend the two subsequent semesters or summer sessions, but the student would be eligible to return for the following semester or summer session. Further information on Reinstatement After Suspension is available in this section.

Third Suspension. No appeal to the Committee possible. A student who faces a third suspension is ineligible to obtain a degree or certificate from the University or to continue enrollment in credit-bearing courses offered by the University, regardless of the program, until such time as seven full calendar years have elapsed. This action occurs at the end of the third probation period if the cumulative GPA is below 2.0.

Any student placed on a first or second suspension may appeal the suspension to the Academic Standing Advisory Committee. This Committee considers suspension appeals by students and can modify a suspension period when such is deemed appropriate. This Committee also has the authority to establish and enforce reinstatement provisions for students returning after the completion of suspension periods.

Technology Proficiency

Students seeking degrees at the College will demonstrate technology proficiency through course work in the degree programs. All degree programs include extensive use of technology in all course offerings. This technology includes, but is not limited to, word processing, spreadsheets, email, and library research.

Information/library literacy proficiency will be a component of instruction for students to ensure their success in undergraduate- and graduate-level course work.

Transfer Credit Before Matriculation

For undergraduate students, transfer credit will be awarded only for previously completed, graded course work taken at a regionally-accredited college or university at which a grade of C or higher has been earned. All credit must represent college-level course work relevant to the degree, with content and level of instruction resulting in student competencies at least equivalent to those of students enrolled in degree programs. Courses to be counted in the concentration must have been completed within 10 years of program matriculation and must be approved by the program director. Exceptions to this policy may only be made by the program director. No more than a total of 90 transfer semester credits will be accepted toward any degree. Within that 90-credit total, a maximum of 30 American Council on Education (ACE) credits, a maximum of 30 University portfolio credits and a maximum of 30 credits completed by standardized testing (i.e., CLEP) can be recognized. University students who have earned more than 30 credits at the University may not transfer into a different degree program or enroll in a new degree program unless they have not actively pursued studies in a University undergraduate degree program as a student (degree or nondegree status) for a period of at least one year prior to admission into the subsequently requested degree program.

For graduate students, transfer credit will be awarded for previously completed, graded course work taken within six years of matriculation at a regionally-accredited college or university. A grade of B or higher is required for transfer of foundation and graduate course work. All credit must represent course work relevant to the degree and must be approved by the appropriate
graduate program director and the Office of Advising Services. Students should review graduate program guidelines for limits on the number of acceptable transfer credits.

In assessing transfer equivalencies for undergraduate and graduate programs, the College will use a combination of recognized guides, internal policies, and faculty expertise to assist in the evaluation of previously completed course work.

Transfer Credit Following Matriculation

After admission to degree programs, undergraduate students may use courses taken at other colleges and universities to meet degree requirements at the College by obtaining prior approval from the associate dean of advising services. All transfer courses must be approved in advance in order to receive transfer credit. Courses to be counted in the concentration must also be approved by the program director. Preapproved transfer credit will be applied to a degree only if the Office of the Registrar receives an official transcript of that course work by the University’s final deadline. Transfer course work must have a recorded grade of C or higher for undergraduate students. Students should consult the Office of Advising Services for specific information about transfer credit limits, procedures, and deadlines.

After admission to degree programs, graduate students in the MBA, MSMIS, and MBA-MSMIS Dual Degree programs may not use courses taken subsequently at other colleges and universities to meet foundation or other degree requirements at the College. Exceptions to this policy may only be made by the program director.

Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Articulation Agreement for Undergraduate Students

Transfer students who have earned a Richard Bland College or Virginia Community College System transfer degree, approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), as of fall 1993, prior to matriculation at the College are considered to have fulfilled lower division general education requirements for the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program. The VCCS, SCHEV-approved transfer degrees are generally Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), and Associate in Arts and Sciences (AA&S); not all General Studies degrees are approved by SCHEV for transfer. For more information, students are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions.

The VCCS degrees do not fulfill across-the-curriculum requirements or upper division general education requirements. Students who have earned an applied associate’s degree, or who have not completed a degree, must meet specific lower division general education requirements. Further information on general education requirements in the BPS program may be found in the BPS section of this catalog.

University of Mary Washington has direct transfer agreements with Germanna Community College, Lord Fairfax Community College, Northern Virginia Community College, Rappahannock Community College, and Richard Bland College. Students who earn an associate degree at one of these colleges with a GPA of at least 2.0 are guaranteed admission to the BPS program. Further, the University has established a Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) with the Virginia Community College System, ensuring admittance to students who complete transfer-oriented associate degrees from any of the 23 community colleges in the state with a minimum GPA of 3.25. Prospective students are encouraged to review the policy or contact the Office of Admissions regarding GAA eligibility.

Writing Intensive Requirement

The Bachelor of Professional Studies requires students to complete two Writing Intensive courses. A Writing Intensive course must require at least 12 pages of clear prose in formats appropriate to the discipline involved, e.g., essays, laboratory reports, translations, creative writing, and letters.