Academic Policies and Procedures

The following information will provide details about a wide number of academic policies and procedures important to students in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

Academic Credit

Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy

Academic Honors - Undergraduate Students only

Academic Load

Academic Progress Policy

• Graduate Policy
• Undergraduate Policy

Adding and Dropping Courses

Articulation Agreements (Undergraduate Programs only)

Auditing a Course

Calculation of GPA

Catalog Year Policy

Class Attendance Policy

• Classes held on campus
• Classes held in the evening on-campus
• Classes held on-line

Commencement

• Undergraduate
• Graduate

Course Cancellation

Course Numbering System

Course Overload Policy

Course Withdrawal

Credit Hour Definitions

Cross Registration between the School of Professional and Continuing Studies Campuses

Cross Registration between the School of Professional and Continuing Studies and Traditional Schools

Deans List - Undergraduate Students only

Exception to Policies

Experiential Learning

• Portfolio Preparation and Assessment
• Portfolio Fees and Refunds
• Evaluation of Professional Trainings, Licenses, and Certificates
• Professional Trainings Fee
• State Regulations Regarding Experiential Learning Credits

Grade Appeal Policy

Grade Changes

Grades and Grading

Graduate Courses taken by Undergraduate Students for Graduate Credit

Graduate Courses taken by Undergraduate Students for Undergraduate Credit

Grievance Policy

Incomplete (I) Grade

International Baccalaureate coursework

Late Registration for Online Courses

Leave of Absence

Permanent Incomplete (PI) Grade

Program Withdrawal

Registration and Change of Schedule Requests

Repeating a Course

Residency Credit Policy

Student Records

Student Services

• Academic Advising
• Academic Support
• Policy Statement Regarding Students with Disabilities
• Section 504 Disability Grievance Procedure
• Veterans Administration Benefits
• Library Services
• Placement and Career Services

Transcript of Academic Work

Transfer Credit Policy

• Undergraduate
• Graduate
• Continuing Students

Undergraduate Classifications

Undergraduate Courses Taken by Graduate Students

Academic Credit

The standard of measure for the awarding of academic credit is the Carnegie unit or the credit hour. One credit hour is defined by federal mandate as 15 hours of direct faculty/student interaction. That means, for instance, that a 3-credit course must have 45 hours of direct faculty/student interaction.             

The basic course structure within the School is built around four weekend classes. For each of the classes, instructors are to be available for a nine hour, flexible instructional period with no more than one hour for lunch and breaks. Thus, in-class time is not adequate in itself to fulfill the federal mandate.

Therefore, the additional time necessary to satisfy the federal mandate for credit hours is accomplished through a Faculty Senate mandated on-line component of direct faculty/student interaction. This on-line component, referred to as blended courses, is required for all courses offered on the campuses of the School. 

Credit/Blended Instructional Hours for Undergraduate Courses

Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy

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Basic Policy

Springfield College students are expected to be honest in all elements of the academic process, including coursework, use of College documents, and when serving as representatives of the College.  Cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts, omissions, or falsifications in any connection with the academic process are violations of the Academic Honesty Policy (hereafter referred to as the Policy). Students found to be in violation of this Policy are subject to a range of sanctions, including, but not limited to, a reprimand, failing a course, and suspension or expulsion from the College. 

The Practice of Academic Honesty

The information below is intended to help students understand the practice of academic honesty and potential offenses against the Academic Honesty Policy.  Misunderstanding these practices or the Policy will not be accepted as an excuse for a violation of it.  If a student is in doubt about how to practice academic honesty in a course or in conduct, he or she should consult with the course instructor, the chairperson of the department, or the dean of his or her school.

Academic Honesty in Course Exercises

A student’s name on any course exercise (which term shall include, but not be limited to, an essay, oral presentation, notebook, report, computer program, paper, quiz, examination, or any other assignment related to a course  or internship) is regarded as assurance that the exercise is the result of the student’s own thoughts and study, stated in his or her own words, and produced without assistance, except as quotation marks, references, and footnotes acknowledge the use of printed sources or other outside help. In some instances, an instructor or department may authorize students to work jointly in solving problems or completing projects. Such efforts must be clearly marked as the results of collaboration. Where collaboration is authorized, students should make sure that they understand which parts of any assignment must be performed independently. Also, students are not allowed to present the same exercise previously or concurrently completed for another course, without the permission of the instructor(s) of the current course(s) in question. Students who perceive the possibility of an overlapping assignment should consult with their instructors before presuming that a single effort will meet the requirements of both courses. Withholding, removing, or destroying materials needed by other students for class exercises is also an offense against the Policy.

Use of Sources

In preparing assignments, a student often is required to consult outside sources of information or opinion. All such sources should be listed in the bibliography/reference section. Commercial research or writing companies are not considered legitimate sources and their use, in whole or part, is cheating and constitutes a punishable offense. For citations, references in text are required for all specific facts that are not common knowledge. New discoveries or debatable opinions must be credited to the source with specific references to edition, page, or Web page even when the student restates the matter in his or her own words. Word-for-word inclusions, even if only a phrase or sentence, from the written or oral statement of someone else (including the Internet) requires citation in quotation marks and using the appropriate conventions for attribution. Paraphrasing or summarizing the contents of another’s work is not dishonest if the source or sources are clearly identified (author, title, edition, page), but such paraphrasing does not constitute independent work and may be rejected by the instructor.  Graduate students and others presenting their own previously published documents must avoid issues of self-plagiarism. Students should be clear to appropriately reference their previous document and to create a new document that appropriately contributes and adds to their original work.

Laboratory Work and Assignments

Notebooks, homework, and reports of investigations or experiments must meet the same standards as all other written work. If any of the work is done jointly or if any part of the experiment or analysis is made by anyone other than the writer, acknowledgment of this fact must be made in the report submitted. It is dishonest for a student to falsify or invent data.

Creative Work

A piece of work presented as the individual creation of the student is assumed to involve no assistance other than incidental criticism from any other person. A student may not knowingly employ artwork, story material, wording or dialogue taken from published work, the Internet, motion pictures, lectures, or similar media, without full acknowledgment.

Examinations, Quizzes, and Tests

When completing examinations and quizzes, the student is required to respond entirely on the basis of his or her own memory and capacity, without any assistance whatsoever except such as is specifically authorized by the instructor.

Cheating on examinations and quizzes can take many forms including, but not limited to, using another individual to take an examination in ones place, bringing into the exam room unauthorized materials from which one gains assistance, appropriating an exam or exam materials without authorization, unauthorized or inappropriate use of technology, purposely missing an exam in order to gain an advantage, copying during an examination, improper collaboration or unauthorized assistance on take-home examinations, or other actions that undermine fairness reduce the objectivity of evaluation of student work.

Internships or Fieldwork

Students involved in community projects, practica, independent studies, or fieldwork experiences related to their academic program should be aware that their behavior is a reflection of themselves and the College; their behavior related to such experiences should be appropriate and professional and is subject to this Policy. Violations of this Policy in such circumstances include, but are not limited to, misrepresenting oneself, misrepresenting the College, misusing a position of authority, or failure to honestly report the results of their experience or research.

Learning Portfolios

In writing and compiling a learning portfolio, including a prior learning portfolio for the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, the student must submit only his or her own written work, identify any sources used (see “Use of Sources” above), and ensure that all information included is accurate. Violations of this Policy include, but are not limited to, failure to submit original work (e.g., uncited passages from published materials, including any part of another student’s portfolio or claim), falsification of any information or source, or forgery of any letter of documentation. Sharing or exchanging claims for credit with another student for any purpose, including their use as examples or models, is also not permitted; both students involved in such an incident will be considered in violation of this Policy.

College Documents and Records

Any misuse of official College documents connected with the academic process constitutes a violation of this Policy. Such documents include, but are not limited to registration forms, change of schedule forms, applications to change majors, grade report forms, applications for internships or fieldwork, transcripts, and diplomas. Misuse of such documents includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized alteration of a form, forging of signatures, misrepresentation of personal or academic information requested, or gaining access to a recommendation (without permission) once rights have been waived. Any falsification of records or routines for grading is also dishonest, whether before or after graduation.

Procedures for Suspected Violations of the Academic Honesty Policy

A student, faculty, or staff member who suspects a student of violating the Academic Honesty Policy is urged to report the incident to the instructor of the relevant course, or if the incident is not related to a course, to the Associate Vice-President of Academic Affairs (AVPAA).  

A.  Course-related Violations

1. All suspected violations of the Academic Honesty Policy related to coursework shall be dealt with initially by the instructor of the course in which the alleged offense occurred. The instructor is responsible to investigate the allegation and determine whether a violation of the Policy occurred. If the student is found to be in violation of the Policy, the instructor must document the incident and evidence, write a letter of sanction, and meet with the student to discuss the incident and sanction.  The letter of sanction should include:
   1. A brief explanation of the violation.
   2. Identification of the sanction.
   3. An explanation of the appeal process. 
   4. A statement that “a report of this incident and my sanction will be forwarded to the Associate Vice-President of Academic Affairs and may be subject to further action.” 
2. If the student is found to be in violation of the Policy, the instructor may penalize the student with one of the following course-related sanctions.
   1. Reprimand - The student will be allowed to repeat the exercise or complete an alternative assignment. Responsibility for evaluation of the student’s work in the course continues under the authority of the course instructor.
   2. Loss of credit in the exercise - The student will forfeit all or partial credit for the exercise, at the discretion of the instructor. The student may be required to repeat the exercise or complete an alternative assignment, with proportion of credit awarded at the discretion of the instructor. The student will be allowed to continue in the course.
   3. A grade of “F” in the course - The student will no longer participate in the course, and the instructor will assign a grade of “F.”

Note: Any accusation of a violation of this policy must be investigated and acted upon by the instructor-no student may withdraw from a course to avoid investigation or adjudication. If it is determined that a violation occurred and the student wishes to withdraw from the class, he or she may only do so with the instructor’s approval (and within the withdrawal period).

1. Within five business days of meeting with the student and imposition of the sanction, the instructor must forward documentation of the incident and a copy of the sanction letter to the Associate Vice-President for Academic Affairs (AVPAA).  
2. The AVPAA serves as the central repository for all reported violations of academic integrity. Upon receipt of any report, the AVPAA shall notify the student that the violation and sanction report has been received and will be kept on file.
3. In case of an egregious violation or a history of previous violation against the Policy, the AVPAA may initiate additional action by referring the case to the Academic Integrity Committee. The AVPAA has 30 class days from being notified of a violation and sanction to make such a referral and will notify the student of the referral.
   1. If a case is referred to the Academic Integrity Committee for additional action, the Committee has 30 business days (following a referral from the AVPAA) to schedule a hearing with the student. Following the hearing, the Committee will make a decision regarding whether one of the following sanctions should be imposed, above and beyond sanctions that may have been imposed by the instructor(s).
      1. Academic Honesty Probation - The student would receive a notification that he or she is on academic honesty probation; any additional incidences may result in suspension or expulsion from the College.
      2. Suspension - The student will be suspended from the College for a minimum of one semester and a maximum of two semesters. The student may be restricted from transferring in courses taken elsewhere during the suspension.
      3. Expulsion - The student may be expelled from the College and will not be eligible to return to the College.
   2. The decision of the Academic Integrity Committee will be communicated to the student in writing by the AVPAA, with copies to the instructor, advisor(s), the appropriate dean(s) and the Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs.

B.  Non-course-related Violations

Alleged violations of the Policy related to misuse of College documents or other charges not related to courses should be reported directly to the AVPAA, who will conduct an investigation. If it appears a violation of the Policy may have occurred, the AVPAA will refer the case to the Academic Integrity Committee for a hearing (see Step 4a above).

C.  Violations Identified Following Degree Conferral

Discovery of an alleged violation of the Policy by a student whose degree was already conferred, should be reported directly to the AVPAA, who will conduct an investigation. If it appears a violation of the Policy may have occurred, the AVPAA will refer the case to the Academic Integrity Committee for a hearing.  If the Committee determines a violation took place, they may recommend to the Provost that the student’s degree be revoked.  The decision of the Provost in such a case is final. 

Appeal Processes

1. Students may appeal any decision or sanction for a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy made by an instructor by notifying the Associate Vice-President for Academic Affairs no later than ten business days following the notification sent to the student from the instructor. 
2. The AVPAA will refer the appeal to the Academic Integrity Committee for consideration. The decision of the Academic Integrity Committee will be communicated to the student, instructor, the appropriate dean(s) and the Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs. The decision of the Academic Integrity Committee is final.
3. In the case of sanctions applied by the Academic Integrity Committee, or in a case initially heard by that Committee, students may appeal any decision or sanction for a violation of the Policy taken by that Committee by notifying the Associate Vice-President for Academic Affairs no later than ten business days following the notification sent to the student from the Committee.   The appeal will be forwarded to the Provost for consideration. The decision of the Provost is final. 

Academic Integrity Committee

The Academic Integrity Committee is empowered to:

1. Consider a student’s appeal of an instructor’s findings of academic dishonesty or an instructor-imposed sanction.
2. Hear charges of a violation of the Policy relative to College documents or other offense not related to a course.
3. Hear charges of an egregious violation of the Policy or repeated violations of the Policy.

 As part of its deliberations, the Committee may consider a student’s prior violations of the academic honesty policy.

The Associate Vice-President for Academic Affairs will also convene the Committee at least once an academic year to provide a report on the number and severity of all policy violations.  The report shall be distributed to the Provost and to the school Deans for additional distribution at the school level.

The Committee shall consist of a total of nine faculty members.  The deans of the Schools of Arts, Sciences, & Professional Studies; Health, Physical Education and Recreation; Health Sciences and Rehabilitation Studies; and Professional and Continuing Studies will appoint two faculty members to represent his or her school. The faculty members appointed should provide representation for both the undergraduate and graduate level.  The Dean of the School of Social Work shall provide one representative to represent their graduate programs. The AVPAA will chair the committee as an ex-officio (non-voting) member.

Academic Honors - Undergraduate Students only

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Undergraduate students whose final cumulative grade point average (GPA) is 3.500 or above and who have completed at least 45 graded semester hours (exclusive of pass/fail grades) at Springfield College are awarded their degrees with honor according to the following criteria:

Summa Cum Laude-3.900 to 4.000
Magna Cum Laude-3.700 to 3.899
Cum Laude-3.500 to 3.699

Students eligible for academic honors will be announced prior to and recognized at the May commencement ceremony with honor cords. Academic honors shall be noted on diplomas and transcripts.

Academic Load

Graduate program

• Full-time graduate student - enrolled for nine or more semester hours.
• Half-time graduate student - enrolled for four-and-one-half to eight-and-one-half semester hours.
• Less-than-half-time graduate student - enrolled for less than four-and-one-half semester hours.

Undergraduate program

• Full-time undergraduate student - enrolled for twelve or more semester hours.
• Half-time undergraduate student - enrolled for six to eleven-and-one-half semester hours.
• Less-than-half-time undergraduate student - enrolled for less than six semester hours.

Academic Progress

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Graduate Policy

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This Institutional Academic Progress Policy applies to both full-time and part-time matriculated graduate students enrolled in the School of Arts, Sciences, and Professional Studies (ASPS); the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER); the School of Health Sciences and Rehabilitation Studies (HSRS); the School of Professional and Continuing Studies (PCS); and the School of Social Work (SSW). A student is matriculated if he or she received official acceptance into Springfield College through the admissions process as a graduate degree-seeking student.

Academic Review

Following the close of each full semester/term (Spring, Summer, Fall), a systematic graduate academic records review is conducted by the Registrar to determine student academic standing status classifications. Graduate students will not be subject to institutional review until they have attempted the completion of nine (9) graduate credits at Springfield College.

• For the purpose of determining academic progress, attempted hours are defined as:
  Credits for courses graded “A” through “C-“, “F”, “P”, “W”, “NR”, “I”,”IC”, “IE”, “PI”,”CP” and accepted transfer credits. 

A graduate student’s institutional academic standing status is assessed according to the Good Academic Standing cumulative grade point average criterion (CGPA) of 3.00. As a result of academic standing review, graduate students are assigned the appropriate institutional academic standing status actions (listed below). Graduate students must have a CGPA of 3.00 or better to be eligible for graduation with master’s and doctoral degrees or a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study. Academic departments or schools may have higher standards for entrance into or continuation in their graduate programs and students are responsible for reviewing program standards and requirements that are found in the official department, school, or institutional publications.

Academic Standing Status Categories

Following determination of status by the graduate academic records review process, academic standing status actions (Good Academic Standing, Academic Probation, Continued Academic Probation, and Academic Dismissal) go into effect at the start of the successive semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer).

• Good Academic Standing

A graduate student whose CGPA is at or above the minimum standard of 3.00 is classified as a graduate student in good academic standing at the College.

• Academic Probation

The graduate student who at any academic review point fails to meet the 3.00 CGPA academic standing criterion on or after attempting the completion of nine (9) credit hours is placed on institutional academic probation. A graduate student who is placed on academic probation will maintain matriculation status but will only be eligible for financial aid, including research fellowships if they are granted an appeal through the Office of Financial Aid.

The graduate student who is placed on academic probation will be notified of this academic standing by letter. Following this notice from the Office of he Dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, an academic plan for the graduate student on academic probation will be designed by the academic advisor and the academic program or PCS campus. This plan may require the graduate student to take certain courses, limit the number of courses taken, or fulfill other conditions as specified.

Academic probation status will be recorded on the student’s academic transcript.

A graduate student will be removed from academic probation when he or she meets or exceeds the criterion 3.00 CGPA.

• Continued Academic Probation

A graduate student who was on academic probation during the semester of review will be continued on academic probation if his/her CGPA is below 3.00 and the student has attempted the completion of fewer than 18 credits at Springfield College or the student’s CGPA is above 2.8 but below 3.00 following the completion of 18 credits at Springfield College. If continued on academic probation, the graduate student will be subject to the conditions specified under Academic Probation.

Continued academic probation status will be recorded on the student’s academic transcript.

Note that a student on academic probation or continued academic probation is not considered to be in good academic standing.

• Academic Dismissal

A graduate student on academic probation will be dismissed from candidacy for the graduate degree if his/her CGPA is below 2.8 at the end of the semester in which he/she has attempted 18 s.h. of graduate credit at Springfield College. Additionally, a student whose CGPA is below 3.00 following the completion of the required number of semester hours in his/her program plus six credits is subject to dismissal.

Academic dismissal status will be recorded on the student’s academic transcript.

The Dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies will send the student notification letters of all decisions concerning probation and dismissal. The student may appeal the institutional academic dismissal and is required to submit the request for an appeal in writing to the Graduate Appeals Committee via the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

A student who is dismissed may not take courses at Springfield College for one academic year following dismissal, but may reapply for admission thereafter. When the student is readmitted to the College, his or her academic standing will be reviewed. The appropriate academic standing category will be determined at that time.

Appeal Process for Academic Dismissal

A graduate student who has been academically dismissed from the College may appeal the institutional academic dismissal and is required to submit the request in writing to PCS Campus Academic Standards Committee, via the Campus Director.The timeline for the appeal will be specified in the dismissal notification letter.

The student’s appeal should contain information about circumstances affecting his or her academic performance and the student’s plans to remedy the situation. Students may bring one Springfield College employee to the appeal meeting for emotional support or to present brief information on the student’s behalf. A lawyer may not be present at the appeal meeting, either as a legal representative or as one of the above college personnel. A College employee who is invited to attend is under no obligation to do so. Any College personnel speaking on behalf of the student will not be in the room during the student’s presentation but will be invited to speak following the student’s appeal presentation. The student may also bring letters of support written by any individual.

The campus based Academic Standards Committee (ASC) will review the student’s appeal according to ASC operating guidelines. If the committee recommends that the appeal be supported, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs concurs, the student will be allowed to seek readmission for return on continued probation. Readmission of the graduate student will be contingent upon his/her meeting one of the two conditions of Dismissal Appeal Readmission. The graduate student who is re-admitted will be required to follow the requirements stated in the section on Academic Probation and to adhere to all academic standing policies.

The Office of Academic Affairs will inform the student of the decision by letter.

Academic Dismissal Appeal Readmission

A graduate student whose academic dismissal appeal is supported by the Graduate Appeals Committee and the Vice President for Academic Affairs will be allowed to seek readmission for return on continued academic probation. In order to be readmitted, the graduate student must meet one of the following two conditions:

a) the program of matriculation officially readmits the student, contingent on all program standards being met; and the final readmission is approved by the School Dean.

b) the student is officially granted admission to another Springfield College graduate program and the final readmission is approved by the School Dean.

Undergraduate Policy

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This Institutional Academic Progress Policy applies to both full-time and part time matriculated undergraduate students enrolled in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies at Springfield College. A student is matriculated if he or she received official acceptance into Springfield College through the admissions process as a degree seeking student.

Academic Review

Following the close of each full term (fall, spring and summer), a systematic undergraduate academic records review is conducted by the Registrar to determine student academic standing status classifications. Undergraduate students will not be subject to review until they have attempted the completion of 12 cumulative credits at Springfield College.

• For the purpose of determining academic progress, attempted hours are defined as:
  Credits for courses graded “A” through “F”, “P”, “W”, “NR”, “I”, “IC”, “IE”, “PI”, “CP” and accepted transfer credits.

Full-Time Status: In order to be considered a full time student at Springfield College, an undergraduate student must enroll in at least 12 credit hours in a semester. Full time students are expected to earn a minimum of 24 credit hours in an academic year, comprising Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. The student who does not earn a total of 24 credits in the Fall and Spring terms may earn credit sufficient to meet or exceed the criterion through coursework taken the Summer term immediately following the review at the end of the Spring Term.

Financial Aid Eligibility: In order to maintain continuing eligibility for financial aid, an undergraduate student is expected to complete with a passing grade (‘A’ through ‘D-‘) at least 75% of all credits attempted for completion at Springfield College (not including transfer courses), as calculated at each academic progress review.

The calculation for the 75% pass rate in credit hours attempted for completion includes the Springfield College credit hours for which a student received a grade of ‘A’ through ‘D-’ and ‘P’ divided by the total number of credits the student has attempted for completion at Springfield College.

Academic Standing

A matriculated undergraduate student enrolled in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies must have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.000 to be eligible for graduation with a bachelor’s degree from Springfield College. The 2.000 CGPA is the minimum standard for the College; academic programs may have higher standards for entrance into or continuation in their undergraduate programs and students are responsible for reviewing program standards and requirements that are found in the official campus, school, or institutional documents.

An undergraduate student’s academic standing status is assessed at the end of each term according to the Cumulative Grade Point Average criteria listed below. As a result of the academic standing review, undergraduate students are assigned the appropriate academic standing status actions listed below.

Cumulative Grade Point Average Criterion

A student is expected to achieve the College’s minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000 by the time 60.5 credits of course work have been attempted for completion. Prior to that point the cumulative GPA required is slightly below the standard of 2.000; however the criterion cumulative GPA is increased as students advance through the academic program. There are three minimum cumulative GPAs that students must meet, depending upon the number of credit hours they have attempted. The minimum CGPAs are as follows:

Academic Standing Status Categories

Following determination of status by the undergraduate records review process, academic standing status actions (Good Academic Standing, Academic Warning, Academic Probation, Continued Probation, and Academic Dismissal) go into effect at the start of the successive term (Fall, Spring, or Summer).

Good Academic Standing

An undergraduate student whose CGPA is at or above the minimum standards (as noted above), is classified as an undergraduate student in good academic standing at the College. A student who has received an academic warning or an academic alert is also considered to be in good academic standing. Note that a student on academic probation or continued academic probation is not considered to be in good academic standing.

Academic Warning

Upon reaching the first 12 cumulative semester hour academic standing review, an undergraduate student is given an academic warning when his or her cumulative GPA is at or above 1.650 but fails to meet the criterion cumulative GPA of 1.80. A student given an academic warning is considered to be in good academic standing.

Academic Warning will not be recorded on the student’s academic transcript. A student will be removed from academic warning when he or she has successfully met the appropriate CGPA.

Academic Alert

An undergraduate student who is in good academic standing, but has a semester GPA below the required CGPA, will receive an academic alert. The academic alert is designed to notify the undergraduate student that he or she is in danger of not continuing in good academic standing, and to encourage that student to seek academic support. This action is advisory and will not be recorded on the student’s academic transcript.

Academic Probation

The undergraduate student who, at any academic review point, fails to meet the CGPA academic standing criterion, and who does not meet the criteria for academic warning, is placed on academic probation. An undergraduate student who is placed on academic probation will maintain matriculation status but will only be eligible for financial aid if they are granted an appeal through the Office of Financial Aid.

The undergraduate student who is placed on academic probation will be notified of this academic standing by letter. As part of the letter of notification from the Office of the Dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, the undergraduate student on academic probation may be informed that he or she is required to take certain courses, limit the number of courses taken, or fulfill other conditions specified. Academic probation status will be recorded on the student’s academic transcript.

An undergraduate student will be removed from academic probation when he or she meets or exceeds the criterion CGPA as noted above under Cumulative Grade Point Average Criteria.  Failure to meet this criterion, or the criteria for Continued Academic Probation will result in the student being academically dismissed. When an undergraduate student is removed from academic probation, it will be so noted on the transcript.

Continued Academic Probation

An undergraduate student who was on academic probation during the semester of review will be continued on academic probation if the student’s semester GPA shows significant improvement, but his or her CGPA remains below the required level. Significant improvement is defined as a student earning a semester GPA of at least 2.000 while completing at least 9 credits and having met the conditions of his or her academic probation.  Failure to meet this standard will result in the student being academically dismissed..  If continued on academic probation, the undergraduate student will be subject to the conditions specified under Academic Probation. Continued Academic Probation will be recorded on the student’s academic transcript.

Academic Dismissal

At any academic standing review point, an undergraduate student who is currently on academic probation or continued academic probation will be academically dismissed when the criteria for continued academic probation are not met. The Office of the Dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies will send the undergraduate student a notification letter of dismissal. The student may appeal the institutional academic dismissal and is required to submit the request in writing to PCS Campus Academic Standards Committee, via the Campus Director.

The institutional academic dismissal will be recorded on the student’s transcript.

Academic Dismissal Readmission

An undergraduate student who is academically dismissed does not maintain matriculation status and may not take courses at Springfield College for a minimum of three (3) academic terms [inclusive of Fall, Spring, Summer] following academic dismissal; and thereafter must make a formal application for readmission to the College. A student who is officially readmitted to the College following institutional academic dismissal will return on academic probation unless he or she has raised his or her CGPA to equal or exceed the appropriate academic standing criterion through course work transferred from another accredited institution and has met all other conditions of readmission from academic dismissal.

When a student is removed from academic dismissal, it will be so noted on the transcript.

Appeal Process

An undergraduate student who has been academically dismissed from the College may appeal the academic dismissal to the Campus Academic Standards Committee by submitting a written request of appeal to the Campus Director. The timeline for the appeal will be specified in the letter of notification of dismissal.

The undergraduate student’s appeal should contain information about circumstances affecting the student’s academic performance and the student’s plans to remedy the situation. Students may bring one Springfield College employee to the appeal meeting for emotional support or to present brief information on the student’s behalf. A College employee member invited to attend is under no obligation to do so. A lawyer may not be present at the appeal meeting, either as a legal representative or as the above-mentioned College employee. Any College personnel speaking on behalf of the student will not be in the room during the student’s presentation but will be invited to speak following the student’s appeal presentation. The student may also bring letters of support written by any individual.

The campus-based ASC will review the appeal according to the ASC operating guidelines. If the committee recommends that the appeal be supported, and the Dean of the School concurs, the student will be allowed to return on continued academic probation and will be required to adhere to all academic standing policies.

The Office of the Dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies will inform the undergraduate student of the appeal decision by letter. The outcome of the appeal will be noted on the student’s academic transcript.

Adding and Dropping Courses

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Students are only permitted to add courses prior to the first class of each term. No class can be added after the first class has met. Students may not drop a course after the last day of the second month (October 31, February 28, June 30) of the term.

To add or drop a course(s), a Change of Schedule Form is used in consultation with the student’s academic advisor. If dropping all classes for a particular term, the student must consult with his/her advisor and complete a Leave of Absence Form. Contact the campus Student Services Office with questions and/or problems. Failure to attend classes does not constitute withdrawing or dropping a class.

Articulation Agreements (Undergraduate Programs only)

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Transferability of credits is at the discretion of the accepting institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not Springfield College credits will be accepted by another college.

Springfield College’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies has established Transfer Articulation Agreements with numerous two-year colleges to facilitate a smooth transfer and transition of qualified undergraduates into the bachelor’s degree program. Copies of applicable articulation agreements are available at each campus. For a complete list please see http://springfield.edu/school-of-professional-and-continuing-studies/about/collaborations.

Auditing a Course

Undergraduate students may audit one undergraduate course per term on a space-available basis. The same tuition charges per credit hour apply to audited courses as credited courses. Students are expected to attend classes but are not required to complete course assignments or take exams. Students may add a course they intend to audit on-line, but to properly record it as an audit, they must submit a paper registration form to the Registrar’s Office, indicating their intent to audit the course.  Students may change from credit to audit status in a course through the end of the withdrawal period for that course.  Students may change from audit to credit status through the end of the drop/add period, or, with the instructor’s permission, through the end of the withdrawal period for that course.

An audit carries no credit, has no grade point equivalent, and is recorded as an X on the transcript. Although the course is entered onto a transcript and the student is billed as if it carries credit, it does not affect a student’s full- or part-time status. Proficiency credit or credit by examination will not be given for courses previously audited.

Calculation of GPA (Grade Point Average)

The GPA (Grade Point Average) is determined by dividing the sum of the grade points by the sum of the semester hours. An example is shown below:

Calculation:
Total grade points (27) divided by total semester hours (12) equals 2.25 GPA

Grades obtained through course work transferred from another institution or grades for undergraduate courses taken at Springfield College whether as prerequisites or as supplements to a student’s total program, are not included in the calculation of the GPA.

Class Attendance Policy

Classes held on-campus

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Because of the accelerated schedule of all courses within the School of Professional and Continuing Studies of Springfield College, missing any class session means missing a significant portion of an entire course. Absences are therefore detrimental to academic achievement. Regular attendance is expected of all students and is necessary for optimizing the learning experience and the overall value of classroom instruction. Furthermore, it is essential for the School to keep accurate attendance records in order to comply with federal and state financial assistance programs, Veterans Administration benefits, scholarships requirements, and accreditation standards.

Once a course begins, students are expected to attend all class sessions and workshops for courses in which they are enrolled. However, it is recognized that class absences are sometimes necessary for extenuating professional or personal reasons. It is for these reasons that the following policy and procedures are established.

Definition

An absence is defined as cumulatively missing one-tenth of a class session (e.g. approximately 45 minutes of a seven hour class at any time during the class).

Policy

Students cannot be absent for more than 25% of the number of class sessions within a course (e.g. one absence in a course that meets four times). All absences must involve legitimate reasons, such as health problems, family emergencies, or unexpected employment-related duties. Exceeding the number of absences during a course results in an “F” for the course if the student has not submitted a written request for a course withdrawal or a leave of absence for the term. Eligibility for a course withdrawal or a leave of absence is possible only within the time limitations established by the School’s Leave of Absence Policy and Withdrawal Policy. Requests for withdrawals or leaves of absence beyond the time limitations must be submitted in writing to the Dean of the School.

The student should inform the instructor in advance of an anticipated absence. In the event that this is not possible, it is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the course instructor no later than three days after the absence has occurred.

In order to make-up for the absence, the instructor is to assign the student a substantial course related make-up assignment, normally a research paper. The make-up assignment for the missed class and other assignments for the class must be fulfilled within the time frame determined by the instructor. If the student does not contact the instructor within the time designated and/or neglects to complete the additional assignment, the final grade for the course will be lowered as defined in the course syllabus.

Note: The above policy relates exclusively to all conventional, classroom based courses taken at any of the nine campuses. Attendance Policy for online courses is consistent in principle with the above policy but differs in application to an asynchronous learning environment. Please check the School of Professional and Continuing Studies Guidebook for Online Students for further information.

Class Lateness

Because of the accelerated schedule of all courses within the School of Professional and Continuing Studies of Springfield College, it is important that classes begin and end on time making full use of all available class time. Therefore, students are required to arrive prior to the time class begins and remain in the classroom until class time is over. Failure to fulfill any of these attendance requirements will affect the student’s grade for the course.

      Classes held in the evening on-campus                                                                         ^Top

       Definition

       Policy

       Students cannot be absent for more than 25% of the number of class sessions within a course (e.g. one absence in a
       course that meets four times).  The School of Professional and Continuing Studies evening courses are 12 weeks in
       length. Students that exceed three absences (25% of class time) automatically fail the course.         

Classes held on-line

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The School of Professional and Continuing Studies online courses are 12 weeks in length.  Student attendance is based on weekly participation in course assignments and activities.  Therefore, students are expected to log into their online course at least three (3) times a week on three (3) different days of the week for 2 and 3 credit courses, and 1 time each week for 1 credit courses to be considered present.  If a student has not logged in on three different days, he/she will be considered absent for that week.  Students who exceed three absences (25% of class time) automatically fail the course. The class week begins on Saturday and goes to the following Friday.  Attendance is taken every week for online courses.  The faculty must submit attendance every Saturday for the preceding week.

Definition

The success of the learning experience in an online course is dependent on the active online participation of all students.  Therefore it is imperative that each student enter each session prepared to participate in the class discussions, which requires that the student not only post responses to the questions in a timely manner allowing time for others to respond, but also respond/react/provide substantive feedback to the cohort’s postings.

It should be noted that not all engagement in class discussions constitutes substantive class participation.  Class participation in an online environment is characterized by the following:

• Connects personal experiences to the concepts being studied, gives an orderly, brief version of the experience, with a point that is clearly stated;
• Avoids repeating points made by others;
• Shows evidence of having completed, understood, and applied the reading for the course;
• Incorporates shared ideas to create an understanding of the concept under discussion;
• Poses real-life questions or challenges that spring from the discussion and attempts to shape an informed conclusion.

Catalog Year Policy

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All students are responsible for completing the degree requirements for their major and concentration that were in place upon their admittance to the College as a matriculated (degree-seeking) student - this is considered the student’s catalog year. (Note: If a student is readmitted to the College following a withdrawal or dismissal, he or she is responsible to complete the requirements in place on the new matriculation date.)

If circumstances warrant, students (with approval from their program director/department chairperson or Campus Director) may petition the dean of their school to change their catalog year for their major and/or concentration.

In certain circumstances, students, with the approval of their program director/department chairperson or Campus Director, may also petition to substitute or waive specific major or concentration requirements. Those substitutions or waivers must be approved by the campus director and the school dean of the student’s school.  Undergraduate students who wish to substitute or waive General Education program requirements must petition the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. All waivers or substitutions must be properly documented with the Registrar.

In certain circumstances, the College may approve changes to requirements that some or all students must fulfill, regardless of their date of entry. If such a case occurs, affected students will be notified.

Commencement

Undergraduate

Degrees are conferred three times each year, in May, August, and December. Degrees are recognized at the annual commencement ceremony in May at the main campus following the Spring Term. Students who complete degree requirements at the end of the prior Fall Term or are scheduled to complete at the end of the Spring Term are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony. Students who plan on completing at the end of the Summer Term are eligible to participate in the May commencement ceremony only if they are within 12 credits of completion and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. All students must complete a degree application with the Registrar in order to be eligible to participate in the May commencement ceremony. Degree applications for the May ceremony are generally due to the Registrar by the end of November.

The Registrar will ensure that applicants who anticipate an August degree completion meet one of the following conditions in order to be eligible to participate in the May commencement ceremony prior to the completion of all degree requirements:

• A maximum of 12 credit hours remain toward the completion of 120 credits after the Spring Term;

or

• A remaining fieldwork experience (clinical experience, internship, practicum) for which the student has been registered and placed, will be completed during the May term, prior to the August completion date, or Fall Term fieldwork or student teaching, prior to the December completion date. (Individuals with Fall Term fieldwork or student teaching required for completion must have the experience scheduled and verified by the Campus Director, and must petition to participate in the May commencement ceremony.

Students participating in commencement who have not completed all degree requirements will not be eligible for honors designation or honors cords at the commencement ceremony; however, upon degree completion, students meeting the criteria for honors will have the honors noted on their permanent academic record and transcript.

Regardless of the successful completion of all academic requirements, a student may not be entitled to participate in commencement exercises and/or receive a diploma if he/she is involved in any disciplinary proceedings, and is sanctioned as such.

Graduate

Degrees are conferred once each year at the annual commencement ceremony following the January Term. Students who complete degree requirements during the prior January Term or by the previous August or December are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony. All students must complete a degree application with the Registrar in order to be eligible to participate in the May commencement ceremony. Degree applications for the May ceremony are generally due to the Registrar by the beginning of February.

Students may request permission to march in the Commencement ceremony in May if the only remaining requirement for the degree is the completion of a fieldwork, internship, or practicum course for which the student will enroll in the May term. Students must have a current academic index of 3.00 or better. While students may be granted permission to march in May, conferral of the degree will occur in August if all degree requirements are completed.

The petition to march is available at each campus and must be signed by the student, the student’s academic advisor, and Campus Director before returning the form to the Registrar.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, all students are advised that, even after completing all academic requirements for any degree, the College reserves the right to withhold the granting of the degree in the event that any disciplinary proceedings have been or are being commenced against the student.

Course Cancellation

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If registration for any course is under six students, the course is cancelled unless it serves as a required course and is then offered as a full course or provided as a course by arrangement.

Course Numbering System

Undergraduate Course Numbers

Course Overload Policy

Graduate full-time enrollment is defined as nine credit hours. Students wishing to take an overload must have completed one full term, be in good academic standing with a “B” average, and have permission of their academic advisor.

Course Withdrawal

Students who withdraw from a course after the 15^th day of the second month and prior to last day of second month of the term will receive a grade of “W.” This grade appears on the student’s transcripts for the course.

If a student’s written request to withdraw from courses is received after the last day of the second month, the student will fail the course and be held responsible for the total amount of tuition whether or not the student attended classes. The courses withdrawn will remain permanently on the academic transcript with the grade of “F.”

Once registered for classes, students are responsible for the tuition incurred. To voluntarily withdraw from a course(s), students must report to the campus to begin the withdrawal process. In circumstances where in-person withdrawal is not feasible, the student may initiate withdrawal action by writing, email, or telephoning the campus.

Failure to attend classes does not constitute withdrawal from a course; students must submit official withdrawal forms.

Administrative changes to dropping/withdrawal of a student for all scheduled courses by college administration will be processed according to the same refund policy.

The withdrawal process involves completing a withdrawal form, having it signed by the academic advisor, and the Campus Director at the local campus. If the student has benefited from federal financial aid, he/she must meet with the financial aid administrator at the local campus. The student must also contact the campus’s Assistant Director for Administration to clear any outstanding charges or holds that may prevent continuation of the program at a later date or prevent the release of academic records.

Credit Hour Definitions

Attempted credit hours

(Graduate) - Credits for courses graded “A” through “C-“, “F”, “P”, “W”, “NR”, “I”,”IC”, “IE”, “PI”,”CP” and accepted transfer credits.
(Undergraduate) - Credits for courses graded “A” through “D-“, “F”, “P”, “W”, “NR”, “I”,”IC”, “IE”, “PI”,”CP” and accepted transfer credits.

Earned credit hours

(Graduate) - Credits for courses graded “A” through “C-“, and accepted transfer credits.
(Undergraduate) - Credits for courses graded “A” through “D-“, and accepted transfer credits.

Graded credit hours

(used for calculation of GPAs) - include credits for courses graded “A” through “F”.

Cross Registration between the School of Professional and Continuing Studies Campuses

Students enrolled at one campus may register for classes at another campus by completing the “Temporary Student Assignment to Another Campus Form” in consultation with their advisor and the admissions person at their home campus.

Students who wish to permanently transfer from one campus to another should complete the “Permanent Campus Transfer Form” in consultation with their advisor, and signed by the Campus Director at their “home” campus.

Students cannot cross-register or permanently transfer during a term for which courses have already begun.

Please note that although all campuses offer programs leading to a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Human Services, a Master of Science degree with a major in Human Services and a Master of Business Administration (Boston, Milwaukee and Tampa campuses), campuses may have different course schedules and registration deadlines, and may offer different concentrations.

Cross-Registration Between the School of Professional and Continuing Studies and Traditional Schools

Upon meeting the following conditions, School of Professional and Continuing Studies students are eligible to register for a class offered by any other school of the College through the course cross-registration process.

1. Prior approval of course cross-registration must be secured using the Springfield College Cross-Registration Form.
2. Students must fulfill course prerequisites, if any, prior to course cross registration.
3. Undergraduate students are eligible to cross-register for undergraduate courses only.
4. Graduate foundation requirements may not be met through course cross registration.
5. Graduate students are eligible to cross-register for graduate courses or undergraduate prerequisites only.
6. Course cross-registration is limited to one course per term, with a maximum course limit of three.
7. Course cross-registration is allowed only in those courses where space is available.
8. Course cross-registration is not allowed during traditional college Intersession and Summer Sessions (May Term for the School of Professional and Continuing Studies).
9. Tuition charge for a cross-registration course is based on the rate applicable to the individuals degree program.

Deans List - Undergraduate Students only

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The Dean’s List is published three times a year: in January, following completion of the Fall term; in June, following completion of the Spring term; and in Fall, following completion of the Summer term.

The criteria for selection to the Dean’s List are as follows:

1. The student must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded coursework for the term, exclusive of “P” grades.
2. The student must not have any incompletes or missing grades in the designated term.
3. The student must have a minimum semester grade average of 3.500 for the term.
4. The student must not have been barred from the Dean’s List due to disciplinary action.
5. If subsequent grade changes qualify a student for Dean’s List honors for a previous term, that designation will be reflected on the student’s transcript.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, even if all academic requirements for the Dean’s List have been met, a student may be sanctioned pursuant to the student disciplinary policy, which may prevent the awarding of Dean’s List credentials.

Dean’s list status is not awarded to graduate students.

Exceptions to Policies

 Exceptions to academic policies may only be made in the sole discretion of the Office of Academic Affairs, through the office of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Experiential Learning

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The School of Professional and Continuing Studies offers a process to validate college-level knowledge acquired through experiential learning. The School’s Experiential Learning Committee oversees the process and monitors policies and procedures that are consistent with principles of good practice established by the Council on the Assessment of Experiential Learning (CAEL). The knowledge presented in the portfolio should have a theoretical as well as a practical application and be relevant outside of the context in which it was acquired. Credit is awarded for college-level knowledge/learning gained from experience and not for the experience itself. A Portfolio Handbook for students provides information about specific policies and procedures.

Portfolio Preparation and Assessment

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The portfolio course (HUSB 307, Human Services Portfolio Development) teaches a process that helps each student identify, categorize and organize their knowledge and present this knowledge through a course equivalent process. Once the knowledge has been identified, students must decide if and how this knowledge relates to learning that is typically credited at the college level. The Human Services Portfolio Development course provides a framework to assist students in reflecting upon and articulating their college-level experiential learning. These policies and procedures are based upon guidelines articulated by CAEL.

The preparation of a portfolio requires a substantial commitment of time and effort. The portfolio is both a process and a product. The awareness of individual achievement and the potential of receiving college credit for college-level learning provides the student with savings of both time and money and allows students the opportunity to present diverse college-level learning in a single document. The successful completion of two college writing courses is a prerequisite for enrollment in the portfolio class.

The portfolio must be submitted within one year (three terms) after completing the portfolio class (HUSB 307).  To allow for timely review and possible revision, the portfolio must be submitted at least six months prior to the students intended graduation date.  Students planning to submit a portfolio are prohibited from registering for the Senior Seminar course until the portfolio is submitted.

The portfolio must be submitted to the student’s home campus for review by the Campus Associate Director for Academic Services or E-Portfolio facilitator) by the following dates:

• December 1st for May graduates
• April 1st for August graduates
• August 1st for December graduates

All experiential learning credits must be posted to the student’s transcript by the following dates:

• April 1st for May graduation
• July 1st for August graduation
• November 1st for December graduation

NOTE: A student’s graduation date and ability to participate in graduation ceremonies may be affected if these deadlines are not met.

Each portfolio includes the following:

1. Table of Contents.
2. Resume.
3. Personal Statement/Autobiography of Critical Incidents.
4. Claims for Credit(s): Articulation of knowledge equivalent to a specific college-level course.
5. Review of professional trainings, licenses and certifications.
6. Verification and/or documentation of the above claim(s) for credits.
7. Other supportive materials as appropriate to each individualized and unique portfolio.

Completed portfolios are assessed by at least two faculty or faculty-level professionals. Partial credit is not awarded for the claims presented in the portfolio. If the knowledge presented is not adequate to receive full credit for the course claimed, students are given additional academic support and the opportunity to revise and resubmit their work.

Portfolio Fees and Refunds

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Upon registration for the Human Services Portfolio Development course, students are charged a $500 Portfolio Assessment fee. The portfolio fee is charged for the costs associated with portfolio materials and assessment. If a student does not request credits through the portfolio process, this fee can be refunded. The request for a portfolio fee refund must be made in writing to the home campus’ Assistant Director for Academic Services or the Associate Director for Administration by the end of the term in which the Human Services and Portfolio Development course is taken. The refund will be credited to the students account.

Evaluation of Professional Trainings, Licenses, and Certifications

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Additional credit may be awarded through the evaluation of professional trainings, licenses, and certifications. This assessment is usually done within the context of the portfolio class. However, in some instances, a written portfolio will not be submitted and a student may request that only trainings, licenses and certifications be evaluated for credit. It is required that students will be accepted and enrolled in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies for this review to occur. A supplemental handbook explains this process and the associated fee.

Professional Trainings Fee

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Students requesting only a review of professional trainings, licenses, and certifications will be assessed a $200 nonrefundable fee. This fee will be charged to the students account at the time of review.

State Regulations Regarding Experiential Learning Credits

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A minimum of 48 credits of the 120 credits required for graduation must be earned in residency. A maximum of 72 credits can be awarded through transfer and experiential learning credits. However, state licensure requirements determine the actual number of credits that may be awarded through the experiential learning process. Specific state regulations are listed below:

California-A student may only earn 30 credits for experiential learning. No more than 15 credits can be lower division and no more than 15 can be upper division courses.

Florida-No more than 30 degree credits may be awarded for experiential learning.

Experiential learning credits from other colleges are reviewed by the Associate Director for Academic Services for applicability to the experiential learning process.

Grade Appeal Policy

A student may file an appeal for a grade received only in cases when:

• There is a discrepancy between the criteria, expectations, or standards outlined in the syllabus and a professor’s actions and practices.

• There is some inconsistency in treatment across the student body enrolled in a course.

A student must follow the following process to get fair and timely resolution of his/her appeal:

1. The student communicates directly with the instructor within 30 days of receiving the disputed grade. The instructor must respond within 14 days.
2. If not resolved in (1), the student appeals in writing to the Assistant Dean/Campus Director or his/her designee within 14 days of the instructor’s response. The Assistant Dean/Campus Director or designee must respond to the student within 14 days and also notify the faculty of the continuation of the appeals process.
3. If not resolved in (2), the student appeals to the Dean of the School in writing within 14 days of response from the Assistant Dean/Campus Director or designee. The Dean will notify all parties of his/her decision. The decision of the Dean is final.

Grade Changes

Faculty may not submit grade changes later than one calendar year following the term in which the course was originally graded. This policy is not intended to supersede the academic grievance policy or the policy governing incompletes.

Grades can be changed only if a grade was miscalculated or erroneously reported by the faculty member or if an incomplete needs to be changed. A form for grade changes is available for instructors only through PrideNet. Only faculty may complete and submit the form. Students will receive notification of the grade change from the Office of the Registrar via their Springfield College email account.

Grades and Grading

Students’ work will be evaluated by faculty members, and course grades will be assigned. Written papers, oral assignments, and/or fieldwork may constitute the basis for the grade awarded in class. Faculty members generally outline the details for determining grades on the course syllabus. Often, any weighted factors for assignments will be outlined in the syllabus. Grade points are assigned to each grade and used in the calculation of the student’s grade point average for the term’s work or cumulative average. The grades and point values are:

Faculty have sole responsibility for awarding all grades except IE, IC, IP, W and X. Grades are submitted within 7 days after classes end. Grade reports are available online via the Campus Web.

Graduate Courses Taken by Undergraduate Students for Graduate Credit

Students who wish to begin graduate work at Springfield College while still an undergraduate must file a written request and secure the approval from the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at the main campus in Springfield before registering for such study. No request will be approved unless the student’s cumulative grade point average is 3.00 or better at the start of the term during which the course or courses are to be taken. Students interested in this option should contact their academic advisors. Students will be charged the undergraduate tuition rate for these courses. Undergraduate students who take advantage of this opportunity to take graduate courses while still an undergraduate should understand that doing so does not connote acceptance into the graduate program. To be admitted into the graduate program, students must complete the graduate application process and satisfy all admissions requirements.

Graduate Credits taken by Undergraduate Students for Undergraduate Credit

Undergraduate students wishing to take a graduate course for credit that will apply to the undergraduate degree may do so with the permission of their major advisor, the Associate Dean or Campus Director, and the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. In order to be eligible, a student must:

• Have an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better
  -and-
• have no more than 15 credit hours of undergraduate requirements to be met in order to complete the requirements for the bachelor’s degree
  -or-
• have no more than 15 credit hours of required undergraduate work remaining, in addition to full-time off-campus fieldwork, that will be done in the following semester.

The Petition for Approval to Take Graduate Courses for Credit While Still an Undergraduate must be approved by the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs prior to registering for the course. This excludes academic programs whose curricular design combines undergraduate and graduate requirements.

Grievance Policy

If a student believes that he/she has been treated unfairly, the student has the right to seek resolution of the concern through informal and formal processes. At any step in the process, the student may consult with his or her academic advisor or any other faculty or staff member for advice.

Step 1 (informal process):

Within 30 calendar days of the disputed action, the student must raise the concern with the instructor or appropriate party. The instructor or other party should respond to the student regarding this concern within 14 calendar days. (If the 30 days are interrupted by the close of a term or semester break, the remaining days will extend into the beginning of the following term. In situations in which the instructor is on leave or no longer employed by the College, the student should proceed to Step 2.)

Step 2 (informal process):

If the student and the instructor, or other party, do not agree to a resolution, the student has 14 calendar days from the response to raise the concern with the campus director. The campus director should respond to the student regarding this concern within 14 calendar days and must notify the instructor, or other party, of the continuation of the grievance process.

Step 3 (formal process):

If accord is not yet reached through the steps above, the student may file a written grievance using the Academic Grievance Form. The grievance form must be submitted to the Office of the Dean within 14 days following the associate dean or campus director’s response to the student. Upon receipt of the form, the dean will conduct whatever review is needed to arrive at a resolution, including, if necessary, a meeting with the student and instructor, or other party. The Dean will notify all parties involved in writing of his/her decision and any subsequent actions. The decision of the dean regarding the grievance is final. This policy is not intended to supersede the Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy or the Harassment/Discrimination Policy. See the Accreditation section for state specific student’s complaint grievance contact information.

This policy is not intended to supersede the Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy or the Harassment/Discrimination Policy.

Incomplete (I) Grade

A student may request from the instructor a grade of incomplete (I) in situations where exceptional circumstances beyond his or her control (such as incapacitating illness or a death in the family) prevent him or her from completing course requirements. In order to be eligible for an incomplete, the student must have completed the majority of the coursework (e.g., 75 percent or more) with passing grades. The decision to grant an incomplete is at the discretion of the instructor. If he or she agrees, a Contract for Incomplete Grade must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. The contract will specify what the student must complete and by when (no later than the conclusion of the next term - see deadline for grade submission below).

The faculty must submit a final grade to the Registrar’s Office by the last day to submit grades in the term following the term in which the incomplete grade (I) was received. If no grade is submitted by that date, the Registrar will automatically change the ‘I’ grade to the alternate final grade designated by the instructor on the contract, or an ‘F’, if an alternate grade is not designated. Of course, all incompletes must be completed, or alternate grades assigned, prior to a student’s graduation.

This policy applies to all students enrolled at Springfield College, effective Fall 1999. It does not affect “I” grades given prior to this date.

International Baccalaureate coursework

The College awards credits for International Baccalaureate (IB) coursework which has been approved as comparable to Springfield College courses or to college-level electives.  In order to be approved, the director of academic advising (or designee) and the department chair relative to the course in question, must determine the passing score, the actual course equivalency, and the number of semester hours awarded.  Only Higher Level (HL) coursework with scores of 4 or higher are considered for credit.  Copies of course syllabi may be required for consideration for course-specific credit.

Late Registration for Online Courses

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Students may register for an online course up to one week after the course has begun. The online course attendance policy requires students to log into the class on three different days to be considered present.  Therefore, students who register for an online class after Wednesday of the first week will be considered absent for that week.

Registration will not be allowed after the first full week of an online class

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence may be granted to a student who has completed graded courses for at least one term. Students wishing to drop or withdraw from all classes and take a leave of absence for a term need the approval of their academic advisor and must complete a Leave of Absence Form. The Office of Financial Aid will calculate amount of aid earned, return any required and notify all lenders that the student is not currently enrolled.  Repayment of all outstanding financial loans may begin at this point.

If after one year a student has not re-enrolled, the student will be withdrawn from the College as of the date he/she terminated academic study. During this period, any outstanding balance on the students account will be pursued until collected. Students wishing to be readmitted must retake and pay for courses with incomplete grades.

Students who do not plan to continue their academic studies must complete a Program Withdrawal form and meet with the Campus Director or designee for an exit interview, at which time the various steps of the withdrawal process will be reviewed.

Permanent Incomplete (PI) Policy

If a student withdraws from the College or a graduate student’s candidacy period expires with a grade of I on his or her record, the grade will be converted by the Registrar’s office to a ‘PI’ (permanent incomplete). This grade is permanent and cannot be changed in the future. Students who withdraw and subsequently apply for readmission to the College must re-register for, and complete, the course in order to earn credit for it.

Program Withdrawal

Students who do not plan to continue their academic studies must meet with the Campus Director or designee for an exit interview, at which time the various steps of the withdrawal process will be reviewed. The purpose of the interview is for the student to have an opportunity to review options and bring closure to the experience at the school. At that time, an effective date will be determined. This date will be used in processing any possible refunds.

Students who are withdrawing from the school must return the Student Identification Card that was issued to them. Withdrawals will not be processed unless the Student Identification Card is returned. Withdrawing students must complete a multi-part Complete Withdrawal Form. Please be sure to mail it by Certified Mail, return receipt requested to the instructional campus, or obtain a receipt if the Complete Withdrawal Form is hand-delivered.

Matriculated students who have not enrolled for three consecutive terms will be withdrawn from the College and must apply for re-admission should they wish to return to Springfield College as a matriculated student.

Registration and Change of Schedule Requests

Students are not permitted to attend a course for which they are not officially registered. Students who attend a course for which they are not officially registered will not receive credit or grades for their work. The registration of all students is conducted under the direction of the Registrar, according to the schedule of classes for the College year. The official registration records are compiled and administered in the Office of the Registrar. All full-time undergraduate and graduate students are registered at specific times and dates as listed in the official calendars. The Registrar publishes, in advance of each registration, specific instructions regarding procedures. Students who fail to register by the registration deadline may be required to pay a late registration fee. Courses with low enrollments are subject to cancellation. Not all courses listed in the course description section of the catalogs are offered each semester.

Repeating a Course

Students may repeat a course in which they have received an unsatisfactory grade.  (Note: Graduate students must repeat a graduate course for which a student receives a grade of F if it is a required course. Other courses may be repeated by a student.) To repeat a course, the student must re-register for the course at their own expense. Both grade entries will appear on the transcript, but only the credit hours and the grade resulting from the repeated course will be used in computing hours and grade points for graduation. This will be true whether the grade for the repeated course is higher or lower than the original grade. (Note: a course taken for graduate credit may not be repeated more than once.)

Students who repeat a course because they have received a grade of F may choose to register for an approved equivalent course at another institution. In accordance with the transfer policy and following petition to do so, students may transfer the credit for the equivalent course to their program if they have earned a grade of C- or better (Graduate students require a grade of B or better to transfer). The original grade of F will appear on the transcript but will be removed from the calculation of the CGPA. A grade of P for the transfer course will appear on the transcript and will be used in computing hours but not grade points for graduation.

Students may not receive financial aid for repeated courses.

Residency Credit Policy

In order to receive a bachelor’s degree, undergraduate students must complete at least 48 credit hours through Springfield College. Of the student’s last 30 credit hours, 15 credits must be completed through Springfield College.

Student Records

Springfield College will maintain student confidentiality rights and protect access to information as provided by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Except as provided by law, information from a student’s records will not be released without the prior written consent of the student. This legislation also provides numerous exceptions whereby the College may release information without prior notice and/or consent of the student, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Directory information may be provided unless a student has filed a written request to withhold this information. Students must advise the Office of the Registrar in writing no later than September 15 of each academic year if they wish to restrict the release of this information. Springfield College considers the following information as “directory information”: name, campus mailbox, campus phone number, enrollment status, dates of attendance at the College, major, credit hours earned, degrees earned, and honors received.
2. Information may be shared with and by Springfield College faculty and staff who have a legitimate educational interest in the student.
3. Academic information may be shared with parents, or other named individuals, of students who complete an authorization to release academic records information, or if parents provide the Registrar with an annual copy of their federal income tax return documenting the student as a dependent.  In addition, any requests that come from officials of other institutions to which the student might be applying for transfer; government agencies and officials who provide proper identification; officers of the court; financial aid personnel to support a student’s application for aid; as well as appropriate parties in health or safety emergencies will have access to information in the student’s records. Students may also be asked to sign a written waiver granting permission for the release of information from the school records.
4. Any request for information regarding current or former student’s academic records must be directed to the Registrar. Students retain the right to review the contents of their educational and academic records. In order to do so, a formal written request must be made through the Office of the Registrar. In such cases, a meeting will be established within forty-five days of the request to permit the student to review materials. Springfield College will comply with a written request initiated by the student to supply information in their behalf. Such requests must be signed and dated and include the specific records or information to be disclosed, the purpose for the disclosure, and the individual(s) to whom the information should be released.

Details concerning FERPA and the Buckley Amendment are available at the Office of the Dean of Students, the Office of the Registrar, and at each instructional campus.

Student Services

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Academic Advising

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An academic advisor is assigned to every student who enrolls in the program. The overall purpose of the formal advising is to provide students with a contact person who can help them to tailor and plan their academic program and to clarify the process, procedures and expectations involved with the program. Academic advisors are assigned to students during the first term of their undergraduate program. Academic advisors and students work in partnership to achieve a student’s educational requirements and goals. An academic advisor:

• assists the student in understanding and meeting all requirements for graduation;
• monitors incomplete grades and progress toward completing coursework;
• assists in clarifying learning objectives and career plans;
• addresses problems regarding work/instructors/expectations; progress of portfolio; and the use of the Academic Success Center;
• counsels or refers student to appropriate source for assistance.

Academic Support

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The School of Professional and Continuing Studies offers accessible academic support services in an Academic Success Center located on site at each of its 9 campuses.  Services include writing support, study skills counseling, resource support services, and assistance for students with documented disabilities.  All services are coordinated by the campus’s Resource Specialists and focus on the development of sustainable skills.  The Resource Specialists are available during designated campus hours and by appointment.

Policy Statement Regarding Students with Disabilities

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The School of Professional and Continuing Studies is committed to providing an equal educational opportunity and full participation in College programs for persons with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws. The College fully supports the anti-discrimination policies expressed in state and federal legislation for persons with disabilities. It is the College’s intent that no person be subject to discrimination with regard to any College program or activity.

The School recognizes the unique needs of students with disabilities and encourages these students to use the support services offered by the College to assist them in attaining their educational goals. The policy regarding admission and access to programs and activities prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Students may request services from the campus disability support services administrator.

Reasonable accommodations are provided for students with disabilities on the basis of need if the disabilities are documented with appropriate evaluations administered by qualified professionals such as psychologists, medical doctors, or agencies specializing in the diagnosis of such disabilities.

Section 504 Disability Grievance Procedure

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Springfield College (“College”) has adopted this grievance procedure to assist in facilitating resolution of complaints alleging disability discrimination in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”).  The College has designated Andrew Wilcox, Director of Academic Success Center (the “Coordinator”) to coordinate its efforts to comply with Section 504.  The contact information for the Coordinator is as follows:  Andrew Wilcox, Director of Academic Success Center, Hickory Hall Room 104, 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA 01109-3797, Telephone: 413-748-3720, Email: awilcox@springfieldcollege.edu.

The College strives to provide prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging action prohibited by pertinent federal, state, and local disability anti-discriminatory laws.  This Procedure applies to discrimination on the basis of disability including: disagreement with the decisions made about accommodations; physical inaccessibility of a College program or activity; disability harassment; or any other form of discrimination on the basis of a disability or perception of a disability.

A grievant may: (i) attempt to resolve the matter informally; or (ii) immediately file a formal grievance, at the option of the grievant, by utilizing the processes identified below.

Initial Discussion: 

An individual with a concern relating to his or her disability should first discuss the matter orally with the appropriate responsible office and official listed below who will attempt to resolve the individual’s concern.

• For students in the schools of Arts, Sciences & Professional Studies, Health, Physical Education & Recreation, and Health Sciences & Rehabilitation Studies, the School of Social Work, and for third-parties:  Deborah Dickens, Director of Learning Support Service, Hickory Hall Room 105, 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA  01109-3797, Telephone:  413-748-3768, Email: ddickens@springfieldcollege.edu.
• For students in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies:  Camille Elliott, Associate Director of Student Services, Blake Hall Room 333, 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA  01109-3797, Telephone: 413-748-3978, Email: celliott@springfieldcollege.edu.
• For employees:  Pamela Pettengill, Benefits Coordinator, Administration Building Room 202,  263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA  01109-3797, Telephone: 413-748-3963, Email: ppetteng@springfieldcollege.edu.

Informal Resolution:

If the individual is not satisfied with the resolution proposed by the appropriate responsible department/official listed above, the individual is encouraged to attempt to resolve the matter informally by discussing the matter orally with the following:

• For students and third-parties: the Coordinator
• For employees:  Director of Human Resources, Administration Building, 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA  01109-3797, Telephone:  413-748-3118, Email: rcaptain@springfieldcollege.edu.

If the Coordinator or Ms. Captain, as applicable, are not successful in achieving a satisfactory resolution in a prompt period of time (that is, generally within seven calendar days), the Coordinator/Ms. Captain will inform the individual of his/her right to file a formal grievance. 

Formal Grievance Procedure:

If the individual chooses to file a formal grievance, the following steps should be followed:

1. The individual shall file a formal grievance within forty-five (45) calendar days after he/she becomes aware of the alleged violation or denial of accommodation. The individual shall file the grievance with the following:

• For students and third-parties: the Coordinator
• For employees:  Rosanne Captain, Assistant Vice President for Finance and Administration

The grievance shall be in writing and include the following:

• The grievant’s name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address;
• A full description of the problem;
• A description of what efforts have been made to resolve the issue informally; and
• A statement of the remedy requested.

2. Within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt, the Coordinator or Ms. Captain, as applicable, or his/her applicable designee (hereinafter referred to as the “Grievance Officer”) shall read the complaint and conduct an investigation.  In undertaking the investigation, the Grievance Officer may interview, consult with, and/or request a written response to the issues raised in the grievance from any individual the Grievance Officer believes to have relevant information, including faculty, staff, and students.  If necessary or requested, the Grievance Officer will hear testimony or receive written testimony from the student, relevant faculty or staff member(s), and other knowledgeable people.  The grievant has the right to ask for testimony from any individual whom he/she deems relevant to the case.
3. After completing the investigation, the Grievance Officer shall report his/her conclusions and proposed disposition in writing to the grievant and all other relevant parties.  This transmission will be expected within forty-five (45) calendar days of the filing of the formal grievance.  The deadline may be extended for good cause (e.g. reasons related to breaks in the academic calendar).  The final report may also be provided, where appropriate, to any College officer whose authority will be needed to carry out the proposed disposition or to determine whether any personnel action is appropriate.
4. The disposition proposed by the Grievance Officer will be put into effect promptly.
5. Within ten (10) calendar days of the issuance of the final report, the grievant may appeal the Grievance Officer’s determination by filing a written request for review to the following applicable Appeal Officer, or his/her applicable designee:

• For students and third-parties: Mary Ann Coughlin, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Marsh Memorial Building Room 201, 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA 01109-3797, Telephone:  413-748-3959, Email: mcoughlin@springfieldcollege.edu. 
• For employees:  John Mailhot, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, Administration Building Room 212, 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA 01109-3797, Telephone:  413-748-3145, Email: jmailhot@springfieldcollege.edu.

The written request for review must specify the particular substantive and/or procedural basis for the appeal, and must be made on grounds other than general dissatisfaction with the proposed disposition. Furthermore, the appeal must be directed only to issues raised in the formal complaint as filed or to procedural errors in the conduct of the grievance procedure itself, and not to new issues.

If the grievance involves a decision that is being challenged, the review by the Appeal Officer usually will be limited to the following considerations:

• Were the proper facts and criteria brought to bear on the decision?
• Were improper or extraneous facts or criteria brought to bear that substantially affected the decision to the detriment of the grievant?
• Were there any procedural irregularities that substantially affected the outcome of the matter to the detriment of the grievant?
• Given the proper facts, criteria, and procedures, was the decision a reasonable one?

6. A copy of the Appeal Officer’s written decision will be expected within thirty (30) calendar days of the filing of the appeal and will be sent to the parties, the Grievance Officer and, if appropriate, to the College officer whose authority will be needed to carry out the disposition. The deadline may be extended by the Appeal Officer for good cause (e.g. reasons related to breaks in the academic calendar).  The decision of the Appeal Officer on the appeal is final.

Veterans’ Administration Benefits

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Students planning to utilize VA benefits to pay for tuition must contact the VA certifying official at the local campus as soon as they decide to matriculate. They must speak with the official at the beginning of each term to have their enrollment certified. Re-certifications are not done automatically. If a student decides to withdraw from a particular semesters classes or from the program, he/she must submit a written notice to that effect and indicate that he/she is receiving VA benefits.

Library Services

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Springfield College Library Services is located in the Harold C. Smith Learning Commons on the main campus in Springfield, Massachusetts and online at www.springfield.edu/library-services, and serves the students, faculty, and staff of Springfield College and all of its locations. The library provides a rich collection of books, videos, articles, and more, much of which is available online. Library staff members are pleased to provide assistance to all library users.

Students may access library resources through the library’s website, by visiting the library in person, or by using the guide to research that the library has developed for PCS. This guide may be found on the library’s website by clicking the link for Research Guides.

Materials that are either not available online or not owned by Springfield College may be requested on the library website. (This is also known as Interlibrary Loan.) Requested items will be emailed to you as quickly as possible or, if emailing is not an option (as in the case of requested books), sent to your home by two day mail after the library obtains them, though it is wise to allow for a week or more between your submission of the request and receipt of the item when asking for something not owned by the college.

The library provides many ways for students to get assistance. Students are welcome to visit the library in person; to call the library at 1-800-730-5279; or to use one of the library’s online tools, which include chat, texting, and an Ask the Library email form. In addition, students are encouraged to contact Amedeo DeCara, the School of Professional and Continuing Studies library liaison. He may be reached directly by phone at 413-748-3504, or by email at adecara@springfieldcollege.edu.

For more information, please contact the library:

Library Services website: www.springfield.edu/library-services

Toll-free number:                   1-800-730-5279

Requests & Interlibrary Loan: 413-748-3559

Transfer Credit Policy

Undergraduate

Undergraduate students enrolled in, or enrolling into, the School of Professional and Continuing Studies are required to complete a minimum of 48 credit hours through Springfield College in order to fulfill the residency requirement. The remaining semester hours required to complete their undergraduate degree may be transferred in from other institutions or completed at the College.

In order to be accepted for transfer credit, courses must be:

1. Completed at a regionally accredited institution of higher education. (Regional accrediting bodies are NEASC, MSACS, NCACS, NWASC, SACS, and WASC);
2. Graded as a C- or better (grades of P, pass, will only be accepted if there is documentation that the P is equivalent to a C- or better);
3. Courses completed 10 or more years before the student’s matriculation at Springfield College may be subject to further review by appropriate academic faculty prior to final approval.

In addition, a course accepted for transfer credit must satisfy one of the following conditions:

1. To meet general education requirements: Transfer courses must be equivalent to a specific Springfield College course that fulfills a general education category requirement. General Education competencies that are embedded cannot be satisfied with transfer credit.
2. To meet major requirements: Transfer courses must be equivalent to a specific Springfield College course that fulfills a major requirement. These courses must be approved by the Associate Dean or Campus Director. The Associate Dean or Campus Director may accept coursework not offered by the College if it is judged applicable to major requirements.
3. To meet elective requirements: Courses used for general elective credit need not be equivalent to Springfield College courses, and will be applied as elective requirements permit.

• Springfield College does not grant transfer credit for the following work completed at or assessed by other colleges: college-based credit by exam or challenge, correspondence courses, portfolio assessment, independent study, fieldwork, or cooperative education experience.
• Credit for CLEP, IB, AP, and DSST examinations are assessed consistent with relevant College policy. Credit for armed services experience or employer training programs is assessed by the registrar based on American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines. Original documentation related to such coursework must be presented.
• Courses accepted for transfer credit will be listed on the student’s transcript with a designation of “TR,” the number of semester hours awarded, the name of the institution where the course was taken, and the number and title of the equivalent Springfield College course. For direct equivalencies, courses will be transferred in with the Springfield College credit value. If there is no direct equivalent, it will be designated as an elective with the most closely associated academic program prefix. Grades received for transfer courses are not indicated on the Springfield College record, and the grades and related quality points are not calculated in the semester or cumulative grade point averages. However, transfer credits awarded do contribute toward students totals of cumulative earned and attempted hours.
• If a student with transfer credit changes major or concentration after enrolling at the College, their transfer credits and previous transcripts will be reevaluated by the Registrar’s Office to determine if any adjustment is necessary.
• For incoming transfer students 0.5 credit hours of required activity courses will be waived for every 15 credit hours of accepted transfer credit.
• Students who matriculate into Springfield College with an A.A. or A.S. degree earned within the previous 10 years from an accredited institution that required a sequence of general education courses will be considered to have fulfilled all Springfield College general education requirements, excluding the embedded competencies. Such students will receive a minimum of 60 transfer credits from Springfield College. The transcripts of students who earned A.A. or A.S. degrees prior to 10 years from their matriculation into Springfield College will be reviewed to determine if credits will be awarded.

Note: The transfer of credits from the College is at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Graduate

Normally, all work for a master’s degree is done at Springfield College. No more than six semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred from one or more other institutions toward the master’s degree in programs requiring less than forty-eight semester hours of graduate credit. However, students who are enrolled in a master’s degree program requiring a minimum of forty-eight semester hours of graduate credit may transfer nine semester hours of graduate credit toward the master’s degree. Courses accepted for transfer credit must be completed during the five-year period of candidacy, have a grade of ‘B’ or better, and be applicable to the individual’s program of study pursued at Springfield College. Additionally, such courses must carry graduate credit at a regionally accredited institution with a notation to that effect on the official transcript. No credit is granted for prior experiential learning.

Note: The transfer of credits from the College is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits will be accepted by another institution.  .

Continuing Students

1. Currently enrolled students wishing to transfer credits to the College should submit the completed Transfer Credit Approval Form to the registrar for approval, prior to taking courses at another institution. This form is available in the Office of the Registrar or on-line at the SC homepage of the Registrar. Requests for approval may also be submitted via fax or e-mail, if necessary. A course catalog, official course description, or course syllabus may be needed to appropriately assess the course.
   1. Courses intended to fulfill major or minor requirements require the approval of the Associate Dean or Campus Director and the registrar.
   2. Courses intended to fulfill electives or General Education Requirements require approval of the registrar; in some cases the registrar may need to consult with the Associate Dean or Campus Director before granting approval.
   3. Failure to obtain appropriate approvals, in writing, prior to taking a course at another institution may preclude awarding of credit.
2. Courses accepted for transfer credit will be listed on a student’s transcript with a designation of “TR,” the number of credit hours awarded, the name of the institution where the course was taken, and the number and title of the equivalent Springfield College course.
   1. Grades received for transfer courses are not indicated on the Springfield College record, and the grades and related quality points are not calculated in the semester or cumulative grade point averages. However, transfer credits awarded do contribute toward students totals of cumulative earned and attempted hours.
   2. If the approved transfer course is a repeat of a previously taken course, and it has now been passed with a C- or better, credit will be awarded. The original grade for the course will remain on the record but it is removed from the calculation of the cumulative grade point average. The new grade is not recorded and will not otherwise impact the grade point average.

Transcript of Academic Work

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Students may obtain student-issued, unofficial copies of their academic transcripts for the duration of study at Springfield College. Applications for these transcripts are made in writing to the Office of the Registrar.

A $7 fee (effective June 1, 2018) is charged for transcripts requested to be officially sent to a third party. Official transcript requests must include name and address of the official to whom the information is to be mailed, along with a student’s signature as permission to release a record.

Official transcripts, bearing the College seal, are sent by the registrar directly to the receiver and may not be transmitted by the applicant. Ordinarily, transcript requests will be processed and mailed within ten days of the written request.

Currently enrolled students; non-enrolled students; students who have been separated, dismissed, suspended, expelled, disciplined, withdrawn, or were on a leave of absence may not obtain an official transcript, access to registration for courses, selection of a residence hall room, and/or a diploma if their accounts are not paid in full, as and when due.

Undergraduate Classifications

Earned 0 - 29.5 credit hours - FR, First-year student
Earned 30 - 59.5 credit hours - SO, Sophomore
Earned 60 - 89.5 credit hours - JR, Junior
Earned 90 and above credit hours - SR, Senior graduate
All graduate students - GR, Graduate

Undergraduate Courses Taken by Graduate Students

Graduate students who wish to take undergraduate coursework may do so, but will be charged the graduate tuition rate. These courses will not apply toward the student’s graduate degree.

For any changes related to this page, please see the Addendums .