Regulations, Rules, and Policies

Graduate Admission || Other Academic Regulations and Rules || Registration, Scheduling and Program Change || Grading, Records and Transcripts || Graduation Requirements || Student Classifications || Candidacy

Each academic year Marywood University publishes a Calendar/Student Handbook. Every graduate student has a responsibility to be aware of applicable policies contained in this University Handbook. The Calendar/Student Handbook is distributed yearly. The Handbook is available online at www.marywood.edu. This catalog references some major policy statements contained in the University Calendar/Student Handbook.

Graduate Admission

Applicants for admission to master's level graduate courses must meet at least two minimum requirements: (1) possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and (2) demonstrate potential for graduate work, ordinarily by having maintained a "B" average during undergraduate study. Additional prerequisites standards for admission and evidence of suitability for advanced study may be set by particular departments or for specific degree concentrations within departments. Students seeking admission should review the particular section or sections of the graduate catalog referring to the degree program of their interests. Students seeking admission should contact the Office of University Admissions as soon as possible. To obtain full admission to a graduate program normally takes a minimum of two months from application submission to final review. If admission test requirements, such as the Graduate Record Examination, Graduate Management Admissions Test, or Miller Analogies Test, are omitted from the admission application, your application may not be eligible for review. Test results are valid for five years from the test date. An applicant who has not completed an undergraduate degree at the time of application can gain provisional admission. The student will not gain full admission until the Office of University Admissions has received an official transcript showing the undergraduate degree awarded. Students who do not complete the admission process cannot gain full admission status to a graduate program and are not eligible for financial aid. Without gaining full admission status, students will be subject to all policy and rule changes affecting their degrees beyond their initial date for commencing coursework. Since degree requirements frequently change over a three-to-five-year period, the lack of full admission status could prolong a student's time and credit hours necessary for degree completion. Until a student fulfills all entry requirements to the department, a student is not fully admitted to graduate studies. Accumulated credit hours are evaluated by an academic adviser at the time of full admission to determine applicability to the degree program being pursued. After admission into Marywood, the student will receive notification to pay a non-refundable confirmation deposit. This will secure enrollment for the student and allow the student to register for classes.

Applicants for admission to the Ph.D. program must hold a master's degree and meet specific additional requirements for that program. Consult the section of this catalog related to the Ph.D. program for further details.

Applicants for admission to the Psy.D. program must present at least 18 credits of Psychology coursework at the undergraduate level. A small number of students can be admitted post-master's. Refer to the section of this catalog related to the Psy.D. program for details.

Special Admission of Undergraduates

A Marywood University undergraduate student who is within nine credits of completing the undergraduate degree requirements is eligible for admission to master's level graduate courses. The student must first obtain the approval of the dean of his/her college. Such students must provide the Office of University Admissions with an official transcript of all undergraduate studies as soon as the coursework leading to the bachelor's degree is completed. Forms necessary for approval of enrollment are to be obtained from any dean's office.

Admission of International Students

Marywood University is authorized under federal law to enroll foreign national students. An academic record of all college and university work previously completed will be required to secure admission to any field of study. Graduate students are admitted with the understanding that their work is subject to review and re-evaluation upon arrival. In some cases, additional undergraduate work will be required before acceptance as a regular matriculating graduate student.

The student should complete the application for admission, including references and official transcripts, and return them, with the application fee, to the Office of University Admissions. The applicant must also arrange to have the scores of any required tests, including the TOEFL or IELTS, sent directly to Marywood by the testing agency. All English Language Proficiency examinations must not be older than two years. All application materials should reach the Office of University Admissions at least three months in advance of the beginning of the term of anticipated enrollment to allow time for correspondence and the evaluation of the application. Notarized translations should accompany original documents which are in a language other than English.

After acceptance into Marywood, the student will receive forms for indicating means for payment of tuition and fees. These forms must be returned to Marywood with the indicated deposit. Upon receipt at Marywood, a U.S. Immigration I-20 form will be forwarded to the applicant.

New international students should contact the Office of University Admissions upon admission and again immediately upon arrival in Scranton. All international students should feel free to consult University Admissions at any time concerning special problems.

The Registrar is the designated official relating to U.S. Immigration affairs. The Office of the Registrar is in the LiberalArts Center.

International students should be aware of the following:

1. Applications from students who live outside the United States should be received three months before the semester of desired first enrollment.
2. Admission to graduate standing does not imply that any financial assistance will be given. Admission means only that the student may take graduate courses. Accordingly, to be admitted, a student must be able to prove financial support availability. Scholarships are available to international students; however they do not cover the full tuition costs.
3. Full-time enrollment is required.
4. To be informed about the student's competence in reading and writing English, the University requires that the student demonstrate mastery of the English language by performing satisfactorily on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey) or the International English Language Testing System. Normally TOEFL scores above 79 on the internet-based test or a band of 6.0 on the IELTS will be accepted as evidence of mastery. International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores taken within the last two years.
5. Students are required to carry health insurance.

 

Application Process

Students seeking admission to a doctoral or master's degree, certificate, or certification program must apply for admission through the Office of University Admissions.All applicants must submit the following information:

1. The application form properly completed, including the non-refundable application fee payment.
2. Unopened official transcripts of all previous academic work, including any academic work completed at Marywood.
3. Two letters of reference from persons familiar with the student's educational background and work. Doctoral applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation.
4. Specific departmental requirements as listed in the department's description of the course of study for which application is being submitted.

Students seeking state certification must also contact the University's Certification Office at 570-961-4731 for specific additional requirements.

When all required materials have been received at the Office of University Admissions, they will be forwarded to the applicant's department of specialization for review. Applicants should expect a review process which may take up to 30 days from final application submission or from the published deadline for receipt of applications, whichever is later. After the departmental review and assessment of the application is completed, the applicant will be informed in writing by the Office of University Admissions of the specific action taken concerning the request for admission. The various student statuses at the graduate level are defined later in this catalog.

Late applicants who cannot or do not submit complete credentials within their applications for departmental review may take classes only under the personal enrichment or admission-in-process category. Such students are limited in the numbers of credit hours for which they may enroll.

Marywood University operates on a rolling admissions basis. However, certain programs have specific deadlines for admission applications. A number of programs only review applications during certain times of the year. Please contact the Office of University Admissions or the academic department to which you are applying to find out if this applies to your field of study.

Graduate courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer sessions. Applicants to any course of study other than the Biotechnology, Ed.S., Ph.D., Psy.D., Physician Assistant, Social Work, or Speech-Language Pathology programs may be admitted in any of these sessions, but must check with their appropriate chairpersons to be advised properly concerning when beginning courses will be available and the consequences of being admitted in a particular semester other than the fall semester.

Students seeking admission to the Biotechnology, Ed.S., Ph.D., Physician Assistant, Social Work, or Speech-Language Pathology programs should consult the section of the catalog related to their program for details on the application process.

Admissions in Process/Enrichment Credit Limitations

Full admission to a course of study takes effect in the semester specified in the admission letter to the degree applicant from the Office of University Admissions. Admission to a program does not guarantee that financial aid will be available for that semester. Students seeking a master's degree may not take more than nine (9) credit hours (or as otherwise dictated by the department) in one degree program prior to full admission. Individual programs of study may further limit a student to as few as six (6) credits prior to full admission. Credits taken under admission in process or enrichment status do not guarantee acceptance into a specific program, nor does it guarantee fulfillment of required coursework. Upon completion of an admissions application, completed coursework will be evaluated. Acceptance of applicable credits is completely at the discretion of the Department Chair or Administrator, and the Dean of the specified college. In addition, students taking courses under admission in process or enrichment are considered non-matriculating and therefore are not eligible for financial aid. Students should be advised that courses taken under either status and applied to a degree program will be considered in the seven-year completion time limit.

The release form is available for registration in the University Admissions Office or any Dean's Office.

All application materials should be mailed to:
Marywood University
Office of University Admissions
Liberal Arts Center 120
2300AdamsAvenue
Scranton, PA 18509-1598

Questions regarding application status should be directed to the University Admissions staff: GoGrad@marywood.edu

Retention of Application Files

Applications for admission to a master's degree, certificate, or certification program will be kept for two years from the original date of receipt. If the application has not been completed during this period, it will be destroyed without notice to the applicant. If the applicant subsequently decides to enter a graduate program at the University, he/she will be required to reassemble the entire application file.

Application files for applicants who have been offered admission to Marywood University will be kept for two years from the semester of acceptance. If a student does not register for class during this period, the application will be destroyed.

Application files for applicants who have not been offered admission to Marywood University will be kept for two years from the semester for which the student has applied.

Application files for applicants who formally withdraw their application prior to and after acceptance will be kept for two years from the semester for which the student has applied.

Applications for admission to the Ph.D., Psy.D., Physician Assistant, or Speech Language Pathology programs are retained only for the admissions cycle of the academic year for which the student has applied.

All documents submitted in connection with an application become the property of the University. 

Student Status Categories

A student may be enrolled in a Marywood University graduate program with either regular status or special status. "Regular" status refers to that of a student who is admitted by the University and who is pursuing a course of studies leading to a master's degree or doctoral degree. Students who have not yet been admitted to matriculation or who do not intend to earn a master's or doctoral degree are given "special" status. The following categories of status are used within the graduate programs:

• Regular-This status is assigned to those students who are pursuing a course of study leading to a master's or doctoral degree.
• Provisional-Students who have been given provisional acceptance remain in a special status category until they have fulfilled all conditions of their letter of acceptance.
• Admission in Process-A student who has applied to seek a graduate level degree is in a special status, non-degree-seeking category until all necessary paperwork, letters of reference, fees, tests, and departmental evaluations have been completed. It is the student's obligation to see that the required materials for application completion are sent to the Office of University Admissions on a timely basis, normally within five months of the date of application.
• Certificate Program-A student who has been accepted to pursue a program of study leading to a Marywood University certificate with no specific relationship to state certification or any professional body is in a special status, non-degree-seeking category.
• Certification-A student accepted to a program of study which fulfills requirements for state certification in such areas as education, school psychology, counselor education, and special education is in a special status, non-degree seeking category.
• Transfer-A visitor from another educational institution whose purpose is to transfer credit back to the home institution is in a special status, non-degreeseeking category.
• Enrichment-A person enrolled in a course without reference to a specific, organized goal recognized by any graduate program is in a special status, non-degree seeking category.

 

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)

This certificate program is an individually oriented program designed to meet the needs of students for advanced study in Counseling and Art. Each student, with an assigned advisor, can plan his/her program of studies and draw up a contract which will be reviewed each semester until completion of the program. A Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study is awarded at the termination of study.

Student Reporting Classification

A student who is enrolled for nine or more credits in a given semester is reported as full-time for that semester. A student who is enrolled for less than nine credits in a given semester is reported as part-time for that semester. In certain instances, governmental or agency regulations supersede the Marywood definition.

Other Academic Regulations and Rules

Students may also reference Academic Honesty Policies in the University Calendar/ Student Handbook.

Academic Honesty

The Marywood University community functions best when its members treat one another with honesty, fairness, and trust. The entire community, students and faculty alike, recognize the necessity and accept the responsibility for academic honesty. Students must realize that deception for individual gain is an offense against the entire community. Cheating and plagiarism are behaviors destructive of the learning process and of the ethical standards expected of all students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Students have a responsibility to know and adhere to the University's Academic Honesty policy. Violations of this academic honesty statement or the intent of this statement carry consequences. University procedures for investigation of alleged violations of this policy ensure that students are protected from arbitrary or capricious disciplinary action. Initial sanctions for violations of academic honesty ordinarily are determined by the course instructor. The faculty member will employ a range of sanctions, from a minimum of a failing grade for the specific coursework in which the infraction occurred to a maximum of a failing grade for the entire course. If necessary, the chairperson and/or academic dean may become involved in investigating the allegation of academic dishonesty and the determination of sanctions. The faculty member will file a report with the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, with a copy to the faculty member’s department chairperson and the student’s academic dean. Sanctions determined by the instructor may include a grade of F for the coursework in which the infraction occurred. An academic dean may also choose at any time to inform the Dean of Students of charges of academic dishonesty for adjudication in the University conduct system. Likewise, a member of the University community may submit a conduct report against a student, group of students, or student organization for alleged violations of the Academic Honesty policy to the Dean of Students, who will inform the appropriate academic dean for possible adjudication. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will maintain a register of established cases of academic dishonesty in order to identify an individual student's pattern of violation. Two established cases of academic dishonesty will result in suspension from the University; three established cases will result in dismissal.

In a case in which the student is involved with violations of both academic and discipline policies from the same incident, the Dean of Students and the cognizant academic dean of the college or school in which the student is enrolled will confer regarding sanctions to assess their academic impact and to assure that a consistent message is communicated to the student.

Sanctions for academic and/or disciplinary reason, as determined by the Dean of Students and in compliance with the judicial process, may include either suspension or dismissal from the University.

Suspension is the termination of student status for a specified period of time. Conditions of reinstatement are included in the order of suspension. A suspended student is charged fees for the semester in which the suspension occurs in accordance with the published University Withdrawal and Refund Policy Statement. A grade of "W" is assigned for the same semester courses remaining on the student transcript. A statement of the student's status is sent to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Enrollment Management, and the Registrar and the record of the sanction is maintained for five years in the Office of the Dean of Students.

Dismissal is the permanent termination of student status and separation from the University. As with suspension, a dismissed student is charged full fees for the semester in which the dismissal occurs in accordance with the published University Withdrawal and Refund Policy Statement and a grade of "W" is assigned for the same semester courses remaining on the student transcript. A statement of the student's status is sent to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Enrollment Management and the Registrar but, in the case of dismissal, is recorded permanently in the Office of the Dean of Students. See University/Student Handbook Academic Honesty section for definitions and procedures.

Professional Standards of Ethics and Conduct

The University educates students to take positions of responsibility and leadership within their communities. Many of our departments and programs represent professions which adhere to established standards of behavior and ethics; we expect our students to adhere to those standards as well. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from a program of study. For further information, consult your faculty advisor.

Admission to Degree Candidacy

Admission to graduate study as a fully admitted student does not assure admission to candidacy for a degree. A separate and thorough assessment of the degree candidate's progress and work for candidacy will be made by the department within which candidacy is sought. When a department admits a student to degree candidacy, it does so as an expression of a firm belief that the quality of work that a degree-seeking student has completed gives strong evidence of significant potential for successful advanced study within the degree area. Students achieving marginally passing grades in their beginning courses may be dropped from the degree program at the time of review for failing to make a strong case for their continued candidacy.

To be eligible for candidacy a student must:

1. File an application for admission to candidacy with the Chairperson or Administrator, according to the criteria of the department and upon completion of twelve hours of graduate work (30 hours in the doctoral program) with a "B" average. Application forms are available in the deans' offices and in department offices.
2. Meet all prerequisites required by the department as listed in this catalog and the program handbook.

Notification of admission to candidacy is given in writing by the Chairperson of the department.

Standards for Continued Candidacy

A student who obtains two "Fs" in a program, for whatever reason, will be dismissed from the University. Students who fail to maintain a 3.00 average in their coursework once they have achieved candidacy status are subject to probation for two semesters and dismissal from the degree program if 3.00 is not achieved in the third semester.

Transfer of Credit

At least two-thirds of the degree requirements must be met at Marywood. Departments or individual programs may require more hours taken at Marywood and may limit transfer credits to fewer than this limit. Specific credits and numbers of credits accepted for transfer must be approved in writing by the department chairperson in the degree program or graduate certification program to which a student has been fully admitted.

All credits accepted for transfer must have been taken at the graduate level. Bi-level courses are generally unacceptable and must be specifically justified in the student's departmental records. All credits transferred must be equivalent to a "B" grade or better. If a course has been taken on a pass-fail basis there must be a written statement attached to the requested transfer credit that states it is the institutional policy to grant credit only for grades of "B" or better in graduate coursework. Transfer credits must parallel or integrate well, both in terms of content and quality, with current standards at the University. Ordinarily, acceptable transfer credits must have been earned within the five previous calendar years from the date of provisional or regular admission.

An applicant desiring to earn credit at Marywood for transfer to another institution should have an official statement of good standing in the home institution submitted to the Office of Retention Management.

Marywood students desiring to register for credits at another institution to be transferred to Marywood to fulfill specific requirements of a certificate or degree program must receive prior approval of the appropriate department chairperson or administrator and obtain his or her signature on the Authorization for Transfer Credit form. Transfer Credit forms are available in the Deans' offices.

Time Limitation for Degrees

All requirements for a master's or doctoral degree must be completed within seven calendar years unless a specific department requires a different time limitation or the student has been granted a leave of absence for medical or other good reason and the time period for completion extended by the Dean. This period of time is rarely extended. Written application for extension, with full documentation of serious cause, must be made to the Chairperson or Administrator of the department in which the student is enrolled. Any extension must have the approval of both the department and the appropriate Dean.

Leave of Absence Policy

The University will consider a serious student-initiated petition for leave of absence from studies in any degree program. Students who cannot actively pursue their degree studies for more than two consecutive semesters (including summer sessions) are well advised to seek a department approved leave of absence. Without any documented and approved leave of absence recorded, students will be held strictly accountable to the seven-year time limit for degree completion.

The time limit applies to all degree requirements including a degree candidate's professional contribution and any other degree closure experiences/requirements. Failure to return to graduate studies by the specified date from an approved leave of absence will result in the administrative withdrawal of the student fromMarywood by the Registrar.

No leave of absence will be granted without the prior approval of the department dhairperson/program director, administrator, and the appropriate dean. The maximum additional time permitted through any combination of leaves of absence within one degree is two calendar years. Leave of absence petitions must generally be filed with the department/program at least two months prior to the semester they are proposed to take effect.

Withdrawal from the University

A matriculating student who desires to withdraw from Marywood must notify the appropriate department chairperson, administrator, or dean in writing. If enrolled in classes, ordinary procedures for withdrawing from courses and the University's published time line apply. Absence from class does not constitute notice of withdrawal from a course. A student who discontinues attendance at classes without withdrawing officially will receive "F*" in all courses concerned.

Continuous enrollment and consistent progress toward a degree in each academic year is an expectation of the University for all matriculating students. A matriculating student who has not completed any credits toward the degree in a two-year period may be administratively withdrawn from the program.

Reactivation

A former matriculating student who wishes to return after having been withdrawn must reapply for admission. The catalog which is current at the time of readmission will apply. If the student's bid for reactivation is successful, previously earned academic credits will be evaluated in light of their age and applicability to the current curriculum by the appropriate chairperson or administrator.

Registration, Scheduling and Program Change

Registration

Specific registration information is distributed by the Registrar prior to each academic session. Students may register either by mail, by fax (570) 961-4758, by web (if enrolled in a degree, certificate or certification program)through the MarywoodYou portal at https://portal.marywood.edu, or in person for each term during which they expect to attend classes. Matriculating students and those in a certificate or certification program need the approval of the Chairperson/ Advisor, or Administrator; other students need the signature of theDirector of Academic Success in the Office of Retention andAdvising or designee.

A student may be denied further registration if progress toward the completion of his/her planned program of studies becomes unsatisfactory, or in the event of financial delinquency.

Course Load

A full-time student carries from 9-16 semester hours of credit in both fall and spring semesters. Credits in excess of 16 require the approval of the appropriate dean.

Cancelled Courses

Marywood reserves the right to cancel any course, revise subject matter content or alter schedules.

Student Schedule Changes

At the beginning of each semester there is an established period during which a student may make scheduling changes. Students should then follow the specific procedure for schedule changes as published by the Registrar. Students are encouraged to utilize the web system for schedule changes. Students who prefer paper processing can obtain a schedule change form at the Office of Academic Records.

Withdrawal From Courses

Students may withdraw from courses at any time during the semester up to the specific withdrawal deadline date, which is published each semester. A change of schedule form is available at the Office of Academic Records. The official date of withdrawal is the date the completed form is received at that office. Students may utilize the web registration system (degree, certificate, or certification students) if they have received advisor approval. Absence from class does not constitute notice of withdrawal. A student who discontinues attendance in a course without officially withdrawing will receive an "F*" in that course.

Auditing Courses

Upon appropriate advisement, a person who holds a bachelor's degree may register and attend graduate classes as an auditor. The fee for auditing courses is the same as when taking courses for credit. Academic credit will not be given subsequently for courses taken as an auditor.

Graduate Advisement

Each graduate student must seek academic advisement and receive course scheduling approval from the assigned graduate department advisor or chairperson before registering for courses. Students are expected to schedule advising appointments well in advance whenever possible. Students should develop a course of study plan for two semesters or more each time they meet with their advisor. Before taking any elective coursework, each student should have a conference with the advisor to discuss career interests and professional goals. Ultimately, it is the student's responsibility to meet all requirements for his or her program of study.

Graduate students who have not yet been formally accepted into a graduate program should seek academic advisement and receive course scheduling approval from the Office of Retention andAdvising at 570-340-6043.

Scheduling of Classes

Graduate classes taught in the regular academic year are usually scheduled in late afternoons, in evenings and on Saturdays in order to provide the opportunity for individuals engaged in full-time occupations to further their education. Graduate courses are offered during the summer terms in regular daytime and evening classes.

Course Numbering

Courses marked 500 and above are strictly graduate courses. Courses marked 1000 and above are specifically doctoral level courses (Ph.D. program) and those psychology courses in the 700 and 800 series are doctoral level (Psy.D. program). Some courses marked 400 to 499 are bi-level courses. No more than nine graduate credits of a student's total graduate program may be selected from bi-level courses. Only such 400 courses as are offered for graduate credit may be used in this way; undergraduate credits are not applicable to the master's degree. Graduate students enrolled in 400 numbered courses are expected to meet more rigorous requirements than undergraduates in the same course.

Change of Program or Field of Study

Students who wish to change from one department to another must file a reapplication with the University Admissions Office. Their applications will be reviewed by the faculty of the new department.

A student who wishes to change a field of study within a department must file an Academic Goal Change within Department Authorization Form, available at the Academic Records Office or Deans' Offices.

Grading, Records and Transcripts

Grading System

To receive credit for a course, students must meet all course requirements. The responsibility for completing assigned work and for understanding material covered in class rests fully on the student.

Grades are recorded at the end of each semester and each summer session. Any inaccuracy must be reported in writing to the registrar immediately. Student coursework is graded according to the following scale:
A = 4.00
A- = 3.67
B+ = 3.33
B = 3.00
B- = 2.67
C+ = 2.33
C = 2.00
F = 0.00
F* = 0.00 Failure to resolve “I” grade; unofficial withdrawal
X = Temporary delay in reporting final grade
I - Incomplete
IP - In progress (restricted; used for grading certain Professional Contributions)
S - Satisfactory
U - Unsatisfactory
W - Withdrew officially
WP - Withdrew officially with passing grade
WF - Withdrew officially with failing grade
AD - Audit

The grade average expected of graduate students is "B." Grades of "S" and "U" may be given to indicate satisfactory and unsatisfactory performance in institutes, seminars or practicum-type courses. No course in which the grade earned is less than "C" is credited toward the degree. A "B" average is needed to graduate.

The "X" indicates that credit for the session's work in the course is withheld pending completion of course requirements. Unlike the "I", the "X" is initiated by the faculty member or, in certain circumstances, the registrar. The "X" grade must be resolved in the same manner as an "I".

The standing "Incomplete" (I) is given to a student who has done satisfactory work in a course but has not completed the course requirements because of illness or some other emergency situation. The student must submit a written request for the grade "I" to the course instructor. (Forms are available at the Office of Academic Records.) A faculty member is not permitted to assign "Incomplete" unless the student has requested it and is eligible under the above conditions. An "Incomplete" in a course taken for credit must be resolved within one month after the opening of the following semester or the grade becomes a permanent "F*". The student is responsible for making satisfactory arrangements with the teacher for completion of course requirements. After an "Incomplete" has been changed to a failing grade, a student must retake the course concerned to obtain credit.

There is one exception to the "I" grade rule. This applies to Professional Contributions (555-0 credit). An "IP" will regularly be granted for up to one year in accordance with University policy.

The standing "Failure" (F or F*) indicates that the student has not obtained any credit for the semester's work. If it is a required course, it must be repeated. However, a course may be repeated only one time.

Any grade, excluding "I" and "X," is retained on the student's record, but is removed from the computation of the QPA when a student retakes the course and earns a higher grade in the retake.

Academic Appeal

The document defining the policies and procedures for grade appeals can be obtained in the deans' offices. The University Academic Appeals Process is followed for other academic related events and/or student grievances. Marywood University recognizes the need to assure students a prompt, impartial, and fair hearing of their grievances related to academic matters. A student who feels that s/he has been treated unfairly or unjustly by instructional staff, chair or dean with regard to an academic matter has a right to grieve according to approved procedures available in deans' offices. Note: The University's Civil Rights Policy and Grade Appeals policy supersede this Student Academic Grievance policy. Students may reference the Academic Appeal section in the University Calendar/Student Handbook for academic grievance procedures or contact their dean's office.
 

Academic Records

A student who believes that an error has been made in assignment of a grade must initiate immediate contact with the instructor of the course; any changes made by the faculty member must be made within 90 days of the end of the semester for which the grade was assigned, or in the case of resolution of a temporary grade ("I" or "X"), within 90 days of the filing of that grade.

The student is responsible for reporting to the Office of Academic Records any other error on the academic record within 30 days after a grade or other academic record report is made available to the student. Marywood University will not be liable for unreported errors on student records.

Transcripts

A transcript is issued only upon the written request of the student. A transcript form (or letter) should be submitted for each transcript requested. Transcript forms are available at the Office of Academic Records, or on the Registrar's web page on the Marywood University website.

An official transcript (one bearing the school seal) is normally sent directly to the school district, business, etc., indicated by the student. An unofficial student copy may be sent directly to a student upon request. A fee is charged for each transcript.

Marywood University will not forward the transcript of any student who has a financial indebtedness to the institution.

Confidentiality of Student Records

Marywood University intends to comply fully with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. This act was designated to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their educational records and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. A policy statement explains in detail the procedures to be used by Marywood for compliance with the provisions of the act. Copies of the policy statement can be found in the Office of the Registrar and the Offices of the Deans.

Students may also reference Policies and Procedures in the University Calendar/Student Handbook.

Graduation Requirements

Academic Standards for Degree Closure Experiences

All closure experiences must involve substantive evidence of serious reflection, adequate integration and appropriate synthesis of program learning experiences and curricular objectives. Closure experiences must also encourage and promote selfdiscipline, self-motivation, and self-understanding within degree candidates through the specific requirements defined by the department offering the closure experience.

Professional Contribution/Thesis/Dissertation

A Professional Contribution or Thesis is a requirement of the master's degree in most departments. The Professional Contribution constitutes a scholarly endeavor that may take the form of a minor thesis, a scholarly paper, a work of art, a recital, internship or other form that demonstrates the student's ability to deal in depth with the sources and/or materials in the field of concentration. Copies of the guidelines for Theses or Professional Contributions may be obtained in the departmental office or the Offices of the Deans.

 

Comprehensive Examination

 

A final comprehensive examination-written, oral or both-must be passed by the degree candidate, if required by the student's department. This examination is given once in the fall, spring, and summer. The precise dates are listed in the Marywood calendar. In case of failure in the comprehensives, a student may be given a second examination within a reasonable time at the discretion of the department chairperson and with the approval of the appropriate dean. A formal written request for permission to take the comprehensives must be sent to the Chairperson or Administrator of the department at least one month prior to the date set on the calendar for the examination.

Students will be informed in writing of the time and place of the examination two weeks prior to the date of the examination.

A record of examination results signed by the department Chairperson or Administrator will be submitted to the appropriate Dean. The student will receive written notification of the examination results from the department Chairperson or Administrator.

Quality Point Average

No student will qualify for the awarding of a degree who has not achieved a minimum 3.00 ("B") QPA. No course in which the student has earned less than a "C" shall be applied toward the degree.

Graduation Registration

At the time of enrollment for the last semester of work toward a degree, the student registers for graduation. This initiates clearance toward graduation by the department Chairperson, Administrator, and the appropriate Dean. The student is billed for the graduation fee, along with tuition and fees for the semester. Application for graduation will not be accepted after the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters or the first week of a summer session. Students anticipating graduation must submit an Application for Graduation in WebAdvisor via the MarywoodYou Portal.

Delivery of Services

Marywood University assumes no liability, and expressly negates any liability, for failure to provide or for delay in providing educational or related services or facilities, or for any other failure or delay in performance arising out of or due to causes beyond its reasonable control. Such causes may include, without limitation, power failure, fire, damage by the elements, acts of God, and acts of public authorities. Marywood University will exercise reasonable efforts, if appropriate, to provide comparable or substantially equivalent services, facilities, or performance. Its inability or failure to do so, however, shall not subject it to liability. 

This catalog contains current information regarding Marywood's calendar, admissions, degree requirements, fees, and regulations. However, Marywood University reserves the right, in its sole judgment, to promulgate and change rules and regulations and to make changes of any nature in its program, calendar, admissions policies, procedures and standards, degree requirements, fees, and academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including, without limitation, changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes, canceling of scheduled classes, and other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

Graduate students are expected to be familiar with and follow all policy statements in the University Calendar/Student Handbook which is published annually. Graduate students may also refer to this catalog and departmental handbooks (if applicable) for more specific policy and procedural statements.