Academic Standing and Progress

Program Length

The baccalaureate degree program at Immaculata University requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. Normal progress toward achieving a degree in four years for a student in the College of Undergraduate Studies or the College of Nursing and Health Professions requires eight semesters of 12 to18 credits, depending on the curriculum sequence of each major.

Full and Part Time Status

To be classified as full-time, an undergraduate student must carry a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester. A student carrying 11 or fewer credit hours is considered part-time. Part-time status may impact billing, financial aid and eligibility for residence. Normally, a full-time student may only have one part-time semester.

Registration – Maximum Credits per Term

Students who wish to enroll in more than 20 credit hours during a semester must obtain approval from the appropriate College Dean.

Academic Standing

The purpose of academic standing is to support students in successfully achieving their educational and graduation goals by providing a clear framework for measuring academic progress. To maintain good standing, at the University level, students must earn and maintain a minimum institutional (cumulative) grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. Individual programs may require students to maintain a higher GPA to persist in the program.

Academic standing is reviewed at the conclusion of each semester to help students understand their academic progress and identify any areas where additional support or improvement may be needed. In addition, undergraduate students are required to complete a credit check with their professional advisor during the second semester of their junior year. This process is intended to assist students in confirming that they are progressing appropriately toward degree completion and meeting all graduation requirements.

Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisors when planning course schedules to ensure that all requirements identified during the credit check are successfully completed.

Students who fall below a 2.0 GPA may be subject to institutional intervention strategies designed to support academic success, promote continued progress toward degree completion, and connect students with appropriate University resources and assistance. Students whose institutional (cumulative) GPA falls below 1.0 at the conclusion of the first semester may be academically dismissed from the University. In addition, the University reserves the right to academically dismiss a student at any time if the student’s academic performance is deemed unsatisfactory.

Specific academic programs may have internally or externally mandated requirements that must also be met. Such requirements are published in the Catalog in the section for those specific academic majors. Students participating in Federal Financial Aid or other student aid programs are subject to specific satisfactory academic progress requirements that impact continued financial aid eligibility. The University administers financial aid programs according to the regulations set forth by the United States Department of Education and other regulatory bodies. These requirements are articulated in the Satisfactory Academic Progress Federal and Other Student Aid Programs policy.

Definitions

1. Good Standing:

Students are considered to be in Good Standing when they meet the minimum institutional (cumulative) 2.0 GPA requirement.

2. Academic Warning:

A student previously in Good Standing who falls below the required minimum 2.0 institutional (cumulative) GPA will be placed on Academic Warning for the next term of enrollment. A student who re-establishes the required minimum institutional (cumulative) 2.0 GPA at the conclusion of the Academic Warning term will return to Good Standing.

3. Academic Recovery:

At the conclusion of an Academic Warning or Academic Probation term, a student who has not yet achieved the required minimum institutional (cumulative) GPA of 2.0, but who demonstrates satisfactory academic progress during the term, will be placed on Academic Recovery for the next term of enrollment.

A student may remain on Academic Recovery as long as satisfactory academic progress is maintained each term, even if the institutional (cumulative) GPA has not yet reached the required minimum of 2.0.

Once a student’s institutional (cumulative) GPA meets the required minimum, the student will return to Good Standing.

4. Academic Probation:

A student who has been on Academic Warning or Academic Recovery and whose institutional GPA or term performance does not meet the required minimum standards will be placed on Academic Probation for the next term of enrollment. A student who reestablishes the required institutional (cumulative) GPA at the conclusion of the Academic Probation term will return to Good Standing.

5. Academic Suspension:

A student who has been on Academic Probation or Academic Recovery and whose institutional (cumulative) GPA and term performance do not meet the required minimum standards will be placed on Academic Suspension and will not be permitted to register for or continue enrollment during the following academic term.

6. Academic Dismissal:

A student whose institutional (cumulative) GPA and academic performance continue to fall below the required minimum standard following a term of Academic Suspension may be academically dismissed from the University.

Determination of Progress for Academic Standing

Academic standing is determined during end-of-term processing, at which point students are assigned one of the following:

• Good Standing
• Academic Warning
• Academic Recovery (Warning term)
• Academic Probation
• Academic Recovery (Probation term)
• Academic Suspension
• Academic Dismissal

Requirements for Students on Academic Warning

• Review University academic support resources and success strategies;
• Discuss specific academic requirements for your program with your academic advisor; investigate other major or program options when advised
• Participate in academic success workshops, tutoring, supplemental instruction, or other support services as recommended;
• Develop an academic improvement plan when requested by the University;
• Complete any outreach or communication from designated academic support offices.
• Failure to complete required academic standing interventions may result in registration holds, limitations on course registration, or additional academic action.

Requirements for Students on Academic Recovery

• Continue participation in academic support services or interventions previously recommended;
• Discuss specific academic requirements for your program with your academic advisor; investigate other major or program options when advised
• Complete progress monitoring activities established by the University;
• Maintain satisfactory term GPA performance as defined by the University;
• Comply with any conditions established as part of an academic improvement or recovery plan.
• Failure to complete required academic standing interventions may result in registration holds, limitations on course registration, or additional academic action.

Requirements for Students on Academic Probation

• Meet regularly, as required, with an academic coach;
• Complete a written academic recovery or success plan;
• Participate in tutoring, academic workshops, supplemental instruction, or other support services as recommended;
• Limit enrollment to a reduced academic course load as determined by the University;
• Discuss specific academic requirements for your program with your academic advisor; investigate other major or program options when advised
• Satisfy any additional conditions established by the appropriate academic office.
• Failure to complete required academic standing interventions may result in registration holds, limitations on course registration, or additional academic action.

Academic Suspension Appeals

Students seeking to appeal Academic Suspension must submit a written appeal to the designated University office or committee within three weeks of the Academic Suspension Notice.

The appeal should:

• Explain the extenuating circumstances that contributed to the student’s academic performance;
• Describe what has changed that will support improved academic success;
• Outline specific steps the student will take to improve academic performance moving forward;
• Include supporting documentation when appropriate.

Documentation may include, but is not limited to:

• Medical documentation;
• Counseling or treatment verification;
• Evidence of personal or family circumstances;
• Military obligations;
• Employment changes;
• Other relevant supporting information.

Submission of an appeal does not guarantee reinstatement.

Students whose appeals are approved may be required to comply with one or more conditions for continued enrollment, including:

• Academic Probation or Academic Recovery status;
• Reduced course load limitations;
• Investigate other major or program options when advised
• Mandatory meetings with an academic advisor or designated University representative;
• Participation in academic support services, workshops, tutoring, or coaching;
• Completion of an academic success or recovery plan;
• Restrictions on course modality or enrollment;
• Minimum semester GPA requirements;
• Periodic academic progress reviews.

Failure to comply with the conditions of reinstatement may result in additional academic action, including dismissal from the University.

Academic Dismissal Status

The academic standing process provides students with multiple opportunities to address their academic progress and demonstrate improvement prior to dismissal. Once academic dismissal is determined, the decision is final and is not subject to appeal.

Declaration/Verification of Major

Full time, undergraduate students should declare a field of concentration major in the second semester of freshman year and no later than the end of the first semester of the sophomore year. Each department will verify the eligibility of students to continue in the major at this time with the Executive Director in the Center for Undergraduate Advising. A part-time student generally declares a major at the time of admission.

To change a major program of studies, a student must complete the Change of Field of Concentration form available the Center for Undergraduate Advising.

Enrichment Study

Non-degree seeking students, which includes non-matriculated, enrichment, or dual enrollment students, may not enroll for more than the maximum credit limit (per term and overall) permitted for those not enrolled in a degree or certificate program. The maximum number of credits, per term and overall, are as follows:

Per Semester/Time Period	Maximum number of credits
Fall or Spring	12
Winter	3
Summer	9
Overall (total) Credits Permitted	24

Enrollment

Students are limited to 20 credits for the full semester, 6 credits for any half term, and 3 credits for a winter term.  In exceptional circumstances, students may be permitted to take additional credits, but these exceptions must be reviewed and approved by the dean.

Independent Study

Students interested in an independent study must consult with their division chair and the appropriate dean for approval. Generally, independent studies are not given in regularly scheduled courses.

Leave of Absence Policy

A student who is unable to continue enrollment due to a serious illness, personal or professional circumstances, extraordinary employment requirements, military service, or other significant reasons may request a leave of absence (LOA) from the University. An approved LOA allows a temporary interruption of studies with the expectation that the student will return to complete their academic program.

A leave of absence may be approved for up to one year and requires approval from the dean of the appropriate college. Students must submit a written request outlining the reason for the leave and the anticipated return date. Requests should be submitted prior to the start of the leave whenever possible. Requests submitted after the start of the leave period will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may require additional documentation.

There must be a reasonable expectation that the student will return from the leave of absence. Leaves of absence will not be approved for students who are subject to academic dismissal, disqualification, disciplinary action, or who are otherwise ineligible to continue enrollment. The dean will determine any conditions that must be satisfied before the student's return and will notify the Registrar's Office of the approved leave.

If a student is enrolled in courses at the time the leave of absence is approved, the Registrar's Office will:

1. Assign grades of W for all current-term courses, as applicable.
2. Remove the student from all future course registrations.
3. Code the student with a leave of absence status and record the applicable begin and end dates of the leave.

During the Leave of Absence

Students on an approved leave of absence may return to the University without completing the readmission process, provided they return within the approved leave period.

Undergraduate students on a leave of absence may not enroll at another institution without prior approval from the dean. In addition, undergraduate students may not reside in University housing, participate in intercollegiate athletics, or participate in registered student organizations during the leave period.

Returning from a Leave of Absence

Prior to registration, students must contact the dean of their college to confirm that conditions associated with the leave have been satisfied and to obtain authorization to return.

Students who return within the approved leave period will continue under the catalog requirements in effect at the time of their original admission, subject to any accreditation, licensure, or program-specific requirements that may require curriculum changes.

Failure to Return

Students who do not return at the conclusion of the approved leave period will be considered withdrawn from the University effective the first day of the leave. Students who remain absent for more than one year, or who seek to extend a leave beyond one year, must apply for readmission and will be subject to the academic policies, curriculum requirements, tuition rates, and financial aid policies in effect at the time of readmission.

Financial Aid and Tuition Considerations

Students considering a leave of absence should consult with the Office of Financial Aid regarding the impact on financial aid eligibility and loan repayment obligations.

A student granted an approved leave of absence is not considered withdrawn from the University. If the student is a Title IV aid recipient, no Return of Title IV Funds calculation will be required during the approved leave period. Upon the student's return from the leave of absence, the student will continue to earn the federal financial aid previously awarded for the payment period, as permitted by federal regulations. Loan repayment generally does not begin while the student remains in an approved leave of absence, although the grace period may be affected depending on the circumstances.

Students receiving federal financial aid who fail to return from an approved leave of absence within two consecutive semesters may require the University to return federal funds in accordance with federal regulations and may result in the expiration of any applicable loan grace period.

Students who withdraw, fail to return from a leave of absence within two consecutive semesters, or are required to seek readmission may be subject to the tuition and financial aid policies in effect at the time of their return.

For undergraduate students in the College of Undergraduate Studies or the College of Nursing and Health Professions who remain enrolled part-time for more than two consecutive fall and spring semesters and later return to full-time status, tuition and financial aid will be assessed based on the rates and policies in effect at that time. Exceptions may be approved by the Vice President for Finance and Administration or designee.

Readmission

Students granted readmission to the university after an absence of more than one full calendar year (12 contiguous months or longer) are subject to the rules and policies of the catalog under which they are readmitted. Readmitted students may be re-enrolled in their previously-declared major if the program is available at the university at the time of their readmission. (See separate procedures associated with leave of absence/stop out above.)

Discontinued Programs

Occasionally, programs may be put on hiatus / discontinued. Programs which have been discontinued will be unavailable to readmitted students. Readmitted students who were previously enrolled in a now-discontinued major must select a new major from those available in the current catalog.

Withdrawal from the University

Students who wish to withdraw completely from the University must submit a written request and complete the University's official withdrawal process.

Students withdrawing from the University before the end of the term must also complete the official course withdrawal process for all enrolled courses. Complete withdrawal from the University is distinct from withdrawing from one or more individual courses. Course withdrawal deadlines are published in the Academic Calendar and remain in effect regardless of the date a student withdraws from the University. Students who do not officially withdraw from their courses by the applicable withdrawal deadline will receive the grade earned in each course.

Students who receive federal, state, or institutional financial aid are encouraged to notify the Office of Financial Aid before withdrawing, as withdrawal may affect financial aid eligibility.

Students who completely withdraw from the University must be formally readmitted before resuming their studies. Students who have not enrolled for one year will be considered inactive and must apply for readmission before returning.

Undergraduate students must consult with the Center of Undergraduate Advising when they are considering withdrawing from the University. A withdrawal is not considered official until this process has been completed.

Students seeking readmission after withdrawing must reapply through the admissions process.