Academic Calendar
Salve Regina's academic year includes a fall and spring semester and two summer sessions. Calendar information may be found in the Schedule of Classes in the Registrar's Office, at the beginning of this catalog, and on the website at www.salve.edu/calendars/calendars.cfm.
Academic Load
Students may pursue graduate degrees on either a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time graduate
students take at least three and no more than four courses (nine to twelve credits) in a degree
program each semester. Please note that not all graduate programs offer courses for full-time
study. Students employed full-time are advised to register for no more than two courses (six
credits) each semester. Students are also advised to register for no more than one course each
summer session.
All graduate courses are three credits unless otherwise noted.
Attendance
For on-campus courses, class participation is considered an essential part of the educational
experience. Students are expected to attend all classes and to be responsible for course content.
Faculty members establish attendance policies for their courses.
Cancellations
Classes canceled due to inclement weather or other emergencies will be announced through the University's central switchboard (401-847-6650), local radio and television stations, and on the website at www.salve.edu/salvetoday/index.cfm.
Confidentiality of Student Information
Procedures for the release and disclosure of student records maintained by the University are in
accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (FERPA).
Where the law is silent, the University is guided by the principles that the privacy of an individual
is of great importance and that as much information in a student's file as possible should be
disclosed to the student upon request. University officials may have access to student information
when access is necessary for legitimate educational interests such as appropriate advising
relating to the student's academic or campus life. Third parties have access to personally
identifiable student records or information only with the student's written consent or as
otherwise provided by FERPA. Parents and guardians are considered third parties who need a
written release signed by the student to gain access to student records (Parental Release form).
Detailed guidelines for release and disclosure of information are available from the Registrar's
Office. These guidelines comply with FERPA and the Students' Right to Know/Campus
Security Act of 1990. A detailed description of student rights under FERPA is contained in
the Student Handbook.
Required graduate and undergraduate student theses and other papers authored by students may be made available by the University for the research purposes of third parties with the students' permission.
Course Numbers
Graduate-level courses have numbers of 500 and above. Courses of 600 and above are limited to doctoral or CAGS students.
Course Changes
Students may add and drop courses without academic penalty any time prior to the second class meeting. If a student does not officially drop or withdraw from a course prior to the last class, a final grade will be given.
Graduation Requirements
To qualify for graduation, candidates must be fully matriculated into their respective graduate programs and complete all requirements with a minimum grade point average of 2.70. All students in the master's degree programs must complete the Graduate Student Enhancement Program.
Graduation Procedures
Candidates intending to graduate must submit a completed File for Degree Form in the Office of the Registrar prior to Commencement. All program requirements must be complete before conferral of the degree and participation in commencement ceremonies. Where applicable, the following documents also must be on file prior to graduation:
- Official transcripts validating any transfer credit to be applied toward the degree
- Evidence of an Exit Interview with the
Director of Financial Aid
Graduate Student Enhancement Program
All students completing their graduate degree exclusively through online study must complete the Graduate Student Enhancement Program.
Independent Study/Research
Matriculated graduate students who want to pursue independent study/research for credit, need
to discuss proposed work with the instructor and Program Director. If the proposal is approved,
a proposal form (available in the Registrar's Office) is completed, signed and presented at
Registration.
Leave of Absence
Students who decide not to enroll in courses for two or more consecutive semesters must
request, in writing, a leave of absence from the Dean of Graduate Studies. Students returning to
classes after an absence of two or more consecutive semesters without an approved leave are
required to apply for readmission. Readmission forms may be obtained from the Graduate
Studies office.
Non-credit Registration
Matriculated students in good academic standing may audit courses to receive an AU (no credit)
on their transcript. They must complete all course requirements except exams. Unless stated
otherwise, tuition for audited courses is the same as courses taken for credit. Students may not
change registration from credit to audit or audit to credit after the end of the first week of class.
Time Limitations
Master's degree work must be completed within five years of matriculation and doctoral work
must be completed within seven years of the comprehensive examination.
Transfer of Credit
Students may transfer up to 40% of the credits required of a particular graduate program if
the following conditions apply: courses are appropriate for that particular graduate program;
students received a grade of B or better in each course requested for transfer; credits transferred
were not applied toward a previous degree; credits were obtained from a regionally accredited
institution, and credits were earned within eight years of request to transfer.
Transfer credits must be authorized by the Dean of Graduate Studies after recommendation
by the Program Director.
Students who have completed courses approved by the American Council of Education
(ACE) at non-degree granting military or professional schools may request additional
transfer credits up to a total of 18.
Students with a CPCU designation may transfer 12 credits into either management program at
the master's level.
Transcripts
Transcripts are released following a written student request and payment of the appropriate fee
or when mandated by law. Transcript services may be denied to students who have outstanding
financial obligations at the University.
Withdrawal from a Course
Students who want to withdraw from a course after the drop/add deadline must make this
request in writing and have it approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies. They can do so by submitting a course withdrawal form (available from the Registrar's Office), writing a letter, or
sending a fax. If the request is approved, a grade of "W" will appear on the student's transcript.
All withdrawal requests must be received by the Graduate Studies Office prior to the last class
meeting. Please refer to the "Financial Information" section of this catalog for details on tuition
refunds.
Students who seek to withdraw from an online course must notify the Graduate Extension
Study Office by e-mail or fax. If the request is approved, a grade of "W" will appear on the
student's transcript. All withdrawal requests must be received by the Graduate Extension
Studies Office prior to the last week of class. Please refer to the "Financial Information" section
of this catalog for details on tuition refunds.
Withdrawal from the University
If a decision is made to withdraw from the University during the academic year, students should
submit a completed withdrawal form to the Graduate Studies Office. Failure to enroll in courses
for two consecutive semesters without an approved leave results in automatic withdrawal from
the University. Students who are automatically withdrawn must apply for readmission should
they wish to resume their studies.
Time is of the essence for tuition refunds; the date the request for withdrawal is received will
determine the percentage of tuition refunded to the student. Students who do not complete the
required forms may be responsible for full semester tuition charges. Please refer to the
"Financial Information" section of this catalog for details on tuition refunds. Students who
receive financial aid must arrange for an exit interview with the Director of Financial Aid.
