Online Studies Office
Students can reach us 24 hours a day by leaving a message, e-mailing, or faxing.
Toll-free: (800) 637-0002
Fax: (401) 341-2931
E-mail: onlinestudies@salve.edu
Policies & Procedures
General
Tuition & Fees
Financial Aid
Military
Registration
Incompletes/Withdrawals
Graduate Student Enhancement Program
Grades
Academic Honor Code
Completion of Degree Requirement/Graduation
Procedures for Submission of Course Assignments
Communication with the Extension Study Office
General
Although Online Studies offers a flexible approach to learning, there are regulations which must be observed and requirements which must be met. It is the responsibility of all students enrolled in online courses to familiarize themselves with, and adhere to, the contents of the following procedures in order to gain the maximum benefit from their studies.
Nonmatriculated Status
Non-matriculated students are those who have not completed the admissions process. At the graduate level, a non-matriculated student may pursue coursework in this status only until a total of 9 credits have been earned.
Tuition & Fees
The University reserves the right to change tuition and fees. A current listing of tuition and fees is printed in all registration materials. Charges are payable in advance, and registration remains incomplete until all financial obligations are met. Some courses have special fees. Students may refer to the Schedule of Classes for specific information and tuition and fees.
Checks returned for insufficient funds are charged to student accounts. Students are responsible for costs incurred by the University to collect overdue accounts.
Tuition for 2008-2009
$380.00 per credit - for all graduate Online Studies courses. All courses are 3 credit hours.
General Fees
- Application to the University: $50.00
- Commitment Fee: $100.00
- Course Continuation Fee: $150.00 (Applicable only to online, self-paced courses, campus code 90)
- Graduation Fee/Master's Degree: $200.00
- Transcript Fee: $ 5.00
- Registration fee: $40.00 per semester
Method of Payment
Tuition charges and fees may be paid by MasterCard, VISA, check or money order made out to Salve Regina University. Foreign students must make arrangements to pay charges with American currency.
All online courses (campus codes 61, 90 and 95) must be paid in full at the time of registration, except in cases of military tuition assistance, employer tuition reimbursement or Financial Aid.
Financial Aid
Salve Regina University assists students in applying for loans through the Federal Family Educational Loan Programs, particularly the Federal Stafford Loans. These loans are available to all students and may be used to fund education at the University provided the student maintains continuous quantitative and qualitative progress.
Benefits for Veterans and Active Duty Service Persons
Eligibility
Courses taken online are approved for veterans, servicemen and women currently on active duty, and for certain wives, widows, and children. Contact your local Veteran's Administration Office or Educational Officer for further information about your eligibility.
Reimbursement
Students are required to pay Salve Regina the full amount of tuition and fees when enrolling for Online Studies courses. Those eligible for tuition assistance or VA benefits will be reimbursed by the appropriate government agency. Only matriculated students will receive reimbursement payments.
See our Military section below for more information.
Military
Salve Regina University is committed to helping members of the armed forces achieve their educational goals. We offer flexible course scheduling, accept transfer credits from service colleges, and will work with you in the event of a deployment.
Transfer of Military Credits
Normally, only 40% of the total program credits are eligible for transfer into the graduate programs at Salve Regina University. The University however does recognize the unique situation of military members who are not located in one area long enough to obtain a graduate degree in the traditional manner. Accordingly, Salve Regina University will accept up to 18 credits earned at military schools, colleges, or universities in accordance with the recommendations made by the American Council of Education and in accordance with the University transfer policy regarding academic performance.
- Navy War College graduates of non-degree granting programs may be eligible for a maximum of 18 earned credits in transfer for any of the programs offered.
- Marine Command and Staff College graduates of non-degree granting programs may be eligible for a maximum of 18 earned credits in transfer for any of the programs offered.
- Army War College graduates from the resident or seminar programs may be eligible for a maximum of 18 earned credits in transfer.
- Graduates of the Air War College resident, seminar or correspondence program may be eligible to receive a maximum of 18 earned credits in transfer.
- Graduates from the Air Command and General Staff College residence or correspondence program may be eligible for a maximum of 18 credits in transfer.
- National War College graduates may be eligible to transfer in 12-18 credits, depending on the year of attendance.
- Credits for graduates of the Army Command and General Staff or Industrial College of Armed Forces may be determined upon receipt of the official transcript.
Students transferring the maximum of 18 credits will have completed the residency requirement. Transfer of 15 credits or less requires a brief residency requirement of attending a Graduate Online Studies Conference.
Tuition Information
In order to process registrations for students using military tuition assistance, students must submit a Tuition Assistance form along with the registration and their portion of the payment.
The TA form must include the specific classes for which the student is seeking registration. It must also include the correct amount to be paid. This form can be obtained from your base education office.
Registration
Students may register for an Online Studies course at any time. Check the schedule for available courses. Self-paced courses are designated as campus code 90, Online Interactive courses are designated as campus code 95. Payment must be made at the time of registration.
You may register online, or print the form and fax or mail your registration. Please allow 7-10 days for us to process your registration.
All course materials are accessed online through the university's My WebCourses course management system. Following processing of their registrations, students in self-paced courses will receive at their Salve e-mail address an e-mail notification giving My WebCourses access information and their course start and end dates. Students in Online Interactive courses will be notified at least two business days before the start of class.
Self-paced courses (campus code 90) are available year round. Students have four months to complete the course. We recommend that the first Learning Unit assignment be turned in within 30 days of the course start date.
Online Interactive courses (campus code 95) have specific start and end dates. Most run eight weeks, though a few run the full semester.
Textbooks are available for purchase from the online bookstore. Textbooks are ordered by section number: 90 or 95. Textbooks should be ordered at time of registration.
Students unable to complete the work within the designated time for a course should carefully read the guidelines for the incomplete process and the course withdrawal process.
Incompletes/Withdrawals
Students who have not completed all course work and believe they have valid academic reasons may submit a written request for an Incomplete to the Online Studies office before the end date of their course. If an extension is granted the student will be notified of the date that all work must be completed. If the work is not completed by the stated date, the grade becomes an F. There is a fee of $150.00 for an Incomplete.
Incomplete and "NG" grades differ in their effect upon the GPA. It is highly important for students to complete all assigned course requirements by the scheduled end date of their courses. But when students see they will not be able to do so, it is equally important that they follow the procedure for requesting an Incomplete grade.
Incomplete grades are neutral - they have no effect on the GPA. However, it is crucial for the student to finish the work by the completion date indicated on the form; otherwise the Incomplete will become an "F."
In contrast, "NG" signifies "no grade submitted by the instructor," and is recorded when the instructor does not submit a grade when it is due, following the scheduled end date of a course. Unlike the Incomplete, the "NG" grade has exactly the same effect as an "F" on the GPA. If not resolved within 60 days, the "NG" is changed to an actual "F" grade. As a reminder, students who believe an error was made in the calculation of their grade should follow the grade review process.
Course Withdrawal
Students who plan to withdraw from a course must notify the Graduate Online Studies Office by fax at (401) 341-2931) or by e-mail at onlinestudies@salve.edu before the end date of the course. If the request is approved, the student's transcript will show a "W". A valid reason is required to withdraw from a course.
Refunds for Online Courses
Students who request permission to withdraw are entitled to a partial refund of tuition and fees as follows:
- Refund for full-semester and 4-month courses:
- 100% before class begins
- 90% before start of the second week of the semester
- 80% before start of the third week of the semester
- 70% before start of the fourth week of the semester
- 60% before start of the fifth week of the semester
- 50% before start of the sixth week of the semester
- 0% after the start of the sixth week of the semester
- Refund for eight-week long course:
- 100% before class begins
- 80% before the 10th calendar day from start of course
- 60% before the 16th calendar day from start of course
- 0% after the 15th calendar day from the start of the course
Refunds of tuition will be calculated based on the date the Graduate Online Study Office receives written official request for withdrawal. All fees are non-refundable. The University reserves the right to charge an administrative fee for refunds of this nature.
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.
Withdrawal from the Program
Students wishing to withdraw from the program must submit a request in writing to the Director of the Online Studies program requesting withdrawal.
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.
Graduate Student Enhancement Program
All students completing their graduate degree exclusively through online study must complete the Graduate Student Enhancement Program. This program is outlined below:
Students read selected material on the mission of the University provided through the Salve Regina website located in Graduate Studies and Continuing Education, and then write a reflective paper describing how they will integrate aspects of the University's mission into their personal and professional development during the course of their graduate studies.
The paper should include an explanation of how you plan to utilize your educational experiences consistent with the values, ethics and direction developed during your studies at Salve Regina University.
It is expected that this assignment will be submitted prior to your graduation from Salve Regina University. While this assignment is not graded, it would helpful, for example, to reflect on how your education has changed your world view.
Please submit this paper to the office of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education. The paper can also be e-mailed to graduate_studies@salve.edu.
Grades
The following grades are used to describe graduate student performance on assignments and in courses.
Grade
Point Value
P Pass
Indicates student registered on Pass/Fail basis and passed. Usually they may only register P/F for electives, and it must be done before the third week in the semester. Course credit is received but P has no point value and is not computed in the GPA.
I Incomplete
Given when a course requirement has not been completed. Must be resolved by date on the Incomplete form or "I" becomes an "F."
W withdrawal
Course withdrawn from with permission. Students may not withdraw after the last course meeting. No credit is awarded.
NG no grade submitted
Must become a grade within 60 days or NG becomes F. No credit.
Online Student Grade Reports and Schedules
For more than two years, Salve Regina students have been able to obtain semester grades online by accessing their "My Salve" personal information. Because this effective service provides much faster student access and is now used commonly, the University does not mail semester grade reports. Those who need printable copies can obtain them quickly and easily online with a single click when they access their grades at "My Salve."
How to access your student class schedule and grades:
- Using the "My Salve" section login with
- Username: Salve e-mail Username (example: doej or john.doe)
- Password: Student ID number
- Principle role: Student
- After entering the "My Salve" page, click on "My Information" and enter the same username and password. It is always recommended that users change their password after entering this secure site.
- Students without web access. The few students who do not have web access at home may ask the Registrar's Office to mail a semester grade report to the home address.
- Outstanding financial obligations. Grade reports may be denied to students with outstanding financial obligations. In such cases, however, students still have the right to view their grades in a visit to the Office of the Registrar.
Academic Honor Code
All students are expected to accept and abide by the values of honesty, integrity, and truthfulness in their academic work. Sanctions imposed by course instructors for academic dishonesty - such as plagiarism or cheating - range from failing the work involved to failing the course, to being dismissed. Records of violations and sanctions are maintained in student files. Appeals are to be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Vice President's designate.
Completion of Degree Requirement/Graduation
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.
All outstanding financial obligations to the University must also be met, including payment of graduation fee.
Time Limitations
Masters degree work must be completed within five years of matriculation.
Filing for a Degree
Students planning to graduate at the Spring Commencement must complete a File for Degree form available in the Registrar's Office prior to commencement.
Transcripts
Transcripts are released following a student's 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.
Procedures for Submission of Course Assignments
Honor and Integrity
All assignments submitted to the Online Studies Office must represent the individual student's own work. In addition, papers written for other courses may not be "recycled," even in part. Violation of these policies may result in failure in the course and dismissal from the University.
Submission of Assignments
All self-paced courses are structured in learning units. The time limit for completion of each course is four months, therefore, students should plan to complete a learning unit and submit an assignment every three weeks. Students may submit only one unit assignment at a time for instructor feedback and comments. Once you have submitted an assignment, begin working on the next learning unit immediately.
All course materials come with directions for preparing and transmitting assignments. Adherence to these directions is critical for processing and grading purposes. Students should keep a copy of the assignment in case the original gets lost in transmission.
Style
All submitted assignments should conform to one of the three most widely used styles: Turabian style, Modern Language Association of America (MLA) style or American Psychological Association of America (APA) style.
Some courses contain requirements for a series of short responses. The nature of the requirement and the instructor's directions should dictate the style and format of such responses.
Syntax and Spelling
The main virtue in any presentation is clarity. However, lack of clarity is more easily perceived by the reader than the writer. Consequently, students should pay particular attention to sentence and paragraph structure. Where appropriate, the instructor will offer constructive comments.
Careless editing and avoidable spelling errors are not acceptable at the graduate level. Students should proofread their work and make corrections before submission.
Documentary Notes and Bibliographies
Documentation through notes and a bibliography of reference material used to prepare assignments is mandatory in the following situations:
- If the instructor requires it.
- If additional research materials are used to prepare the response.
- When it becomes necessary to support a point that is being made that otherwise would be open to serious question by a well-informed reader.
Examples of correct usage may be found in almost every course text.
Miscellaneous Instructions
- Submit only one learning unit assignment at a time for instructor feedback and comments.
- Once you receive a graded assignment you may submit the next learning unit assignment.
- State the topic or question you are addressing before beginning your answer.
- Double space all assignments.
- Number all pages consecutively.
- Submit each assignment as a Microsoft Word™ document uploaded into the Assignment drop box in your course.
- Leave appropriate margins or spacing for instructor comments.
- Use subtitles or captions to help guide your reader through lengthy or complex papers.
- Do not count end notes or bibliography pages toward the fulfillment of minimum page count requirements.
Evaluation Process
Your instructor will first evaluate your response to determine if you have demonstrated an understanding of the basic principles and concepts the course is designed to convey. The response will then be evaluated in terms of its logical development and depth of analysis.
Instructors may make comments or notations on your paper, as well as longer comments on a separate sheet. These personalized comments are designed to be a continuation of the learning process and provide a constructive, critical analysis of your work.
Course Evaluation
At the completion of the course we ask that you complete a "Course Evaluation Form." On each course homepage there is a link to an online evaluation form. Fill out the form and click the submit button. Your comments will go directly to the Dean of Graduate Studies. Your comments will also be read by the instructor, your Graduate Director, and the Online Studies Director after your grade has been posted. All constructive comments are welcome. (Of course, if anything is seriously wrong, do not hesitate to let us know immediately.)
Communication with Individual Instructors
As you progress through each course, you will receive feedback from your instructor on each assignment, including your final examination. Either you or your instructor may choose to supplement the exchange by telephone conversations or electronic messaging.
Communication with the Online Studies Office
e-mail Address Policy
All electronic communication initiated by Graduate Studies, Graduate Online Studies, and Continuing Education is sent to students' Salve Regina University e-mail accounts. This includes important announcements, individual notifications, and Online Studies My WebCourses course access notifications. The Salve e-mail account provides the University a means of communicating without being concerned that an e-mail account might become invalid. It is important to emphasize that Salve Regina will not send information to students using any other e-mail account.
It is important that students check their Salve web mail often. At http://owa.salve.edu, enter the student e-mail username and password. Then click on "postal" for server. The Salve Regina e-mail account is accessible from any computer through the Internet. Every new student attending Salve is given an e-mail address under the firstname.lastname@salve.edu format. By default, the password for this account is the student's identification number, and the student must use his or her ID number as the password when first logging in to web mail. This e-mail account will not change as long as the student remains enrolled.
Online Studies Office Hours
The Online Studies Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) throughout the calendar year. The office observes all national holidays, Good Friday and VJ Day (state holiday in August). The office is closed during the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
Phone, Fax, and E-Mail Numbers
The telephone number is (800) 637-0002. Students may call the 800 number 24 hours a day to leave a message. The fax number is (401) 341-2931. Students may also contact the office by e-mail at onlinestudies@salve.edu. For more detailed contact information go to our Support Services section.
Academic Counseling
As a prospective or active student in Online Studies, you may obtain academic counseling about your educational needs and goals through the Online Studies Office. You may contact us by whatever means is most convenient to you.
