Graduate Academic Policies and Regulations

Albertus Magnus College adheres to the definition of a credit hour in compliance with NECHE commision policy. This definition is published in all academic catalogues, on the college website, and is a required element in all course syllabi. All academic programs meet the minimum degree of requirements for graduation (60 completed credits for Associate’s degree, 120 completed credits for Bachelor's degree, and 30 credits for a Master’s degree).

A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that reasonably approximates not less than—

  • (1) One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
  • (2) At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the College including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

Graduate students may register for courses online or in person, with approval of their department chair or faculty advisor. Students who do not have financial arrangements in place will be considered pre-registered until they have paid their tuition and fees, provided a direct bill contract with their employer, or had their financial aid certified. Students must have their financial arrangements in place no later than two weeks prior to the start of the module or semester, or their pre-registration will be voided.

For continuing students, a late fee of $20 will be charged on all registrations that are received one week or less prior to the beginning of the module or semester. The late fee will not apply to the first-time registrations of new students.

Albertus Magnus College will accept a limited number of graduate credits in transfer from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Students must request transfer credits prior to starting their Albertus graduate degree, and they must submit official transcripts to the registrar documenting that the transfer credits were completed with a minimum grade of 3.0 within five years prior to entrance into the Albertus graduate degree.

Non-matriculated students may take a maximum of 12 credits before formally applying to the College. For those non-matriculated students who may have an interest in applying to the College, s/he must complete the formal application process. Credits from the courses taken as a non-matriculated student will apply to the student's course credits. An application to become a matriculated student does not guarantee admission.

Non-matriculated students will pay the prevailing tuition rate. Non-matriculated students are not eligible for financial aid. All Albertus Magnus College courses have limited enrollment; priority and permission are given to matriculated students. The College determines which courses are open to non-matriculated students as well the number of students allowed in each course.

For guidance purposes, the high school record and complete college transcripts may be requested.

For information on how to register for courses as a non-matriculated student, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Students in master’s degrees offered through the Accelerated Degree Program ordinarily may enroll for no more than 6 credits per module. Students in the New Dimensions Program ordinarily may enroll for no more than one 3-credit course at a time. Students in the Master of Arts in Art Therapy Program may register for no more than 13 credits per semester, subject to advisor approval. Students in the Master of Fine Arts in Writing may register for no more than 9 credits per semester, subject to advisor approval.

Albertus Magnus College students who are pursuing a graduate degree might consider a double concentration in their graduate program if they have interests that span two distinct areas of the study.

To achieve a double concentration students must declare and complete the requirements of both concentrations before registering for their capstone or thesis.

Students who are interested in pursuing a double concentration should discuss this option with their program director and submit a request for an Addition in Concentration form to the Office of the Registrar.

A late fee of $20 will be charged on all registrations that are received one week or less than one week prior to the beginning of each mod. The late fee will not apply to the first registration of a new student.

By paying the $10 fee and filling out the “Add/Drop” form, students may choose to add or drop a course after they have registered. Students wishing to add a course may do so before the second class meeting with approval of their advisor, providing that the tuition is paid in full.

Students wishing to drop a course may do so before the third class meeting and not have the course appear on their transcript. Students who drop a course are eligible to receive a tuition refund, provided that the course is officially dropped during the timeframe specified by the tuition refund policy above.

Albertus Magnus College has attendance policies that support the academic success of its students and the integrity of its programs. All graduate degrees require class attendance. Particular policies apply to those degrees offered through the Accelerated Degree Program and are further specified by faculty on the syllabus for each course.

Accelerated Degree Program

  • Courses in the Accelerated Degree Program are treated as having two sessions per week. Class attendance is taken twice per week, regardless of whether the course is taught on ground, in a blended format, or online.
  • Students who are absent for four consecutive sessions of a course and have not officially withdrawn are administratively withdrawn from that course. Students who are administratively withdrawn pay a $250 Administrative Withdrawal Fee when they next register for courses.
  • When students have two consecutive absences, an auto-generated warning email will be sent to them. At three absences, students will receive one final email from student services letting them know that if they miss one more class, they will be administratively withdrawn. After four consecutive absenses, students will be administratively withdrawn and have no recourse to return to class.
  • Students may withdraw from courses during the first six weeks of a session. They may not withdraw thereafter.
  • Instructors monitor attendance and may reduce a grade or issue a failing grade in a course based upon a student’s attendance and participation in the course.

Albertus Magnus College has the authority to withdraw a student from the college and to revoke that student’s registration at any time for the following reasons:

  • Registration in violation of college regulations (e.g., academic ineligibility to register).
  • Failure to comply with academic requirements (e.g. unsatisfactory class attendance, violation of the learning contract for students on academic probation, etc.).
  • Failure to pay college tuition and fees by the due date.
  • Disciplinary suspension or dismissal for the remainder of an academic term or longer.
  • Severe psychological or health problems such that the student cannot continue in attendance.
  • Other reasons deemed appropriate by the proper administrative officer.

A grade of WA is recorded for an administrative withdrawal. The grade of WA is not computed in the student’s grade point average and therefore involves no academic penalty. The Registrar must authorize the recording of this grade.

In other cases of administrative withdrawal, the date of the withdrawal and the reason for the withdrawal are used to determine the grade to be recorded and the amount of tuition and fees to be assessed or cancelled. In most cases, the regular tuition and fee assessment and refund policies of the college prevail.

If a student is being administratively withdrawn from the college the student will be notified by the Division of Professional and Graduate Studies and s/he will have 10 calendar days from the date of the notice to respond. If the student does not take any action s/he will be administratively withdrawn.

This administrative withdrawal policy is subject to the following provisions:

  • The administrative withdrawal policy must be included in the course syllabus with specific language about the policy (see recommended language below).
  • The student must be informed that his/her administrative withdrawal may have an impact on his/her Financial Aid awards and/or student visa status.
  • The student will be notified by the Division of Professional and Graduate Studies prior to being administratively withdrawn and s/he will have an opportunity to respond.
  • A student who is administratively withdrawn from the college may not be eligible for a tuition refund.

If a student is absent for 14 calendar days then the student is administratively withdrawn from the course. The student will be notified by the Division of Professional and Graduate Studies. A copy of the letter will be put in the student’s permanent academic file.

This administrative withdrawal policy is subject to the following provisions:

  • The administrative withdrawal policy must be included in the course syllabus with specific language about the policy (see recommended language below).
  • The student must be informed that his/her administrative withdrawal may have an impact on his/her Financial Aid awards and/or student visa status.
  • The student will be notified by the Division of Professional and Graduate Studies prior to being administratively withdrawn.
  • Administrative withdrawals will take place after the fee refund period. A student who is administratively withdrawn from a course will not be eligible for a tuition refund.
  • Administrative withdrawals will be managed through the student’s attendance record.
  • For administrative withdrawals during the first 4 weeks of a module the grade of WA is recorded.

After this period, the date of the administrative withdrawal and the reason for the withdrawal are considered. The Registrar has the authority to backdate an administrative withdrawal if circumstances warrant such action. Disciplinary suspensions or dismissals are initiated by the appropriate authority and written notification is sent to the Office of the Registrar, who cancels the student’s registration and notifies other administrative offices and faculty members.

After the start of the WP/WF period a student who stops attending a course 14 calendar days will be notified by the Division of Professional and Graduate Studies that they are being administratively withdrawn from the course. A grade of "UF", Unearned F is recorded. A UF grade is counted as a failure in the calculation of grade point average and academic standing. A student who is assigned a UF grade will not be allowed to return to the class for the current session. The issuance of a UF grade will activate reevaluation of the student’s financial aid. Students who have been issued a UF grade can officially withdraw from the course by returning an instructor signed WP/WF form to the Division of Professional and Graduate Studies. This will replace the UF grade with a WP or WF grade for the course(s) they are officially withdrawing from. To do this, the student must clear the UF by the last day of the module in which it was recorded.

Although the College is committed to helping students be successful in their courses and remain on track to complete their educational goals, on occasion it might be in the best interest of the student and/or the College that a student withdraw from or be withdrawn from a course or from courses prior to the end of the course(s). This policy applies to all students in the Division of Professional and Graduate Studies.

Modular Courses

If the drop from a modular course occurs prior to the end of the second week of the module, a final grade will not be issued, and the dropped course will not be recorded on the student’s academic record or transcript. The student must fill out an add/drop form.

If the withdrawal from a modular course occurs between the first day of the third week of the module to the last day of the fourth week of the module, the student will receive a grade of "W" for the course. The "W" will be recorded on the student’s academic record and transcript. The student must fill out a course withdrawal form. Only the Office of the Registrar may enter a grade of W (Withdrawal) – the W grade is not an option for instructors to enter.

If the withdrawal from a modular course occurs between the first day of the fifth week of the module to the last day of the seventh week of the module, the student will receive a grade of "WP" or "WF" for the course. The "WP" or "WF" will be recorded on the student’s academic record and transcript. The student must have the "WP/WF" form signed by the instructor.

After the deadline, students will receive the grade they earned at the end of the course. A withdrawal does NOT constitute successful completion of a course.

Semester-Long Courses

If the drop from a semester-long course occurs prior to the end of the third week of the semester, a final grade will not be issued, and the dropped course will not be recorded on the student’s academic record or transcript. The student must fill out an add/drop form.

If the withdrawal from a semester-long course occurs between the first day of the fourth week of the semester to the last day of the sixth week of the semester, the student will receive a grade of "W" for the course. The "W" will be recorded on the student’s academic record and transcript. The student must fill out a course withdrawal form. Only the Office of the Registrar may enter a grade of W (Withdrawal) – the W grade is not an option for instructors to enter.

If the withdrawal from a semester-long course occurs between the first day of the seventh week of the semester to the last day of the fourteenth week of the semester, the student will receive a grade of "WP" or "WF" for the course. The "WP" or "WF" will be recorded on the student’s academic record and transcript. The student must have the "WP/WF" form signed by the instructor.

After the deadline, students will receive the grade they earned at the end of the course. A withdrawal does NOT constitute successful completion of a course.

There are separate withdrawal policies for withdrawing from the College, being administratively withdrawn from a course and being administratively withdrawn from the College. Refer to the course catalogue for specific procedures and policies.

Students who are receiving financial aid or Veterans benefits should be aware that dropping or withdrawing from a course could impact their financial aid/Veterans benefits status. Students are therefore strongly encouraged to consult with Financial Aid and/or their VA counselor before dropping or withdrawing from a course.

Check the Office of the Registrar Academic Calendar for specific dates.

The Office of the Registrar will retain a record of all withdrawals.

Students in the Accelerated Degree Program may withdraw from a course during the withdrawal period. During an eight- week course, the withdrawal period begins the second week of the module and ends on the Friday of the sixth week. During a semesterlong course, the withdrawal period begins during the third week of the class and ends two weeks prior to the last day of class.

Students who wish to withdraw must fill out a “Withdrawal Form” and pay the $10 fee in the Division of Professional and Graduate Studies. A “WP” will appear on the student’s transcript, but it will not be considered in calculating the cumulative grade point average. No credit or reimbursement is given for a “WP.”

Grade Numerical Equivalent Honor Point Per Credit
A 94-100 4.0
A- 90-93 3.70
B+ 87-89 3.30
B 84-86 80-83
B- 80-83 2.70
C+ 77-79 2.30
C 74-76 2.00
C- 70-73 1.70
D+ 67-69 1.30
D 60-66 1.00
F (Failure) Below 60 0.0
UF (Unearned F) Below 60 0.0
W (Withdraw) 0.0
WA (Administrative Withdrawal) 0.0
WF (Withdraw Fail) 0.0
WP (Withdraw Pass) 0.0
I (Incomplete) 0.0
P (Pass) 60 or above 0.0
*P/O (Pass Option) 0.0

*P/O is the pass grade for courses taken on optional Pass/Fail basis.

Students are in good standing who maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and receive no more than two course grades of 2.0 or lower. Students whose cumulative grade point average falls below 3.0 or who earn three or more course grades of 2.0 or below will be dismissed from the program.

The continued candidacy of a student who is not in good standing will come under review by the department chair of program director. Students must be in good standing to register for the final capstone course.

Students who have not fulfilled course requirements because of a medical or family emergency may petition the instructor to grant an Incomplete for the course. The "Request for Incomplete Grade" form must be filled out, approved by the instructor and submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the last Friday before the final exam week or final class. Students must be doing passing work in the course and must have completed most of the course assignments and requirements at the time when they request the Incomplete.

An Incomplete must be cleared by the student within 30 days of the end of the term; otherwise the Incomplete becomes an F and will be indicated on the transcript as (I)F. If the student clears the Incomplete satisfactorily the transcript will indicate this by the (I) followed by the grade received. In either case the (I) becomes a permanent part of the student’s record.

Students who have been academically dismissed have the right to appeal the dismissal in writing to the department chair or program director. If the appeal is granted, then the student is placed on academic review for one term. At the conclusion of the term, the student must have achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 average to remain in the program.

Final course grades are posted on the MyAlbertus portal at the end of each module or semester.

Failure of a Course

Ordinarily, a student who fails a required course must remove the failure in order to graduate. If a student successfully repeats a course that has been failed, the second grade received will replace the “F” when the average is computed. The original grade of “F” will remain on the record followed by the word “repeated.” If the course is repeated at another institution, the original “F” will remain on the transcript, and will still be used when calculating the student’s GPA.

Grade Replacement

Passed courses may be repeated only once; failed courses may be repeated three (3) times.The most recent grade in a course replaces the previous grade in determining credit, computing the grade point average, and verifying the completion of degree requirements and progress toward the degree under the following conditions:

  • If you take a course for grade replacement, the grade you received each time the course was taken will still appear on your official transcript, and the first course enrollment on the transcript will be permanently identified as a course that has been repeated for grade replacement.
  • If you take a course for grade replacement, and fail it the second time, both grades will be used when computing your GPA.
  • When a course is repeated for grade replacement, the course credit earned will be counted only once toward degree and program requirements.
  • Following the awarding of a degree, no changes in the grade point average will be made, even through the repeat process.

Eligibility

You are eligible to elect grade replacement if:

  • You are attempting to replace the grade for Albertus Magnus College course in which you received a grade of C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, or F on the first attempt;
  • You have not already been awarded a degree from Albertus Magnus College;
  • You do not have an officially reported academic integrity infraction in the course.

Repeat Credit

The course may not be an independent study or directed study course. Students unable to successfully complete courses that are required or prerequisites for their majors or college requirements in the allotted number of repeats must meet with their Academic Dean and advisor(s) to discuss alternate graduation plans. Students who have exhausted course attempts for course(s) required for their major will be required to change majors.

Students have the right to appeal a final grade if they believe that the grade calculation is inaccurate or that there is an inconsistency between the grade calculation and the grading criteria as defined by the instructor’s syllabus. Students have the burden of proof to demonstrate that the grade is inaccurate within the context of the course.

Grade appeals must be filed within six (6) weeks of the last day of the class for which the grade was received. The grade appeal process is as follows:

  1. The student submits a written appeal to the instructor clearly stating the reasons for believing that the grade was assigned in error.
  2. The instructor either changes the grade or replies in writing, explaining why the existing grade is appropriate.
  3. If the student is not satisfied with the instructor’s response, then he or she may submit a copy of the written appeal and the instructor’s response to the appropriate department chair or program director. If the instructor is the chair or program director, then the Dean of Professional and Graduate Studies or the Vice President for Academic Affairs serves in place of the chair. The department chair or program director receives all written materials relevant to the case and may request additional information. The department chair or program director then makes a written recommendation
  4. Either party may appeal the decision of the department chair or program director to the Dean of Professional and Graduate Studies or the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who will make a final recommendation in writing to the course instructor.
  5. The course instructor has the final say as to whether the grade will be changed.

To review our policy updates for Mods 4 and 5 2020, please click here: Policy document.

In accordance with the Tradition of Honor, students are expected to understand and conform to College expectations for honesty and integrity in academic work and to understand what constitutes plagiarism.

Faculty allegations of academic dishonesty by a student will proceed as follows:

  1. The parties involved will first attempt to reach a solution on their own, and the resolution will be recorded in an Intellectual Honesty Form filed with the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
  2. If the parties cannot reach a solution, then the faculty member will file a written Intellectual Honesty Form with the Vice President for Academic Affairs. This form will specify the complaint, provide the basis for a proposed sanction, and be reviewed by the department chair or program director.
  3. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will review all relevant information, confer with the faculty member and department chair or program director, and make a final recommendation to the faculty member within ten business days of the formal receipt of the written complaint.
  4. The student will be informed of the result of the process within five business days after the Vice President for Academic Affairs has made the final recommendation.
  5. Sanctions for academic dishonesty are ordinarily as follows:
    • First offense: determined according to the process described above.
    • Second offense: dismissal from the graduate program and the College.

Grade Grievances or Academic Integrity Violation Appeals

For complaints not pertaining to matters of grades or academic integrity, the student should first take steps to resolve the issue informally, either through contact with the appropriate faculty or staff member, or through the appropriate department chair.

If a satisfactory resolution is not reached, the student may then file a Formal Complaint. To do so, the student must prepare a written document that outlines the nature of the complaint, including a summary of any supporting evidence. The document must also contain the student’s name, address, and phone number. Once prepared, the document may then be submitted to the Associate Dean for Student Success and Retention in the Division of Professional and Graduate Studies Office. If the complaint pertains to the Associate Dean, the student may appeal to the Dean of the Division of Professional and Graduate Studies. If the complaint pertains to the Dean of the Division of Professional and Graduate Studies, the student may appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The document and written supporting evidence will be reviewed and addressed by the Associate Dean, Dean, or Vice President for Academic Affairs who will provide the individuals involved in the complaint with a written letter outlining the decision. The individual(s) making the complaint is expected to be available for in-person meetings or telephone calls for the purpose of gaining clarification.

If the complainant remains dissatisfied, he or she may appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who serves as the chief academic officer of Albertus Magnus College. The decision of the Vice President is final.

Students may apply for a leave of absence by contacting their department chair the Director of Student Services at least ten days prior to the start date of the leave. In addition, students who receive financial aid should confer with the Financial Aid Office to learn whether their leave of absence will lead to a change in their financial aid or result in an outstanding balance on their account.

Students who return to a graduate program after five years or more must follow the curriculum of the current catalogue. Students who return in fewer than five years may choose to follow either the curriculum that was in place when they first entered the degree or the current curriculum. Students should consult with their department chair or program director in selecting the curricular requirements that best meet their needs.

Students who withdraw from a program must provide written notification to the department chair or program director. Students failing to enroll for four consecutive modules or two consecutive semesters will be administratively withdrawn from the program.

Students who withdraw from the College of their own volition may apply for readmission through the specific graduate program.

In order to qualify for graduation, students must complete all master’s degree requirements within seven years from the time that they began the graduate degree. For specific graduation requirements, please refer to the relevant degree below.

Three months prior to the anticipated date of Commencement, candidates for degrees must make a formal application for graduation. Applications for Candidacy forms are available online and in the Professional and Graduate Studies office. The application must be accompanied by the Degree Completion fee.

Although the Commencement ceremony is held annually in May, degrees are also conferred in August and December. In order to graduate, students must have met all financial obligations to the College.

The student’s official transcript is prepared by the Registrar. The transcript provides documentation of the student’s courses, grades, credits, and dates of instruction for each course. In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, transcript requests must be submitted in writing and signed by the student or submitted electronically at www.albertus.edu/student-resources/registrar. Transcript fees are due at the time of the transcript request.

Official High School Transcripts

An official transcript from a regionally accredited high school demonstrating graduation, or a GED. If the student is still in high school, a transcript of his/her work to date is required. Applicants completing high school will be required to submit final proof of graduation prior to matriculation.

Mailed high school transcripts are considered official if they are sealed, printed on security sensitive transcript paper and contain all grades, details that a diploma was awarded including the graduation date, a signature and raised seal.

Electronic high school transcripts are considered as acceptable documentation for proof of graduation if they are sent as a PDF secured by a digital certificate and contain all grades and details that a diploma was awarded including the graduation date. Such transcripts shall be deemed as official for purposes of admission.

Official College Transcripts

Mailed college transcripts are considered official if they are sealed, printed on security sensitive transcript paper and contain all grades, dates of attendance, a signature and raised seal.

Electronic college transcripts are considered as acceptable documentation for proof of graduation if they are sent as a PDF secured by a digital certificate and contain all grades and dates of attendance. Such transcripts shall be deemed as official for purposes of admission.

Notification of Rights under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:

  1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access.

Students should submit to the Registrar, Dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

  1. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.

Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they would like changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

  1. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); the National Student Loan Clearinghouse; a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

Upon request, the College discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. (FERPA requires an institution to make a reasonable attempt to notify the student of the records request unless the institution states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.)

  1. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Albertus Magnus College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-5920

The Office of the Registrar of Albertus Magnus College maintains academic records for all students. Access to these records is governed by the terms of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Copies of the College’s policy are available from the Office of the Registrar on request.

In accordance with the Act, students have a right to withhold directory information by submitting a written request to the Office of the Registrar no later than the close of the second week of classes in September. Such notification must be made annually.

Albertus Magnus College designates the following items as Directory Information: student name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, full- or part-time status, expected date of degree completion and graduation and awards received, class rosters, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and the weight and height of members of athletic teams.

Student Right-To-Know

In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1965, students have the right to know the graduation or completion rate. This can be found on the Web at www.albertus.edu under the Policy and Reports section. Any questions may be addressed to the Registrar in Aquinas Hall.

Page last updated on 1/21/2022