Academic Affairs

The Academic Affairs Office works with faculty, staff, and students to maintain and improve the quality of the students’ educational experience and the quality of academic support services at the University. The Office also serves as the focal point for dialog in the formulation and maintenance of University, policies, procedures, and guidelines for all academic affairs of the University. The Academic Affairs Office is committed to providing students with an exceptional education experience and to meeting the education needs of “each student, every day.” Pursuant to this commitment, our goals are:

  • To offer students a curriculum that prepares them for the rapidly changing world of work.
  • To instill in students the principles of critical thinking, lifelong learning, service to society, and an appreciation of global perspectives.
  • To support all faculty in their teaching, scholarship, service, and student mentoring roles.
  • To strive continually to build a dynamic and sustainable learning community at Post.

The Academic Curriculum

The curriculum structure at Post University is intended to provide you with (1) a breadth of exposure and experience in liberal arts, (2) organizational leadership competencies, (3) individualized personal awareness skills, and (4) an in-depth career development experience. Each component is integrated into a unique and comprehensive educational opportunity oriented toward your career. Post University’s intent is to prepare you for lifelong learning and a successful career in the 21st century.

General Education Core

As a selective career-oriented university with a strong tradition in the liberal arts, Post University is committed to providing you with an opportunity to build a firm foundation in the sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities. The general education core at Post University is intended to provide you with the ability to make connections across an array of disciplinary perspectives and apply these to the diversity of career and life challenges you will encounter.

Choice in course selection is an important feature of the Post General Education Core.

The general education core allows you to choose from a variety of courses according to your interests and curiosity. Your selection of courses within the general education core will challenge you to develop your qualitative and quantitative reasoning capabilities through the critical analysis of topics and issues from a range of academic perspectives.

Interdisciplinary Leadership Core

The organizational leadership component of your curriculum will expose you and all other students to the interdisciplinary nature of leadership and the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to understand organizations. Whether you intend a career in a large or small organization, for-profit or not-for-profit, you will learn the basics of how economics, finance, accounting, management, and marketing influence economic life in our society. You will be exposed to the tools used to understand and lead organizations whether they are business, government, non-profits or your own family. Rarely do students leave their academic programs with all of the specific skills employers require and the organizational and leadership perspectives they desire. Your experiences with the interdisciplinary career development core will truly provide you with a competitive advantage in any marketplace.

Career and Self-Awareness Core

Another important part of the Post University curriculum provides you with an opportunity to learn about yourself. This collection of short courses offered during your academic studies is intended to provide you with the experiences to become a self-aware, lifelong learner. These courses include personal assessment tools with detailed diagnostic feedback including specific career information, computer simulations, self-study exercises as well as in-class discussion and discovery. All of these activities are supported in the classroom and online through interactive exercises online, using a new individualized career-based resource program available only at Post University.

Your Major: Focus and Depth

In addition to the curricular structure described above, you will be able to select from across a number of career opportunities in a specific major area of study. This process of selecting a major usually occurs during your first two years at Post. It is during this time period that you will explore various disciplines and meet with and discuss with faculty your specific academic and career interests. Some students come to Post with a career goal already in mind, but it is not essential. Whether or not you come to Post knowing what you want to do, we encourage all students to explore different majors through a series of experiences that are part of the Career and Self-Awareness Core.

A major area of study is intended to provide a focus to your educational experiences and an opportunity to understand a discipline in greater depth. At Post University all majors provide entry into a number of career areas and specific jobs but also serve as a pathway to graduate studies. The Academic Advising Center provides you with guidance regarding course scheduling, general academic requirements, and specific academic majors. A faculty member in your selected major field of study will be assigned by the Vice President of Academic Affairs to serve as your major advisor. You may also request a specific faculty advisor.

Summer Co-operative Education Program

During the summers between your second and third years and before your senior year, you will be provided opportunities to undertake work experiences that can help you understand the careers you are contemplating. Working with the Office of Career Services students can arrange to interview at Co-Op experiences close to where they reside.

Writing-Across-the-Curriculum

A common goal at Post University is to prepare students to communicate effectively. The ability to communicate ideas is one of the criteria for success in today’s marketplace and it is considered of utmost importance in the curriculum of Post University. Writing is an essential communication skill and it is also an effective tool for learning and understanding. As a skill, it can be learned and perfected if practiced with consistency and continuity. The University, therefore, has instituted a writing-across-the-curriculum policy that requires a writing assignment in every course offered by the University.

Academic Divisions

Post University is organized into three major Divisions:

  • The Day Programs Division. Students enrolled in the Day Division generally attend classes as full-time students at the University’s main campus in Waterbury. Two fifteen-week semesters comprise the academic year in the Day Division.
  • The Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) Division. Students enrolled in the ADP Division attend accelerated courses scheduled over six eight-week modules each year. Classes are scheduled on evenings and weekends at the University’s main campus or at its regional sites in Danbury and Meriden and through Post Online.
  • The Graduate Degree Program Division. The University also offers a Master of Science degree program in Human Services, which will be offered at the University’s main campus and online beginning in September 2006. The graduate programs are offered in an accelerated eight-week format.

Academic Support Services and Resources

Academic Advising

The goal of the academic advising program, which is an integral part of the University’s academic support services, is to assist students in realizing their academic potential to its fullest. At Post, the advisor-advisee relationship involves a shared responsibility. Students are responsible for knowing and fulfilling their degree requirements. While students benefit from individual attention and interaction with their academic advisors, they are expected to know and understand the curricular degree requirements for their selected major field of study. Academic advisors assist their advisees in selecting majors, scheduling courses, and interpreting academic policies and procedures. The Director of Academic Advising coordinates the advising program for all Post students, makes advisor assignments, and acts as a resource advisor for students, faculty, and administrators. The Academic Advising Center is located in Hess Hall, Room 116.

First Year Placement – Day Division

First year students are placed in English and mathematics courses according to their individual abilities as demonstrated through the University testing program. The University administers placement tests at specified times during the summer and during the academic year at no charge to students. On the basis of these placement tests, students may be required to take courses that will contribute to their success at the University.

College Success Seminar

The College Success Seminar (CSS 100) is the first in a series of seminars preparing students for academic and personal success at Post University and lays the foundation for life-long learning and career/life success.

The course provides a practical understanding of academic success strategies, university support resources, and life skills with the purpose of assisting students in achieving a fulfilling college experience. Students will work with faculty, staff, and peer advisors to transition successfully into university life. Students will learn the purpose and value of higher education. The course also provides a set of experiences, both in the classroom and independently, using interactive computer technology designed to assist students in developing self-awareness and life and career strategy skills. Students will begin to make informed career and academic major choices through readings, experiences, assignments, and exercises. Students will begin a portfolio of their work completed in the course. Students will then add to the portfolio in each of the Career and Self-Awareness seminars that follow this course. After working collaboratively on a topic, the course will culminate in students presenting their teams’ research findings in a public symposium.

The CSS course is a two-credit course required of all first year full-time students under the age of 21 years. Students must take the course during their first term of full-time study at Post. This course will be followed with four additional one-credit courses wherein students will learn and practice the skills needed for successful entry into a chosen career field.

Learning Across the Lifespan

Learning Across the Lifespan is a series of two courses designed for adult students taking courses online or at one of the University’s regional locations. These courses provide theoretical bases and practical strategies for lifelong learning. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, study skills, analytical reading, effective writing, reasoning, problem solving, time management, and strategies for management necessary to support learning in a college environment. Students will analyze their own learning abilities and styles and develop effective practices for learning throughout their lifetime. This two course series is required of all new students enrolled in the University’s ADP Division and must be completed within the students’ first 15 credit hours of study.

Prospective Students Needing Advice on Selecting a Program

To be considered for federal financial aid, students must be enrolled in an eligible degree program. Prospective students who are having difficulty selecting a major should work closely with the Academic Advising Office and the Office of Admissions to identify a major that meets their career needs and objectives. There are resources available in the Office of Career Services to assist potential students to assess individual preferences and strengths and to explore career options.

The University Learning Center

The University Learning Center (ULC) is located in North Hall, Room 116. The philosophy guiding the Center is individualization and the integration of different learning styles. The ULC offers comprehensive, diversified and carefully designed learning components. Specifically, the Center is an integral part of developmental courses that are designed to improve basic skills, critical thinking and problem solving. This learning facility provides instructional support, reinforces classroom instruction, and enriches subject content through the use of multimedia equipment, including access to educational programs on the Internet, computer-assisted instruction, and educational instruction via CD-ROM and video programs.

For the traditional student, participation in the developmental courses is based upon an assessment of a student’s needs as determined by placement examinations and academic advisement. Students are enrolled in English, mathematics, critical reading, problem solving, and study skills classes that meet up to five hours weekly and qualify for credit. Students enrolled in these courses are allowed more than one semester, if necessary, but not more than two semesters, to complete a particular course. If students earn an In Progress (PR) grade, they must re-register for the course during the next semester in which it is offered; however, the PR grade carries no penalty.

Students may also enroll in a Post University preparatory program in English and mathematics, which is provided as an online program. The cost of this program is deducted from a students’ tuition if they attend Post University. Performing well in this program may satisfy some course requirements.

University Tutoring Services

The ULC coordinates University-wide tutoring services that are available to all full and part-time students enrolled at the University. The professional and peer tutoring system offers course-specific learning strategies in a wide variety of subjects. Tutors also assist with organizational skills, study skills, and test taking strategies.

University Writing Center

The Writing Center assists students in all academic fields with their writing skills. Working with faculty to support the University’s writing-across-the-curriculum requirement, the Center’s professional staff offers free one-on-one tutorials for all students who need assistance in completing their writing assignments. With its focus on critical thinking and organization, as well as grammatical skills and discipline-specific requirements, the Center encourages students to discover and acquire the tools and strategies to improve their own writing. The Writing Center is located adjacent to the University Learning Center in North Hall, Room 116.

Traurig Library and Learning Resources Center

The Traurig Library and Learning Resources Center houses a book collection of over 84,000 volumes (35,000 being government documents), over 500 periodical titles, and a growing media collection. As a government documents depository, the library houses an extensive federal government publications collection. Specialized collections include legal reference sources, an international reading area, and the University archives. Reciprocal borrowing agreements with academic libraries throughout the state, participating in iCONN, the State Digital Library Project, along with an interlibrary loan service, provide students with access to a wide variety of library collections.

The library is open 82 hours a week during the regular school term, with extended hours during final examinations. Photocopying is available for a nominal fee. Internet access is available for student use and computer searches are offered at no charge to University students, full-time and adjunct faculty, and staff.

The library staff provides database searching, CD ROM training, and interlibrary loans. The library offers individual and group instruction in elementary and advanced techniques of library research and hosts cultural programs and art exhibitions during the year.

Academic Policies and Procedures

Academic policies and procedures at Post University are designed to ensure the maintenance of standards while providing reasonable discretion to accommodate the needs and conditions faced by a diverse student body.

Student Records

The Office of Student Information is responsible for the maintenance of a student’s permanent record, including a history of all course work attempted, grades received, transfer credit granted, and honors awarded.

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, the following is considered directory information: student’s name, address, telephone listing, electronic mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, degrees, honors and awards received, and most recent education agency or institution attended. It is the University’s policy to protect the student’s right to privacy and will do its best to protect that privacy.

The University will not release directory information to individuals or organizations outside the University (though we are required to provide information to organizations that have provided the student any type of financial aid, including loans) for currently enrolled students.

Students may have access to their University records by submitting a written, dated request to the Office of Student Information. The Office will inform students when and where the records may be inspected. A fee will be charged for the duplication of a requested record.

Parents have a right of access to their son’s or daughter’s records if the student is under 18 years of age or a dependent according to the definition established by United States tax laws. If a student has waived his or her right to access a particular document or record, the parent(s) have no right to access that particular document or record. Dependency status may be demonstrated by submitting a copy of the most recently filed Income Tax form or other appropriate documents.

Course Schedule

The Office of Student Information has available a schedule of classes prior to the beginning of each term. The schedule includes the courses that will be offered, the days and times at which they meet, and the name of the instructor. It also contains instructions for registration as well as other information, including the University Calendar. The University reserves the right to withdraw a course from the schedule up to and including the first week of classes. The University also sets limits on the number of students who may enroll in a class.

Registration

Returning students register prior to the start of the new term. Returning students may register in person at the Office of Student Information or online. Whether students register in person or online, they must meet with their academic advisor prior to registration. New Day Division students will register at the time of their scheduled placement exam, or prior to the start of each semester. No credit will be given for a course unless the student is officially registered in that course prior to the close of the registration period. Registration materials are available electronically on campus or on the Post University website.

Schedule Changes

Students may make changes to their schedule during the “add/drop” period at the start of a term. A schedule change consists of adding or dropping a course or changing from one course section to another. Students may add a course or make a section change during the first week of a semester. Students attending accelerated or summer sessions may add a course or make a section change prior to the second class session. The student’s advisor must approve schedule changes. Information about schedule changes, including deadlines and penalties, may be found in the published Schedule of Classes.

Course Loads

Students registered for 12 or more credits are considered full-time students. Students registered for 11 or fewer credits are considered part-time students. The maximum course load is 18 credits. Students wishing to register for 18 credits or more a term (August-December or January-May) must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or permission from the Vice President for Academic Affairs. In no instance, will a student be permitted to carry more than 21 credits.

When completing their schedules, students must take into account the time commitment they undertake when they sign up for classes. Students should anticipate that for every hour they spend in the classroom, they will be expected typically to spend two hours preparing for class. Thus, a three-credit course at Post will require the student to budget at least 9 hours each week.

International Students

An international student attending the University in F-1 status is required by immigration regulations to be “pursuing a full course of study” in order to maintain his/her immigration status. For undergraduate students, “a full-course of study” is full-time, or 12 credit hours. If a student wishes to reduce his or her course load to fewer than 12 credits, the student must first consult with the International Student Advisor and then his or her academic advisor. The student must obtain the academic advisor’s signature on the “Add/Drop” form and submit a copy of the form to the International Student Advisor before the add/drop date. There are limited, but important, exceptions to the “full course of study” requirement:

  1. Annual Vacation. Students retain their F-1 visa during university scheduled academic breaks.
  2. Illness or Medical Condition. This is a medical, emotional or physical problem documented by a doctor or counselor.
  3. Academic Reasons. Initial difficulties with the English language, initial difficulties with reading requirements, unfamiliarity with American teaching methods, or improper course level placement must be documented by the student’s instructor or academic advisor.

International students in their final semester of study may take fewer than 12 credits if no more are required for him or her to complete the degree. Any drop below a full course load will be reported to the Department of Homeland Security.

Repeating a Course

Students may repeat a course as often as they wish. When a course is repeated, each repetition appears on the transcript, but only the most recent grade is included in the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

Dropping a Course

Day students may drop a course without any entry being made on their transcript during the first week of a term. If withdrawal occurs after the first week, but before the end of the second week following the mid-term date (as indicated on the University Calendar), a grade of “W” will be recorded. Students may not withdraw from a course(s) after that date. Students wishing to withdraw must submit a withdrawal form to the Office of Student Information. Those who fail to do so will receive a grade of “F.”

Regional Site students may drop a course without any entry being made on their transcript prior to the start of the second class. If withdrawal occurs beyond that time frame, a grade of “W” will be recorded. Students may not withdraw from a course(s) after the published withdrawal date. Students wishing to withdraw must submit a withdrawal form to the Office of Student Information. Those who fail to do so will receive a grade of “F.”

Online students may drop a course without any entry being made on their transcript prior to the Friday of the first week of classes. If withdrawal occurs beyond that time frame, a grade of “W” will be recorded. Students may not withdraw from a course(s) after the published withdrawal date. Students wishing to withdraw must submit a withdrawal form to the Office of Student Information. Those who fail to do so will receive a grade of “F.”

If a student must withdraw from all courses, an action tantamount to withdrawing from the University, he or she must do so by officially notifying the Office of Student Information. Official notification occurs when the student provides the designated school office (the Office of Student Information) with written or oral notification of the withdrawal. The Office of Student Information will require that the student confirm the oral notification of withdrawal in writing.

Administrative Withdrawal

Students may be withdrawn from any or all classes or from the University by the appropriate University administrator if they fail to attend class, display unjustifiable behavior, disrupt or impede the learning of other students, fail to answer University summons, or refuse to pay balances after due notification. When such withdrawal occurs, an “AD” (Administrative Withdrawal) will be entered on the student’s record. If withdrawal from course/courses occurs during the final third of the semester or module, a grade of “F” will be recorded. The faculty may initiate an administrative withdrawal. However, the Vice President for Academic Affairs must approve all “AD” requests concerning academic issues.

Students who have been administratively withdrawn from the University may not register for courses offered by the University, whether on-ground or online.

Withdrawal from the University

A student may provide official notification of his or her intent to withdraw from the University by following the proper procedures for withdrawing from Post. Official notification from the student is any official notification that is provided in writing or orally to the designated school official, i.e. the Office of Student Information. The withdrawal date will be the date the student begins the school withdrawal process. Students who notify the Office of Student Information orally may also be asked to complete an official University withdrawal form. Should the student withdraw from the University prior to the end of the semester, the official transcript will reflect a “W” (withdrawal) from all courses.

Withdrawal for Military Leave

Students who, during the course of an academic term enter active military service, including National Guard and Reserve active duty, and are not in attendance at the end of the term, will receive course and residence credit as follows:

  1. If withdrawal is during the first four full weeks of the term, no course credit shall be awarded, no grades shall be granted, and the term shall not be counted as a term in residence. Full refund of tuition, room and board will be granted.

  2. If withdrawal is after the first four weeks of the term and before the last two weeks of the term, no course credit shall be awarded. The transcript or record shall note either WM (withdrawal/military) or IN (incomplete) for courses in progress at the time of activation, and the term shall count as a term in residence. When a student selects the withdrawal option, a full refund for tuition will be awarded.

  3. If withdrawal is during the last two full weeks of the term, full course credit shall be awarded, grades attained at the time of withdrawal shall be granted, and the term shall count as a term of residence. Students enlisted in the National Guard or the Military Reserves are to be allowed a reasonable time to make up academic work lost while participating in required training.

Taking Courses at Another University

Post University students who wish to take courses at another accredited college or university and transfer the credit earned to Post must have permission from the Office of Student Information prior to enrolling in another institution. The form for this purpose is available in the Office of Student Information and online. Students must be aware that taking a course at another university in which they received an “F” grade at Post will not change the student’s grade point average. A minimum grade of “C-“ will be accepted for the transfer credit. If matriculated students wish to register concurrently at another institution for a course during the regular academic year, they must follow the procedures outlined above.

Degree Audit and Application for Graduation

Post University awards degrees in May, August, and December. Commencement exercises are held in the spring. Students may participate in the graduation ceremony provided that: (1) they are within 6 credits of their degree; (2) they are enrolled in summer classes; and, (3) they have a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Students anticipating a December graduation must complete their degree requirements by the end of the fall terms.

Potential graduates must meet with their advisors prior to their last semester to review their degree audit. While faculty advisors may assist each student in the selection of courses, the responsibility for fulfilling the requirements of the program and all University academic requirements of student rests with the individual student. Potential graduates must submit an application for graduation and the $75 nonrefundable graduation fee by December 15 for May graduation, May 15 for August graduation, and August 15 for December graduation. Failure to submit the completed application and fee to the Office of Student Information by the specified dates will mean a delay in graduation.
Graduation application forms can be obtained in the Office of Student Information or printed from this pdf.

Grading Policies

The following grades are used on academic records and carry the quality points indicated:
GRADE QUALITY APPROXIMATE
POINT VALUE NUMERICAL EQUIVALENT

A 4.0 95 - 100
A- 3.7 90 - 94
B+ 3.3 87 - 89
B 3.0 83 - 86
B- 2.7 80 - 82
C+ 2.3 77 - 79
C 2.0 73 - 76
C- 1.7 70 - 72
D+ 1.3 67 - 69
D 1.0 63 - 66
D- 0.7 60 - 62
F 0.0 Below 60

The following notations may appear on a student’s transcript in lieu of a grade:

AU: AUDIT - The student elected not to receive credit for the course.
AD: ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL - The student was withdrawn from a course or dismissed from the University for inappropriate behavior.
IN: INCOMPLETE - The student is being allowed additional time to complete the requirements of the course.

An instructor will approve an “Incomplete” grade if the student has done substantial work in the course but has been prevented from completing the course in the allotted time by circumstances beyond his or her control. The instructor will specify the conditions that must be satisfied for the awarding of a final grade in a written contract signed by the instructor, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the Registrar. If an “IN” is granted, all work must be completed on or before the midterm date of the next full term. The instructor, however, may establish an earlier deadline. An incomplete not made up by mid-term automatically reverts to the default grade assigned by the instructor on the original “Incomplete” contract.

M: MILITARY WITHDRAWAL - Student has been activated to military service and needs to withdraw from the University.
PR: IN PROGRESS - The “PR” grade is given in developmental courses only. The course will be completed in a subsequent term but not in more than two semesters. A “PR” grade is automatically converted to an “AD” if the student does not re-register for the course during the next term in which it is offered.
P: PASS - “P” grades are not included in the computation of the term or cumulative average. Credit hours are, however, included in the hours earned.
W: WITHDREW - The student withdrew from the course.

Pass/Fail Option

Students may take one elective course with a pass/fail option. Students wishing to do so must declare their intention when registering. The decision, once taken, is irrevocable.

Grade Point Average (GPA) Computation

A student’s term Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by multiplying the graded credit hours attempted (“A-F” Grades) by the quality point value of each grade received. This result is the number of quality points earned. The total quality points earned are then divided by the total number of graded credit hours attempted.

The Cumulative Grade Point Average is based on all course work completed to date.

Grade Changes

No grade will be changed six months after the conclusion of the term in which the course was taken. No grade will be changed after a degree has been awarded.

Grade Reports

Reports of mid-term “D” and “F” grades and final grades in all courses will be mailed to the student’s permanent address within 21 days after the midterm and the end of each term. Grade reports will be mailed to other individuals, including employers and/or parents, only if the student has given prior written approval.

Grade Appeals Policy

In order to appeal a grade, the student must appeal in writing to the faculty member involved within ten (10) calendar days after receipt of the grade. The faculty member must respond in writing within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the appeal. If the matter is not resolved, the appeal should be forwarded to the Director of Academic Advising, who will convene an ad hoc Faculty Course Review Committee for consideration of the appeal. The recommendation of the committee stands. However, only the faculty member may change the grade.

Transcript of Record

An “official” transcript is one bearing the seal of Post University and the signature of the Registrar. An official transcript is not given to a student or graduate of Post University but is mailed directly to the institution or individuals considering the applicant for admission or employment. An “unofficial” transcript may be given directly to the student or the graduate upon request and is stamped “Unofficial” or “Student Copy.”

Students may have an official transcript mailed to other institutions, prospective employers, or other authorized agencies by completing the Transcript Request form available in the Office of Student Information. The request must reach the office at least one week before the transcript is to be issued. Due to the volume of requests made at the end of each term, transcript requests may take up to two weeks to process at that time. Transcripts, grade reports, certifications, or other information about a student may be withheld for failure to meet financial obligations or to return University property.

Academic Dishonesty

The entire University community must adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity. Academic dishonesty consists of plagiarism, cheating, unauthorized copying of computer discs, willful introduction of viruses, willful interruption of systems, and may also include unintentional complicity in others’ academic dishonesty. Any reported cases will be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who will refer these cases to an academic dishonesty panel, which will consist of faculty, staff, and students. Confirmed dishonesty may result in the assignment of a failing grade or other penalties.

Assessment

Post University is committed to development and delivery of the highest quality instructional experiences. To achieve this and other quality related educational objectives, the University engages in studies to evaluate educational outcomes. Students, from time to time, may be required to participate in these studies.

Attendance

Regular class attendance is essential to the educational process. Students, therefore, are expected to attend all scheduled classes. Excessive absences or failure to complete assignments may result in a student being involuntarily dismissed from a course by the instructor. When such dismissal occurs during the first two-thirds of the term, an “AD,” for Administrative Withdrawal, will be entered on the student’s academic record. Involuntary dismissal during the final third of a course will result in an “F” being entered on the student’s record. It is clear from all prior research that attendance at all classes is directly related to student achievement and class grades.

Auditing a Course

Students who wish to attend a class without receiving academic credit may audit the course. Audit status must be declared during the registration period and requires the permission of the instructor. Audit status, once declared, cannot be changed. The cost to audit a course is half the current rate of tuition.

Final Examinations

During the last week of each term, students are required to take a final examination in each course for which they are registered for credit. Students who are unavoidably absent from a final examination may receive permission from the instructor to take a make-up examination. The student must present evidence acceptable to the instructor that his or her absence was unavoidable.

Major

Students typically declare a major field of study when admitted to the University or at any subsequent registration. Students may change their major at any time by filing a request through the Office of Student Information. Available majors are identified in the program section of the catalog.

Double Major

Students may fulfill the requirements for two majors at the baccalaureate level. Both majors will be listed on the transcript. If the majors are different degrees (BS and BA), the student must decide which degree will appear on the diploma. Students receive only one degree. Students must declare their major or double major prior to graduation. Completion of a double major may increase the length of time necessary for a student to graduate.

Minors

Students pursuing a baccalaureate degree may elect a minor, which entails a minimum of 15 credits in a discipline approved by the academic advisor. Students who wish to declare a minor may do so in the Office of Student Information. Students must declare a minor prior to applying for graduation.

Double Degree

In order to apply for double degrees, a student must obtain permission from his/her advisor and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. At graduation time, the student will complete two (2) Applications for Graduation, pay two graduation fees, and will receive two diplomas. This will occur only if there are two different degrees involved (B.S. and B.A.). Completion of double degrees may increase the length of time necessary for a student to graduate.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

In certain instances, it is possible for students to complete the work for two distinct baccalaureate degrees. A minimum of an additional 39 credits is required beyond the traditional 120-credit baccalaureate program. Students must satisfactorily complete all of the requirements outlined in each of the two baccalaureate programs. A form is available for this purpose in the Office of Student Information and must be signed by the student’s academic advisor. If the student graduates and then wishes to return to the University to receive another degree, the GPA starts fresh.

En-Route Associate Degree

Associate degree recipients who continue in a baccalaureate program within two years will be considered to have taken an “en route” degree. As such, their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) will be carried forward to their baccalaureate work. Associate degree recipients who subsequently enroll in a baccalaureate program after an absence of two or more years will be considered as newly admitted for baccalaureate study. As such, their CGPA earned in the course of their studies toward an associate degree will not be carried forward to their baccalaureate studies.

Residence Requirements

Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must earn at least their last 30 credits at Post University and must satisfy all degree requirements. This must include at least 15 credit hours in the major. Candidates for an associate degree must earn at least their last 30 credits at Post University and must satisfy all degree requirements, including at least 9 credit hours in the major.

Graduation Requirements

In order to receive a degree from Post University, students must:

  1. Be matriculated in a program. Matriculation means registration in courses following admission as a classified student in a degree program.

  2. Successfully complete at least 60 credit hours for an associate degree; at least 120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree.

  3. Achieve a cumulative GPA of not less than 2.0.

  4. Satisfactorily complete all general education requirements.

  5. Satisfactorily complete a major.

  6. Fulfill the residence requirement (minimum of 30 credits at Post University).

  7. Pay in full all charges and fees incurred while in attendance at the University.

  8. Complete an Application for Graduation and pay a non-refundable graduation fee.

Application for Graduation

Potential graduates must meet with their advisors prior to their last semester to review their degree audit. Online students should review their status with their advisor and are encouraged to attend graduation ceremonies.

Students must also submit a Graduation Application, which is available in the Office of Student Information, by:

May 15: for August Graduation
August 15: for December Graduation
December 15: for May Graduation

Progress Standards

After each full time semester (fall and spring) is completed, the University will conduct a review to determine if students who are having academic difficulty are still in good standing. For a student to be in good standing, the student must give evidence that he or she is making satisfactory progress as prescribed by the University. Students who fall below the required standards may be placed on warning, probation, suspension, or be dismissed. Each case is reviewed and, whenever possible, students are given the opportunity to continue.

ACADEMIC DEGREE PROGRESS STANDARD

Total Credits CGPA
0-30 1.50
31-45 1.60
46-60 1.70
61-75 1.80
76-90+ 2.00

Academic Warning

Any student whose semester average falls below 2.0 will be given an academic warning. This warning is intended to alert the student that improvement to academic performance is necessary. Online students whose average falls below will 2.0 will be notified after participation in two modules. Failure to make necessary improvement could jeopardize the student’s enrollment at the University.

Probation

Students who fail to maintain progress toward a degree, based on the above standard and as may be determined by the Committee on Student Academic Progress, are placed on academic probation. Students on probation may not enroll for more than twelve credits in a given term. They may also be required to retake courses in which they performed poorly. Students on probation are reminded that lack of improvement will eventually prevent satisfaction of graduation requirements. Students placed on academic probation will be notified in writing by the Office of Student Information.

Suspension

Students who are not profiting from their association with Post University may be separated from the University for social or academic reasons. Suspended students may be allowed to return to the University if it can be demonstrated that the suspension has enabled the students to recommit their energy to the completion of a degree program. Students taking courses at another accredited institution during suspension must have the courses approved; otherwise, no credit will be granted for these courses. Notification of suspension will be by certified mail to the student at his/her home address from the Office of Student Information. The student may appeal the suspension in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. An Academic Appeals Committee will convene to discuss the merits of the appeal and to either uphold the suspension or grant reinstatement to the student.

Dismissal

The University reserves the right to dismiss students who in the opinion of University authorities (a) are not profiting from the offerings of the University; (b) are not suited to the program in which they are registered; (c) conduct themselves in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the University or hostile to the welfare of students or faculty; and, (d) do not adhere to the University’s academic or social regulations. Students who have been dismissed from the University may not take courses at the University whether on ground or online.

Readmission

Students who have been dismissed for unsatisfactory scholarship may apply for readmission after one term. Students are encouraged to register for and to complete courses at another college before applying for readmission to Post University.

Alternative Credit Options

Post University provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate college-level proficiency in certain subjects where learning has occurred in non-traditional ways, such as advanced placement courses, correspondence study, independent study, on-the-job training, or work experience. Students earn course credits by examination or portfolio, but no grade is assigned.

Advanced Placement

The University recognizes advanced standing for superior secondary school performance as indicated by scores of 5, 4, or 3 on the Advanced Placement Examinations (AP). The Director of Academic Advising makes decisions regarding the acceptance of Advanced Placement Examinations for advanced standing.

Standardized Examinations

CLEP: The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers examinations in courses, mostly at the introductory level. Students may earn three to six credits per exam passed.

DANTES: DANTES affords students the option to take examinations in introductory and upper-level courses, including technological areas. Examinees receive three credits per exam based on a pass/fail formula score.

The CLEP and DANTES examinations are given off-campus. For information concerning sites and dates, consult the Director of Academic Advising. The maximum number of credits that may be earned through any combination of CLEP, DANTES, or Credit for Life Work Experience is 15 toward an associate degree and 30 toward a baccalaureate degree.

University Examinations

The University offers an examination in a few courses where no standardized examination is available. Matriculated students are awarded three credits per exam passed. Students interested in this possibility should consult their advisor or the Director of Academic Advising.

Credit for Life Work Experience

Post University gives matriculated students the opportunity to “challenge” courses offered at the University through a portfolio process. This process allows students to earn three credits per course based on their work/volunteer experiences. Information regarding policies and procedures is available from the Director of Academic Advising

Honors

Dean’s List: Full-time Students

Matriculated students who demonstrate excellence by earning a term Grade Point Average of at least 3.5 while carrying a minimum of 12 credits in the fall or spring will be named to the University Dean’s List for that term. No grade lower than “C” and no “IN” or “PR” grade will be allowed.

Dean’s List: Part-time Students

Matriculated students who demonstrate excellence by earning a Grade Point Average of at least 3.5 while carrying a minimum of 24 credits between September 1 and August 31 will be named to a special University Dean’s List. No grade lower than a “C” and no “IN” or “PR” grade will be allowed during the September to August period.

Degree Honors

To qualify for honors, baccalaureate candidates must have earned a minimum of 60 credit hours in residence at Post University and achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.50.

Summa Cum Laude – 3.90 to 4.00
Magna Cum Laude – 3.75 to 3.89
Cum Laude – 3.50 to 3.74

Excellence Convocation

Students who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, leadership and service to the University are accorded special recognition at the Excellence Convocation held on the morning of Commencement.

Honorary Organizations

Alpha Chi

Post University sponsors the Connecticut Gamma Chapter of Alpha Chi, the National Honor Society for students matriculating for the bachelor’s degree. Membership is offered to juniors and seniors who are in the upper 10% of their class and who have earned a minimum of 30 credits at Post University. Eligibility is determined twice a year, in December and June.

Phi Theta Kappa

Post University sponsors the Omega Rho Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the National Honor Society for associate degree students. Membership is offered when a Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.5 is acquired after 15 credits of course work at Post University. Eligibility is determined twice a year, in December and June.

Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities

For a student to be recommended for inclusion in “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities,” he or she must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.75. Junior and senior students are eligible.