Academic Policies and Procedures

Policy for Verifying Student Identity

The United States Department of Education (ED) requires that all institutions offering distance education courses certify that the student registering for a course is the same student who participates in the course or receives course credit. The ED requires that one or more of the following mechanisms be employed:

1. A secure login and pass code;
2. Proctored examinations; or
3. New or other technologies and practices that are effective in verifying student identification.

All methods of verifying student identity in distance learning protect the privacy of student information.  There are no fees associated with the verification of student identity.   Personally identifiable information collected by Post University may be used, at the discretion of the University, as the basis for identity verification.

In compliance with these federal requirements, Post University has adopted the following policy.

1. All students will be issued a unique e‐mail account with a secure logon and pass code upon being admitted to an online program. This username and password will remain in effect throughout the student’s tenure at Post University.All e‐mail communication between Post University and the student will be through this e‐mail account.
2. All electronic courses at Post University will be offered through Blackboard, which students will access with their secure unique logon and pass code. All users of the Blackboard system are responsible to comply with Post University’s Policy Governing Information Technologies (IT) Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) Support. This policy is located within the catalog at the following link: https://post.edu/student-services/academic-affairs/university-catalog. Students are held responsible for knowledge of the information contained within this policy.Failure to read the guidelines, requirements, and regulations will not exempt students from responsibility.
3. Unauthorized use of an ID belonging to another user, unauthorized reading, use of, or deletion of private files or email belonging to another user, sharing user IDs and pass codes with other users or any other person and any attempt to circumvent system protection and security features is prohibited.
4. Users are responsible for maintaining the security of usernames, pass codes, and any other access credentials assigned. Access credentials may not be shared or given to anyone other than the user to whom they were assigned to for any reason.
5. Instructors will emphasize the academic integrity policy in their syllabi and use normal pedagogical practices (reviewing student writing samples, conferencing with students in person or through Internet technology, etc.) to verify student identity.
6. Instructors may, at their discretion, require proctored examinations or use other technologies that are effective in verifying students’ identities.

Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action, including loss of computing privileges and other sanctions deemed necessary.  Any student found to have permitted another person to represent them for any portion of an online course will be subject to dismissal from the course and may not be permitted to take any other online courses at or through Post University.

The Information Technology Department is responsible for issuing student email and Blackboard login and pass code information. The Office of the Provost is responsible for ensuring compliance with the provisions of this policy and that Deans and Program Directors are informed of any changes in a timely fashion.  Deans and Program Directors are responsible for ensuring that faculty are aware of this policy and comply with its provisions. Deans and Program Directors are also responsible for ensuring that academic awards and degree programs within their units comply with the provisions of this policy.

The Academic Degree

Major
A major is an academic program of study offering both depth and breadth in a particular discipline or field of study. The requirements and the curriculum for a major are determined by Academic Affairs and approved by the state of Connecticut. Students at Post must have a declared major on file with the Office of the Registrar. Students may change their major at any time by filing a request through the Office of the Registrar. Students should consult with their Academic Advisor or Academic Success Counselor prior to changing their major as it may impact their length of time at Post University. Available majors are identified in the Degree Programs section of the catalog and website.

Double Major
Students who fulfill the requirements for two majors within a single degree (BS or BA) at the baccalaureate level may graduate with a double major. Students choosing to complete a double major must have both declared majors on record with the Office of the Registrar prior to applying for graduation. Students who complete a double major earn only one degree. Both majors will be listed on the student’s Post University official transcript and diploma. Completion of a double major may increase the length of time necessary for a student to graduate.

Dual Degrees
Students who fulfill the requirements for two degrees (BS and BA) simultaneously at the baccalaureate level may graduate with a dual degree. Students who complete a dual degree have fully met the requirements of both degrees- this includes at least 39 additional credits specific to the second degree, for a minimum of 159 credits in total. In order to earn two degrees simultaneously, a student must obtain permission from his/her Academic Advisor or Academic Success Counselor and the Provost. Students choosing to earn a dual degree must have both declared majors/degrees on record with the Office of the Registrar prior to applying for graduation. Prior to graduation, the student must complete the Application for Graduation and pay the graduation fee for each degree. The student will receive a Post University diploma for each degree.

Minors
A minor is a program of study in a particular discipline or field of study that is less in-depth (typically 15 credits) than a major. A minor is typically completed to complement or supplement a major in a subject area outside of a student’s major. The requirements and the coursework in a minor are determined by Academic Affairs. Students are not required to complete a minor. Students who wish to declare a minor may do so by contacting their Academic Advising or Academic Success Counselor and filing with the Office of the Registrar. Students choosing to earn a minor must have their declared minor on record with the Office of the Registrar prior to applying for graduation.

En-Route Associate Degree
Associate degree recipients who continue on to a baccalaureate program, regardless of how much time has passed between degrees, are considered to have taken an “en-route” Associate degree. Their cumulative grade point average from their Associate degree will be carried forward to their baccalaureate work.

Single Concentrations for Undergraduate Students
Certain baccalaureate degree programs require students to choose a concentration to complete their degree. The concentration courses are included within the 120-credit degree requirement. If enrolled in a program that requires a concentration, students must identify their concentration with their Academic Advisor or Academic Success Counselor prior to graduation.

Dual Concentrations for Graduate Students
Some graduate programs permit students to complete more than one of the concentrations within their degree program. Students must complete all coursework required in both concentrations to fulfill the requirements for Dual Concentrations. The only exception is the concentration capstone course, which may count towards both concentrations if the topic studied includes substantive elements from both concentrations. Interested students should contact their Academic Advisor or Academic Success Counselor to learn the specific requirements around this opportunity. Financial Aid limitations and increased workload may apply to dual concentrations. Students should speak with their Financial Aid Advisor and discuss the alternate option of pursuing a graduate certificate with their Academic Success Counselor or Academic Advisor.

Residency Requirements
Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must earn at least their last 60 credits at Post University and must satisfy all degree requirements for the program. 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.
The residency requirement can be waived if a student is participating in a Post University articulated academic partnership with another accredited college or university, wherein the agreement between Post and that other Institution states that the student will complete the last portion of their degree at the other Institution.

Taking Courses at Another University
Post University students must have permission from the Office of the Registrar prior to taking courses at another accredited college or university, if they intend to transfer those credits back to Post. Transferring courses in from another Institution may earn students credit towards their Post University degree, but grades earned for those transferred courses will not impact the student’s cumulative grade point average. If a student completes a course at another Institution that has been previously failed at Post, the course may transfer to Post, but the “F” earned at Post will remain in the student’s cumulative grade point average. A minimum of “C” will be accepted for the transfer of credit.

To authorize Post University’s Office of Admissions to request your transcripts from other Universities, you must please complete, sign and submit a Post University Transcript Request Form, which is available for download at:post.edu/admissions-transcript-request-form.
Course Syllabus
Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the current syllabus posted for each course in which they are enrolled. The requirements and procedures outlined in the instructor’s syllabus are in effect as governing policies for that course.

Honors Program

To learn more about the Honors Program visit their section on the post website at post.edu/honors.

Honorary Organizations

Alpha Chi
Post University sponsors the Connecticut Gamma Chapter of Alpha Chi, a national college honor society. Students from all disciplines may qualify for admission. Membership is limited to the top ten percent of an institution’s juniors, seniors, and graduate students. In addition, juniors and seniors must have earned a minimum of 24 credits at Post University. Graduate students must have completed at least 15 semester hours of graduate credit at Post University. Eligibility is determined twice per year.

Phi Theta Kappa
Post University sponsors the Omega Rho Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for associate degree seeking students. Membership is offered when a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50 on a 4.00 scale is achieved after a minimum of 24 credits has been earned at Post University. Eligibility is determined twice per year.

Tau Upsilon Alpha
The National Organization of Human Services honor society (Tau Upsilon Alpha) was created with the purpose of honoring academic excellence and fostering lifelong learning. Tau Upsilon Alpha promotes excellence in service to humanity as well as learning, leadership, and development in the field of human services. Membership is offered to undergraduate and graduate students who have shown a commitment to working in and advancing the field of human services. Students must have completed at least 12 credits in their program of study and demonstrated academic excellence. Potential inductees are selected based on academic and professional eligibility once they have met the criteria outlined above.

Alpha Phi Sigma–Iota Psi Chapter (National Criminal Justice Honor Society)
In 2008, Post University established the Iota Psi chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, the nationally recognized honor society for students majoring in Criminal Justice. The honor society recognizes academic excellence in undergraduate in criminal justice. Eligibility is determined in the spring semester and/or Term 4. To become a member, students must declare a major or minor in Criminal Justice or a related field, have completed three full-time semesters or equivalent, and have achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale and rank in the top 35% of their class.

Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society
In 2014, Post University established a chapter of the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society, the internationally recognized society honoring outstanding academic achievement among students earning degrees in business. Candidates for Delta Mu Delta are baccalaureate degree or master’s degree students who have completed 75% or more of the work required for their degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 of better, and who are in the top 10% of their college class. Twenty-four credits must be completed at Post University. Once accepted into the society, membership is for life.

Chi Alpha Sigma
In 2017, Post University established Chi Alpha Sigma, The National College Athlete Honor Society. Chi Alpha Sigma is an organization of college athletes with high academic achievement, exemplary character, and positive attitudes. Membership is offered to undergraduate and graduate students who have earned a letter in a varsity intercollegiate sport(s) sponsored by the NCAA or NAIA, have achieved at least a junior standing by their 5th semester of 7th quarter, have achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.40 (on a 4.0 scale), have endorsement from his or her head coach, and are of good moral character. Once accepted into the society, membership is for life.

National Society of Leadership and Success
In 2018, Post University established a chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success. The Society is the nation’s largest leadership honor society. Students are selected by their college membership based on either academic standing or leadership potential. Candidacy is a nationally recognized achievement of honorable distinction. The Society provides a step-by-step program for members to build their leadership skills through participation at their campus or online. Upon completion of the program, members receive their leadership certificate and take their place among the top student leaders at their campus and across the country.

Honors

President’s List: Full-time Students
Matriculated undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.75, while carrying a minimum of 12 credits in one semester or two terms, will be named to the President’s List for that period. Students earning a grade less than C, IN or W during this period are not eligible.

Dean’s List: Full-Time Students
Matriculated students who demonstrate excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.50 – 3.74, while carrying a minimum of 12 credits in one semester or two terms, will be named to the Dean’s List for that period. Students earning a grade less than C, IN or W during this period are not eligible.

Post Scholars: Full-Time Students
Matriculated undergraduate students who demonstrate outstanding academic excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.90 upon graduation are named Post University Scholars, and are eligible to receive an additional 10% tuition reduction beyond the 10 percent Alumni grant within a master’s degree program at Post University. The Post University Scholars tuition grant is contingent on the student maintaining a GPA of 3.50 or better as a graduate student. Post University Scholars who drop below a 3.50 GPA in any given term will forfeit the additional 10% tuition grant.

Baccalaureate Degree Honors 
To qualify for honors, baccalaureate candidates must have earned a minimum of 60 credit hours in residence at Post University and achieved accumulative 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

Associate Degree Honors
To qualify for honors, Associate candidates must have earned a minimum of 30 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

Master’s Degree Honors
To qualify for honors, master’s candidates must have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 4.00, with a maximum of nine (9) transfer credits. Masters candidates earning a 4.00 will earn their degree with a with distinction designation.

English and Math Course Placement

First year Main Campus students are asked to complete a math placement exam and an English placement exam prior to attending a summer registration day. Their achievement on the Math placement exam helps the math faculty identify the correct MAT course placement. Their achievement on the English placement exam helps the English faculty identify students who may be in need of additional writing help during their first semester at Post.

Credit Hour Policy

This policy defines a credit hour in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations. This policy describes the relationship
between instructional contact hours and credit awards, as well as defines engaged academic time.

Post University offers a variety of learning modalities including Main Campus semester-based courses and accelerated courses, accelerated online courses, hybrid site courses, blended courses, independent studies and internships, and experiential learning. Regardless of modality or type of course, students are responsible for engaging in 45 contact hours of academic learning time for each credit of a course during a semester or term.

16-week semester
In a 16-week semester, a credit hour is an academic unit earned for 55 minutes per week of classroom instruction coupled with two hours per week of outside study. Typically, for a three-credit-hour semester course, there is an expectation of three hours of in class learning and six hours of outside study for a total of nine hours of academic work per week. For a blended 16-week course, there is an expectation for in class and outside s study to total nine hours per week. Over the course of 45 sessions, there are 135 hours of engaged academic time per three-credit-hour semester course.

8-Week Term
In an eight-week, 3 credit-hour course, there is an expectation of 17 hours of engaged academic work per week. In an eight-week 3 credit-hour site course, there is an expectation of three hours of in class learning and 14 hours of outside study for a total of 17 hours of academic work per week. For a blended 8-week course, there is an expectation for in class and outside study to total 17 hours per week. Over the course of 8 weeks, regardless of modality, there are 135 hours of engaged academic time per three-credit hour accelerated course.

Independent Study, Internship, or Prior Learning Assessment
In either an independent study or internship, there is an expectation that students will engage in academic work totaling 135 hours per 3-credit course, regardless of modality. At its discretion, Post University may award credit hours for learning acquired outside the institution, such as Prior Learning Assessment. When such credit is allowed, it may be used to satisfy degree requirements or to reduce the total number of remaining hours required for a degree.

Grade Point Average (GPA) Computation

A student’s term grade point average is calculated by dividing the total quality points by the total number of graded credit hours hours attempted with an earned grade of A-F. The cumulative grade point average is based on all course work completed to date.

Grading Policies

Grading Policies
The following grades are used on academic records and carry the quality points indicated.

Pass/Fail Option
Main Campus undergraduate students may take one elective course with a pass “P” or fail “F” option. Students must declare their intention to take a course Pass/Fail when registering for the course. They have until the Add/Drop deadline to revoke this decision and take the course for a grade. A grade of Pass/Fair will count when determining a student’s pace of completion. A grade of “P” is not included in the calculation of a students’ cumulative grade point average.

Transfer Credit
A grade of “T” represents the transfer of credit from another institution. A grade of “T” does no calculate into a student’s cumulative grade point average, but does count toward pace of completion. Please see the Transfer of Credit Policy for further information.

Alternate Credit
A grade of “CR” represents credit awarded by optional methods such as CLEP and DANTES exams, portfolio, or prior work experience. A grade of “CR” does not calculate into a student’s cumulative grade point average nor does it the pace of completion. Please see the Optional Credit Policy for further information.

Unearned F
For Accelerated Degree Programs, faculty members will assign a grade of “UF” (unearned F) to a student that does not complete graded academic activity after the midpoint of a course. When a student receives an “UF” grade, the faculty member will determine the date the student submitted his or her last graded academic activity and this will be considered the student’s withdrawal date from the course.
As a result of receiving an “UF”, a student’s enrollment status may be modified to withdrawn and Post University may be required to perform a calculation to determine how much financial aid the student has earned for the term. This calculation may result in the return of unearned financial aid to the U.S. Department of Education or other third parties and the student may be obligated to pay for charges originally paid by the unearned financial aid and/or return any excess funds paid to the student. Receiving an “UF” may also impair future course registrations and financial aid availability. “UF” grades also count as failing grades in the student’s cumulative grade point average and pace of completion. In addition, please see the policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Audit
Undergraduate students who wish to enroll in a course, without receiving academic credit, may audit the course. Audit status must be declared at the time of registration and requires the permission of the instructor. Audit status, once declared, may not be changed. The cost to audit a course is half the current rate of tuition. Audited curses will appear as an “AU” on the student’s transcript and not impact cumulative grade point average or pace of completion.

Incomplete
A grade of “IN” (Incomplete) may be requested by a student if the student has completed at least 60% of the required coursework in a course, and has a compelling reason for not being able to complete the remainder of the coursework by the end of the term. The decision on granting an incomplete will be at the instructor’s discretion as long as the student meets the criteria as stated above.

If an “IN” is granted, the student must complete the missing coursework in the timeframe indicated on the incomplete contract, not to exceed eight (8) weeks from the end of the prior term. It is the student’s responsibility to complete and submit the missing course work within the indicated time frame. Once completed, the course grade will be changed from an “IN” to the earned letter grade by the course instructor. An “IN” grade that is not rectified within the specified time frame will be automatically changed to the default grade entered by the instructor on the incomplete contract. The default grade is the grade originally earned by the student at the time that final grades for the term were due.

The student should include his/her Academic Advisor or Academic Success Counselor on all communication to instructors when requesting an incomplete, so the Academic Advisor or Academic Success Counselor is aware of the approval or denial, and can assist the student if the approval is granted

Withdrawal
A grade of “W” is assigned when a student withdraws from a class. The “W” grade is not included in the calculation of a student’s cumulative grade point average, but is calculated in the student’s pace of completion progress toward completing the program of study.

Grade Appeal Process

The following policy addresses final course grade appeals only. This grade appeal policy does not address complaints about specific class assignment grades. There is no separate process to address questions or complaints about individual grades. All emails must be sent from/to Post University email addresses, with a copy to the Office of the Assistant Provost for tracking purposes.

Informal Grade Appeal
If a student has a question or complaint about a final course grade, then the student should first attempt to resolve the issue with the instructor on an informal basis. This informal process should be pursued immediately following the posting of final course grades (the dates are identified in the Academic Calendar). Communication used should include only Post University email addresses and should be retained by both parties.

Formal Grade Appeal
Claims made at each step of the following process and the response to those claims must address the previous claims/response directly with documented evidence to support it as indicated and appropriate. All communications and documentation will be copied to the Office of the Assistant Provost for tracking purposes.

• Step 1 of Appeal: If the issue is not resolved via the Informal Grade Appeal, then the student can formally appeal the final course grade by notifying the instructor of the question/grievance IN WRITING using the “Student Grade Appeal” form via the student’s Post University email address within seven (7) business days from the date the semester and/or MOD final grades are due, as indicated on the Academic Calendar. Supporting documentation must be included at this time. A copy must be forwarded to the Office of the Assistant Provost by the student for tracking purposes. The Assistant Provost may forward a notification of the appeal to the appropriate Program Chair or Dean for their information; unless the instructor is not available for the review, this is for information purposes only.
• Step 2 of Appeal: The Instructor must respond to the student in writing, via Post University email address, within seven (7) business days of receipt of the appeal with a grade change or an appropriate explanation of the original grade given. The instructor’s response must directly address all claims made by the student. A copy should be sent to the Office of the Assistant Provost, for tracking purposes, who will forward a copy of the documents to the appropriate Dean or Chair for their information. If the appeal results in a change of grade, the instructor will complete the Change of Grade form, and forward it to the Registrar and the Office of the Assistant Provost.
• Step 3 of Appeal: If the matter is still not resolved, then the student should appeal in writing, via Post University email address, to the Office of the Assistant Provost, within seven (7) business days of receiving the results of the Step 2 appeal. The Assistant Provost will forward the appeal to the appropriate Program Chair or Dean. All supporting documentation, including any forms, etc., should be included. The Program Chair’s response must directly address all claims made by the student. The Program Chair may also refer any medical issues to the Disability and Title IX Coordinator if absolutely required.
• Step 4 of Appeal: Having reviewed all supporting material, including the justification by the instructor, the Program Chair will respond to the student’s concerns within seven (7) business days via Post University email, with a copy to the Office of the Assistant Provost for tracking purposes. If the appeal results in a change of grade, the Program Chair will complete the Change of Grade form and forward it to the Registrar and the Office of the Assistant Provost (for tracking).
• Step 5 of Appeal: If the student is still not satisfied, he/she should appeal in writing within seven (7) business days via Post University email of receiving the result of the Appeal in Steps 3 and 4 to the Office of the Assistant Provost, who will forward all materials accumulated during the appeal process to the appropriate Dean. The Dean should respond in writing, via Post University email address, to the student with his/her final decision within seven (7) business days of being notified by the Associate Provost. If the appeal results in a change of grade, the Dean will complete the Change of Grade form, and forward it to the Registrar and the Office of the Assistant Provost (for tracking). THE DECISION OF THE DEAN IS FINAL.

Repeating a Course

Students may repeat courses already taken under the following circumstances:

1. A student seeks to repeat the class after passing the course previously. Most often this is requested so the student may improve a previously-earned grade or to gain additional knowledge in the subject area. Students may repeat a course with a previously-earned passing grade one time. Students who have passed a course and wish to retake the course may be eligible for Federal Financial Aid through Title IV for retaking the course. Please check with a financial aid representative regarding qualifications.
2. A student repeats a class after receiving a failing grade. Students are limited to repeating a failed course taken at Post University an additional two times (for a total of 3 attempts at the course). Students who wish to retake a course a fourth time must obtain permission from an Academic School Dean. Students may be eligible for Federal Financial Aid through Title IV for each course that is repeated. Please check with a financial aid representative regarding qualifications.
3. A student retakes a failed Post University course at another institution. Students must obtain prior permission from the Program Chair for their degree program, using the “Permission to take an outside course” form to be permitted to retake a failed course at another accredited institution. The grade for a course taken at another institution will not appear on the student’s Post University transcript or be calculated into his/her cumulative grade point average. The failed Post University course will remain on the transcript and continue to calculate into a student’s cumulative grade point average.

When a course is repeated, the repetition appears on the transcript, but only the most recent grade is included in the cumulative grade point average. Students may only earn credit once for a course that is repeated.

Graduate Students
All courses in the graduate program of study that result in the student receiving a grade of less than a “C-“ must be retaken. Upon successful completion of the retaken course, original grade of less than” C-“ will be dropped from the student’s cumulative
grade point average and replaced with the passing grade.

A record of all failed classes will remain on the student’s transcript, even though the attempt is not counted in the cumulative grade point average. Students may retake a course after failure or withdrawal up to two (2) times (total of three attempts). Students wishing to attempt the course for a fourth time after failure or withdrawal must receive written permission from the School Dean. Students who fail their capstone courses will not be eligible to graduate. Students are allowed (2) attempts to pass their capstone with a grade of “C” or better. Students must petition the Dean or Director of the program to take the capstone course(s) for a third time.

Final Exam Policy

Main Campus students are required to attend all end-of-semester final exams and/or other required final grade activities (e.g., in class presentation) at their scheduled times during final exam week. Final exam week for the fall and spring semesters are identified on the academic calendar and is available to students at the beginning of the academic year (July). Students will not be granted early release and early access to final exams without presenting a compelling reason (e.g., a previously scheduled surgical procedure) with documented evidence to substantiate the reason (e.g., medical orders). The student’s request, rationale and documentation for early release and early access to final exams must be submitted to the School Dean of the student’s degree program no less than 14-days prior to the start of finals week. The Dean will review and rule on the student’s request.

Pre-arranged travel plans (e.g., air flight booking) do not constitute a compelling reason by itself. Travel plans must accommodate final exam week. All students are required to be on campus during this final week of the semester.

Assessment and Surveys

Post University is committed to the development and delivery of the highest quality academic and instructional experiences. To achieve this and other quality-related educational objectives, Post University applies a variety of tools and studies to monitor and continuously assess the performance of its academic programs, faculty teaching, and student outcomes. The tools include an outcome-based assessment process to test the effectiveness of our program curriculum, and a variety of student surveys and performance indicator tools to evaluate our course performance and teaching practices.

As part of the assessment process, a random sample of student work may be anonymously collected and assessed by assigned faculty and outside professionals. The consolidated score of that assessment is reviewed by the Assessment Committee and other stakeholders and acted on by the School Deans and Program Chairs as necessary for program improvement. The consolidated assessment data will also be used as part of informing the public about Post University and will not affect student grading.

Students are expected to complete the course evaluation for every class in which they are enrolled.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Standards

In order to verify academic progress and to determine eligibility for Federal s Aid (FSA) funds as outlined in the Federal Student Aid Handbook, Post University has established minimum academic standards for measuring students’ academic progresses.

A review of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is conducted for both Main Campus and Accelerated Degree Program students after each term/payment period. A term/payment period consists of one semester or two consecutive terms. Students who fall below the required academic standards may be placed on Warning for the next eligible term/payment period. If satisfactory improvement is not achieved by the end of the Warning period, then the students’ aid eligibilities will be suspended and they will be dismissed from Post University. Each case is reviewed and, whenever possible, students are given the opportunity to continue with their educations.

Qualitative Standards
Qualitative standards measure students’ Cumulative Grade Point Averages.
Post University uses the following escalating scale that undergraduate students must satisfy in both the Main Campus and Accelerated Degree Program programs in order to remain in good academic standing:

New undergraduate students who have a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 0.00 in their first term/payment period, regardless of number of credits attempted, will have their FSA eligibilities suspended and will be  dismissed from Post University without first being placed on Warning.
Post University uses the following escalating scale that graduate students must satisfy in both the Main Campus and Accelerated Degree Program programs in order to remain in good academic standing:

In graduate programs, an earned course grade below a C- (i.e., D+, D, D- and F) is considered a failing grade. Students who receive grades lower than C- will be required to repeat the courses and obtain passing grades (i.e., C. – or better). Failure to do so will result in FSA eligibility being suspended and being  dismissed from Post University. In addition, graduate students must maintain the required 3.00 Cumulative Grade Point Average in order to register for programs’ Capstone Courses. If they fall below the minimum requirement, they will need to repeat course(s) in the program(s) in which they earned lower grades to increase their Cumulative Grade Point Averages
The required Cumulative Grade Point Average will vary depending on whether or not the certificate being pursued is undergraduate or graduate:

Course incompletes, withdrawals, and transfers of credit from other institutions are not used as part of the calculation. Once course incompletes have been converted into earned grades, they will retroactively be used as part of the calculation.

Pace of Completion Standards
Pace of Completion measures students’ progresses towards completing their programs of study. Pace of Completion is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of credit hours the students have successfully completed by the cumulative number of credit hours the students have attempted. The calculation is performed for both the coursework attempted at Post University as well as overall attempted coursework, including course incompletes, withdrawals, repetitions, and transfers of credit from other institutions. In making this calculation, the institution is not required to include remedial courses.

Post University uses the following escalating scale that undergraduate students must satisfy in both the Main Campus and Accelerated Degree Program programs in order to remain in good academic standing:

Post University uses the following escalating scale that graduate students must satisfy in both the Main Campus and Accelerated Degree Program programs in order to remain in good academic standing:

The required Pace of Completion for all certificate programs is 67%:

150% Maximum Timeframe
Students must complete their respective degree requirements by the maximum timeframe specified by Post University, which is set at no more than 150% of the published length of time of the programs.
For example:

• Certificate in Paralegal Studies = 45-49.5 credits (30-33 x 1.5)
• Associate of Science in Accounting = 90 credits (60 x 1.5)
• Bachelor of Science degree = 180 credits (120 x 1.5)
• Graduate Certificate in Project Management = 18 credits (12 x 1.5)
• Master of Business Administration = 78 credits (52 x 1.5)

Warning
Students who do not meet SAP as outlined above are placed on Warning. Students on Warning are eligible to receive FSA for the next eligible term/payment period in which they are enrolled.

Financial Aid Suspension/Academic Dismissal
For students who are placed on Warning, the University will conduct a review of academic progress at the end of the Warning period. Students who do not meet the minimum SAP standards by the end of the Warning period will have their FSA eligibilities suspended, be removed from any current and future courses, and be  dismissed from Post University. Students may appeal this decision by following the Appeal Process.

Appeal Process
Students whose FSA eligibilities have been suspended and have been  dismissed from Post University and wish to appeal must submit their appeals in writing to their respective Academic Dean. The Academic Dean will review the appeal, which includes a letter of explanation of the mitigating circumstances that caused the decline in academic performance, supporting documentation of those circumstances, and a plan for improvement.

Students may begin submitting appeal letters one week before the end of the term/payment period when they expect to have their FSA eligibility suspended and be  dismissed from Post University. Students must submit their appeal letters one week before the start of a term/payment period to be considered for return that term/payment period.

If the students’ appeals are submitted and approved before the end of the add/drop period of the term/payment period after they were  dismissed from Post University, the students will be re-enrolled in any current and future courses, and be placed on Probation.

Probation
Students whose FSA eligibilities have been suspended and have been  dismissed from Post University and wish to appeal must submit their appeals in writing to their respective Academic Dean. Students whose appeals are approved will be placed on Probation. Students on Probation have one term/payment period to raise their Cumulative Grade Point Averages and/or Pace of Completion above the minimum requirements outlined by the SAP policy. Students who are placed on an Academic Plan will have additional time to improve their Cumulative Grade Point Averages and/or Pace of Completion according to the requirements of the plan.  All Probations are reviewed at the end of each grading period. Students who fail to meet the conditions of their Probation period will have their FSA eligibilities suspended and will be dismissed from Post University.

Repeating Coursework
Students are permitted to repeat courses for which they have already attempted, and the most recent grade is calculated into the students’ Cumulative Grade Point Average. When calculating Pace of Completion, attempted credits will include all courses even though prior grades are excluded when calculating the Cumulative Grade Point Average. Students may only repeat failed courses taken at Post University a total of  three times. Students who wish to retake courses a fourth time must obtain permission from their respective Academic Dean.

With respect to FSA, the following conditions must be observed:
Undergraduate students may receive financial aid for one repetition of a previously passed course in which they have earned grades of D- or above, or for any failed course until it is passed.

Graduate students may receive financial aid for one repetition of a previously passed course in which they have earned grades C- or above, or for any failed course until it is passed.

Review
Post University will review SAP at the end of each grading period. At the time of review, if the SAP criteria are not met, students are notified of their status for the following term/payment period. Post University notifies students by submitting information to the e-mail addresses maintained in the students’ files.  All periods of students’ enrollments are counted in the Cumulative Grade Point Average and Pace of Completion calculations, except as noted above for students who change their Programs of Study.

Students are provided one term/payment period, hereafter referred to as the Warning period, to meet the required academic standards. If students are not able to meet SAP by the end of the Warning period, their FSA eligibilities will be suspended and they will be  dismissed from Post University.  Students who fail to enroll for their Warning period will remain on Warning until enrollment in their next eligible term/payment period.

Reestablish Aid Eligibility
Students may reestablish their FSA eligibilities by reaching or exceeding the applicable minimum SAP requirements. Students who regain eligibility may receive their Federal Pell Grant and their Direct Loan funds for the term/payment period in which they become eligible.

Course Loads

Course Loads for Undergraduate Students
Main Campus students enrolled for 12 or more credits each semester are considered full-time students. Main Campus students registered for 11 or fewer credits are considered part-time students. The maximum course load is 18 credits per semester. Main Campus students wishing to register for more than 18 credits per semester must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 and permission from the Provost. In no instance will a student be permitted to carry more than 21 credits.

ADP students who want to register for nine credits per TERM must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 and permission from their Academic Success Counselor. A request to register for twelve credits or more must receive the Provost’s approval. Students should contact their Financial Aid Advisor about any additional cos t associated with taking more than six credits per TERM.

Course Loads for International Students

Undergraduate Students
An international student attending 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
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.
4. International students in their final semester of study may take a reduced course load if fewer credits than the full time status equivalent allows them to complete their degree. Any drop below a full course load will be reported to the Department of Homeland Security.

Graduate Students
International students pursuing a graduate degree with an F-1 Visa are required to maintain full time status. Full time status is defined as 6 credits in a period of enrollment (2 terms) in on-campus or hybrid classes. If a student is taking one on-campus course during a term, the student may take an additional course either on-campus or online, after consulting with their Academic Advisor. The student must maintain on-campus or hybrid courses equaling 6 credits in a period of enrollment, and cannot substitute an online course to meet their full-time status. A student can only drop below full-time status temporarily, by filing a request with the assistance of the International Student Advisor, and receiving approval from their Academic Advisor. There are limited exceptions to the “full course of study” requirement, as noted above.

Course loads for Graduate Students

For graduate students taking courses in 8-week term, 6 or more credits during two consecutive terms is considered full time. Students attempting three credits during two consecutive terms is considered part time. Permission to take more than two courses per term may be granted, providing the student has maintained a minimum 3.00 GPA and receives approval from the Provost. Approval to exceed two courses per mod will require the student to demonstrate that he or she is not currently employed (i.e., retired, leave of absence, summer break, on medical leave, unemployed, etc.). Students who are seeking financial aid are advised to contact the Financial Aid Office, as there may be a minimum number of courses/credits required to receive such aid.

Academic Integrity

Post University (including students, faculty, and administration) has the important responsibility to uphold and protect academic integrity and therefore will not tolerate academic dishonesty of any kind. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to: cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, unauthorized use of digital materials (including paraphrasing software), purchasing or copying materials written by someone else, or falsifying information or documents. Intentionally assisting others in acts of academic dishonesty is also considered academic dishonesty.

Any cases of academic dishonesty will be reported to the appropriate Program Chair and other personnel as the situation dictates. Confirmed dishonesty may result in penalties up to, and including, dismissal and denial of any financial reimbursement. Students have the right to appeal decisions made through this policy up to the office of the Provost.

Intentional and Unintentional Definition of Plagiarism
Students are required to cite sources correctly according to APA Style, or other Post University approved citation formats, in order to avoid plagiarism. Resources to assist students with proper citation formats include the Post University Learning Center, the Traurig Library, and www.tutor.com.

Professors regularly monitor assignment submissions utilizing, but not limited to, plagiarism detection software. Intentional plagiarism occurs when a student purposefully presents someone else’s words, ideas, or other original materials as his or her own with no attempt at giving credit to the original author. In cases of intentional plagiarism, students will receive one of the following:

• Strike 1: A zero on the assignment with no opportunity for a rewrite (first occurrence).
• Strike 2: F in the course in which the transgression occurred (second occurrence).
• Strike 3: Academic dismissal from Post University (third occurrence).

Unintentional plagiarism occurs when a student uses someone else’s words, ideas, or other original materials as his or her own and provides some attempt to give credit to the original author. Self-plagiarism occurs when a student resubmits his/her own previously written papers, projects, or discussion board responses from a previous course, including one that a student has already taken, (at this or any other university) without prior permission from the instructor. In cases of unintentional plagiarism, students will receive a warning and a zero for the assignment. With a warning, students must complete an academic integrity lesson. Upon successful completion of this lesson, the student may rewrite their paper (or resubmit the assignment) for a new grade. It will be up to the professor and the program chair to decide the length of time allotted to complete both the lesson and the rewrite. Students may only get one warning. Future instances (in current or future courses) will be treated as intentional plagiarism and will result in strikes. Both warning and strikes are documented in the Post University database.

Penalties for Academic Dishonesty
Penalties for other forms of academic dishonesty not addressed in Section 10.10 may include a strike one, two, or three as described above based on the severity of the occurrence as determined by the instructor, Program Chair, and Dean. Post University generally employs a three-strike process for students found guilty of acts of academic dishonesty; however, a flagrant violation of academic integrity may involve immediate dismissal and denial of any financial reimbursements. The student may appeal the final grade or disciplinary action as stated in the Grade Appeal or Dismissal Policy.

Academic Civility Code

The Post University community is committed to practicing civility among the students, faculty, staff, and administration. Civility is defined as conducting oneself with respect for others and behaving in a manner that promotes and encourages a positive social and academic environment. Post University embraces the following convictions:

1. Showing respect for faculty, staff, students, guests, and school property, policies, rules, and regulations.
2. Promoting the exchange of ideas and diverse opinions through tolerance, integrity, dignity, and respect while upholding academic integrity to the highest standard.
3. Taking personal responsibility for individual choices and actions and accepting the consequences thereof.
4. Communicating in a professional and courteous manner across all platforms (verbal, non-verbal, written, or electronic).
5. Abstaining from actions that are intimidating, bullying, demeaning, or hostile to another person.

Post University’s goal is to achieve and maintain a high standard of civility to increase students’ capacities to achieve success at while in attendance and in their future careers.

Schedule Changes

A schedule change consists of adding or dropping a course or changing from one course section to another during the Add/Drop period, or withdrawing from a course during the withdrawal period.

The Add/Drop period is the time period from the start of the term through the Add/Drop deadline, as defined by the academic calendar. The Add/Drop deadline is typically 5pm on the first Friday of the term. Beginning in the spring of 2018, Main Campus undergraduate courses have an atypical Add/Drop deadline so students are advised to review the academic calendar for details.

The withdrawal period is the period between the Add/Drop deadline and the last day to withdraw, as defined by the Academic Calendar. The last day to withdraw represents the 60% mark in the term as follows:

• Main Campus Undergraduate: 5 pm on the 10th Friday of the Semester
• Main Campus Graduate: 5 pm on the 5th Friday of the Term
• Accelerated Degree Program: 5 pm on the 5th Friday of the Term

Students will only be permitted to add courses during the Add/Drop period if prerequisites have been met and there are openings in the course(s) they wish to add. Any change to the student’s schedule should be discussed with the Academic Advisor or Academic Success Counselor, to ensure students have met prerequisites for the course and that the schedule change will keep the student on track to graduate.

Students receiving financial aid should consult with the Office of Student Finance to determine how their award package may be affected by adding, dropping or withdrawing from courses. The Office of Student Finance makes disbursements after the end of the Add/Drop period in order to determine a student’s enrollment status and eligibility. Official notification occurs when the student informs the Office of the Registrar of his/her withdrawal.

Schedule Changes: Main Campus Courses
Students taking Main Campus courses may make schedule changes through the Add/Drop deadline. Students may no longer add courses after the Add/Drop deadline. Students who wish to withdraw from a course after the Add/Drop deadline may do so during the withdrawal period. Students withdrawing from a course during the withdrawal period will have a “W” recorded for the course on their transcript. Students may not withdraw from a course after the last day to withdraw. Students wishing to withdraw from a course must submit a withdrawal form to the Office of the Registrar.

Schedule Changes: Advanced Degree Program Courses
Students taking Advanced Degree Program courses may make schedule changes through the Add/Drop deadline. Students who change their schedule prior to 5 p.m. EST on the Friday before a MOD starts will incur no additional fees and receive a full refund for tuition and fees charged. Students who choose to change their Advanced Degree Program course schedule after this point, but prior to the Add/Drop deadline, will be charged an administrative fee of $150 for each course dropped. Students are responsible for confirming course drops with the Office of the Registrar prior to end of the Add/Drop period.

Students who wish to withdraw from an Advanced Degree Program course after the Add/Drop deadline may do so during the withdrawal period”. Students withdrawing from an ADP course during the withdrawal period will have a “W” recorded for the course on their transcript. Students may not withdraw from a course after the last day to withdraw. Students wishing to withdraw from an Advanced Degree Program course must submit a withdrawal form to the Office of the Registrar.

Military students taking courses have an extended Add/Drop deadline (as defined above) and incur no drop fees if courses are dropped prior to the Add/Drop deadline. Military students who withdraw from a course in the first 7-13 days of the course are refunded 50% of tuition.

Course Substitutions

Course substitutions can be made with approval from the appropriate Main Campus advisor and Academic Success Counselor for Advanced Degree program students, and Program Chair as documented on the course substitution form.

Auditing a Course

Undergraduate students who wish to enroll in a course, without receiving academic credit, may audit the course. Audit status must be declared at the time of registration and requires the permission of the instructor. Audit status, once declared, may not be changed. The cost to audit a course is half the current rate of tuition.

Academic Participation and Unearned F

Main Campus Course Participation
Regular class participation is essential to the educational process. Failure to participate in class or complete assignments may result in a failing grade. Even students who have an excused absence (either due to athletic games or absences approved via prior communication with the instructor) are responsible for all course materials missed or due on the date(s) class was missed.

Online Academic Course Participation
Post University considers a student to have participated in a course if the student engages in an academic activity. Academic activity is defined as posting to a discussion board, submitting an assignment, taking a quiz or a test, or other measurable academic activity.
Students that have not engaged in an academic activity by 11:59 PM on the 2nd Monday following the beginning of a term will be dropped from the course and will be charged a drop fee. The student’s financial aid may also be impacted by not engaging in each enrolled course. If the student is enrolled in more than one course in the term, Post University will evaluate whether the student began each course and the student will be dropped only from those courses in which the student has not begun.

Unearned F
Faculty members will assign an unearned F grade to a student that does not complete any graded academic activity after the midpoint of a course. When a student receives an unearned F grade, the faculty member will determine the date the student submitted his or her last graded academic activity and this will be considered the student’s withdrawal date from the course.

As a result of receiving an unearned F, a student’s enrollment status may be modified to withdrawn and a calculation may be required to be performed to determine how much financial aid the student has earned for the term. This calculation may result in the return of unearned financial aid to the U.S. Department of Education or other third parties. The student may be obligated to pay for charges originally paid by the unearned financial aid and/or return any excess funds paid to the student. Receiving an unearned F may also impair future course registrations and financial aid availability. Unearned F grades also count as failing grades in the student’s cumulative grade point average and pace of completion and may impact satisfactory academic progress.

Electronic Course Materials and the Online Bookstore

Online Bookstore
Course materials are available for purchase from the online bookstore at www.postbookstore.com. It is the student’s responsibility to place online bookstore orders. Students should plan to order course materials two to four weeks prior to the start date of the course to ensure that textbooks will be available in time for class. Students can arrange for materials to be shipped to their homes or to Post University for pickup in the Mail Room in East Hall during normal business hours.

Electronic Course Materials
Electronic Course Materials are course materials that are available in a completely electronic format and are used exclusively in many courses. These are materials developed and gathered by faculty to address specific program and course curriculum topics, and best support effective student learning in the course. Materials may include electronic versions of textbooks, articles, case studies, YouTube videos, and electronic access codes that allow students to access customized publisher materials. A special fee covers the costs of these materials which are available to students on the first day of the term. Post University has worked with book publishers to negotiate the lowest possible prices. Students are strongly advised to take advantage of the automatic, one-day access to Electronic Course Materials.
Selected courses provide students with the opportunity to opt-out of the fee, these are the courses that make use of a non-customized publisher e-book that is available through VitalSource. Students enrolled in these courses will automatically be provided access to the e-book and charged the fee, but they may choose to opt-out of the e-book access through a link specific to the course. Students who opt-out of the e-book access will have the fee removed from their bill. Students who choose to opt-out, as described above, are responsible for purchasing the required course materials elsewhere, and they will not be eligible for an extension on course assignments while they await arrival of their course materials. The opt-out process will be available one week prior to the start of the term and must be completed by the Add/Drop date for the term.

Textbook Buyback Policy
Post University’s bookstore no longer sponsors a textbook buyback program.

Textbook Refund Policy
Textbooks purchased from the online bookstore may be returned, provided the returns are made within 21 days of the start of the semester and/or wrapped items or sealed CDs are not opened.

Accelerated Degree Program students may receive a full refund of the cost of the e-materials if they drop their courses within the Add/Drop period, have not printed or downloaded more that 20% of the electronic textbook, and not revealed any access codes issued with the e-textbook. The Add/Drop period ends at 5:00 pm EST on the first Friday of the term. If Accelerated Degree Program students drop their courses after 5:00 pm EST on the first Friday of the term, they will be responsible for the costs of the courses and the costs of the electronic course materials.

Main Campus students may receive a full refund of the cost of the e-materials if they drop their courses within the Add/Drop period, have not printed or downloaded more than 20% of the electronic textbook, and not revealed any access codes issued with the e-textbook. The Add/Drop period ends at 5:00 pm EST on the first Friday of the semester. If Main Campus students drop their courses after 5:00 pm EST on the first Friday of the semester, they will be responsible for the costs of the courses and the costs of the electronic course materials.

Copyright Policy
Post University’s online courses contain copyrighted resources created by Post University or licensed from various third parties. In compliance with U.S. Copyright Law, these resources may not be reproduced, revised, or distributed without the written permission of Post University. Unless otherwise noted, access to these materials is limited to the duration of the course. Please contact the library (library@post.edu) for information on which resources can be printed.

Graduation

Degree Audit and Application for Graduation
Post University awards degrees at the end of every term/semester. Commencement exercises are held once a year in May.

Undergraduate students may participate in the graduation ceremony provided they are within 6 credits of their degree into which they are enrolled and have a minimum 2.00 grade point average. Students anticipating a December graduation must complete their degree requirements by the end of the fall term or second term.

Potential graduates must meet with their advisors prior to their last 15 credits to make sure they have completed all required courses. While faculty advisors may assist each student in the selection of courses, the responsibility for fulfilling the requirements of the program and all Post University academic requirements rests with the individual student.

Deadlines for Graduation Applications:
September 23, 2018 – MOD 1 Graduation
November 18, 2018 – MOD 2/Fall Semester Graduation
February 10, 2019 – MOD 3 Graduation
April 7, 2019 – MOD 4/Spring Semester Graduation
June 2, 2019 – MOD 5 Graduation
July 28, 2019 – MOD 6 Graduation

Graduation Fees
Download the Graduation Application Packet. Graduation fees are non-refundable.
Undergraduate $90.00
Graduate $90.00

Commencement Fees
Students who wish to participate in the commencement ceremony are responsible for purchasing their caps and gowns. Caps and gowns will be made available on the vendor website in early spring. The fees include shipping and are as follows:
Undergraduate $35.50
Graduate $59.00

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

1. Be matriculated in a program
2. Satisfactorily complete all degree program requirements: at least 60 credit hours for an Associate of Science degree; at least 120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree; or the required number of credits for a Master’s degree
3. Achieve a cumulative GPA of not less than 2.00 for undergraduate students and a 3.00 for graduate students
4. Fulfill the residency requirement for the degree program they are pursuing
5. Complete an Application for Graduation and pay a non-refundable graduation fee

Please note: Diplomas or official academic transcripts cannot be issued if the student has an outstanding account balance with Post University.

For graduate students the Connecticut Office of Higher Education requires students to complete a culminating experience to exhibit adequate comprehension and acquisition of knowledge from pursuit of their master’s education. We have developed a series of capstone courses which meet this requirement. Students who fail their capstone courses cannot graduate. Students have a total of two attempts to pass the capstone course with a grade of C- or better. If the course is not passed on the second attempt, a petition to the Dean or Program Director is necessary to take the class a third time.

Requirements to Walk in the Graduation CeremonyUndergraduate Walking Candidates
In order to walk (participate) in the graduation ceremony a student must meet all of the following requirements:

• Have six credits or less to complete at the end of the spring semester and/or term 4.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.
• Indicate an intent to participate in the ceremony on the graduation application.
• Be registered for their final courses.

Graduate Walking Candidates
In order to walk (participate) in the graduation ceremony a student must meet all of the following requirements:

• Have three credits to complete at the end of term 4 and 2.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
• Indicate an intent to participate in the ceremony on the graduation application submitted by the deadline.
• Be registered for their final course.

A diploma will not be awarded to undergraduate or graduate students until all credits are completed. Students with credits remaining who are allowed to walk in the May ceremony are not officially graduated until all credit requirements are met. Diplomas will not be granted until all graduation requirements have been met.

Program Time Limit

Undergraduate students do not have a set program time limit. After two (2) years of non-attendance, students are readmitted under the new curriculum in the catalog at the time of readmission. If the original program of study is no longer offered, readmitted students are required to choose a new major. Coursework completed under the previous major may be transferred into the new major, based on course equivalencies and substitution policies.

Graduate students must complete a program of study within a five (5) year time limit from the date of admission to degree status. Should extenuating circumstances arise, students may petition for a one-time, one-year extension for completion of their programs of study. Such petitions must include the signed endorsement of the Program Chair and Dean. The Provost will rule on the petition and make the final decision.

Withdrawal from Post University

Active/Inactive Students
An active student is a student who is enrolled in a course in the current semester or term. An inactive student is a student who is not enrolled in the current semester or term. Upon enrolling in a course, an Inactive student will be considered active.

Official Withdrawal (Withdrawal from University Initiated by Student)
A student wishing to officially withdraw from Post University must inform the Office of the Registrar. In turn, the Office of the Registrar will notify the student’s Academic Advisor or Academic Success Counselor and Financial Aid Advisor. Should the student withdraw prior to the end of a term or semester, the official transcript will reflect a “W” (withdrawal) grade for all attempted courses in that term.

A student who has officially withdrawn and would like to be readmitted within one year should contact his/her Academic Advisor or Academic Success Counselor. After a period of one year from the official withdrawal date, the student will need to go through the admissions process to be officially readmitted to Post University.

Administrative Withdrawal (Inactive Student Status)
Inactive students, those not currently enrolled in a course, will be administratively withdrawn. Administratively withdrawn students in satisfactory academic and civic standing are welcome to enroll in courses for a one-year period without going through the admissions process. Post University’s Student Account’s Department reports inactive students as administratively withdrawn, for purposes of Title IV financial aid.

Withdrawal for Military Leave
Military students who have been activated or deployed with orders and are unable to continue their studies for an academic term (Semester or term), must do the following:

• Notify their Instructor(s), their Academic Advisor for Main Campus students or Academic Success Counselor for Accelerated Degree Program students, and the Office of the Registrar that they have military orders that will prohibit them from continuing as a student in the current academic term.
• Provide the Office of the Registrar with a copy of their military orders or other documentation that demonstrates a need to withdraw from the current academic term to meet the military needs of their branch of the service.
• Students who meet the criteria listed above are eligible for the following:
  If the request for withdrawal is during the first half of the Term/Semester, students will receive no grade for the courses in which they are enrolled, no course credit shall be awarded, and the term shall not be counted toward in the Pace of Completion for Satisfactory Academic Progress. A full refund of tuition and/or room and board will be granted.
• If the request for withdrawal is after the first half of the Term/Semester, students can elect to

1. Withdraw (W) from their classes and receive a full refund of tuition*, or,
2. Request to receive no credit or grade for the course, or,
3. Request an Incomplete (IN) from their instructors and make arrangements to complete all required course assignments within a specified timeframe. (See Incomplete Policy in the University Catalog). The term shall count as a term in residence.

*If the students elect to take a W for the course, this may impact their Satisfactory Academic Progress in the future and should be discussed with their Academic Success Coordinator.

In the event that a military student’s absence will extend into multiple terms, the student will be granted a Military Leave of Absence while they are deployed. The Military Leave of Absence will expire six (6) months after the end of the deployment. Students on a Military Leave of Absence will be able to resume their education without the need of reapplying to Post University by contacting the Office of the Registrar.

Unofficial Withdrawal (No notice by student of intent to Officially Withdraw)
If a student stops attending/participating in class(es) and fails to notify the Office of the Registrar he/she is officially withdrawing, he/she will receive no charges for the first week. After the first week, he/she is considered active and enrolled, and will receive earned grades for the courses.

Dismissal from Post University

Academic Dismissal
Post University maintains the right to dismiss students from an undergraduate or graduate program under the following circumstances:

1. Failing to meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements.
2. Behaving in a manner prejudicial to the interests of Post University or hostile to the welfare of students or faculty in breach of the Civility Code.
3. Violating of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Readmission to the Post University

Students who have unpaid balances must resolve any outstanding issues prior to requesting readmission. Resumption of enrollment or readmission is at the discretion of Post University and is subject to any imposed conditions.

Readmission after Withdrawal
Students seeking readmission who have been inactive (not been enrolled in a course) for greater than one (1) year and military students who have exceeded the 6-month grace period after an approved military leave must reapply through admission and satisfy all current admission criteria for their program.

If a graduate student’s cumulative grade point is less than a 3.00 the student must agree to an academic improvement plan that is satisfactory to the Program Director or Dean. Appeals of the Program Director’s decisions may be made to the appropriate Dean.

Readmission after Dismissal
Students who have been dismissed for failing to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress may apply for readmission one year from the date of dismissal. Please refer to the Academic Progress Standards for the Dismissal Appeal Process. Students seeking readmission in an undergraduate program must meet the current application requirements, provide all current documentation, and deliver a letter requesting readmission providing details as to why the student will be successful if allowed to return to study. Students seeking readmission to a graduate program of study will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director of the program with an appeal to the Dean if necessary. For programs without a Program Director, the readmission decision rests with the Dean and may be appealed to the Provost.

Readmitted students may be asked to participate in an academic improvement plan as designed by the Program Director of the program or Dean as part of the readmission process. The academic improvement plan will provide for conditional admission for the student’s next 2 terms or one semester. If the student violates the academic improvement plan, the student will be dismissed from the program of study with no appeal process. Students who have been dismissed for breach of the Civility Code or the Academic Integrity Policy are not eligible to apply for readmission.

Optional / Alternative Credit Options

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, on-the-job training, standardized examinations, or work experience. Students earn course credits by examination or portfolio, but no grade is assigned. The maximum number of credits that may be earned through any combination of CLEP, DANTES, or Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is 15 credits toward an associate degree and 45 credits toward a baccalaureate degree.

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 (AP) examinations. The Advising Office makes decisions regarding the acceptance of AP examinations for advanced standing credit. A maximum of 15 credits may be earned through AP examinations.

Standardized Examinations

CLEP: The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers examinations in courses, mostly at the introductory level. Students may earn three 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 college credits per exam based on a pass/fail formula score.
The CLEP and DANTES examinations are not administered by Post University. For information concerning sites and dates, consult the College Board website. The official score report must be sent to Post University for credit to be granted. A maximum of 15 credits (total) may be earned through CLEP and DANTES examinations.
Upon taking the examination, the student should direct the College Entrance Exam Board (CEEB) to refer the test score report to:
Office of the Registrar
Post University
800 Country Club Road
Waterbury, CT 06723-2540
Telephone: 203.596.4615
Fax: 203.841.1152
Email: registrar@post.edu

Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio Program

As part of the Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio Program, Post University allows eligible, matriculated, undergraduate students to apply for college credit for life experiences and completion of select licensure examinations. Through submission of portfolios, students may earn a maximum of 45 credits towards a Bachelor’s degree or 15 credits towards an Associate’s degree . Information regarding policies and procedures is available from Academic Advising (MC) or Academic Success Counselors (ASC). There are certain courses and subject areas that are not eligible for portfolio credit. Please consult with Academic Advising (MC) or Academic Success Counselors (ASC) to review any restrictions.

Prior Learning Assessment Credit
RN to BSN students will be awarded 30 credits as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credits in recognition of having completed a registered nurse program and passing the National Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Verification of valid RN licensure will be required to receive PLA credit.