Academic Policies for Undergraduate Programs

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To earn the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, each candidate must achieve the following:

• Complete the coursework, including core or general education requirements, in the respective program.
• Pay all fees and tuition charges.
• Accumulate 120 semester credits that are officially accepted by St. Thomas University.
• Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (4.0 scale) in the 120 credits comprising the degree program, and at least a 2.25 grade point average in major courses.
• Meet all General Education requirements, which consist of the courses, or equivalent, approved by the Registrar.

COURSE ATTENDANCE

Web-based Instruction

Instruction for all courses are delivered online.  The syllabus will list assignment by units or weeks. The course will have weekly deadlines. Missing weekly deadlines may affect grades. To participate in on-line courses, students must have daily access to a computer with web access, active email addresses and some demonstrated proficiency in basic computer and telecommunication skills, including file management, email messaging, uploading and downloading files and attaching files to messages.

General Guidelines for Make-up Work are:

1. In general, the instructor determines make-up assignments for absences.
2. For make-up work in any course, students will discuss the missed class session with the instructor. 
3. An “I” (Incomplete) may be given until make-up work is complete. If an “I” grade is not cleared in 90 days, an “F” grade will be given for that course.

 If long term medical, family or employment concerns develop, the student needs to contact the Program Director of the particular program immediately. The Director will assist the student in addressing both academic and financial matters related to the program.

LIBRARY

The Library Reference Staff, in cooperation with the instructors in the programs will provide instruction in basic information gathering, including learning the basics of database searching and critical thinking skills. These life-long learning skills are essential preparation to effectively function in this "information society." Our students are encouraged to use the services and resources of the Library. The University Library also provides access to over 10,000 journal, magazine and newspaper titles in digital format, and over 28,000 electronic books.  All library resources are online.

STUDENT ACADEMIC LOAD

The undergraduate programs operate on a four-term system with all learners enrolled for at least twelve credits each term. A student course load of 12 credits or more per term qualifies the individual for full-time status and financial aid.

ORIENTATION

All first time or returning students must participate in a online orientation which is completely online.

INCOMPLETE GRADES

Incomplete work must be completed prior to the midpoint of the following term. If work is not satisfactorily completed by that time, the student will automatically be assigned an “F” (Failure) grade. Students with incompletes will jeopardize their participation in graduation.

TRANSCRIPT REQUEST

Transcript requests should contain: student’s name (including maiden name), social security number, specific dates of attendance, and names and addresses where the transcripts are to be sent. If specific terms or specific course grades are to be included, that information should be noted, so that the transcript is not sent before the data is posted to the record.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE UNIVERSITY

To withdraw from the program, the student must notify the Director of the particular program and complete the Change of Status and Change of Schedule (Add/Drop) forms. Students will only receive credit for courses completed. Furthermore, withdrawal from the program will jeopardize any financial aid for the rest of that academic year (These regulations have been set by the federal and state governments).

When the Registrar’s Office is asked to verify full-time enrollment for a student, that office is required to use the last date in class as the last day of attendance. That student also has a grace period of six months after the last day of classes before repayment of loans must begin. Therefore, a student receiving Financial Aid who anticipates dropping out should contact the Office of Financial Aid regarding the implications of such action.

Withdrawing from or “DROPPING OUT” of the program is not official until the completed Change of Schedule form has been officially and successfully submitted to the BASIC Office by the student. A student will be held financially responsible for all fees associated with the program and courses for which he or she is registered until that Change of Schedule form is officially submitted and deadline met.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN COMMENCEMENT

To be considered for participation in commencement (graduation) exercises, with cap, gown and tassel, student must be enrolled in the final courses that would complete the requirements for the degree.

Graduating students will be expected to participate in the commencement ceremony. Diplomas will be mailed to the student upon completion of work. Students must apply for graduation by specific dates in October, February, or June of the year they plan to graduate and participate in commencement.

GRADUATING WITH ACADEMIC HONORS

Students may graduate with honors if they meet the University’s academic requirements including the necessary GPA and have taken at least 60 institutional credits that must not include alternative credits such as CLEP and Portfolios.