The primary purpose of an academic advising program is to assist students in the development of meaningful educational plans which are compatible with their life goals. Academic advising should be viewed as a continuous process of clarification and evaluation.

Academic Calendar

Academic Ceremonies

A. Introduction

Academic honesty is an essential part of the Saint Francis University experience. Dishonesty in any aspect of the life of the University is viewed as being incompatible with the school's moral tradition. Accordingly, Saint Francis University has prepared a policy on academic honesty that will guide students in dealing with such issues in the process of learning regardless of the course delivery method.

To provide a description of the honors awarded to Saint Francis University undergraduate students in recognition of their academic accomplishments and the eligibility requirements of each designation.

Academic standing is based on semester and cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) on all Saint Francis University courses once a student has attempted at least 12 credits. 

Additional Titles

Due to severe inclement weather the University may find it necessary to delay, or cancel classes, or may declare the classes as a required "virtual class day" in lieu of cancellation. Delay or cancellation of classes, or declaration of "virtual class day"  does not mean that the University is closed. In fact, when classes are delayed or cancelled, or when a virtual class day is in effect, operations continue.

SCOPE

This policy applies to students and faculty with respect to all graduate and undergraduate courses offered, regardless of their modality.

PURPOSE

To establish policy, procedures, and guidelines for the management of attendance for both on-ground and online students and their attendance records in accordance with state (22 PA Code) and federal regulations (34 CFR 668.22).

Although the teaching of classes is the basic responsibility of the faculty, the University can truly be a community of scholars only by the participation of each member in those activities that promote the smooth functioning of the institution, that offer opportunities for intellectual exchange, that assist in University governance through the Faculty Senate, and uphold the image of the University in the public eye.

Students who wish to take courses for their information only may choose to audit the classes. The courses will appear on the transcript with a grade of "AD" and will not count toward any semester or cumulative totals. 

The purpose of this policy is to describe the requirements for changing or adding a major for undergraduate students.

Compensation Information

All undergraduate students must pass a comprehensive examination in their major field of study as a requirement for graduation

Explanation of specifications of a course load

Course waivers may be approved to allow a student to graduate without completing a graduation or program requirement.  Course substitutions may be approved to allow a student to use an alternative course to meet a program requirement.

Students may receive credit for a Saint Francis University course by taking an examination in place of the actual course.

Curriculum and Courses

To comply with our regional accreditation organization and government regulations, Saint Francis University establishes semester and credit hour definitions.

Departmental Meetings

Under College Aged Students Taking Courses at Saint Francis University (excludes College in High School Program and Upward Bound Bridge Students)

Emeritus or Emerita

University governance involves a myriad of complex, interrelated issues. Faculty, by virtue of their experience and training, are uniquely qualified to recommend, review, and enforce University policy. The faculty, through the Faculty Senate, communicates, collaborates, and cooperates with trustees, administrators, staff, and students on issues inside and outside of the academy.

Summary of the Faculty Organization

To establish a uniform final examination schedule in order to facilitate fairness and help maximize the educational experience for students.

Freshman Advising Program

General Principles Governing Tenure

Policy regarding the general regulations for academic minors

Policy regarding the general requiremnets for graduation

The goal of this grade appeal policy is to establish a clear, fair process by which students can contest a course grade that they believe has been awarded in a manner inconsistent with university policies or that has resulted from calculation errors on the part of the instructor. 

Policy regarding the grading system 

To describe the University philosophy for graduate assistantships, process to secure a graduate assistant, terms of a contract, conditions for the experiential learning assignments, terms for the tuition waiver, associated and necessary information flow, reporting responsibilities, and other constraints and limitations.

In-Service Programs

The faculty and administration of Saint Francis University believe that the public interest is best served by creating an intellectual environment whereby creative efforts and innovations can be encouraged and rewarded, while still retaining for the University and its learning communities reasonable access to, and use of, the intellectual property for whose creation the University has provided assistance.

Saint Francis University supports the development, production, and dissemination of intellectual property by its faculty members.

Interlibrary Loan provides access to materials which are not available within the collections of the Saint Francis University Library. In order to provide global access to information resources, the Library participates in the OCLC Resource Sharing network, reciprocal borrowing programs, and library consortia.

The Saint Francis University Library provides basic interlibrary loan services at no cost to University users. The library also pays the cost of postage to send books to distance education students, and the cost for the return of these books to the Library.   

Appointments (Joint and Initial)

Students who need to take a temporary interruption from their program of study at Saint Francis University may request a Leave of Absence (LOA). A Leave of Absence is a temporary leave from the University. The requesting student should intend to return within two full academic semesters. A Leave of Absence should be requested prior to the upcoming semester in which the leave is to take effect unless unforeseen circumstances prevent the student from doing so.

Leaves of Absence without Pay

Policy regarding the matriculation process within the University

This policy is to establish the standard that those employed by the University are prohibited under federal regulations from making any false, erroneous, or misleading statement directly or indirectly to a student, any member of the public, an accrediting agency, a state agency, or the U.S. Department of Education.

As an institution that participates in federal financial aid programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Saint Francis University is committed to fully complying with federal regulations regarding state authorization as well as all requirements issued by States regarding the operation of higher education institutions within their jurisdictions. This policy is intended to address certain federal regulations, specifically 34 CFR 600.9, 34 CFR 668.43, and the rules of the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

This policy therefore:

1. Defines the offices, departments, and personnel responsible for ensuring the University’s compliance with laws, regulations, and agreements related to State Authorization;
2. Establishes governance and communication structures necessary to maintain State Authorization compliance; and 
3. Empowers University offices, departments, and/or personnel described herein to expect cooperative assistance from other University offices, departments, and/or personnel in order to comply with State Authorization laws, regulations, and agreements.

This policy does not govern the University's compliance with laws, regulations, and agreements pertaining to issues beyond state authorization.

Scope:

This policy applies to all administration, faculty, and staff.

To maintain reasonable workloads, to clarify the use of overload contracts, and to ensure conditions for high quality teaching.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the Saint Francis University community has ready access to well-developed and understandable University policies.

This policy helps to ensure the University's compliance with federal regulations (34 CFR 668.43) and its obligations as a SARA-participating institution regarding public and direct disclosure requirements related to Professional Licensure Programs.

Scope:

This policy applies to academic administration, recruitment, and admissions personnel that administer Professional Licensure Programs, regardless of modality or geographic location.

Professional Societies

As an investment in the early development of new faculty, this policy provides opportunity for departments to request reassigned time for new faculty during their first semesters at Saint Francis University.

The purpose of this policy is to define in what instances undergraduate students may enroll in graduate-level courses, how these courses are counted toward GPA calculations, how these courses are counted toward degree requirements, and limitations regarding the number of credits.

Saint Francis University is committed to the highest ethical standards of integrity for its administration, faculty and student body. The University expects all research conducted under its auspices to adhere to the strictest levels of intellectual honesty.  This policy has been designed to meet the requirements of the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS), under which the National Institutes of Health (NIH) operates, and other federal agencies. 

Responsibilities for Promotion and Tenure

Retirement

Scholarly Activities and Publications

This policy relates to the process of obtaining a second Bachelor's degree. 

Speakers Policy

This policy is established to provide an appropriate framework to resolve student complaints, to maintain the integrity of the academic environment, and to ensure the rights of students in such matters are clearly ensured and protected.

The Saint Francis University Student-Athlete Missed Class Due to Athletics Participation policy establishes guidelines to deal with class attendance and class absence(s) associated with student-athletes' participation in intercollegiate athletics.  

To provide clear and consistent practices for accepting graduate credit for transfer to Saint Francis University.

Scope:  

Students formally accepted and enrolled in a graduate-level program at Saint Francis University.

Saint Francis University welcomes students at the undergraduate level who have earned college credits prior to matriculation. The University recognizes the experiences and achievements individual students have gained. Academic advisors and counselors will guide individual students to maximize their learning opportunities in a flexible, supportive environment. Accordingly, this transfer credit policy describes the many opportunities individual students have to complete a Saint Francis University degree or credential and include credits or experiences completed elsewhere.

To establish the standard for the use of the Statement of Nondiscrimination and ADA statements in University publications as part of Saint Francis University's commitment to providing a safe and nondiscriminatory employment and educational environment as well as in response to legal mandates.

Policy Officer:  Chief Academic Officer; Vice President for Enrollment Management; Vice President for Innovative Partnerships and Student Development

Responsible Office: Marketing; Title IX; Accessibility Services

It is recommended that students contemplating withdrawal from the University first discuss this matter with their advisor or counselor. If students decide to withdraw, the Career Services' staff is available to assist them in clarifying and reaching their future goals. Information and counseling are available regarding transferring to other institutions as well as assistance in reaching new occupational objectives.