Academic Admission Requirements

Academic Calendar

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.

This policy outlines the standard of satisfactory academic progress for Federal and Institutional Financial Aid. 

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. 

The University provides the email, network, guest network, and Internet resources for University-related activity. The purpose of the campus network is to support education and research by providing access to valuable resources. It also provides opportunity for interaction and collaborative work using the Internet through e-mail services and other network applications. The Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources policy is applicable to all employees and students.

Information on Accessibility Services

Admission of International Students

Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

Safe Harbor

HATP Alcohol Policy

Illegal Drug Policy

Driving under the Influence/Driving While Intoxicated

Mandated Evaluation and Counseling

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.

Athletic Facilities

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).

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.

Maintenance of the Student name or address data

Circulation transactions are legal contracts between the library and the borrower. Borrowers are responsible for appropriate care of library materials charged out to them. The library is responsible for keeping borrowers' records confidential. Prompt return of library materials when due is a consideration shown to fellow library users.

Credit levels to obtain specifc class standing status

The Library of Saint Francis University values the privacy of individuals using library resources. The Saint Francis University Library subscribes to the American Library Association Code of Ethics as a guide for protecting the privacy of our users. The Saint Francis University Library will only release names or other personally identifying details in response to a search warrant, subpoena, or other lawful directives issued in accordance with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, 50 U.S.C. 1801, et seq., as amended by the USA PATRIOT ACT (Public Law 107-56), and Pennsylvania Law 24 P.S. Section 428. Personal information collected from library users is used to process requests and meet an individual’s library information and resource needs. The Saint Francis University Library does not sell personal information to any third party. 

Community Enrichment Series

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

To provide clear and consistent practices for allowing students to register for courses through any academic consortium in which Saint Francis University is a participating member. What is an academic consortium? It is an organized group of colleges and universities that share courses under a specific agreement. When Saint Francis University participates, a student may, under certain conditions described in this policy, take courses through the consortium; a consortial course is directly aligned with a SFU course and the course will be recorded on the student transcript as the SFU course.

This Continuity of Operations Plan provides the framework by which Saint Francis University will mitigate impacts and restore essential services and operations at the University in the event of a catastrophic event. This plan identifies the overall concepts to manage University continuity objectives, identify operational priorities, clarify continuity of leadership, and activate processes and procedures for use during continuity operations. This policy aims to address 34 CFR 602.24(c) and works in conjunction with the Saint Francis University Crisis Communication Plan, Emergency Response Manual, and Pandemic Response Plan.

Recognizing the balance between fostering creativity and protecting ownership, Saint Francis University expects and requires all students, faculty, and staff to comply with applicable copyright laws and this policy. Saint Francis University students, faculty, and staff are expected to have a basic understanding of copyright law in order to ensure compliance with the law and this policy. 

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 applying through the Center for Academic Success for an accommodation to complete all or part of the semester remotely or to transfer to 100% online courses for the semester are required to abide by the procedures of the application process and the expectations for participation in University events on or off the campus for the duration of the accommodation.

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

This policy focuses on procedures the University follows to authorize major capital projects, and the steps it takes to ensure that the issuance of new debt used to acquire, improve or construct major capital assets are both strategic and fiscally responsible.

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

Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program (DAPP)

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

As a benefit to our students, Saint Francis University allows students covered by employer reimbursement plans to defer payment, interest free, until the student is reimbursed by their employer. 

Saint Francis University ("the University") is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities, that are free from discrimination and harassment based on a protected characteristic, and retaliation for engaging in a protected activity.  

The University values and upholds the equal dignity of all members of its community and strives to balance the rights of the parties in the grievance process during what is often a difficult time for all involved.  

To ensure compliance with federal, state, and local civil rights laws and regulations, and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the education program or activity, the University has developed policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair, and impartial process for those involved in an allegation of discrimination or harassment on the basis of a protected characteristic, and for allegations of retaliation. 

Saint Francis University seeks to provide leadership and a consistent means to unite the university in a single voice in support of a framework designed to ensure fair treatment, full participation, and a sense of belonging for all members of the University Community. There are currently multiple committees, accreditation teams, and positions that have developed over the past few years all over the University to address questions of fair treatment, full participation, and a sense of belonging for all University Community members for the the NCAA, SAAC, SGA, as well as all of the academic accrediting bodies, the University is prone to be influenced by voices that are not congruous with our own tradition. In response, the following policy ensures that all published statements, activities, and representatives are compliant with the overall University Mission and align with Catholic Social Teaching, which ties directly back to our Catholic and Franciscan tradition. This ensures that the University is speaking and acting with a consistent voice and purpose.

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

Information on Fire Safety at SFU

Gambling Policy

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.

This policy is intended to provide general guidance for faculty, staff and students so that they may fully engage in the political process in a manner that does not jeopardize the University's tax-exempt status. This policy also provides guidelines for permissible appearances of candidates on campus.

Table of Contents

INFORMATION SECURITY POLICY
DATA CLASSIFICATION POLICY
ORGANIZATION OF INFORMATION
LOGICAL ACCESS CONTROL POLICY
CONFIGURATION AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT
MOBILE DEVICE EMAIL POLICY
PRIVILEGED ACCESS POLICY

Saint Francis University has established an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to review all research involving the use of human subjects and to implement institutional policies and procedures regarding such research. 

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.   

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.

This policy governing Resource Planning and Collection Development applies to the selection of all materials comprising the collections of the Saint Francis University Library.   

Philosophy

The Saint Francis University Library provides the students, faculty, and staff of Saint Francis University and members of the community at large with excellent access to information resources, support for academic programs, and also promotes intellectual freedom as described in the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure access to the university information technology network by authorized persons as intended by University leadership, and the Department of Information Technology Services.  This policy defines the levels of intended access by user type (role) and authorizes the Department of Information Technology Services to monitor for, detect and take actions to remedy violations of the Logical Access Policy.

This Policy aims to create a successful first mathematics experience for our students

Policy regarding the matriculation process within the University

Media Photography Video Policy

Saint Francis University (SFU) acknowledges that students may be temporarily unable to attend classes or be required to pause their studies to perform military service. SFU encourages such students to resume their education once a military service obligation has ended and adopts this policy to ensure the timely readmission of such students.

Saint Francis University requires that all students in undergraduate and graduate academic programs have a notebook/laptop computer that meets or exceeds the listed requirements.

Opiate overdose is one of the leading causes of accidental death in Cambria County. Fatal and non-fatal overdose can result from the abuse of opiates such as morphine, heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone as found in OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, and hydrocodone as found in Vicodin. Act 139 of 2014 allows law enforcement to administer NALOXONE to individuals experiencing and opioid overdose provided certain requirements have been met.

To outline the University's policy on submission of paperwork required upon hire of new or rehired employees.

The Saint Francis University policy for non-commercial fundraising refers to income-generating activity that is conducted for private business or personal profit. The policy is aimed at protecting the use of Saint Francis University's name, brand, and logo.

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.

The purpose of this policy is to clarify the circumstances and procedures when the University may notify the parent(s) or guardian(s) regarding information about a dependent student without the student’s consent.  While the University always strongly encourage students and parents to have an open discussion regarding personal responsibility and privacy during the college years, the University realizes the importance of parent/guardian involvement for successful matriculation and retention. 

Parking policy

To outline the University's schedule for payment of wages.

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance (PHEAA) Agency has changed the distance learning (education) policy for its Pennsylvania State Grant program.

The purpose of the P-card program is to streamline and simplify the requisitioning, purchasing and payment process for small dollar transactions. The program is designed to shorten the approval process and reduce the paperwork of procurement procedures such as purchase orders, check requests and expense reimbursements.

In accordance with the document, "Policy on Policies," 'Policies that apply to the operation of a division or departments may not conflict with university-wide policy, but may be more restrictive.

Policy on HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

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

Saint Francis University has always taken hazing seriously and continues to raise awareness about hazing and its prevention. The Stop Campus Hazing Act provides an additional layer to SFU's prevention efforts and response to campus hazing.

Saint Francis University is committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of education records, to providing students with appropriate access to their education records, and to compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and its regulations. The purpose of this policy is to set forth the University’s policies and procedures regarding the privacy of and access to education records.

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 who administer Professional Licensure Programs, regardless of modality or geographic location.

Public Relations/Press Policy

Readmission

Policy related to student billing class withdrawals and refunds

Students registering for classes for the first time and for each semester must access the web based registration portal during the designated registration period.

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.

Religion/Association Policy

This policy relates to a student repeating courses.

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. 

Housing Options

• Traditional Residence Halls
• Independent Living Units
• Special Interest Housing

Housing Eligibility and Contract Information

• Housing Contract Breakage
• Housing Policy to receive SFU Institutional Aid
• Meal Plan Changes and Cancellations

Housing Amenities

• Laundry
• Recreation/Equipment
• Storage
• Intensive Study Floors

Hazardous Substances

Animals

Furniture and Room Personalization

Decorations and Displays

This is the residence requirement for Saint Francis University.

The University reserves the right to make changes to any policy, information or procedure as necessary. Once those changes are posted online they are in effect. Students are encouraged to check online for the most current version of all policies, information and procedures.

Students wishing to add or delete a course must access the web-based registration program to make changes to their schedules. 

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

Service and Assistance Animal Policy

Smoking Policy

Scope:

Faculty, staff, students and visitors to campus.

Social Media Policy

Speakers Policy

Sportsmanship

Information on SFU Statement of Student Conduct

The University strongly encourages all members of the University community who believe they have witnessed, experienced, or are aware of conduct that constitutes hazing to report it.

Student Activities and Organization: Contracts

Student Activities and Organization: Fundraising Policy and Procedures

Introductory Statement

Saint Francis University is committed to fostering a safe, productive learning environment. The Saint Francis University Hazing Policy prohibits all acts of hazing within the University community. This policy applies to each act conducted on or off campus if such acts are deemed to constitute hazing under this Policy or Pennsylvania law.  

Student Activities and Organization: Posting Policy

Student Activities and Organization: Religious Policy

Student Activities and Organization: Social Event Policy

Student Activities and Organization: Sponsoring a University Dance

Student Activities and Organization: Travel Policy and Notification Procedure

Student Athletic Financial Aid

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.

Saint Francis University values the health and wellbeing of its students. Qualifying health coverage provides all full-time, matriculated undergraduate and graduate students, including international students, with the ability to be prepared for medical situations such as hospitalization, surgery, or specialty care. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires U.S. citizens to have health insurance that meets certain standards identified within this policy or pay a penalty. The University requires international students to carry health insurance that meets the same standards so that they may be prepared for medical situations. 

To help students meet the obligations of the ACA, the University sponsors a student health insurance plan that offers full-time, matriculated undergraduate and graduate students, including international students, access to an ACA compliant plan. The health insurance plan is available for purchase annually.

Student Identification Card Policy

This policy is in accordance with the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 34 CFR 668.43(c) and 34 CFR 600.9, which require the institution to make a determination regarding the State in which a student is located at the time of the student's initial enrollment in an educational program and upon formal receipt of information from the student that the student's location has changed to another State. This policy is necessary to provide a general structure under which the institution shall determine a student's location for purposes of complying with the federal rules, a condition of Title IV eligibility (i.e., the ability to offer federal student aid), and with the state authorization rules of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

This policy is intended to address federal government consumer protection requirements of 34 CFR 668.43. When requested, and subject to applicable privacy laws, Saint Francis University will make the determination regarding a student's location, together with any supporting documentation, available to the Secretary of Education as required by 34 CFR 600.9(c)(2)(ii).

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.  

Tailgating Policy

Terms of Tuition Payment

Traditional undergraduate and/or graduate students seeking to transfer their matriculation with Saint Francis University to or from matriculation through Francis Worldwide are required to submit an application for approval for this change to occur.

Saint Francis University understands the importance of providing our students with effective and efficient transcript services. A new career, entrance to Graduate School, professional certification, or other important events depend on the prompt and secure delivery of your transcript. We also understand the need to protect the privacy of student transcripts and our obligations under Federal law.

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.

This policy provides employee and student requirements for operation of Saint Francis University (SFU) owned, leased, or rented motor vehicles, and requirements for use of personal vehicles on SFU business. The policy’s design is to optimize the motor vehicle related safety of SFU drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. The policy includes requirements related to the authorization, training, safe driving, and accident reporting of employees and students who drive SFU motor vehicles.

Treatment of Title IV Aid When a Student Withdraws

Unauthorized Access 

University initiated medical, psychological leave policy for students.

Use and Operation of University Vehicles and Equipment

To define the requirements for the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) on property owned or controlled by Saint Francis University ("Saint Francis" or "University"), or elsewhere for University-affiliated activities.

Vaccination Policy

To ensure the University's compliance with 38 U.S. Code Chapter 36, Administration of Educational Benefits, and the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018.

The use of or possession of open or concealed weapons at Saint Francis University

SCOPE

Saint Francis University, located in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States of America, provides the following information related to the privacy of users to the University's main website and other websites in the francis.edu domain (together, the "Sites"). 

PURPOSE

This privacy policy was established to address the collection, protection, and utilization of information that may be obtained by Saint Francis University through your use of the University's main website and other websites that we own or control (together, the "Sites"). 

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.