Academic Information and Policies

Graduate Academic Programs Profile

Neumann University offers graduate programs at both the doctoral and master’s degree levels. Several graduate certificate programs are also available to qualified students.

Graduate Programs of Study  

For information about these graduate programs, please consult the appropriate program section of this catalog.

Academic Credit/Schedule

Neumann University operates on a semester-based academic calendar of 14 weeks plus scheduled final examinations. In addition, other terms of varying lengths for accelerated study are available during Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. All academic credits are represented as semester units of credit.

PA State Regulations on Instructional Hour

In accordance with 22 Pa. Code Chapter 31 (31.21-31.22), each assigned academic credit equates to either 14 hours of classroom instruction*, exclusive of Final Examinations and any holidays, or to one of the “Alternative Instructional Equivalencies by Hour” listed below. Instructional hours are measured in clock hours. Fourteen (14) instructional hours must be provided for each credit hour earned (42 hours = one 3-credit course). In addition, for each instructional hour, at least two hours of academic activity must be assigned outside of classroom instruction (homework).

Alternative Instructional Equivalencies by Hour

* Instructional hour equivalencies relate only to time spent posting materials, sharing work products for review (with instructors, facilitators, or peers), and providing peer or instructor feedback.

Out of Class Work (Homework) Equivalencies

Each instructional hour requires at least two hours of academic activity (homework) assigned outside of the classroom.  For example, a 3 Credit course with 42 Instructional Hours (14 hours per credit) would require 84 hours of documented homework.

** Please note that 22 Pa. Code Chapter 31 (31.21 - 31.22) designates these activities as “homework” assignments. Instructional hour equivalencies relate only to time spent posting materials, sharing work products for review (with instructors, facilitators, or peers), and providing peer or instructor feedback.

Federal Regulations on Course Credit

Federal regulations included a definition of a credit hour under 34 CFR 600.2 for purposes of Federal programs including the Title IV student financial assistance programs. A credit hour for Federal purposes is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates some minimum amount of student work reflective of the amount of work expected in a Carnegie unit.

34 CFR 600.2 states:

Credit hour: Except as provided in 34 CFR 668.8(k) and (l), a credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than-

One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or

At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

Normally, the Carnegie credit allots for 37.5 hours of direct instruction over a 15 week period for a 3 credit course. Neumann University follows the Pennsylvania definition of the instructional hour, and each 3 credit course provides for 42 hours of instruction over a 14 week period. This, along with the required 2 hours of academic activity for each instructional hour, meets the Federal definition of an instructional hour.

Block Schedule for Curricular Offerings

Neumann University’s full compliance with 22 Pa. Code Chapter 31 (31.21-31.22) has resulted in the following Block Schedule for all courses that are offered during weekdays. Weekend courses are offered at varying times on either Saturday and/or Sunday, but every course conforms to the clock hour requirements described at the beginning of this section.

Block Schedule (PDF)  

Curriculum

From its inception, Neumann University has sought to offer graduate programs which are designed to promote sound intellectual development. Such development depends upon the initiative and level of interest sustained by the individual student in the search for intellectual competence.

Neumann University’s graduate curriculum is founded upon the premise that there is a core of learning that is unique to each graduate program which is basic to the student’s successful completion of advanced, discipline-specific course work. In a climate of academic freedom, and through faculty guidance and individualized academic advisement, each graduate student is assisted in his/her search for learning and advanced study.

Neumann University provides for continuing evaluation and revision of its graduate curriculum. Therefore, students may encounter some changes in specific graduate program requirements during their enrollment at the University. The University reserves the right to implement such changes.

Residency Requirement

With the exception of those credits which have been transferred into a graduate program from another regionally accredited, degree-granting institution, all remaining program requirements in any of the University’s graduate programs must be successfully completed at Neumann University.

Graduate Degree Requirements

In addition to graduation requirements listed in specific program sections of this catalog, candidates for any graduate degree at Neumann University must have fulfilled the following requirements:

1. Formally applied to and been accepted to Neumann University.
2. Satisfactorily completed the minimum number of course and credit requirements for their specific graduate program.
3. Satisfied Neumann University’s Residency Requirement.
4. Earned the minimum cumulative GPA stipulated for the student’s graduate program.
5. Submitted a completed Application for Graduation form to the Office of the University Registrar on or before the date specified in the Academic Calendar.  (Click Application for Graduation to access the electronic copy). 

Commencement

The University schedules a Graduation Commencement Ceremony in May and December of each academic year. Students who have completed all their degree requirements at the end of the Spring semester are eligible to march at the May Commencement ceremony and receive their diploma at the conclusion of the ceremony. Students who have completed all their degree requirements at the end of the Summer or Fall semester of each academic year are eligible to march at the December Commencement ceremony and receive their diploma at the conclusion of the ceremony.*

*For those students graduating at the end of the Summer semester, they will be able to receive their diplomas in September.  Degree recipients can either obtain their diplomas directly from the Registrar’s Office or have it mailed.  Email notification is required as to which option is chosen.  Students are encouraged, however, to march at the December Commencement ceremony as recognition of their academic achievement.

Students who do not satisfactorily complete all of their degree requirements by the end of the Spring semester may not, under any circumstances, participate in Commencement exercises in May.  Students who do not satisfactorily complete all of their degree requirements by the end of Summer or Fall semester may not, under any circumstances, participate in Commencement exercises in December.

Official transcripts that are ordered after the graduation verification process has been completed will include the date of academic program completion as well as the degree awarded and graduation honors.

Academic Advising

Neumann University recognizes academic advising to be an integral part of its commitment to educational excellence in the Franciscan tradition.

Academic advising assists students in the clarification of their life/career goals and in the development of educational plans for the realization of these goals. Academic advising is a decision-making process by which students realize their maximum educational potential through communication and information exchanges with an advisor; it is ongoing, multifaceted, and the responsibility of both student and advisor.

Academic advisement is, therefore, a collaborative endeavor between the individual graduate student and his/her academic advisor. This arrangement continues for as long as the student is enrolled in the specific program. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the academic advisor of any change in course schedule or program plan. It is the advisor’s responsibility to notify the student in case of a course schedule or program change necessitated by the School Dean, Program Coordinator/Director, faculty, or University.

Registration Procedure

The following Registration Procedure has been established for graduate students at Neumann University. Registration in graduate level courses is completed by the students via online registration in webadvisor.

1. Shortly after the mid-point of each semester, the process of academic advisement/pre-registration begins.
2. Students meet with their faculty advisors to review their academic history, including the courses for which they are currently registered, and to plan for the next semester’s course load.
3. Once an academic course load for the next semester is developed and mutually agreed to, the student completes the Registration Form, provides all other required information, and is then registered by his/her academic advisor for the next semester/term. Registration forms are available for graduate students unable to complete the registration process online.
4. Students wishing to register for more than 9 credits per semester must secure the approval of their academic advisor and the appropriate School Dean, and must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. Students registered for credit overloads are assessed a per credit fee as established by the University.
5. At the time of registration, no billing statement/course schedule is issued to the student.
6. Billing statements, with specified due dates, are mailed to each student on dates established by the Business Office.
7. Only students who have either paid their bills or made arrangements with the Business Office are considered to be officially registered.
8. After students have satisfied their financial obligations to the University they can, at their request, either receive a copy of their schedule from the Registrar’s Office; or they can print a copy of their schedule directly from WebAdvisor.
9. Students with unpaid accounts are not permitted to attend classes.
10. The University cannot guarantee a reserved place in one or more class(es) for students who have not paid their accounts by the specified due date or made payment arrangements with the Business Office.

Academic Regulations and Standards

Class Attendance

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, laboratories, and official convocations of the University. A student’s presence and participation in class are critical factors towards the completion of the work for the class and achievement of success in the course. A student who is absent from class, if at all possible and as a matter of courtesy, should inform the instructor in advance of the absence. If absences occur, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor with regard to making up the work missed. Permission to make up course assignments will be granted at the sole discretion of the instructor.

Neumann University is a non-attendance taking university in accordance to the rules and regulations set forth by the Federal Government (effective August 31, 2015). Each faculty member is required to perform a roster verification process that will take place during the first two weeks of all classes (including laboratories, practica experiences, etc.). This roster verification process involves faculty members taking attendance via Webadvisor for the first two weeks of class.  During the second week of class, Facutly members will be directed by the University Registrar’s Office to verify their rosters and indicate any students as “No-Shows” at this point in time by the use of Webadvisor. After the first week of class, a student’s withdrawal date will be the date when the student completes a Withdrawal Form available in the University Registrar’s Office (refer to Procedure to withdraw from a course). Neumann University is not responsible to document a student’s last date of attendance. This is documented when the student completes the official withdraw form available in the Office of the University Registrar.

The attendance policy for a particular course should be stated in the course syllabus.

If the instructor fails to be present at the beginning of a class period, students are expected to extend the courtesy of allowing 10 minutes to elapse, in the absence of a specific directive, before departing.

Classes

A graduate student is officially a member of a class when his/her name appears on the official class list which is distributed generated by the instructor through Web Advisor. This list indicates that the student has officially registered for that class and has met all financial obligations to the University.

A graduate student is not officially removed as a member of a class until either a Course Withdrawal Form to discontinue the course has been completed and signed by the student and has been processed by the Registrar, or the student has been removed from class as a “no show” by the Registrar’s Office.

Class Size

Neumann University strives to maintain small classroom environments. However, classes may vary in size according to course format and subject matter.

Course Examinations

During the semester, oral and written tests are given at the discretion of the instructor. At the close of each semester, written examinations or some equivalent means of final assessment, e.g., portfolio review, are conducted in all courses. A Final Examination Schedule is distributed to all faculty at the beginning of each semester by the Registrar.

Credit Load

The semester credit load for graduate students will be determined by the student’s program plan and specific program requirements.

Graduate students who are registered for 9 or more credits are classified as full-time. Graduate students who register for at least 4.5 credits but not more than 8 credits are classified as half-time.

Drop/Add Procedure

Students have the right to drop or add any course(s) through the first week of the semester. In the case of a shortened term, e.g., Summer Sessions, courses may be dropped or added before the class has met for a second time. Once a student has pre-registered, the Drop/Add policy becomes effective.  The Drop/Add procedure is as follows: 

1. The student obtains a Drop/Add Form. (Click on Drop/Add Form to access the electronic copy).
2. The student submits the Drop/Add Form to be completed and processed by the Faculty Advisor. This process can be completed electronically or in-person with the Faculty Advisor.  
3. The Faculty Advisor returns the processed/completed form to the Office of the University Registrar.
4. A School Approval is needed if the course to be added is over-enrolled. 

Course Withdrawal Policy

Students have the right to withdraw from any course of their choice in accordance with the following policy. A student who withdraws from a course for any reason from the day after the “Drop/Add” period to five weeks prior to the last scheduled day of classes shall receive a grade of “W.” 

The student may withdraw from any course at will during the course refund period. For the fall and spring semesters, this period is generally through the fourth week of classes and is published in the Catalog under Tuition and Fees. For other semesters, consult the catalog under tuition and fees for the dates of the course refund period.

Procedure to withdraw from a course:

The student must complete the Course Withdrawal Form (located in the University Registrar’s Office- Secure Intranet Form on Computer Kiosk) in order to be officially withdrawn from the course.  This electronic form is only available via secure intranet form at the computer kiosk in the University Registrar’s Office. Upon completion, the student will be immediately withdrawn the day the form is completed from the course and an automated email will be sent to the student’s academic advisor and instructor.  The academic advisor or instructor will have 5 days to review the course withdraw and recommend alternative actions (if needed) to the student. If a student’s withdrawal would change the student’s status from full-time (9 or more credits) to part-time (less than 4.5 credits), the student must document a meeting with a financial aid advisor.

Failure to meet Standards of Academic Progress will affect Financial Aid eligibility. Therefore, the decision to withdraw from a course should be an informed decision. The student should consult with the Financial Aid Office, their academic advisor, and the course instructor in making this decision.

Official withdrawal from courses is the responsibility of the student. The student must complete the Course Withdrawal Form (Registrar’s Office). After completion of the electronic course withdrawal form, students will receive a confirmation page indicating the form has been received and students can review their self-service accounts for verification of the withdraw within 24 hours of the completion of the electronic form.

Withdrawal from any course(s) is official only when the Course Withdrawal Form has been completed and electronically signed by the student in the Registrar’s Office.

The receipt of this documentation determines the date of course withdrawal and is recorded as such and noted in the student’s academic file. Withdrawn courses receive a grade of W. 

A grade of F will be assigned to a student who fails to officially withdraw, or who registers for a course but does not complete the course requirements.

Exceptions to the Withdrawal Policy:

1. Course withdrawals are not permitted after the published deadlines.
   
   Under extraordinary circumstances, students may petition for a waiver of this policy so that a course withdrawal can occur after the published date in the University’s catalog. To initiate such a petition, the student must submit appropriate and detailed documentation to support his/her request to the University Registrar. In all cases, the final decision rests with the Vice President for Academic Affairs.If the student seeks a waiver of this policy for medical reasons, the student must present documentation to the University Registrar that takes the form of a detailed letter of petition, written by the student, specifying the reason for the request. Attached to that petition must be a signed letter, written on official letterhead, from a qualified and licensed health care provider that 1) clearly supports the student’s petition for a course withdrawal due to medical reasons; 2) identifies the nature of the student’s medical condition; 3) links that condition to the need for the student’s requested withdrawal; 4) lists the dates of the student’s treatment; and 5) provides a recommendation as to whether or not the student will be able to return to Neumann University to resume his/her studies. If such a petition is approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the withdrawal will apply for an entire semester; and all courses for which the student is registered in that semester will be assigned a grade of “W.”Before considering withdrawing from any course(s), other than for medical reasons, the student should consult with his/her academic advisor before completing the course withdrawal process.
    
2. A student can request a grade of I (Incomplete) during the last five weeks of the semester (or after the official withdrawal period) and prior to the final exam. The grade of I must have the approval of the course instructor. The student obtains the form for a request for a grade of Incomplete from the Registrar’s Office and returns the completed forms to that office for processing. (See additional information for the I (Incomplete) grade under Grading in the University Catalog.)
3. If the student does not attend scheduled classes at the beginning of the term, the student will be withdrawn from these classes as a “no show”, and will be considered as a non-registered student.  The following guidelines are used to determine “no show” status:
   1. Full 15 week term:
      1. The student is not present for the first 4 classes in a course that meets 3 times a week.
      2. The student is not present for the first 3 classes in a course that meets twice a week.
      3. The student is not present for the first 2 classes in a course that meets once a week.
      4. The student does not log on to an online course within the first 10 days after the start of the online course.
   2. Other terms:
      1. Generally, the student is not present for the first 4 hours of an assigned meeting time for the course.  OR
      2. As determined by the Office of the Registrar.

Withdrawal or dropping classes does not eliminate the student’s financial obligation to the University. The student is still responsible for any charges owed to the University at the official date of withdrawal based on the current tuition and refund policies.

Withdrawal from the University

A student may request a withdrawal from the University. The student must obtain the University Withdrawal Form from the Office of the Registrar, which requires signatures from the designated offices:

• Financial Assistance (if receiving financial assistance)
• Housing and Residence Life (if a resident)
• Academic Advising Center, where a Withdrawal Interview is required.

The following survey should be completed before the Academic Advising Center Withdrawal Interview is conducted http://goo.gl/forms/cT74h0dX0t3IKrH83.

The student then submits the completed University Withdrawal Form to the Office of the Registrar. Full withdrawal from the University is official and complete only when the University Withdrawal Form has been completed, signed, and submitted to the Registrar’s Office. If it is not fully completed, the student may be unable to obtain a transcript and/or a residence hall security deposit refund.

This withdrawal will be from all courses in which the student is officially enrolled. If the student withdraws from all classes, the grade for the withdrawn classes follows University guidelines, dependent upon the date of withdrawal. The student is still responsible for any charges owed to the University at the official date of withdrawal based on the current tuition and refund policies. Information on the tuition refund policy can be found in the University catalog at: Tuition and Fees  

A student may request University withdrawal for medical reasons. This request and its documentation must submitted to the Registrar’s Office.  Documentation for Medical Withdraws should include the following information: A signed letter, written on official letterhead, from a qualified and licensed health care provider that 1) clearly supports the student’s petition for course withdrawal due to medical reasons; 2) identifies the nature of the student’s medical condition; 3) links that condition to the need for the student’s requested withdrawal; 4) lists the dates of the student’s treatment; and 5) provides a recommendation as to whether or not the student is able to return to Neumann University to resume his/her studies. 

Any exception to the policy for University Withdrawals and Refunds for medical reasons must be approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. 

The student may be readmitted to Neumann University and/or their accepted major according to the University’s policies at the time of re-application.

Withdrawals and Refunds

Withdrawing or dropping a course may entitle the student to a refund or a credit according to the refund schedule. Fees are non-refundable, except for those courses which have been canceled by the University.

Refund Policy

The date initialed by the University Registrar or academic advisor (for evening/weekend students only) on either the Drop/Add Form or University Withdrawal Form serves as the student’s date of withdrawal and is the basis for computing any refund.

 The first scheduled meeting of a course constitutes the beginning of the refund period for that course. The refund period may change based upon the length or nature of the course. Refunds are determined by the Business Office only. Financial Aid is adjusted accordingly with regard to the number of credits which have been dropped. If a student withdraws or if a credit is incurred due to financial aid awards or overpayment, a refund can be expected through the mail in a timely manner. If a student feels that individual circumstances warrant an exception to this refund policy, a request for such consideration must be made in writing to the Business Office, Attention: Bursar, Neumann University, One Neumann Drive, Aston, PA 19014-1298.

The University’s tuition refund policy is separate from the federal regulation requiring the University to return unearned federal aid. Refer to following link for detailed information: Tuition and Fees  

Federal law requires schools to calculate how much federal student aid a student has earned if a student:

• Completely withdraws from the term / semester / University
•  Enrolls in mini terms during a semester and then does not complete all mini terms
• Stops attending before completing the term / semester

The amount of Federal Student Aid earned is based on the percentage of the term/semester completed by the student prior to their withdrawal. The effective date of withdrawal from the University is calculated from the date the student informs the University that he/she intends to withdraw.

 Any student who withdraws before completing 60.01% of the term / semester will have their aid recalculated to match the percentage of the term / semester they completed and the unearned portion of their Federal Student Aid will be returned to the Department of Education.

 Any unearned funds that are returned may result in a balance due to Neumann University from the student. A student who withdraws after the 60.01% point of the semester is considered to have earned 100% of his or her aid and will not have any Federal Student Aid returned to the Department of Education.

Please note: regardless of percentage of aid earned, any student who withdraws must complete the official withdrawal process with the University Registrar.

 If federal direct student loan funds were ever borrowed by the student, an exit counseling must be completed at https://studentloans.gov. 

For more information in regards to financial aid, please visit: http://www.neumann.edu/financialaid/r2t4

Grading System

Neumann University’s graduate programs are professional in nature and not only demand intellectual and theoretical competence of its students, but also require emotional and professional maturity. The application of theory in practice is truly an integral component of all graduate programs and, in turn, of every course. As such, academic progression of each student is assessed along two dimensions. First, each course grade reflects the level of competence which the student has achieved in understanding the theoretical, didactic material which has been presented (cognitive dimension). Secondly, each course grade is based upon the student’s demonstrated ability to apply this theory in practice through the attainment of specific learning objectives (affective dimension).

Academic standing, therefore, is dependent upon both the quality and quantity of work. The number of credits which are successfully completed indicates the quantity of the student’s academic work; the GPA indicates the relative quality of that work. The GPA, a numerical index of the ratio of the number of quality points earned to the number of credits received, is computed at the completion of each academic semester/term for courses taken at Neumann University. Transfer credits are not computed in the GPA.

Grades with Quality Points

The following grading system, with stipulated numeric and quality point equivalencies, has been established for any student enrolled in one of the following Neumann University graduate programs: Accounting, Education, Nursing, Pastoral Counseling, Sport Business, Strategic Leadership and teh Post-Bacc CLS. This grading scale is utilized by all graduate faculty who teach in one of these programs.

Students who are enrolled in Neumann University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program are graded in accordance with the following scale, with stipulated numeric and quality point equivalencies. This grading system is utilized by all graduate faculty who teach in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

In addition to the above grades, the following grades may also be assigned:

Grades without Quality Points

In specific situations, students may also receive the following grades. None of these grades have a quality point value and, therefore, are not calculated into either the student’s semester or cumulative GPA.

Audit (“AU”): The privilege of auditing a course(s) is offered to all students, provided that those courses have not exceeded their enrollment ceiling. Any student wishing to audit a course must obtain permission from the course instructor and his/her academic advisor. Costs for auditing courses are the same as the tuition cost per credit hour.

Senior citizens over 65 years of age and alumni of the University may audit courses tuition free, provided that the previous policy stipulations have been met. Senior citizens and alumni are responsible for the Course Audit Fee.

Incomplete (“I”): Incomplete grades are given only at the student’s request and only after that request has been approved by the student’s instructor. To initiate this process, the student must complete an Incomplete Request Form (available from the Registrar’s Office), attach appropriate justification for the request, and have the faculty member sign her/his approval. There is no guarantee that faculty approval will be automatic.

Grades of Incomplete must be removed, i.e., all work must be completed, within four weeks from the last day of the semester in which the grade was issued. Specific dates are published in the University’s Academic Calendar and other related documents issued through the Registrar’s Office. If the student does not complete the course requirements by the specified deadline date, and unless an extension has been granted, the faculty member must record and submit an automatic grade of “F” to the Registrar’s Office. In unusual circumstances, extensions to the deadline dates may be granted at the discretion of the faculty member, who conveys that determination in writing to both the School Dean and Registrar. In no instance will an extension be granted for more than a 12-month period from the initial granting of the Incomplete grade.

Any student who is either receiving or requesting financial assistance should make an appointment with a Financial Aid Specialist in the Financial Aid Office to determine if and to what degree his/her eligibility for financial assistance will be impacted. It is understood that no exceptions to the above policy can be granted simply because a student is either receiving or requesting financial assistance.

No Grade Submitted (“NG”): In the unlikely situation where an instructor does not submit a final grade for a given course before final grade reports are generated, a grade of “NG” will be entered until such time that a final grade is issued and entered into the student’s permanent academic record.

Pass/Fail (“P/F”): A Pass/Fail option is available in selected graduate courses as determined by the appropriate School Dean and faculty. This option must be requested by the student during the first two weeks of any given semester/term. Final approval, however, rests with the instructor. The student and the faculty member concerned must sign the Pass/Fail Form which the student acquires from the Registrar’s Office and returns to the Registrar. When this option is used, the student’s GPA is affected only when a failure grade (“F”) is earned.

Repeated Courses (“R”): Graduate students earning a grade of less than a “B” in either program or certificate requirements where a minimum grade of “B” is required may repeat the course once and may only repeat that/those course(s) at Neumann University. Repeating the course(s) more than once requires the approval of both the student’s academic advisor and the appropriate Dean whose School offers the course(s).

Repeating a course that is neither a program or certificate requirement, i.e., a General Elective course, can also be repeated only once but may be taken, with the approval of the Dean whose School offers the course(s), at other institutions besides Neumann University.

For repeated courses taken at Neumann University, the repeated grade replaces the original grade on the student’s academic transcript and in the calculation of the student’s semester and cumulative GPA. For repeated courses taken at other institutions, however, the repeated course credit is accepted in transfer with a corresponding designation of “T” but, in accordance with the academic policy governing the acceptance of transfer credit, not the grade. In both instances, the original grade and credit would be replaced with a grade of “R.”

There may be instances where, in accordance with specific professional program accrediting guidelines, a School’s policy on repeated courses may supersede Neumann University’s policy on repeated courses. For further information, students should review their School’s repeat policy, as stated in the Program Section of this catalog for particular academic programs, or consult with either their academic advisors or School Dean.

Exceptions to this policy require the written approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Withdrawal (“W”): Students have the right to withdraw from any course of their choice in accordance with the following policy. A student who withdraws from a course for any reason, including medical, from the day after the “Drop/Add” period to five weeks prior to the last scheduled day of classes shall receive a grade of “W.” Please refer to the Course Withdrawal Policy for detalied information. 

Change of Grade

Faculty may determine to change a final grade after that original grade has been transcripted but only when sufficient documentation to change a grade can be presented to the Dean whose School sponsors the course in question. In order to initiate the change of grade process, the faculty member must complete a Change of Grade Form, available from the Registrar’s Office, secure the signature of the Dean of the sponsoring School, and return the form to the Registrar’s Office after all required signatures have been obtained.

Requests to change final transcripted grades can only occur within one semester/term after the original final grade has been submitted to the Registrar and has been transcripted to the student’s permanent academic record. Exceptions to this time limitation require the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Grade Reports

At the conclusion of each semester/term, the Office of the Registrar posts final grades to WebAdvisor, which can be accessed through the University’s web site at www.neumann.edu.

The Office of the Registrar will provide one printed copy of an individual Final Grade Report for only the current semester (not an official transcript) upon request by the student. If this copy is intended either for individual student use or for external verification/reimbursement purposes, the student will be required, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, to provide appropriate identification and complete a Grade Verification Request Form. This form is available either at the Registrar’s Office or on the Registrar’s web page, which can be accessed at www.neumann.edu/academics/registrar/forms.asp. There is no charge for either of these types of requests.

Any student who has a “hold” placed on his/her account will not be able to either view, print, or otherwise receive a copy of final grades.

Leave of Absence

Students who are in good academic standing at Neumann University may request a Leave of Absence from the University for up to one semester. To initiate this process, students must obtain a Leave of Absence Form from the Registrar’s Office. Before any leave of absence request can be considered, the student must provide all required information on the Form, including the reason(s) for requesting the leave, as well as the anticipated date of return to Neumann University. The completed Form is reviewed by the Registrar, who verifies the student’s academic standing; the student’s School Dean; the Bursar, who identifies any outstanding monies owed by the student to the University; and the Director of Financial Aid. Following this verification procedure, the completed Form is sent to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who either approves or denies the student’s request. In extraordinary circumstances, and upon written request from the student, the Vice President may approve a one-semester extension to a granted leave. A student who has been granted a Leave of Absence must notify the School Dean, Program Director, or Program Coordinator in writing of his/her intent of returning to the program.

With the permission of their Division Dean or Program Coordinator/Director, graduate students on leave may register for courses for the semester in which they are to return to Neumann, and may resume their studies on schedule without having to reapply for admission. It is understood, however, that certain professional sequences may not permit this type of pre-registration, in which case, the student must develop an alternate schedule with his/her advisor.

Students on leave who do not return on schedule are automatically withdrawn from the University and must formally reapply for admission to Neumann University.

A student who drops out of a given graduate program for more than a calendar year is not considered to be on leave and must reapply to the University according to established procedures.

Assessment of Institutional Outcomes

Neumann University students participate in a variety of assessments throughout their academic programs of study. In addition to examinations and other methods of evaluation employed in individual courses, students are required to participate in assessments undertaken by programs, divisions, or other units of the University. Participation is mandatory, and the University reserves the right to impose appropriate sanctions on students who fail to participate in Neumann’s Assessment Program. Assessments are an inherent component of a Neumann University education and are designed to obtain data relevant to the following objectives:

1. To increase a student’s knowledge of self, thereby enhancing opportunities for success.
2. To determine levels of student satisfaction with University programs and services.
3. To identify areas in academic programs or student services that are in need of improvement.
4. To evaluate student achievements and program achievements in order to measure the effectiveness of Neumann University in meeting its stated mission.

Time Limit for Completion of Graduate Programs

All graduate degree programs must be completed within five years from the beginning of the first required graduate-level course. See specific program sections of this catalog for more detail.

Supplemental Ways of Earning Credit

Challenge Examinations

Course credits may be earned for selected courses through successful completion of examinations developed by Neumann University faculty, i.e., Challenge Examinations. Selected laboratory courses for which the Challenge option is available require testing in both theory and practice.

Students initiate a request for a Challenge Examination by completing a Challenge Examination Request Form, which may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office. The availability of Challenge Examinations for specific courses and the scheduling of these examinations are at the discretion of the sponsoring school. Details can be obtained through the appropriate School office. Successful challenges receive a Pass (“P”) grade which is not calculated into either the student’s semester or cumulative GPA.

In general, a student may not use the Challenge Examination option to earn credits for a course when any of the following circumstances are involved:

1. The student has already taken the course at Neumann and failed.
2. The student’s Neumann transcript already shows credits awarded for the course taken either at Neumann University or accepted through transfer.
3. The student is currently enrolled in the course and has attended class. (Exceptions to this policy may be made by the Dean of the School in which the course is taught.)

A student may take a Challenge Examination for any given course only once.

For information pertaining to tuition costs and fees for Challenge Examinations, please refer to the Tuition and Fees   section of this catalog.

Directed Study (DS)

The University reserves the right to offer a Directed Study to individuals in order to fulfill their degree requirements. This option can only be offered for a course which is part of the Neumann University curriculum but is not being offered in the semester when the student needs it to graduate on schedule. Students may petition and apply for a Directed Study only in exceptional circumstances. A maximum of 3 students per semester per faculty member may register for the same Directed Study in any given semester and earn 1 to 6 credits depending upon the approved credits for the course involved.

Students interested in pursuing this option should follow the procedure listed below:

1.  Discuss the possibility of applying for a Directed Study with their academic advisor.
2.  Talk to the Dean or Director/Program Coordinator of the sponsoring School for the course under consideration.
3.  If the course is approved, the Dean approaches the appropriate faculty member to determine his/her availability. Final approval of any Directed Study arrangement rests with the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
4.  Complete the Directed Study Contract, which can be obtained from the Office of the University Registrar, and secure the appropriate signatures. This Directed Study Contract, drafted between the instructor and the student, clarifies the course objectives, methodology, number of meetings between the student and instructor, and the means of evaluation. The learning outcomes of this course, taken as a Directed Study, must duplicate the course description contained in the current University catalog. Copies of the completed contract, with all required signatures, are then forwarded to the School Dean, the Registrar, the instructor, and the student.
5.  The Directed Study Contract must be completed and approved, with all required signatures, by the end of the designated Add/Drop period for the semester in which the Directed Study is to take place. After the approval process has been completed, formally register for the Directed Study as for any other course.

Independent Study Program (ISP)

Independent Study is the special investigation of a selected topic whose academic interests cannot be met by regular curriculum offerings. The purpose of the Independent Study option is to allow a student to pursue a subject beyond any existing Neumann University course. Independent studies cannot be used to substitute for required courses currently in the curriculum. Depending on the depth and scope of an Independent Study, from one (1) to three (3) credits may be earned for each Independent Study contract with a maximum of two contracts per student per semester. Determination of assigned credits is made by the Dean of the sponsoring School and the faculty member directing the Independent Study.

Students who wish to pursue an Independent Study must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00, must be matriculated at the University, and must have achieved a minimum of junior level status as defined by total number of earned credits. The registrar will validate the student’s GPA and status. Non-matriculated students do not qualify for Independent Study projects.

Each Independent Study Project may have up to three (3) students doing the same project.

Portfolio Assessment

Credits may be earned through Portfolio Assessment after college-level learning has been formally demonstrated and documented. Portfolio credits must be related to the student’s graduate program plan. The availability of the Portfolio Assessment as an option for earning credits is determined by each School Dean.

Other Instructional Sites/Locations

Neumann University offers various programs at other instructional sites and locations. For information, please contact the appropriate school or department.

Academic Honesty

One of the values Neumann has chosen to give special emphasis to, as described by the RISES core values, is integrity. The Neumann community strives to continually speak the truth on love, acts fairly, honestly and ethically at all times. Honesty with self and others is an essential condition of Christian Humanism.  An environment which is characterized by honesty is necessary if the following broad objectives of the University are to flourish.

• To place the quest for truth as the highest value.
• To encourage a cultured response to the aesthetic treasures of the past, present, and the promise of the future.
• To sharpen social awareness and responsibilities to the needs of others.
• To provide a solid foundation for graduate and post graduate study.
• To prepare for intelligent, competent, dedicated service to the professions.

Honesty is expected in all aspects of living.  It is, however, neither possible nor desirable for others to monitor honesty in all of its dimensions. This activity is the primary task of the individual for personal benefit to fellow human beings - all made in the image of their Creator. There are, however, specific acts of dishonesty, defined and enumerated below, which Neumann University has identified as academic infractions which are subject to specific sanctions.

Acts of Academic Dishonesty

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as using, in a written or oral assignment or project, the ideas or words of another without acknowledging the source.

Most commonly, plagiarism occurs when a student:

1. Repeats without quotes an idea using the words of the author.
2. Paraphrases an author’s idea without indicating the source.
3. Presents the line of thought of an author as if it were his/her own.
4. Copies, or cuts and pastes, the sentences, structure or design of another’s work without proper attribution
5. Using electronic resources, such as a translator device, instead of original expression to compose a paper.

Safeguards against intentional or unintentional plagiarism are accurate note-taking in research and honesty in acknowledging the source of materials which are incorporated into an assignment or project.

Cheating

Cheating is defined as:

1. The copying of tests, lab reports, assignments, term papers, projects, and the like.
2. Presenting another person’s work or purchased work as one’s own.
3. Stealing, using, or transmitting, verbally or otherwise, actual tests or test questions.
4. Collaborating during testing, or in an unauthorized manner for a class assignment.
5. Using notes or unapproved electronic technology during testing.
6. Submitting the same work or essentially the same work for assignments in different classes without approval from the instructor.
7. Dry-labbing which includes:
   1. obtaining and using experimental data from other students or sources without the instructor’s permission;
   2. fabricating data to fit the expected results; and/or
   3. utilizing data from other sections or previous terms of the course.

Misrepresentation of Fact

Misrepresentation of fact is defined as:

1. Fabricating records.
2. Changing grades.
3. Misrepresenting course descriptions for credit.
4. Furnishing false information for records.
5. Misrepresenting one’s fulfillment of a course assignment.
6. Misrepresentation or fabrication of research data for any purpose.

Facilitating Academic Dishonesty

Facilitating academic dishonesty is defined as assisting another individual in any act of plagiarism or any other act of academic dishonesty. 

Sanctions for Academic Dishonesty

The Office of Academic Affairs monitors all instances of academic dishonesty throughout the University. Faculty members’ responsibilities are described below.

Dishonest actions in any student learning practicum, rotation, or cooperative education experience will result in disciplinary actions. The nature of the infraction as well as the number of occurrences will determine the course of action. For example, a minor infraction may result in failure of an assignment, while a major infraction may result in dismissal.

All documented acts of academic dishonesty are cumulative and will carryover from one course to another and from one academic year to the next.

For Graduate Students:

1. Faculty members are required to respond to acts of academic dishonesty in the following manner:

   1. Meet with the student to discuss the degree of his/her culpability.
   2. Make a determination for the resolution of the specific situation. Including, but not limited to, re-writing the paper, lowering the grade of the paper, failure for the paper, failure of the course or dismissal from the program.
   3. Document the situation and its resolution.
   4. Have the student sign and date the document and its resolution.
   5. Send original documentation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and retain a copy.
   6. Once all documentation has been received, a meeting will be convened with the student in question, the faculty member and the Dean or Associate Dean or Program Director of the Graduate Program under which the supposed academic honesty violation occurred.
    

Acts of academic dishonesty at the graduate level such as, but not limited to, fabrication of data, repeated plagiarism, or cheating on an exam may result in immediate expulsion from Neumann University, at the discretion of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Documentation

For each incidence of Academic Dishonesty, the instructor will document what has occurred.  Documentation will be in the form of a formal letter (not an e-mail) which will be presented to the student, signed by the instructor and, if the student feels that the letter accurately describes the occurrence and agrees with the finding, signed by the student. This letter must include:

a. A detailed account of the act of academic dishonesty (date, time, type of assignment, name of student, name of instructor, etc.)
b. Citation of relevant policy and section of policy which addresses the particular act of academic dishonesty.
c.  Signature of instructor and student if applicable.
d. Carbon Copy (cc) to Dean, Program Director (when applicable), and VPAA.

Academic Dismissal

Neumann University reserves the right to dismiss any student who is unable to maintain satisfactory academic progress, i.e., does not meet academic progression criteria as defined by a particular graduate program, or does not reflect the ideals of the University.

Graduate Student Academic Grievance Procedure

Each student at Neumann University is accorded all the rights and privileges as set forth in the University’s Graduate Catalog and the Student Handbook. It is the responsibility of each student to familiarize himself/herself with all the academic policies, procedures, and protocols which pertain to the student’s academic life at the University. Academic grievances can only be initiated either during the semester in which the alleged grievance occurred or the semester immediately afterwards. Beyond this time frame, no academic grievance will be permitted. An exception to this time limitation requires the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Should a difficulty occur with regard to the application/implementation of academic policy, a question of instructional delivery (but not the determination of a final grade), or an issue with a specific faculty member, the student should seek to resolve the problem with the specific person involved. If no satisfactory resolution occurs at that level, the student should then contact the appropriate School Dean and petition his/her intervention in an attempt to resolve the issue.

If, after appropriate dialogue and pursuit of a resolution through these designated channels of communication, the particular problem is still not resolved, the student may initiate an Academic Grievance by utilizing the following procedures.

1. The student submits a statement of the difficulty to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and requests that the issue be resolved through the Student Academic Grievance Procedure. This statement should be no longer than two pages and should concentrate on the facts of the issue in question.
2. The Vice President for Academic Affairs reviews the facts, communicates with the person(s) involved, and attempts to resolve the difficulty in question without convening an Academic Grievance Review Board.
3. If the Vice President for Academic Affairs is convinced that the issue cannot be resolved through the designated channels of communication, the Vice President convenes an impartial Academic Grievance Review Board, which consists of the Registrar (Chair), one administrator, two faculty members, and two students (one of whom is chosen by the faculty/or member being grieved and the other to be selected by the student who is grieving). The Board’s sole task is to review the facts of the grievance, arrive at appropriate recommendation(s) for resolving the grievance, and communicate recommendation(s) to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for final disposition of the issue. The decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs is final and binding on all parties.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), Neumann University requires that every student who chooses to have the University release copies of grades, transcripts, or any other information relative to academic performance to either parents, guardians, bill-payers, prospective employers, or governmental agencies, must authorize the University to do so. Therefore, all requests either to secure or release these types of information must be accompanied by a written authorization which has been signed by the student. Without such authorization, the University will not release such information. This policy extends and applies to parents who request access and disclosure of their child’s educational records. A student’s record will never be released without written consent, except to Neumann University faculty and staff who have demonstrated a clear need to know. Other exceptions to the above policy include compliance with a judicial order or an emergency involving the health or safety of a student or other person.

In addition, Neumann University hereby designates the following categories of student information as public or “Directory Information.” Unless specifically requested by the student within 10 days of the beginning of each semester to withhold disclosure of this information, such information may be disclosed by the institution for any purpose, at its discretion.

Category I: Name, dates of attendance, classification, major/degree program.
Category II: Previous institution(s) attended, awards, honors, degree(s) conferred, including dates.
Category III: Past and present participation in officially recognized activities.

Currently enrolled students, or any who have previously attended Neumann University, may inspect their academic records by making an official request in writing to the Registrar and obtaining an appointment to do so. A student may challenge possible inaccuracies or misleading items in his/her record during the course of such an inspection. However, the fairness of a grade may not be challenged under this provision. Students also have the right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education over alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Students are notified each year of their rights under FERPA through the annual editions of the University’s Undergraduate Catalog and Graduate Catalog, as well as through the Office of the Registrar’s web page at www.neumann.edu/academics/registrar.asp. Further information regarding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office.

Transcripts

Neumann University has partnered with the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) to process transcript requests. Please click here to access the Transcript Ordering Website.

The following are transcript delivery options:

Electronic PDF:  Transcripts will be sent electronically.  Recipients will have 30 days to access the transcript.

Electronic Exchange:  Transcripts will be sent to other colleges and universities in the NSC partnership.

Mail a paper copy of your transcript through the U.S. Postal Service (please allow at least 21 business days for delivery)

Hold for pick up in our office.  Please allow 5-7 business days.  Please bring photo ID.  Additional time may also be required due to peak periods (graduation, final exams) or University closures (Christmas and Easter breaks, etc.).

Only current or former Neumann University students may order transcripts.  Parents and other third parties are not permitted to order transcripts on behalf of Neumann University students.

All financial obligations to the University must be met before a transcript will be released.

Payment is accepted by credit or debit card.  Your card will not be charged until the transcript is sent.  You will receive email confirmation of your order and may opt to receive text message status updates.

CURRENT STUDENTS:  Degrees will not appear on transcripts until 1-2 weeks after graduation.

Public Relations Photograph Policy

Neumann University reserves the right to use any photograph taken on University property or at a University-sponsored event without the expressed written permission of those contained within the photograph. This photo may be used in publications, on the University’s web site, or in video material produced, used, or contracted by Neumann University, including, but not limited to: viewbooks, catalogs, handbooks, flyers, newspapers, magazines, television promotions, videos.

Any student desiring not to have his/her photo taken or distributed must contact the Public Relations Office in writing of his/her intention and provide the office with a recent photograph. This photograph is held in confidentiality by the Public Relations Office and used only to eliminate said person from photographs when selecting pictures for inclusion in publications.

University Closings or Delayed Openings

Announcements pertaining to unscheduled University closings or delayed openings are broadcast over local radio stations: KYW (Philadelphia) 1060 AM or KYW’s web site at www.kyw1060.com; WDEL (Delaware) 1150 AM; WSTW (Delaware) 93.7; WCAU-TV (WNBC-TV); and WTXF-TV (FOX Philadelphia). The University Code number for KYW Newsradio is 539 for Day classes (including weekends) and 2539 for Evening classes (including weekends). Announcements of University closings and/or delayed openings are also posted on the Neumann University web site at www.neumann.edu. Procedures for communications related to schedule changes for specific programs or courses are to be arranged by faculty and students.