Academic Information and Regulations

Students are required to know and observe the academic regulations of the University. Although guidance may be provided by faculty advisors, it is the student’s individual responsibility to know the rules stated in this Catalog and the University’s website. The University accepts no responsibility for errors caused by the failure of a student to follow the appropriate rules and regulations. It is strongly recommended that when there is any doubt or question about the rules, the student consult with the dean of the school.

Accreditation and Memberships

The University of Hartford is accredited by and in good standing with the Board of Higher Education of the State of Connecticut and by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which accredits schools and colleges in the six New England states. Membership in the association indicates that the institution has been carefully evaluated and found to meet standards agreed upon by qualified educators.

Four health professions programs in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions are accredited by the following agencies: the Radiography program by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 North Wacker Dr., Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60606- 2901, tel. 312.704.5300; and the Respiratory Care program by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), 1248 Harwood Rd., Bedford, TX 76021-4244, tel. 817.283.2835. The Physical Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association, 111 North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314, tel. 703.706.3245. The foundational curriculum for the Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP), 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, tel. 727.210.2350. The program was approved by the Department of Higher Education, State of Connecticut, in 2009. Upon completion of the program requirements, students are eligible for their two-year professional residency.

The nursing programs in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001; telephone: 202.887.6971. Information about the accreditation process is available at CCNE.

The Department of Nursing belongs to the following organizations: the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the National League for Nursing (NLN), and the Connecticut League for Nursing (CLN).

The teacher education program, including teacher education in music, through the Sixth-Year Certificate, is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and by the Connecticut State Department of Education.

In the College of Arts and Sciences, the Doctor of Psychology program leading to the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association. Any questions regarding the program’s accreditation may be directed to Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First St., NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242; 202.336.5979. The School Psychology program is nationally accredited through the National Association of School Psychologists and National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education partnership (NASP/NCATE). The Department of Chemistry is included in the list of departments approved by the American Chemical Society. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program is designed to meet the standards set by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society, and students who complete the B.S. program will be certified to the A.C.S. upon graduation.

The University Studies Paralegal Studies and Paralegal Certificate programs are approved by the American Bar Association.

The Hartford Art School is accredited by and holds membership in the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

The Hartt School is accredited by and holds membership in the National Association of Schools of Music, the National Association of Schools of Theatre, and the National Association of Schools of Dance.

All programs in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture are licensed and accredited by the State of Connecticut Board of Higher Education. The following programs in the college are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.: Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in Acoustical Engineering and Music, Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Contact the Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org. The Bachelor of Science programs in Architectural Design + Technology, Computer and Electronic Engineering Technology, and Electromechanical Engineering Technology are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org. Contact the Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org. The Master of Architecture program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) 1735 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 2006; www.naab.org.

The Board of Higher Education of the State of Connecticut accredits the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture’s Master of Engineering programs. According to ABET regulations, ABET does not accredit both undergraduate and graduate programs at the same institution.

The University is a member of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA).

The Barney School of Business holds membership in, and is accredited by, AACSB International-the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB International accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review. AACSB International accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in management education. AACSB International accreditation assures stakeholders that business schools manage resources to achieve a vibrant and relevant mission, advance business and management knowledge through faculty scholarship, provide high-caliber teaching of quality and current curricula, cultivate meaningful interaction between students and a qualified faculty, and produce graduates who have achieved specified learning goals.

The University is an institutional member of the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The University complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which affords students certain rights with respect to their education records:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct person to whom the request should be addressed.
    
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.

Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to University officials with legitimate educational interests. A University official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position, including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff; a person or company with whom the University has contracted, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent; a person serving on the board of regents; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her task.

A University official has a legitimate educational interest if he/she needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

The Act allows the University to issue “directory information.” This would include name, address, telephone number, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, major field of study, and similar information. Any student objecting to the release of directory information should bring this to the attention of the registrar. Upon written notification, the directory information will be withheld.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

Registration

Students must be officially registered by the beginning of the first class meeting of a course.

Please note, all students are required to accept enrollment terms and conditions prior to registering for class. Acceptance can be done in advance through the student self-service center or will be prompted at the time of registration.

Academic Credit

The credit (often referred to in higher education as “semester hour” or “credit hour”) is the unit by which academic work is measured. In most cases, 1 credit represents satisfactory completion of the course work required for one 50-minute class meeting per week for one semester.

One credit in laboratory or studio work usually represents satisfactory completion of two or three 50-minute laboratory or studio periods per week for one semester. At the Hartford Art School, courses meet six hours for 3 credits.

For the Radiologic Technology program, one credit in laboratory work represents satisfactory completion of one 90-minute period per week for one semester.

Academic Load per Semester

An undergraduate enrolled for 12 or more credits, in the day or evening or a combination thereof, is classified as a full-time student and is required to pay the full-program tuition charge. Approved programs of as many as 18 credits are covered by that charge, but typically all credits beyond 18 are charged at the credit-hour rate.

Exceptions are made in situations where the published program of study requires the student to enroll for more than 18 hours; or in situations in which the published program does not require the student to enroll for more than 18 hours, but the dean authorizes the student to take up to 19 hours without additional charge.

Special permission of the dean of the school is required for more than five courses or for credit loads exceeding 18 credits (except as specified in the regular program of the student).

Special permission is required for a non-matriculated student to enroll for a full-time load of 12 or more credits per semester.

Graduate students enrolled for 9 credits or more are classified as full-time students. Depending upon the school or program in which the student is enrolled, tuition charges may be based on either a per-credit-hour rate or a full-time-graduate-study rate.

Academic Load-Summerterm

Students are not encouraged to carry more than two courses at any one time (usually 6 to 8 credits) during a Summerterm session without consulting with their faculty advisor or the Office of Summer Programs.

Alternative Education and Service Format

When necessary to protect the health and safety of students, faculty and staff, as determined by the University in its sole discretion, the University reserves the right to alter (a) the academic schedule, location and modality of instructional and learning activities, and academic terms and requirements (including content and grading) of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs and instruction; and (b) the schedule, location, availability and format of services, activities, and experiences offered to students. Students shall not be entitled to refunds or offsets of tuition, fees, or other costs of attendance where the University exercises such discretion, except to the extent permitted by the University’s refund policies.

Attendance

Regular class attendance is expected, and excessive absence, regardless of reason, may disqualify a student for course credit.

Audit Status

Students not wishing credit may register for courses as auditors, in which case no grade is assigned nor is academic credit granted. The special fees for adult guest and special audit status apply only if audit status is declared at the time of initial registration for the course. These fees do not apply if the student initially registers for credit and later changes to audit status.

Classification of Students

The following numbers represent credits successfully completed and are inclusive:

Conferral of Degrees

Degrees are issued in September, January, and May. Commencement exercises are held in May. Students must file degree applications with the Registrar’s Office by the dates posted for each term in order to be awarded their degrees and to receive their diplomas. Students must also notify the registrar if they plan to participate in May Commencement.

Diplomas will not be issued to persons either listed by the bursar as financially delinquent or required to complete federal loan exit counseling sessions.

Continuous Registration

Degree candidates are expected to maintain continuous registration until all degree requirements are satisfied. Failing to register for one semester or more breaks the student’s registration and requires that the student be readmitted (see Readmission). A student who is readmitted after the lapse of one semester may resume the degree requirements of the Catalog previously applicable. If the student has not been enrolled for a full academic year, the requirements of the Catalog in force on readmission must be met, except in special circumstances such as military service or extended illness. For approved off-campus study programs in which students enroll independent of the University, or other personal reasons, a matriculated student may be granted a leave of absence and remain on active status for one or two semesters. In order to do this, the student must register for Active Status, secure permission from the faculty advisor and the dean of the school, and pay a fee. If a student wishes to extend active status beyond the two-semester limit, application for renewal is required, and the decision to grant extension rests with the dean of the school.

Matriculated Center for Graduate and Adult Academic Services students attending part time must follow the above procedure, except that they are permitted to be away for three semesters without formal approval or readmission application.

Candidates for the bachelor’s degree or for the associate’s degree are expected to complete at least the final 30 credits at the University.

Course Numbering System

The University’s course numbering system was changed effective for the Summer 1984 and subsequent terms. Under this numbering system, the first position identifies the course level as follows:

0 = noncredit

1, 2, 3, or 4 = undergraduate level

5 = graduate-level course that may be taken by advanced undergraduate students with special permission

6, 7, 8, or 9 = graduate-level courses open only to graduate students

Courses listed under more than one department having the same content are separated with a slash: AFS 222/ENG 222.

The use of the second and third number positions is left to the discretion of the department except for the designations X90-X99, which are generally reserved for special topics courses.

Noncredit Courses

When the first digit of a course number is 0, the course carries no college credit. Credit figures in parentheses are not used in calculating grade point averages or class standing. The figure in parentheses is used only for determining credit-hour load for the purposes of computing time status and the tuition-per-credit cost for part-time students.

Intra-University Transfer

In the transfer from one school to another within the University, all courses relevant to the new school’s curriculum are transferred for the purpose of grade point average (GPA) calculation regardless of grade. Courses not applicable are dropped from the calculation regardless of grade.

Nonapplicable courses carry the symbol V next to them on the permanent record. This indicates that the credits and grade points of the courses so indicated do not enter directly into general University summaries and grade point averages.

Courses Repeated

A course normally can be retaken only once, except when a course is designed to be taken repeatedly. For courses not designed to be taken repeatedly, a student may request permission from Academic Standing Committee (ASC) of the college offering the course to repeat a course a second time under the terms of the repeat course policy. An appeal to a college’s ASC may be made on the grounds of mitigating circumstances, and should include explanations of the circumstances, a description of their effect on performance, and discussion of the actions taken to minimize or eliminate these circumstances and their effects.

Approved transfer credits can be accepted to fulfill a program requirement, but the grades do not transfer in and will not affect the GPA. The original Hartford grade will still be included in the GPA calculation.

Credit by Examination

In special cases students may qualify for credit by examination. Application forms are available in the offices of the academic deans and the Center for Graduate and Adult Academic Services.

Credit examinations in such sequential subjects as mathematics and foreign languages may be taken only for 6 credits in whatever is the highest-level course the student is qualified to pass. This prevents a student, for example, from taking credit examinations for FR 110 , FR 111 , FR 210  and FR 211 .

Credit earned by examination does not carry grade points and is recorded as P if passed successfully.

Through the College Entrance Examination Board’s College Level Examination Program (CLEP), a student or potential student may obtain credit for college-level skills and knowledge obtained in independent study, correspondence courses, or on-the-job training and experience. Up to 27 credits may be earned through the CLEP General Examinations (five sections: English Composition, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Humanities, Social Sciences-History). Additional credit, with departmental approval, may be earned in more than 30 subject examinations.

Information on taking CLEP examinations may be obtained from the Center for Graduate and Adult Academic Services.

Dean’s List

Dean’s Lists of students achieving superior standing are issued once each semester for full-time students and once each academic year for part-time students.

The grade requirement, with some exceptions, is a grade point average of at least 3.0 and no grade below C. At the Barney School of Business, the semester grade point average must be at least 3.25 with no grade below C (no more than one C); no Incompletes, no No Passes, no No Grades, no No Report from Instructor issued. No retroactive awarding based on completing an Incomplete. At the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, the grade point average must be at least 3.25 with no grade below C (no more than one C), no Incompletes, no No Passes, and no No Grades. At the Hartford Art School, the grade point average must be 3.5. The grade requirement at Hartt is as follows: grade point average of at least 3.5 with no grade below B-; no Incompletes, no No Passes, and no No Grades issued. The grade requirement for the College of Arts and Sciences is as follows: semester grade point average of at least 3.25 with no grade below C (no more than one C); no Incompletes, no No Passes, no No Grades, no No Report from Instructor issued. The grade requirement for University Studies (full-time students) is as follows: semester grade point average of at least 3.25 with no grade below C (no more than one C); no Incompletes, no No Passes, no No Grades, no No Report from Instructor issued. Part-time University Studies students must take 12 or more credit hours per academic year and receive letter grades of C or better (no more than one C); no Incompletes, no No Passes, no No Grades, no No Report from Instructor issued.

Load Requirements:

Full-time students must take 12 or more credit hours per semester and receive letter grades of C or better (no more than one C) during the period in question in at least 12 credits of their load.

Part-time students must take 12 or more credit hours per academic year and receive letter grades of C or better (no more than one C) in at least 12 credits of their load.

Hartt School load requirement: full-time study, defined for this purpose as 12 or more credits per semester, taken for a letter grade.

President’s List

The President’s List of students achieving the highest standing is issued once a semester for full-time students. Selected each semester for the President’s List are those students who are designated by the schools and colleges to be on the Dean’s Lists and who meet the following grade requirements:

To be placed on the President’s List, the student must maintain a GPA of at least a 3.75 and receive grades of C or better during the period in question.

Declaration of Audit Status

A student is required to declare his or her intention to enroll on an audit basis at the time of registration for the course. An auditor may change a registration from audit to credit status if this request is made in writing on a Change of Program form within the first two weeks of the semester. Conversely, a student who wishes to change from credit to audit status must make this declaration in writing on a Change of Program form within the first 10 weeks of the semester. In summer sessions, an auditor may change a registration from audit to credit status during the first week of classes; whereas, a change from credit to audit status must be made before completion of the first 40 percent of the scheduled class hours of the course. The special fees for adult guest and special audit status apply only if audit status is declared at the time of initial registration for the course. These fees do not apply if the student initially registers for credit and later changes to audit status.

Declaration of Pass/No Pass Option

Registration on a Pass/No Pass basis may be made only in accordance with the regulations of the University and the regulations of the school in which the student is enrolled. When permitted, a student is expected to declare the intention to enroll in a course on a Pass/No Pass basis at the time of registration for the course. A student may change the registration to receive a letter grade or change from a letter grade registration to Pass/No Pass status in a course, provided the declaration is made in writing on a Change of Program form at any time up to the end of the 10th week of the semester. In summer sessions, the changes must be made before completion of the first 40 percent of the scheduled class hours of the course.

A school or college may make the Pass/No Pass option available to matriculated students for not more than one course per semester, to a maximum of eight courses to fulfill degree requirements. Credits so earned count toward graduation requirements, but are not included in the grade point average computation. The specific regulations for an individual school must be reviewed by the student before seeking this option. Some courses may be more appropriately handled by the Pass/No Pass format than by letter grade. Each school will determine these courses within its own curriculum.

Not included in the Pass/No Pass system are Reading and Writing 110-111, languages for voice and opera majors, music courses for music majors, and courses in the student’s major (departmental) requirements unless approved by the chair of that department.

The criteria for a Pass are ordinarily the same as those earning a D or higher grade in the course.

Determination of Effective Catalog

A student’s course and departmental requirements for the degree are those stipulated in the Catalog of the year in which he or she is matriculated, or as modified by appropriate alternatives in subsequent years. (The University reserves the right, at any time, to make whatever changes may be deemed necessary.) A student may adopt the requirements of any subsequent Catalog during the period of residency, but may not elect to follow the requirements of any Catalog prior to initial matriculation.

Eligibility to Participate in Intercollegiate Athletics

The University of Hartford strictly adheres to the eligibility rules promulgated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and all other athletic conferences of which the institution is a member. Although eligibility requirements are subject to be modified by the NCAA from the printing date of this Catalog, below are the more common regulations pertaining to enrollment and academic progress with which a student-athlete must comply in order to represent the University of Hartford in intercollegiate athletic competition:

1. The student-athlete shall complete his or her seasons of participation within five calendar years from the beginning of the semester in which the student-athlete first registered at a collegiate institution, even if at a college or university other than the University of Hartford.
2. The student-athlete shall, at the time of competition, be registered for at least a minimum full-time program of studies, which shall not be less than 12 semester hours.
3. The student-athlete shall not have engaged previously in more than four seasons of intercollegiate competition.
4. Eligibility for regular-season competition subsequent to the student-athlete’s first academic year in residence or after the student-athlete has utilized one season of eligibility in a sport shall be based upon (1) satisfactory completion, prior to each term in which a season of competition begins, of an accumulative total of semester hours of academic credit that is equivalent to the completion of an average of at least 12 semester hours, during each of the previous academic terms, in academic years in which the student-athlete has been enrolled in a term or terms; or (2) satisfactory completion of 24 semester hours of academic credit since the beginning of the student-athlete’s last season of competition.
5. A student-athlete shall designate a program of studies leading toward a specific baccalaureate degree at the University of Hartford by the beginning of the third year of enrollment (fifth semester). In addition to the continuing student, this eligibility requirement shall be applicable to the eligibility of a transfer student from a four-year or two-year collegiate institution who is entering his or her third year of collegiate enrollment, even if the student has not yet completed an academic year in residence or utilized a season of eligibility in a sport at the University of Hartford.
6. The student-athlete must meet all other applicable eligibility requirements promulgated by the NCAA.

The University of Hartford will not permit a student-athlete to represent it in intercollegiate athletic competition unless the student-athlete meets all of the requirements of eligibility. In addition, the Athletics department reserves the right to suspend a student-athlete from participation in intercollegiate athletic competition for any reason deemed appropriate, regardless of whether the student-athlete meets all other conditions of eligibility.

Eligibility for Student Offices

Only full-time students (12 credits or more and making satisfactory academic progress) may hold office in (undergraduate) student organizations. At any time during the academic year, students who drop below 12 credits are no longer eligible to hold office.

Grades

At the end of each semester, grades are posted to the student’s self-service Web account. It is the policy of the University of Hartford to issue copies of grade reports to parents of students, when requested by parents, unless expressly asked by students not to do so. If the student requests that the information not be divulged, it then becomes the responsibility of the parent seeking the information, under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, to establish to the satisfaction of the University that the student in question is financially dependent (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code) upon the person requesting grade information.

Grading System

Grades based on the following system are reported and recorded at the end of each session.

The policy for assigning plus and minus grades or grades lower than C, in schools offering graduate programs, is to be determined by the individual school or college.

Grades in the A range are excellent, in the B range good, in the C range fair, in the D range poor; F is a failure.

**The grade NG is only appropriate for courses, undergraduate and graduate, that usually take more than one semester to complete (such as University scholar projects, dissertations, and clinical experiences). The Registrar’s Office, working with the schools and colleges, will maintain a list of courses that usually take more than one semester or term to complete in which a grade of NG can be issued. In cases of work that normally should be completed in a semester or term, an Incomplete (I) should be issued when the work is not fully completed.

Graduation Honors

Bachelor’s degrees are conferred cum laude on students who have completed a minimum of 60 credits in residence and whose cumulative grade point average is 3.25 or above; magna cum laude on those whose average is 3.50 or above; summa cum laude, 3.75 or above.

A student who has earned fewer than 60 credits in residence but at least 45 credits in residence at the University of Hartford may receive graduation honors based on guidelines developed by the student’s college of matriculation, with the approval of the collegiate dean and the Office of the Provost. Students may also be awarded honors by completing the University Honors program. For more information, see University Honors Program .

Honorary Societies

Information concerning undergraduate and graduate honor societies in the individual schools and colleges may be obtained by writing to the dean of the appropriate school.

Alpha Chi, founded in 1922, is a national honor scholarship society. This society maintains chapters in more than 275 colleges and universities in the United States. Third-year and Fourth-year students, in all baccalaureate programs at the University who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, are eligible for election as members of the University of Hartford Beta Chapter of this society.

Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society was established in 1946 to honor superior scholarship and leadership in adult students. With chapters at more than 300 colleges and universities nationwide, the society recognizes the special achievements of adult students who accomplish academic excellence while managing competing family, work, and community responsibilities. Members of the University’s Beta Psi Alpha chapter are selected on the basis of their academic record.

Beta Alpha Psi is an honorary organization for Financial Information students and professionals at AACSB accredited schools.  Founded in 1919, the primary objective of Beta Alpha Psi is to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the business information field. This includes promoting the study and practice of accounting, finance and information systems, providing opportunities for self-development, service and association among members and practicing professionals, and encouraging a sense of ethical, social, and public responsibility. The Mu Chi chapter of Beta Alpha Psi was installed at Barney School of Business in 2012.

Pi Mu Epsilon Fraternity is a national honorary mathematics fraternity incorporated in 1914. Its purpose is the promotion of scholarly activity in mathematics among undergraduate students in academic institutions. It is open to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in mathematics. Information is available through the Department of Mathematics.

Pi Tau Sigma is a national honorary mechanical engineering fraternity founded in 1915. The Hartford Delta Eta Chapter is one of 115 in the United States. Upperclass students in mechanical engineering are selected semiannually on the basis of their academic record and probable future success as mechanical engineers.

Eta Kappa Nu is an international honor society for electrical engineers founded in 1904. The Iota Epsilon Chapter was installed at the University as the 167th chapter in 1984. Third-year and Fourth-year students in electrical engineering are selected semiannually on the basis of their academic record, participation in campus and community affairs, and potential professional ability. Members act as tutors and seek to improve the standards of the profession, the course of instruction and the institution.

Tau Beta Pi is the national engineering honor society founded at Lehigh University in 1885. The Connecticut Gamma Chapter was installed at the University of Hartford in 1991. Third-year and Fourth-year engineering students in all branches of engineering are elected to membership on the basis of academic performance and exemplary character.

A chapter at large of the international honor society for nursing, Sigma Theta Tau, Iota Upsilon Chapter at Large, is active at the University of Hartford. This honor society recognizes superior achievement and leadership qualities, fosters high professional standards, encourages creative work, and strengthens commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession. Membership is by invitation for students who demonstrate excellence in the nursing program and for community leaders who have demonstrated excellence in leadership in nursing. The chapter is jointly sponsored by the Divisions of Nursing at the University of Hartford and Saint Joseph College.

Lambda Beta, the national honor society for respiratory care professionals, promotes, recognizes and honors scholarship, scholarly achievement, service, and character of the members of the respiratory care profession. Fourth-year respiratory care students who have demonstrated superior academic achievement are eligible for election as members of Lambda Beta.

Kappa Delta Pi is an international honor society in education. Its members exhibit successful academic achievement, dedication to the ideals of education and a desire to help others. Graduate and undergraduate students who exhibit high academic standing and a commitment to education are invited to become members. In addition to involvement in activities as a society member, Kappa Delta Pi offers members national scholarship funds, a Laureate Award to honored educators, and publications such as the KDP Record and Educational Forum. The Pi Phi Chapter of the University of Hartford is an active participant in campus activities conducting fund drives and service projects for the improvement of children’s education in the community.

Sigma Tau Delta is the national English honor society and a member of the Association for College Honor Societies. Founded in 1924, it confers distinction for high achievement in English language and literatures, promotes interest in literature on campus and the surrounding community, and fosters the discipline of English, including creative and critical writing. Members receive the national newsletter, contribute to the award-winning publication The Rectangle, and compete for a number of writing prizes and scholarships. The society is self-governing.

Pi Kappa Lambda national music honor society was organized in 1918 at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Epsilon Gamma Chapter was installed at The Hartt School in 1981. Currently there are more than 155 active chapters. In 1940, The Society of Pi Kappa Lambda was admitted to the Association of College Honor Societies as the representative in the field of music. The primary objective of Pi Kappa Lambda is the recognition and encouragement of the highest level of musical achievement and academic scholarship. Graduate and undergraduate consideration for membership is on recommendation by the Faculty Committee upon graduation.

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is a national, professional music fraternity dedicated to the advancement of music and to the brotherhood among men engaged in music or music-related activities. Membership includes students, conductors, performers, composers, arrangers, teachers, publishers, radio and television personalities, and others. A candidate for membership is selected by a chapter vote based upon his character and musical and academic qualifications.

Sigma Alpha Iota is an international music fraternity for women. Eta Mu Chapter, chartered in May 1987 at Hartt, seeks to promote interest in music and musical excellence through concerts, recitals and social activities. Members are inducted after having met academic, chapter, musical, and fraternity requirements.

Founded in 1953, Tau Alpha Pi is a national scholastic honor society that recognizes and encourages high levels of scholarship, leadership, and character among students in engineering technology programs.

The Hartford Lambda Epsilon Chapter is one of 120 in the United States. Upperclassmen in the top 4 percent of their class are considered for membership. Information is available through the dean’s office of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture.

Founded in 1963, Omicron Delta Epsilon is a national honorary society in economics. It is one of the world’s largest academic honor societies, and the Gamma Chapter of the Barney School of Business has been in existence since 1963. Students are selected on the basis of their scholastic achievement in economics.

Lambda Pi Eta, a national honor society for communication majors, was established by the Speech Communication Association in 1988. The Alpha Beta Chapter was founded at the University of Hartford in 1991. The main purpose of the society is to recognize, foster, and reward outstanding scholastic achievement. Society events are designed to stimulate interest and promote professional development in the field of communication. Students who meet the academic qualifications of the society are notified of their eligibility at the start of the fall and spring semesters.

Pi Sigma Alpha is the national honor society for undergraduate and graduate students of political science. Founded in 1920 at the University of Texas, the society has since expanded to 500 college and university chapters in the United States. Its purpose is to stimulate scholarship and interest in the subject of government by providing tangible recognition to students who have excelled in the field.

Tau Sigma Delta is the only national honor society for architecture students. It was established in 1913 at the University of Michigan and is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies. The Gamma Nu Chapter was established at the University of Hartford in 2011. The Society derives its Greek letter name from the first letter of each word of its motto, Technitai Sophoikai Dexioti, which translates to “architects, skilled and trained.” Tau Sigma Delta was formed under the guidance of faculty in Architecture and Landscape Architecture to celebrate excellence in scholarship and to award those students who attain high scholastic marks as reflected in their cumulative GPA in their third and fourth years.

Incomplete Work

Undergraduate. If an undergraduate student whose work is otherwise satisfactory is unable, because of extenuating circumstances, to complete his or her work at the end of a semester, the work is reported as incomplete (I), provided arrangements to complete the work are made with the instructor in advance. “Extenuating circumstances” cover such situations as serious illness or events that make it impossible for a student to complete the required work. The use of the designation I is specifically prohibited for situations involving heavy workloads or the pressure of other responsibilities of the student. Requirements for credit must be met by the end of the next regular semester, or at an earlier date if one is specified. An undergraduate student in residence who has not fulfilled the requirements for the course at the time specified will receive a mandatory grade of F.

Graduate. Under special conditions, individual graduate students may receive permission to complete the work of a course after the end of the semester. The graduate instructor is responsible for making such arrangements in line with the regulations of his or her department and school.

Makeup Examinations

Students should consult their instructors for permission to take a makeup examination and for the required procedure.

A fee is required for makeup examinations.

Matriculation

A student (undergraduate or graduate) is considered matriculated when he or she has been officially accepted as a candidate for a degree, diploma, or professional certificate in a school of the University.

Medical Leave and Medical-Related Course Withdrawal

Medical leave is defined as an illness of such severity that the student can no longer attend classes, or should not have attended classes, for a particular semester or term.

Medical-related course withdrawal is defined as an illness of sufficient severity as to make it necessary for the student to withdraw from one or more, but not all, courses for a particular semester or term.

Medical Leave during a Semester or Term. A student who needs a medical leave after the first 10 weeks of a semester or equivalent for a term may be granted W’s for all courses. To be granted a medical leave, the signatures of the dean of students (or designate) and the dean (or designate) of the college in which the student is matriculated are required.

Medical Leave after a Semester or Term. A student who requests a medical leave after the semester or term is completed and after grades have been issued must make such a request and provide medical documentation within 12 weeks after the semester or term in which the medical problem occurred. Students may only be granted W’s for registered courses for which grades, including I, NG, and NR, have been issued for the term in question. Withdrawing from only some of the courses of that semester or term is not allowed. The signatures of the dean of students (or designate) and of the college dean (or designate) are required. In the case of a course taken in another college, the signature of the dean (or designate) of that college is required.

A student who was granted a medical leave and wants to return to the University must present medical documentation to the dean of students (or designate) indicating that the student is able to return. This documentation must also be presented to the dean (or designate) of the college in which the student is matriculated.

Medical-Related Course Withdrawals. Students who wish to withdraw from one or more courses during the first 10 weeks of a semester, or equivalent for a term, may be granted W’s for those courses. To withdraw from any course for medical reasons, the signatures of the dean of students (or designate) and the dean (or designate) of the college in which the student is matriculated are required.

Students with an illness of sufficient severity as to make it necessary for them to withdraw from one or more courses from the 10th week of the semester, or equivalent for a term, to the end of classes may be granted designations of W, I, or a letter grade for those courses. In order to be granted a medical withdrawal and to receive a W on some or all courses, the signatures of the dean of students (or designate) and the dean (or designate) of the college in which the student is matriculated are required. In the case of a course taken in another college, the signature of the dean (or designate) of that college also is required. If a letter grade or an incomplete is to be granted for a course, the signature of the appropriate instructor must also be obtained.

Documentation. In order to grant a Medical leave or allow a Medical-related course withdrawal, documentation in writing must be received from a physician or mental health professional. The dean of students (or designate) and the dean (or designate) of the college in which the student is matriculated will review the documentation and agree on the appropriate action.

Signatures. When the student is unable to obtain the required signatures, the associate/ assistant dean (or designate) of the student’s college shall obtain the required signatures.

Nonacademic Suspension and Expulsion

Students may be suspended or expelled from the University if found in violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Students who are suspended from the University must wait a minimum of one year prior to submitting an application for readmission or permission to enroll for study on a nonmatriculated basis. Students who are expelled from the University may not reenroll. Students who are suspended or expelled must leave the campus as soon as possible after the action is announced.

Probation

Students whose cumulative GPA falls below the standards indicated in the table on page 66 will be placed on academic probation by their colleges. Students who fall more than 0.5 grade points below the standards may be dismissed.

Students who do not meet the standards for course rate completion specified above will be reviewed by the academic standing committees of their colleges and may be placed on probation. Those who are placed on probation are not considered to be making satisfactory academic progress, although they are eligible to continue or reenroll at the University.

Students who are placed on probation should consult immediately with their advisors to determine the actions necessary to correct the deficiencies.

The records of students who have been placed on probation will be reviewed by the academic standing committees of their colleges at the end of the next regular term. Students who have corrected the deficiencies will be removed from probation. If students have not corrected the deficiencies, the academic standing committees may continue them on probation, remove them from degree candidacy, or dismiss them from the University.

Academic Dismissal

Students whose GPA and/or completion rate demonstrate(s) that there is little probability of their meeting minimum requirements in a University degree program may be academically dismissed from the University. Students who are academically dismissed are not in good academic standing and are ineligible to continue in or return to the University save under the provisions of the Fresh Start program (contact the Office of Admission and Student Financial Assistance for further information).

Grade Point Average

The grade point average (GPA) is obtained by multiplying academic credits by grade point value for the grade assigned in each course and dividing the sum of the grade points thus obtained by the total number of academic credits attempted. All courses taken and grades received at the University of Hartford that are applicable to the student’s current program or major are included in the computation of GPA. Courses marked NG, W, P, NP, or I are not included in the calculation of GPA (see policy on repeated and Pass/No Pass courses). The grade point averages are calculated to the hundredth position, and they are not rounded.

Readmission

A previously registered, full-time matriculated student in the University, if not registered during the immediately preceding semester (summer term excluded) because of (1) dismissal, (2) voluntary withdrawal, or (3) voluntary leave of absence without registering for active status, must apply for readmission. Final dates for applying are the same as those for full-time undergraduate study. If the student applies as a candidate for matriculation and was previously registered as a nonmatriculated student, or has attended one or more colleges or universities since leaving the University, he or she must have complete, official transcripts sent to the Office of Admission and Student Financial Assistance at this University from each institution attended. Applications for readmission are considered on the basis of regulations currently effective.

Students registered on active status, if given permission to attend credit programs in other institutions, have their transfer credits evaluated by submitting the official transcript to the Office of Admission and Student Financial Assistance. The credits earned are reviewed by the University evaluator and the department concerned.

The application fee is waived for an applicant for readmission who was matriculated at the time of his or her last registration at the University of Hartford and has not since registered at another institution.

Recitals and Exhibitions

Students must be enrolled for applied music study during the semester in which a required recital is presented. An art student, undergraduate or graduate, must be enrolled during the semester in which that student’s required exhibition is scheduled.

Removal from Degree Candidacy

Students whose performance in a degree program indicates that there is little probability of meeting that program’s minimum requirements may be removed from degree candidacy. Students who are removed from degree candidacy are eligible to reenroll as part-time, nondegree students and to register for as many as 11 credits during one semester and no more than 15 credits in total. Students who have been removed from degree candidacy are not considered to be making satisfactory academic progress but are considered to be in good academic standing.

Requirements for Degrees

Undergraduate and Graduate

Fulfillment of graduation requirements is the student’s individual responsibility. No permission for deviation from the published requirements is official unless it is in writing and signed by the dean of the school.

General

• Degree application
• Satisfactory completion of one of the prescribed curricula
• Payment of all outstanding fees
• Vote of faculty, trustees, and regents
• Attendance at Commencement (see Conferral of Degrees)

Requirements for a Baccalaureate Degree with More Than One Major

1. Requirements for a baccalaureate degree with more than one major, same degree designation within one college: Students desiring to have their records indicate that they have completed more than one set of major requirements for a baccalaureate degree with the same designation should have the dean of the college approve the plan and notify the registrar. No additional application fee is required.
   
   The student must fulfill all course requirements under each major program. Only one degree will be granted and only one diploma will be issued; no additional graduation fee will be collected.
   
   The evaluator of the college will notify the registrar when the requirements have been met, and the permanent transcript record will indicate completion of the additional major requirements.
2. Requirements for a baccalaureate degree and a subject-area major*: different colleges and/or different degree designations: Students desiring to have their records indicate that they have completed more than one set of requirements for majors from different colleges or producing different degree designations within a single college should have the dean of the college administering the additional program approve the plan and notify the registrar. No additional application fee is required.
   
   The student must fulfill all requirements under each major. Only one degree will be granted and only one diploma will be issued; no additional graduation fee will be collected.
   
   The evaluator of the college will notify the registrar when the requirements have been met, and the permanent transcript record will indicate completion of the matriculated degree and its major and the additional major, which will be recorded with the words “and a subject-area major in .”

*For a subject-area major, students complete all requirements for the major but not all of the degree requirements for that major.

Requirements for a Second Baccalaureate Degree

1. A person who has previously received a baccalaureate degree from the University of Hartford may be matriculated for a second baccalaureate degree program. All the requirements for the second degree must be met including degree, residence and major requirements. Applications for matriculation as a candidate for the second baccalaureate degree must be made through the Admission Office. Documents previously submitted need not be duplicated, and no additional application fee will be charged.
2. A person who is in residence and working toward a baccalaureate degree and who desires to become a candidate simultaneously for a second baccalaureate degree from the University of Hartford must apply for the dual matriculation by completing a Change of Major form. All requirements for the second degree must be met including degree, residence, and major requirements. No additional application fee will be charged.
3. To be eligible for the award of two baccalaureate degrees simultaneously or in sequence, the applicant must have met all of the college, departmental, and general degree requirements for each degree, which must entail more than completion of a double major only. Students must have completed a minimum of 150 credits, of which the last 30 credits must have been in residence. Students should seek consultation with advisors in each degree program.

Application for Degree

Prior to graduating students must submit a Degree Application online in Self-Service. Paper forms are also available from the registrar or from the school or college evaluator. Applications require the evaluator’s approval and must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the date announced. The date the student expects to complete degree requirements must be indicated on the application. Students who submit their applications for degree after the deadline may be omitted from the Commencement program and may have delays in the delivery of their diplomas.

GPA Requirements

The minimum cumulative GPA required for the bachelor’s degree is 2.0. This minimum is also required in the field of specialization unless a higher requirement is stated.

The minimum cumulative GPA required for the associate’s degree is 2.0.

Scholastic requirements for graduate study are given in each instance with the description of the graduate program.

Special requirements for the two-year program of Hillyer College are detailed in its section of this Catalog.

Residence Requirements

Candidates for most bachelor’s degrees or for the associate’s degree are expected to complete at least the final 30 credits at the University. The residency requirement for the Bachelor of University Studies program is a minimum of 30 credits but need not be the final 30 credits.

Residence requirements for graduate study are given in each instance with the description of the graduate program.

Satisfactory Academic Progress and Good Academic Standing

To remain enrolled at the University and to be eligible to receive financial aid, students must demonstrate a level of achievement that indicates their probable success in meeting the minimum requirements for a degree. Academic progress is a measure of a student’s movement toward a stated degree objective. Satisfactory academic progress is evidenced by (a) maintenance of a grade point average (qualitative academic progress) consistent with the minimum outlined under University Minimum Standards for Undergraduates (below); (b) satisfactory performance in the major area of study as specified by the student’s college department; and (c) an acceptable rate of course completion (quantitative satisfactory progress) as outlined in the following text.

The University’s cumulative GPA standards (qualitative academic progress) for satisfactory academic progress in bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs appear under “University Minimum Standards for Undergraduates.” Students whose GPA falls below these standards are not regarded as making satisfactory academic progress. Since schools and colleges may have amended these standards upward, students should check with the college or school in which they are matriculated to determine the specific requirements to which they must adhere. Final responsibility for knowing whether or not a student is making satisfactory academic progress and/or is in good academic standing rests with the student.

Completion rates for satisfactory academic progress (quantitative satisfactory progress) are based on attempted credits at census date. Full-time students enrolled in programs requiring 60 or 120 to 126 credit hours are expected to complete 12 credit hours a semester, or a total of 24 credit hours at the end of an academic year. A full-time student enrolled in a four-year program requiring more than 126 credits is expected to complete one fifth of the required program credits during each academic year. The fall and spring terms constitute the academic year at the University. Students enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours in a semester at census date are expected to complete all requirements for an associate degree within five years of initial matriculation and all requirements for the baccalaureate degree within 10 years of initial matriculation. For students who are not making satisfactory academic progress at the end of the spring semester, credit hours taken over the summer may be used to attain satisfactory progress. In addition, credits earned in Winterterm may be used to attain satisfactory academic progress. Fall semester incompletes must be completed by the end of the spring semester, and spring semester incompletes must be completed by the end of the summer sessions to count towards making satisfactory quantitative progress. Financial aid awards are contingent upon the availability of funds at the time students become eligible.

Students are said to be in good academic standing as long as they are eligible to continue at or return to the University (unless expelled or suspended for nonacademic reasons). Students who are not in good academic standing are ineligible to attend any credit classes at the University.

Schedule

The academic year consists of two semesters. Also scheduled are winterterm and summerterm sessions. See the Academic Calendar for semester and session start dates.

Transcript of Academic Work

One unofficial transcript will be issued to each member of the graduating class after graduation. Additional transcripts may be requested online through the Self-Service Center via Parchment, which charges a separate processing fee. Requests for transcripts should be made a minimum of ten business days in advance. Official transcripts, bearing the University seal, are expected by most institutions and agencies to be sent directly by the University, not transmitted by the applicant.

Transcripts will not be issued for persons either listed by the bursar as financially delinquent or required to complete federal loan exit counseling sessions.

Applications for certifications and other records should be made in writing and addressed to

The Registrar
University of Hartford
Beatrice Fox Auerbach Center
200 Bloomfield Ave.
West Hartford, CT 06117

Applications should include correct remittance and should state the name and address of the official to whom the information is to be mailed.

Withdrawal

All requests for withdrawal must be made in writing.

Administrative withdrawal during the first 10 weeks of a semester may result from excessive absence or from other circumstances that are considered as justifying such action.

A student who withdraws or who is withdrawn from a course during the first three weeks of a regular semester is removed from the class roll and the registration is voided. Withdrawals made in the fourth through the 10th week of a regular semester course will result in a grade of W.

Thereafter, in either case, a letter grade (A-F or I) must be issued. Exceptions for cause (e.g., illness) may be initiated by the dean of the school or college in which the student is matriculated or, in the case of a nonmatriculated student, the dean of the school or college offering the course involved.

Note that refunds to students withdrawing from courses can be made only in accordance with the policy and schedule set forth by the University. All financial obligations not covered by the University’s refund policy must be met.

Summer: A student who withdraws or is withdrawn from a course before completion of 20 percent of the scheduled class hours of the course is removed from the class roll and registration is voided. Withdrawal thereafter, but before completion of 50 percent of scheduled class hours of the course, is recorded on the University records as a W.

Thereafter, in either case, a letter grade (A-F or I) must be issued. Exceptions for cause (e.g., illness) may be initiated by the dean of the school or college in which the student is matriculated or, in the case of a nonmatriculated student, the dean of the school or college offering the course involved.

University Minimum Standards for Undergraduates

*Credits refers to credits earned, transferred (including credit by examination), and failed.

Undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions must meet or exceed the following GPA standards during their degree programs: 00-23 hours: 1.8; 24-53 hours: 1.9; more than 54 hours: 2.0. Undergraduate students enrolled in the Hartford Art School and in The Hartt School must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA during all phases of their undergraduate programs.

Undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture must meet or exceed the following GPA standards during their degree programs: 00-31 hours: 1.8; 32-65 hours: 1.9; and more than 65 hours: 2.0.

In order to make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree, graduate students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.8 during all portions of their academic career. (Since schools and colleges may set expectations above this University minimum, graduate students should check with their advisors, department chairs, or deans to determine their requirements.)

Students are also expected to meet major area requirements and to complete their degree programs at an acceptable rate. The major area requirements are available in this Catalog and from the appropriate dean’s office. Associate degree students are expected to complete all degree requirements within five years of initial matriculation; baccalaureate degree students are expected to complete all degree requirements within 10 years of initial matriculation.

Additionally, full-time students are expected to complete at least 75 percent of their initial academic load each term. Part-time students are expected to complete at least 50 percent of their initial academic load each term. Graduate students are expected to complete all requirements for their degrees within the time limits set by their college and complete the fraction of course load specified by this unit, as well. These load expectations are currently being revised and are subject to change.

Veteran Student Benefits, Academic Standing, and Prior Credit

The University of Hartford is approved to certify qualified veterans, and their dependents, to use their GI Bill® educational benefits while enrolled in an approved program. VA students should visit The GI Bill Comparison Tool (https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/) or ebenefits (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage) for information on VA educational benefits or their remaining entitlement. VA students with questions regarding a claim should call 888-GI Bill-1 for information.

When a student using VA education benefits has been on probation for two consecutive semesters or has been suspended, the VA will be notified and certification for VA benefit payments will be discontinued in accordance with the law. Benefits will only be reinstated when the student is in good academic standing at the institution. VA students cannot be certified for an enrollment period during an appeal process, but if the VA student is successful in their appeal, they can be certified retroactively for the term.

The University of Hartford will evaluate credit for prior training on a case by case basis. Accepted and applicable credit for training outside of the University will be applied to the VA student’s transcript reducing the number of credit hours required to complete the program and potentially decreasing the duration of the program.

VA Pending Payment Compliance

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), the University adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA.  This school will not:

• Prevent the student from enrolling;
• Assess a late penalty fee;
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

• Provide Chapter 33 Certificate of Eligibility (or its equivalent) or for Chapter 31, VA VR&E’s contract with the school on VA Form 28-1905 by the first day of class. (Note: Chapter 33 students can register at the VA Regional Office to use E-Benefits to get the equivalent of a Chapter 33 Certificate of Eligibility. Chapter 31 students cannot get a completed VA Form 28-1905 (or any equivalent) before the VA VR&E case-manager issues it to the school.)
• Provide written request to be certified;
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.