Undergraduate Academic Policies and Procedures

All students at Fitchburg State University are expected to be familiar with and act in accordance with academic policies and procedures. The policies are interpreted and administered by the dean of Student and Academic life. Students acting outside of these policies may be subject to administrative action. Special consideration may be given to students admitted or later identified as physically handicapped, learning disabled, or economically or educationally disadvantaged.

General Course Requirements

To fulfill requirements for a bachelor’s degree, students must complete either the requirements of the Liberal Arts and Sciences Program (explained in The Curriculum  section of catalog) or the requirements of the Leadership Academy program, as well as the requirements for their major.

The Major

Undergraduate degree candidates must declare and complete a major in one program of study offered by the university. Requirements for undergraduate majors are described in the Undergraduate Day Programs and Undergraduate Evening Programs sections.

Declaring a Major

Students may declare a major when they are admitted to the university. If a change of major is desired, students must complete a change of major card available in the Registrar’s Office. For application and policies related to educator licensure programs, see page 98.

Pre-Majors (undeclared)

Students with 60 semester hours of university course work must apply for and be admitted to a major prior to registering for additional courses. All pre-majors are assigned to the Academic Advising Center and participate in the Focus on the Future programs for selecting a major. Evening premajors should contact the Program Advisor in Graduate and Continuing Education for guidance.

Transfer students with 60 or more credits when admitted as pre-majors have until either October 1 or March 1 of their first semester at Fitchburg State University to declare their major.

Requirements for a Major

A 2.0 cumulative GPA and 2.0 GPA in courses in the major are the minimum requirements for both admission to and completion of all major programs. Some majors, however, may have requirements higher than a 2.0 GPA in major courses for either entrance or completion.

Dismissal from a Major

Students not making satisfactory progress in completing the academic requirements of the major may be asked to select another major.

Professional programs of study may require a departmental review of students to determine if they are qualified to continue in the major. If in the review process the student is judged as unsuitable for the profession, regardless of academic standing, the student may be asked to select another major.

Successful completion of an academic program in any major field or professional program does not obligate the faculty to recommend licensure or certification, even if the candidate is awarded the academic degree.

Grading Policy

Grades are awarded on a numerical scale as follows:

Professors who assign grades to students using the percentage scale may choose to adjust their scale to accommodate for variations in difficulty of the exam, assignment, or task.  In these cases the professor will inform the students of the initial score, the adjusted score, and the reason for the adjustment.

All grades except 0.0, U, IN, IP, W, and AU are passing grades and earn credit toward the degree.

Grade Guidelines

All requirements and grading standards identified in individual class syllabi must be met.

The Grade of 4.0

The grade of 4.0 implies excellence in thinking and distinguished performance within the domain of a subject and course, along with extensive development of a range of knowledge acquired through the exercise of critical thinking skills and abilities. This level work is consistently clear, precise, well-reasoned and displays depth of insight.

The Grade of 3.0

The grade of 3.0 implies sound thinking and performance within the domain of a subject and course, along with the development of a range of knowledge acquired through the exercise of critical thinking skills and abilities. This level work is generally clear, precise, well-reasoned and displays some depth of insight.

The Grade of 2.0

The grade of 2.0 implies mixed thinking and performance within the domain of a subject and course, along with some development of a range of knowledge acquired through the exercise of critical thinking skills and abilities. This level work is inconsistently clear, precise, well-reasoned and does not typically display depth of insight.

The Grade of 1.0

The grade of 1.0 implies limited thinking and performance within the domain of a subject and course, and the student displays limited critical thinking skills and abilities requisite to understanding course content. The student attempts to acquire knowledge by memorization rather than through comprehension and  understanding. This level work represents thinking that is typically unclear, imprecise, and poorly reasoned, and does not display depth of insight.

The Grade of 0.0

The grade of 0.0 implies poor thinking and performance within the domain of a subject and course, and the student does not display critical thinking skills and abilities requisite to understanding course content. The student relies on acquiring knowledge by memorization rather than through comprehension and  understanding. This level work represents thinking that is regularly unclear, imprecise, and poorly reasoned, and is lacking depth of insight.

Computing Quality Points and Cumulative GPA

• Quality Points = semester hours carried by the course multiplied by numerical grade. (For example, a threecredit course with a grade of 3.0 would earn nine quality points.)
• Cumulative grade point average = total quality points earned in all courses divided by total credit hours completed.

Repeating Courses and Grade Substitution

Repeating Courses after a Failing Grade

A student may repeat a course in which the assigned grade is a 0.0 or Unsatisfactory. In these cases, the new grade will be substituted for the original grade in calculating the student’s cumulative GPA. The original grade, however, will continue to appear on the transcript. A transfer grade of 2.0 or better eliminates the original failing grade in calculating the cumulative GPA. Because grades from transfer courses are not transferable, the new grade itself is not calculated into the cumulative average.

Repeating Courses after a Passing Grade or Audit

A student may repeat once any Fitchburg State University course for which a 1.0, 1.3, 1.5, 1.7, or AU is earned. Courses must be taken at Fitchburg State University and, if at all possible, should be taken within the following year. Students may petition the dean of student and academic life to repeat courses at other colleges.

The repeated course will be indicated as such on the student’s transcript. The higher grade will be counted toward the overall GPA on the transcript.

Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory Grades

Any course can be taken for an S/U grade with the following exceptions:

• Courses required for a major unless the department has designated them as acceptable
• Courses taken to fulfill the liberal arts and sciences writing requirement
• Courses taken to fulfill the liberal arts and sciences mathematics proficiency requirement

and with the following limitations:

• A maximum of 12 credits of S/U can be applied toward the minimum credits required for a degree
• Only one course in each liberal arts and sciences cluster may be taken S/U
• No more than two courses in any discipline (as identified by course-number prefix) may be taken S/U
• Only one course per semester may be taken S/U
• No quality points are awarded with the S/U grade

Students must request the S/U option by the add/drop deadline. Once recorded, the designation cannot be changed.

Incomplete

• An Incomplete (IN) is given in lieu of a grade if a student has successfully completed at least 80% of the required course work but cannot complete the rest due to certifiable illness or the death of an immediate family member.
• Students must complete the required course work by the end of the fourth week of classes of the following semester in order to receive a grade; otherwise the IN is automatically changed to a grade of 0.0.
• While an IN is not counted in determining academic status, it may have an impact on eligibility for financial aid and athletic participation.
• Grades that result from the fulfillment of an IN will not remove a probationary, suspension, or dismissal status, nor will they count toward Dean’s List or President’s List eligibility.

In Progress

An In Progress (IP) is given in lieu of a grade under extraordinary circumstances where a course spans longer than one semester. IP grades can only be submitted by petition to the registrar by a department chair and must include a final date by which the IP must be completed.

Audit

• An Audit (AU) is entered into the transcript to indicate that a student has been officially enrolled in a course for neither grade nor credit.
• Students who wish to audit a course during the day must record the audit designation with the Registrar’s Office by the end of the add/drop period.
• Students who wish to audit a course during the evening must register the audit designation with the Registrar’s Office before the third class meeting.

Withdrawal from a Course

Withdrawals without academic penalty may be made through the end of the 11th week of classes for regularly scheduled courses and up to the 26th class hour for special scheduling courses or institute courses. Course withdrawal is initiated by calling the Registrar’s Office at (978) 665-3181, or by either case the student must receive a confirming copy of the completed Course Withdrawal Form. Any student who withdraws by simply not attending classes automatically receives a failing grade for the course.

Final Grades

Final grades for courses are available to students online as soon as grades are posted. Contact professors for information about the grades you receive. For more information, see www.fitchburgstate.edu/registrar.

Mid-Semester Grades

Faculty will be encouraged to submit a mid-semester grade for all students that are achieving at the 1.7 grade level or lower, and/or are not attending their classes. The grades should reflect student achievement to date on graded assignments by the eighth week of the semester.

Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts are available to students online. Official transcripts may also be requested online. For each original transcript, there’s a $5 fee. For more information, see www.fitchburgstate.edu/registrar.

Attendance

Each instructor has the prerogative to place a value upon class attendance and must inform the class of that value early in the semester. The instructor’s class attendance standard should be stated in the course syllabus. If a student is absent from a class meeting, the student is required to produce appropriate documentation for the instructor’s review.

Section 2B of Chapter 151c of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts reads as follows:

Any student in an educational or vocational institution, other than a religious or denominational educational or vocational training institution, who is unable, because of religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study, or work requirement  which may have been missed because of such absence on any particular day; provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon the school. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said student such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall  result to students who avail themselves of the provisions of this section.

Academic Standing

All courses completed at Fitchburg State University, including those taken during winter or summer sessions, determine current academic standing. The grades and credit for winter session and summer courses are included in the student’s GPA.

Credits transferred from another institution are applied to a student’s total number of credits earned, but grades earned from transferred credits are not calculated into the cumulative GPA.

Good Academic Standing

To achieve good academic standing, students must:

• Maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in the major
• Meet any additional requirements of the major which have been approved by the All-College Committee and are consistent with university policy

Honors

Fitchburg State University honors students who have high academic achievement throughout their university career as well as at graduation. The honors are:

President’s List

Honors students for consistently high academic achievement. Students are named to the President’s List when they have attained a semester average of 3.75 or higher for three successive semesters while maintaining full-time status. Incompletes do not count toward the President’s List.

Dean’s List

Honors students who have attained an average of 3.2 or better for the semester while maintaining full-time status. Incompletes do not count toward the Dean’s List.

Summer Dean’s List

Students taking 12 semester hours or more through continuing education during the summer sessions who maintain an average of 3.2. These students can be named to the President’s List if they meet the specified cumulative average.

Graduation Honors

Graduation honors recognize outstanding academic careers as signified by a high cumulative average. To graduate with honors, a student must have completed at least 60 credits with a numerical grade at the university.

Summa Cum Laude honors students who graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher.

Magna Cum Laude honors students who graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.79.

Cum Laude honors students who graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 to 3.49.

A Commonwealth Scholar Special Distinction is given to students who have completed the Leadership Academy (honors program) and a senior thesis.

Early Intervention for Academic Difficulties

Any undergraduate student earning less than a 2.0 GPA in a given semester will be required to meet with their advisor.

Probation

If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 at the end of any semester, that student will be placed on probation. To avoid suspension, the student must meet the following criteria:

• A student on probation who has attempted fewer than 33 semester hours and who has maintained a cumulative GPA of 1.6 or higher for two semesters may enroll for a third semester to improve academic standing.
• A student on probation who has attempted 33 to 59 semester hours and who has maintained a cumulative GPA of 1.8 or higher for four semesters may enroll for a fifth semester to improve academic standing.

Students on probation must:

• Meet with their academic advisors before the start of the second week of each semester to review current course load and arrange periodic meetings throughout the semester.
• Contact the Academic Advising Center during the first two weeks of the semester.
• Utilize the many resources the university offers, including faculty, Counseling Services, Academic Success Centers, Expanding Horizons, Career Services, and other support systems, as needed.

Students placed on probation for the first time will remain eligible to:

• Hold elected or appointed office
• Serve on campus committees
• Participate on athletic teams (provided academic progress meets the criteria in Section 1)

Any additional probations will disqualify a student from eligibility for these activities.

Students who voluntarily withdraw from the university while on probation will remain on probation if they are readmitted.

Students who maintain the university’s academic standards for probation must also meet the financial aid and athletic eligibility requirements for satisfactory academic progress. (Financial Aid and Athletics offices have additional academic requirements for probationary students. Students should consult the appropriate office to determine their eligibility.)

Suspension

Any student who earns a grade point average of 1.0 or lower in their first semester of full-time study at Fitchburg State University will be suspended from the university. In all other cases, students will be suspended if they have spent at least one semester on probation and do not meet the following GPA and credit criteria:

• A student who has attempted fewer than 33 semester hours and has a cumulative GPA below 1.6 after two semesters
• A student who has attempted 33-59 semester hours and has a cumulative GPA below 1.8 after four semesters
• A student who has attempted 60 credits and has less than a 2.0 cumulative GPA

Suspended students are not eligible to enroll in any credit course in any division of Fitchburg State University for at least one semester.

Following suspension, students must submit a letter requesting re-admission before the deadline established by the registrar. Students who are readmitted after a suspension do so under contract with the dean of student and academic life.

Suspension status is not changed by a voluntary withdrawal.

Dismissal

Once students have been readmitted after a suspension, they must meet probationary standards and do so under contract with the dean of student and academic life to avoid dismissal.

Dismissal status results in permanent dismissal from all divisions of Fitchburg State University. A dismissed student may not enroll in any credit courses in any division of the university for a period of five years.

Credit Elimination Policy

The Credit Elimination Policy applies to students who leave the university and desire to return after five or more calendar years. Such students may eliminate all or part of previously earned credits from their transcripts, in units of one semester or more. When a particular semester of credit is designated to be eliminated, all credits from this semester must be eliminated.

This policy requires that:

• Credit elimination may only occur once
• A request for credit elimination must be in writing
• The dean of student and academic life must approve the request

Transfer Credit

Credit received for courses completed at other regionally accredited institutions of higher education may be transferred to Fitchburg State University and applied toward degree programs if:

• The courses are equivalent to courses offered by Fitchburg State University or appropriate to programs at the university
• The grade received was at least a 2.0 (C) or higher. Credit for courses transferred with passing grades below 2.0 may be approved in exceptional circumstances or if the credits are included as part of an articulation agreement/associate’s degree program covered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Transfer Compact
• A maximum of 60 semester hours credit from two year institutions, college level examinations, and/or military training will be considered for transfer
• A maximum of 75 semester hours of credit will be considered from four year baccalaureate institutions

Value of transferred credit

• Transferred credits count only as credit hours earned
• No quality points or grades are transferred or calculated in the student’s cumulative GPA
• A minimum of 45 semester hours toward a baccalaureate degree must be completed at Fitchburg State University
• A minimum of 50% of credits must be completed at Fitchburg State University for Undergraduate certificate programs.
• For students with one major degree program and one or more minors, no more than 50% of major credits and 50% of minor credits can be completed as transfer credits. For students with two major programs (double majors), up to two/thirds of the credits (67%) in one of the two majors may be accepted as transfer credit, upon the advice of both major advisors and with the approval of the department chairs and the associate vice president for academic affairs. At least 50% of the two majors combined must be Fitchburg State University coursework (that is, any additional courses accepted as transfer credit for one major must be balanced by additional Fitchburg State University coursework in the second major).
• Major departments may have additional requirements

Approval of transfer credit may be authorized by the registrar, the associate vice president for academic affairs, or the dean of education.

International Baccalaureate Credit

The official IB transcript and World Education Services (WES) translation of non-English originals are required.

Fitchburg State University awards transfer credit to students who are recipients of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or Certificate as follows:

IB Diploma recipients may be awarded six to eight semester hours of credit, based on articulation, for each higher level (HL) subject examination passed with a score of 4 or higher.

IB Certificate recipients (those not awarded the Diploma) may also be awarded six to eight semester hours of credit, based on articulation, for each higher level (HL) subject examination passed with a score of 4 or higher.

A maximum of 30 semester hours of credit may be awarded. No credit is awarded for standard level (SL) subject examinations.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Defense Activity for Nontraditional Educational Support (DANTES ), Departmental Examinations

Students entering Fitchburg State University with collegelevel training or experience can be tested on college course material to earn credit toward their degree. The Fitchburg State University examination program is especially valuable for individuals who have had learning experiences outside the college classroom (employment experience, life experience, independent study, etc.) which may come to bear upon their formal academic training.

On the CLEP exams, Fitchburg State University adheres to the standards established by the American Council on Education granting credit for tests on which a score of 50 has been achieved. This credit is awarded only to students enrolled in degree programs at Fitchburg State University.

The nearest CLEP and DSST exam site is at the testing center of Mount Wachusett Community College (978) 630-9244.

It is possible to gain up to 60 university credits through the program for all majors except criminal justice. Criminal justice majors can earn no more than 12 credits through examination.

Advanced Placement

For students who score 3, 4, or 5 on the advanced placement examination, the university grants advanced placement status and credit in the area tested. See the Academic Glossary for the advanced placement courses accepted.

Academic Integrity Policy

Every member of the university community is expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. A student shall not submit work that is falsified or is not the result of the student’s own effort. A student who is in doubt regarding standards of academic integrity in a course or assignment should consult the faculty member responsible for that course or assignment before submitting the work. A student’s lack of understanding of the academic integrity policy is not a valid defense to a charge of academic dishonesty.

A student’s name on any written or creative exercise (e.g., examination, report, thesis, theme, laboratory report, computer program, artistic production, etc.), or in association with an oral presentation, declares that the work is the result of that student’s own thought and study. Any work that the student declares as their own shall be stated in the student’s own words and produced without the assistance of others. Students must make clear through accurate citations when they make use of other sources. Talking during an examination, or possession or use of unauthorized materials or equipment during an examination constitutes an infringement of the academic integrity policy. Aiding and abetting academic dishonesty also constitutes a violation of the academic integrity policy.

Unless permission is received in advance from the faculty member in charge of the course involved, a student may not submit, in identical or similar form, work for one course that has been used to fulfill any academic requirement in another course at Fitchburg State University or any other institution. A student who perceives the possibility of overlapping assignments in courses should consult with the appropriate faculty members before presuming that a single effort will fulfill requirements of both courses. Students should consult course syllabi for additional guidance on matters of academic integrity.

When an alleged offense of the Academic Integrity Policy has occurred, the following process will apply:

1. If the accuser is a faculty member, and they decide to make a formal accusation of a violation of the academic integrity policy, the faculty member will provide the student with a letter describing the case for academic dishonesty within 14 days of discovering the alleged infringement. This letter may be presented to the student in person or delivered to the student’s home, local or campus address or mailbox, or Fitchburg State University email account. The student will either:
   
   1. If the accuser is a faculty member, and they decide to make a formal accusation of a violation of the academic integrity policy, the faculty member will provide the student with a letter describing the case for academic dishonesty within 14 days of discovering the alleged infringement. This letter may be presented to the student in person or delivered to the student’s home, local or campus address or mailbox, or Fitchburg State University email account. The student will either:
   2. disagree with the accusation of academic dishonesty. (A student cannot agree with the accusation of academic dishonesty but disagree with the sanction. Disagreement with a sanction, in other words, is not grounds for an appeal.)

If the student has agreed with the accusation and signed the letter accordingly, the sanction identified by the faculty member will be imposed, and the matter will be considered closed. If the student disagrees with the accusation and again signs the letter accordingly, the student may appeal the matter to the  university conduct board. With all formal accusations of a violation of the academic integrity policy, the faculty member will forward the letter with the student’s signature and other relevant information to the director of student conduct. (Proceed to No. 3 below.)

2. If the accuser is not a faculty member, and they decide to initiate the formal process, the accuser must submit a report and/or relevant information to the Office of Student Conduct within 14 days of discovering the alleged infringement of the academic integrity policy.
3. Once a case is forwarded by a student or as an appeal (in the form of a report, signed letter and/or other relevant information), the director of student conduct, or designee, will review all relevant information and either:
   
   1. dismiss the incident due to lack of merit or timeliness or
   2. contact the accused student to schedule a conduct board hearing.
4. If the case goes to the conduct board, the board will determine whether the student is responsible or not responsible for violating the academic integrity policy. If the student is found responsible, the board will recommend sanctions to the dean of student and academic life, or designee, or, in the case of graduate students, the dean of graduate studies. These sanctions will include those identified by the faculty member and, in the event a student has a prior disciplinary record, may also include the additional sanctions of:
   
   • a grade of zero on the assignment;
   • a failing grade in the course;
   • suspension from Fitchburg State University;
   • dismissal from Fitchburg State University;
   • or other sanctions.
5. In cases of undergraduate student violations of the academic integrity policy, the dean of student and academic life (or designee) will either impose the sanction recommended by the conduct board or determine that the sanction is excessive or inadequate and alter it accordingly. In cases of graduate student violations of the academic integrity policy, the dean of graduate studies (or designee) will take the above action.
6. The student may make a final appeal to the president of the university only for a sanction of suspension or dismissal.

Note: If the student agrees with the academic dishonesty finding by the faculty member, the case will not go before the conduct board; however, if they have a prior disciplinary record, the director of student conduct may pursue other charges and sanctions once the academic integrity issue has been resolved.

Additional Undergraduate Day Policies and Procedures

Course Registration

Approval of Course Schedule

Prior to course registration each semester, students must meet with their advisor to review their academic progress and to develop a course schedule for the upcoming semester. Advisors must approve course selections before the student is permitted to register. 

Identification of Class Standing

For the purpose of registration and financial aid, the following classifications are identified:

Add/Drop

During the first six class days of the semester, students may either add or drop a course. Although students may make changes to their schedule during the add/drop period without the approval of their advisor, they should confer with their advisor when making changes that affect their progress towards graduation or fulfillment of their major requirements.

Course Load

Graduation requirement: a minimum of 120 semester hours in all majors (See Undergraduate Day Programs).

Full-time status: a minimum of 12 semester hours each semester. Students must maintain full-time status to remain eligible for financial aid, varsity athletics, academic honors including Dean’s List, participation in student governance, VA benefits, scholarships, and health insurance coverage. Both day and continuing education courses are included in calculating total semester hours.

Maximum allowable course load: 18 semester hours. Students registering for more than 18 semester hours (whether solely at Fitchburg State University or in conjunction with courses taken at another university) must have the permission of the dean of student and academic life or dean of education along with their major advisor. A student with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 will normally not be granted permission to register for more than 18 semester hours. Students taking overloads without permission may be denied credit for overload courses, regardless of grades earned.

Four-year undergraduate degree: At least 15 semester hours per semester are recommended for graduation in four years. Certain majors may require enrollment in specific courses or with specific course loads in certain semesters; students are responsible for understanding requirements for their major.

Program enrollment: Under certain circumstances, day program students may be permitted to enroll full-time for a semester through the Graduate and Continuing Education division, and vice-versa. Approval for such enrollments must be granted by the dean of student and academic life.

Withdrawal from the University

Students who withdraw from the university, either during or between semesters, must complete a withdrawal form with the dean of student and academic life. Students who withdraw within the first 11 weeks of the semester will receive a W in each course.

Students who leave the university after 11 weeks of the semester will receive a grade of 0.0 or U in all their courses unless granted a waiver by the dean of student and academic life for documented extenuating circumstances.

Students withdrawing in good standing may apply for readmission to the registrar before May 1 for fall semester or Nov. 1 for spring semester. Readmission is not guaranteed. The registrar will consider academic, financial, and university discipline records, in addition to space available, when granting readmission.

Students who are called to active military duty should contact the dean of enrollment management or dean of student and academic life immediately in order to expedite the withdrawal process.

Students must complete the registration process prior to the start of classes of the semester they wish to be readmitted.

Student Grievance

A student who is dissatisfied with a grade received or with any other aspect of instruction in a particular course is to confer with the instructor, who will explain the reasons for awarding the grade. If such a conference fails to achieve a satisfactory resolution, the student should confer with the department chair. If still unsatisfied, the student may then appeal in writing to the dean of student and academic life or the dean of education to adjudicate the situation.

Additional Undergraduate Evening Policies and Procedures

Course Registration

Students must register for courses within the curriculum requirements as set in the University Catalog of the year of matriculation. However, it is the right of the university to alter the requirements to meet statutory, educational, or professional standards.

For regularly scheduled courses, students must register before the second class meeting. Early registration is recommended for all matriculated students and applicants in order to secure seats in the courses needed to proceed in degree programs. The regular registration period ends two weeks prior to the start of the semester, with late registration and late charges commencing thereafter. Please refer to the website for specific registration dates.

Senior Level—Graduate Credit Policy

A senior level student (90 semester hours or more) with a 3.5 GPA or better may register for graduate credit courses at the 6000 level and above with the following restrictions:

• Approval must be obtained from the dean or designee
• Combined graduate and undergraduate credit load in a semester is not more than 15 hours
• No more than three graduate credits may be taken in a semester
• Recommendation of the appropriate undergraduate advisor and registrar must be submitted to the dean for approval
• No more than nine semester hours of graduate credit may be accumulated by a senior. Graduate credits are applicable to maintain full-time status to receive financial aid
• Graduate courses taken toward undergraduate degree requirements cannot be transferred into a graduate program at Fitchburg State University

Scheduling of Courses

The Office of Graduate and Continuing Education schedules courses at times that are convenient for working adults. Schedules are created in the academic departments in consultation with the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education. Most courses are offered in the late afternoon or evening; some courses are scheduled on weekends, and many courses are available online. Winter session courses are online and summer session courses are scheduled during mornings, afternoons, or evenings, as well as online.

Course Load

Fall and spring semesters: Maximum academic load is twelve credit hours.

Winter session: Maximum academic load is six credit hours.

Summer session: The maximum academic load during the combined summer sessions is 12 credit hours.

Any student registering for credit beyond the normal load must submit a written request seeking approval from their advisor prior to registering by submitting an academic petition waiver form.

Full-time status: Minimum of 12 semester hours each semester. Students must maintain full-time status to remain eligible for financial aid, varsity athletics, academic honors including Dean’s List, participation in student governance, VA benefits, scholarships, and health insurance coverage. Both day and continuing education courses are included in calculating total semester hours.

Course Changes

Changes to courses must be made before the second meeting or within 48 hours of the start date for online courses. Course changes for winter courses must be made by noon on the first day of the session. No change in credit is permitted after the second meeting. After the start of the second class meeting, the dropping of a class is considered a withdrawal. A change of credit to audit status must be made before the third class meeting of a course. (Class meeting is defined as 2.5 hours.)

Course Withdrawals

Withdrawals without academic penalty may be made through the end of the 11th week of classes for regularly scheduled courses and up to the 26th class hour for special scheduling courses or institute courses. Course withdrawal is initiated by calling the Registrar’s Office at (978) 665-3181, or by visiting that office in the Anthony Building. Any student who withdraws by simply not attending classes automatically receives a failing grade for the course. See tuition and fees refund policy in Tuition and Fees catalog section.

Cancellation of Courses

The university may cancel courses for insufficient enrollment or for other reasons deemed to be in the best interest of the university. Students who sign up for a course which is canceled may transfer to another course or receive a full refund of tuition and fees.

Withdrawal from the University

A degree-seeking undergraduate student may initiate withdrawal from the university by contacting the dean of student and academic life. A student who does not register for a course for two years is automatically withdrawn. A degreeseeking student who decides to return to Fitchburg State University must initiate reinstatement through the Registrar’s Office.

Students who are called to active military duty should contact the dean of enrollment management or dean of student and academic life immediately in order to expedite the withdrawal process.

Student Grievance

A student who is dissatisfied with a grade received or with any other aspect of instruction in a particular course is to confer with the instructor, who will explain the reasons for awarding the grade. If such a conference fails to achieve a satisfactory resolution, the student should confer with the department chair. If still unsatisfied, the student may then appeal in writing to the dean of student and academic life, the dean of graduate and continuing education or dean of education to adjudicate the situation.