Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Catalog

The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University email system is the University's official mode of electronic communication to and among faculty, staff and students. University faculty, staff and students will use University email accounts to send essential information, classroom communications and official notices. Such communications will not be sent to personal email accounts such as Yahoo, Gmail, etc.

Students are expected to maintain within the Office of the Registrar current addresses, phone numbers, emergency contacts and name changes. Current addresses will be used for official written communications. Students are responsible for information mailed to addresses of record. Communications may include financial aid awards, library notices, academic action letters and tuition/fee bills. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her information of record is correct. Faculty or other department-level offices may collect such student information for their own purposes, but this does not constitute an official notification of change. All address and name changes should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar on a Demographic Information Update Form that can be secured from the Office of the Registrar. Name changes require supporting documentation (e.g. marriage license, driver’s license and/or Social Security card.)

Written consent by the student to release educational records to a third party must specify the records to be released and the recipient of such records. Request forms for the release of appropriate records are available in the Office of the Registrar and must be signed in person by the student. Proper photo identification is required.

Learning is an interactive process whereby the students and faculty work together to achieve the desired results. Attendance in class increases the student’s likelihood of being successful in college courses. Therefore, attendance in all theory, laboratory, and clinical sessions is expected. Faculty will monitor attendance. There may be Financial Aid implications related to excessive absences. Specific attendance requirements are defined by course instructors. Students are expected to be on time and prepared for classes. Faculty reserve the right to restrict classroom entrance once class begins.

Parents may obtain non-directory information (grades, GPA, etc.) only at the discretion of the University and only after the University confirms that their child is legally their dependent. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University recognizes the importance to students of family support and interest in their academic program. Students are encouraged to share information about their experience and programs with their families. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University does not disclose non-directory information based solely on dependent status. Parents may acquire non-directory information by obtaining a signed consent from their son or daughter. Note that the University may choose to provide non-directory information to parents if information relates to the student’s use or possession of alcohol or controlled substances.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University maintains records about different student groups. The types of records, methods for maintaining records and access to those records are summarized in each office. Unless otherwise stated, all records generally are maintained for five years after a student withdraws or graduates. The records are then destroyed, unless the University deems it appropriate to maintain the record further.

Learning is an interactive process whereby the students and faculty work together to achieve the desired results. Attendance in class increases the student’s likelihood of being successful in college courses. Therefore, attendance in all theory, laboratory, and clinical course is expected. Faculty will monitor attendance. There may be Financial Aid implications related to excessive absences. Specific attendance requirements are defined in the course syllabus. Students are expected to be on time and prepared for class. Faculty reserve the right to restrict classroom entrance once class begins.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is committed to providing an environment that is supportive of student achievement. Academic, administrative and support services share that commitment in the provision of all programs and services. The procedures for academic grievance as well as due process rights are found in the Student Handbook. In addition to these procedures, any student who has a concern or complaint about institutional policies, procedures or practice is encouraged to follow the Student Complaint Procedure (Student Handbook).

In order to maintain confidentiality, documents pertaining to complaints or concerns will not be placed in a student's academic file. Such documents will be retained in a separate file accessible only to authorized personnel of the University. There will not be discrimination or retaliation as a result of a student's exercising his/her rights under this procedure.

The catalog that determines the curricular requirements for an undergraduate degree is the catalog that is in effect at the time of a student's admission to Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University. This catalog may be used for a maximum of seven years, provided enrollment is not interrupted for two consecutive regular semesters (fall and spring) and/or the student does not change majors. Students whose enrollment is interrupted for two consecutive regular semesters or whose major program changes must use the catalog in effect at the time of re-entry or program change. Student's admitted to pre-clinical programs who successfully matriculate into their clinical program will remain under their pre-clinical catalog. A student’s dean may make the decision that a subsequent catalog is most appropriate to that student at their discretion, however students will not be allowed to use catalogs dated prior to their admission term.

The University will make a reasonable effort to honor the statement of curricular requirements in the chosen issue of the catalog. However, because courses and programs are sometimes discontinued and requirements are changed as a result of actions by accrediting associations and other external agencies, the University, having sole discretion, shall make the final determination whether degree requirements are met.

Note: Admission to Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University does not guarantee admission to a student’s program of choice; many programs have highly selective admission criteria. Students adhere to the admission requirements for their University program of entry. Students transferring from another institution to Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University must meet the program admission requirements in the catalog in effect at the time of transfer. Students are encouraged to obtain the most up-to-date and accurate information about requirements and changes.

The University reserves the right to cancel or discontinue any courses as a result of low enrollment or for other reasons deemed necessary. In order to assure quality instruction, the University reserves the right to close registration when maximum enrollment has been reached. The University reserves the right to make changes in schedules and/or faculty when necessary.

Policies and procedures are set by institutions of higher education to ensure fair and consistent treatment is afforded to all individuals, and similar situations are handled equitably. Institutions recognize, however, that rigorous and unremitting application of a policy or procedure can in and of itself be unfair when doing so overlooks the uniqueness of individual situations. Accordingly, a policy or procedure may be appealed when an individual believes its application creates an injustice or overlooks a truly exceptional situation. Appeals should be in writing and addressed to the dean overseeing the particular policy or procedure being appealed. Appeals must clearly indicate what policy or procedure is being appealed as well as the basis for the appeal. For more details, please refer to the Student Handbook. Grade Appeals and Enrollment Appeals are covered separately in this catalog.

Coursework evaluated for transfer at the time the student makes formal application for admission to a degree/certificate program will not expire as long as the student is continuously enrolled. Courses accepted for transfer at the time the student is admitted to the University may not be accepted for transfer at the time the student applies for admission to a degree/certificate program. Students should refer to degree/certificate program admission requirements for details. All university course work attempted is transferred to Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University provided that the academic subject is taught at the university . Course equivalency is based on the course content of the transferred course, subject to review by faculty in the discipline.

Undergraduate students who meet the necessary requirements may be eligible to enroll in select graduate level courses for undergraduate degree credit. Students may consuilt with the director of the graduate program of interest to determine if this type of enrollment is permitted and if program specific requirements are met. Permission of the instructor of record and corresponding undergraduate and graduate program directors are also required and should be recorded via a University course substitution form. Credit earned in this manner count toward an undergraduate degree and may fulfill some requirements of a related graduate degree program should the student eventually transition to graduate study.

An undergraduate student may earn a maximum of nine (9) hours of graduate credit. Courses may only be taken at the graduate level only as a space available basis. Additionally, course content must align with a 4000 level undergraduate course in order to be eligible.

Transfer students who have successfully completed 30 college credits with an overall GPA of 3.0 and students who have successfully completed 45 college credits with an overall GPA of 2.0 are exempt from ACSM 1110. All other students are required to complete ACSM 1110 upon enrollment at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University generally does not award academic credit for life experience. However, individual graduate programs may award academic credit for learning that students have already acquired from other professional training and work/life experiences. In these cases, the appropriate dean, program director and faculty review Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) requests on a case by case basis. Refer to individual gradaute program handbooks for more information.

Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces may be allowed credit for certain courses upon Admissions Office personnel review of their discharge. This credit may be granted for service schools where equivalence in terms of college courses has been recommended for college credit. The Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services, published by the American Council on Education. Appropriate documents must be submitted to the Admissions Office for an evaluation of these experiences.

The Air Force ROTC Program provides pre-professional preparation for future Air Force officers. Through a cross-registration program between Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University and Louisiana State University (LSU), Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University students are eligible to enroll in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). Courses are conducted and credited at LSU and are guaranteed to transfer for credit at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University regardless of residency restrictions or other transfer credit policies. Consult the LSU General Catalog for course listings and descriptions. Call (225) 578-4407 or visit http://www.afrotc.lsu.edu/ for more information.

Army ROTC is a voluntary military training program open to enrolled students who are U.S. citizens. Louisiana State University (LSU) and Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University have developed a partnership to provide Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University students with this opportunity. Students receive academic credit for the basic course, taken as an elective. The basic course does not involve a military obligation. During the basic course, a student is given the opportunity to consider the advanced course program. Army ROTC students who receive an Army ROTC scholarship or enter the Army ROTC advanced course must agree to complete a period of service with the Army. Contact the LSU Department of Military Science at (225) 578-2371 for more information.

Students may obtain official transcripts of the work they have completed at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, provided they are current in their financial, library and all other obligations to the college. There is no charge for up to three transcripts requested at one time. Transcripts will not be released without the student’s personal authorization. A transcript request form can be picked up in the Office of the Registrar, or downloaded online at www.ololcollege.edu.All transcript request forms must be delivered in person by the requesting student unless that student unless that student has previously waived their rights under FERPA. Students may also order transcripts using Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University's trusted third party vendor. Transcripts on Demand™ for a nominal fee through the college's website.

Registration involves academic advising, selection of courses and payment of fees. Before pre-registration or registration, each student should consult with his/her academic advisor regarding course selection, general education requirements, major requirements and other degree requirements. Advising may be completed in person or by proposing an on-line advising plan. However, it is the responsibility of the student, not the academic advisor, to ensure that all university graduation requirements are met.

Students may attend class only after completing registration and paying fees. Students whose names are not on the official class rosters cannot attend classes until they provide evidence that they have registered.

The University generally accepts a maximum of 36 hours of credit in transfer toward an associate degree and a maximum of 66 hours of credit in transfer toward a baccalaureate degree. This maximum credit requirement does not change regardless of the number of transfer credits evaluated. No more than 30 undergraduate credits will be applied through CLEP/AP examinations. The examination credits may not be used to complete the residency requirement for graduation at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University; however, they will be counted toward the maximum of 36 hours of credit in transfer and 66 hours of credit in transfer for an Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University associate and baccalaureate degree, respectively.

Acceptance of transfer credits earned at another accredited college or university toward degree requirements is at the sole discretion of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University. All transfer coursework accepted will be included in the calculation of the overall grade point average.

Courses from other regionally accredited institutions which have been completed with a grade of “C" or better may be accepted by the Admissions Office, following consultation with the appropriate school dean to determine Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University's course equivalencies. The application of transferred course credits toward specific program requirements is determined by program directors, department chairs, or deans within each School.

Transfer credits completed 10 or more years prior to enrollment at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University and credit earned from another college or university while on academic dismissal or suspension are not accepted in transfer.

Students may petition to have courses accepted in transfer that were not accepted as a result of an initial evaluation. Usually, course descriptions and course outlines will need to be forwarded by the student for any course in question. In all cases, the submitted material is reviewed by the appropriate school dean to determine the timeliness of the content and methodologies. The decision of the school dean is final. This policy does not replace more exacting requirements of specific programs that may be more restrictive in nature.

In general, a minimum of 30 semester hours for an associate degree and 54 semester hours for a baccalaureate degree as well as at least 50% of the semester hours required for a major must be completed at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University to earn a Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University degree. The last 15 hours of an associate degree and the last 30 hours of a baccalaureate degree must be earned in residence at the university. Individual professional programs may have alternatives to this general policy. Please see specific program requirements for such exceptions.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Students Seeking Enrollment at Other Institutions

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University students may pursue classes at another accredited institution with the approval of the dean and the Registrar. Failure to obtain these approvals may result in the denial of credit. Students must be in good academic and financial standing with Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University. If the University offers the course in question, the dean and Registrar must deny the appeal except in the case of the most extenuating circumstances. Transient request forms are available in the Registrar’s Office. Students seeking or receiving any form of financial assistance must speak with the Office of Financial Aid regarding the effects on their aid eligibility due to enrollment at multiple institutions. The student is responsible for providing an official transcript to the Registrar’s Office at the end of the term. If the transcript is not received, the student will not be eligible to register for future classes or to obtain a copy of his or her transcript.

A student who finds it necessary to change his/her schedule by adding or dropping courses (without receiving a grade of “W") must complete the process in WebServices during the drop/add period, as outlined on the Academic Calendar.

A student may withdraw from a course up to the date defined on the Academic Calendar. Courses dropped before the census date are deleted from the student's record; courses dropped after the census date will result in a “W" grade.

Withdrawals must be completed in Webservices.

A student who stops attending class or leaves the University without following the official withdrawal procedures is subject to a “F" grade and may be denied re-entry into the University. Failure to complete courses may have an impact on a student’s financial aid status. See Financial Aid section of this Catalog for details.

Academic schedule changes are not official until they are approved by the Registrar’s Office.

Withdrawal or discontinuation of all courses in which the student is enrolled requires a student to resign from the University. To officially resign from the University, a student must obtain a Student Resignation Form, which must be completed by the student. The form must be signed by the designated officials of the University. A student who discontinues classes or leaves the University without following official procedures is subject to receiving an "F" grade and may be denied re-entry to the University. Students should refer to the Academic Calendar for the final day to resign from the University. The date the completed form is received in the Office of the Registrar will be the official date resignation date.

Students who must resign due to military orders must submit a copy of their orders to the Office of the Registrar. We will then resign the student from all courses without penalty.

Application for readmission is required when a student who has resigned from the University desires to re-enter the University. See Re-admission in the Admission section of the Catalog.

For all courses, classroom and clinical laboratory attendance policies will be stipulated by the faculty. The policies will be provided in writing at the beginning of the course. Each student is responsible for complying with attendance and punctuality requirements.

A student who has not met all obligations to the University, which include but are not limited to financial obligations, receipt of official transcripts, and immunization records, may be dropped from all courses; may not be allowed to register for courses in subsequent academic semesters or sessions; may not receive a degree from the University; or may not be permitted to participate in commencement until all of the aforementioned obligations are met. Additionally, requests for transcripts will not be honored until all outstanding obligations have been fulfilled.

Students wishing to appeal any actions concerning their enrollment, including but not limited to enrollment action effective dates, student accounts, refunds etc. must present their appeal to the Registrar in writing, along with any forms required by the University and any and all supporting documentation available. The Registrar will convene a meeting of the Enrollment Appeals Committee consisting of the Registrar, Bursar, Director of Financial Aid and the student's Dean or their proxies, either in person or electronically. The committee may also include the Director of Enrollment Management should a tie-breaker be necessary. The decision of the Enrollment Appeals Committee will be sent to the student in writing, is final, and may not be appealed further. Grade appeals and non-academic (disciplinary) appeals have their own procedure covered elsewhere in this catalog.

Enrollment appeals may not be initiated beyond 5 years from the last class day of the semester in question. In addition, enrollment appeals involving the return of federal financial aid of any kind may not be initiated beyond 90 days from the last class day of the semester in question.

For administrative and other official purposes, undergraduate students are classified according to the number of semester hours successfully completed.

0 to 29 hours – freshman
30 to 59 hours – sophomore
60 to 89 hours – junior
90 hours and above – senior

1 credit hour = a minimum of 15 clock hours of classroom or direct faculty instruction (lecture/theory) and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work per week for a 15 week semester or 4 hours of out of class student work for an 8 week term OR a minimum of 45 clock hours of clinical, lab or practicum.

This policy reflects the fundamental and commonly accepted principles in higher education associated with the traditional Carnegie unit by establishing the minimum amount of direct instructional time that is required for the award of academic credit.

A “credit hour” is an academic unit measuring credit based on the number of instructional hours per week throughout an academic year. The academic year consists of two (2) regular semesters (fall and spring), each not less than fifteen weeks in length and a summer semester not less than eight weeks in length. During the regular semesters short courses (8-week) may be offered.

Short courses (8-week) are concentrated and contain the same number of hours as if the course were scheduled for a full semester. To maintain the integrity of the instructional program, care is taken when scheduling short courses to ensure there is adequate time for students to complete homework assignments or by arrangement laboratory assignments.

The number of credit hours awarded is determined during course development and revision in compliance with University policies and procedures as published in the faculty section of the University Employee Handbook. As part of the new course development and course revision process rationale for credit hour award is documented.

Credit hour award is equivalent throughout the University. The method of instruction, time when a course is taught or course instruction site does not alter the calculation of the credit hour. Credit hours and student work load per credit hour are comparable across all courses offered by the institution, taking into account special requirements of accrediting agencies. The course work load will commensurate with the credit hours awarded.

It is generally expected throughout the University that one hour in class AND two hours outside of class per week or the equivalent combination is connected to every credit hour for students to attain stated course student learning outcomes or the equivalent for other academic activities including but not limited to laboratory work, internships or practica. This expectation may be exceeded dependent upon discipline or degree level. Credit should be given only to those courses which apply toward completion of requirements for a badge, certificate of degree at the University.

Credit bearing courses will be recorded on the student’s permanent academic record (transcript).

The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University awarding of credit hours aligns with the:

1. U.S. Department of Education Final Regulations on Program Integrity and Student Aid (published 10.29.2010 / effective 07.01.2011)

Suggestions for the differentiation between lower and upper level undergraduate courses are as follows:

0000 Level Course Designation - Remedial courses; Placement determined by ACT scores of University-wide testing of entering students.

1000 Level Course Designation - Courses with no pre-requisites (unless the second course is a yearlong sequence such as General Biology I and II), survey

courses, courses defining basic concepts or presenting the terminology of a discipline.

1. Students possess writing ability sufficient to compose definitions, paragraphs, or essays where appropriate; and

2. Possess reading skills sufficient to comprehend college-level material in textbook and article form.

1. Where specified, completion of remedial course work should be a prerequisite.

2000 Level Course Designation - Courses of intermediate college-level difficulty; courses with 1000-level course(s) as pre-requisite(s); or survey courses devoted to particlar areas or fields within a discipline.

Assumptions:

1. Students possess general skills such as recognition, reading, appropriate quantitative skills, and varying degrees of fluency in writing and articulateness in expression;

2. Students are acquainted with the basic language, terminology, or methodology of the subject itself; and

3. Students are, in that subject, at a stage of understanding where they can progress towards significant conclusions, experiments, and/or explorations.

Expectations:

1. Students are able to proceed at a reasonable pace without difficulties in comprehension;

2. Students manage assignments involving reading and comprehending a specified amount of material and/or preparing organized papers; and

3. Students accomplish a substantial amount of work (examples: study a number of books or work through a comprehensive textbook, write a number of papers), or demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the material covered.

3000 Level Course Designation - Courses of advanced difficulty or specificity taken by majors and upper level students. These are often considered to be courses in the major offered for students clearly interested and qualified in a subject.

2. Students have acquired an adequate general knowledge in the area to pursue some study in depth with the proper methodological tools.

1. Students have the ability to assess research, and to obtain relevant information in the field through the proper use of library resources;

2. Students are fluent in the language of the field so as to read and analyze relevant information;

3. Students are able to combine the results of the research or the reading into cohesive statements; and

4. Students are able to produce substantial work that demonstrates practical application of knowledge.

4000 Level Course Designation - Advanced and/or highly specific upper-level courses, seminars, practicums, or internships for majors and upper-level students.

Assumptions:

1. Students have completed a substantial amount of work on the 3000 level.

2. Students have the capacity to work independently under the guidance or supervision of an instructor.

3. Students display the ability to analyze research findings and apply to a project or problem, and are able to present varying viewpoints.

Expectation:

1. Students complete research project or evidence-based paper, specific to a research question and fitting for the audience.

Graduate degree programs are specifically designed to enhance the student's knowledge, skills, and attitudes in their chosen academic arenas and to prepare them to accept professional responsibilities. Success in the graduate program is based not only on completing the required course work but also on demonstrating competencies and attitudes appropriate to the profession.

Suggestions for the differentiation between graduate courses are as follows:

• Graduate courses comprise of 5000, 6000 and 7000-level courses.

• Lower-level graduate courses comprise of 5000 and 6000-level courses.

• Upper-level graduate courses comprise of 7000-level courses.

• A doctoral program involves a serious commitment of time and energy. Requirements for completion of the degree go far beyond completion of courses, examinations, and a doctoral project. Throughout the doctoral program, students are expected to immerse themselves in professional activities at the university and within the profession.

5000-6000 Level Course Designation - Courses at this level generally require a bachelor's degree and admission to a graduate program. These courses are more rigorous than undergraduate courses. These courses require a higher level of critical thinking, necessitate considerably more intellectual rigor, and demand integration of information into frameworks of knowledge.

2. Students have mastery of writing skills in the format required by the discipline; and

3. Students possess the ability to communicate effectively on topics within the discipline of study.

Expectations:

2. Students develop a thorough knowledge of the literature within the discipline; and

3. Students gather and process data, draw appropriate conclusions, and communicate those conclusions in a cogent manner.

7000 Level Course Designation - These courses are offered at the doctoral level. Studens are enrolled in a doctoral degree program within the University.

Assumptions:

1. Students have mastered the requirements necessary to enter a doctoral program.

2. Students possess leadership qualities and the ability to work independently toward completing, not only rigorous coursework, but independent research leading to a doctoral level scholarly project.

Expectations:

1. Students extend and contribute to theoretical and empirical knowledge in the field;

2. Students engage in critical thinking, decision making, and independent judgment;

3. Students design, conduct, evaluate, and disseminate research in the discipline for its applicability to the field; and

4. Students accept individual responsibility and accountability for personal and professional growth.

The minimum enrollment standards for federal student aid are defined below for all undergraduate students, regardless of program and the institution's definition.

Students may enroll for a maximum of 19 credit hours during fall and spring semesters and 10 credit hours during the summer term. The appropriate dean, at her/his discretion, may allow students to schedule a maximum of 21 semester credit hours in the fall or spring and 12 credit hours during the summer term. Students currently enrolled in clinical programs who wish to exceed the normal course load must seek approval from the appropriate program director and dean.

Each instructor has the option of using a grading method within each course that is most appropriate for the course. However, all grades are translated into the following quality points:

** Grade used for developmental courses; has no effect on the GPA; no credit awarded. (See Non-Credit for Developmental Courses policy.)

A student's GPA is an index of scholastic performance and is computed on the ratio of quality points earned to semester hours attempted.

Courses with grades of P, S, U, I, WA, W or AU will not be considered in the calculation of the GPA.

1.            Make a list of courses taken, letter grades earned and credit hours awarded for each course.
2.            Using the grade system, list the appropriate quality points assigned to each letter grade earned next to credit
               hours awarded.
3.            Multiply the credit hours awarded by the quality points assigned. This is the total quality points earned for the course.
4..           Add up the total number of credit hours awarded and the total quality points.
5.            Divide the total quality points by the credit hours awarded. The result is the grade point average.

A student's semester GPA is based on the number of quality points earned and the number of credit hours attempted during a single semester at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

A student's Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University GPA is based on the total number of quality points earned and the total number of credit hours attempted at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

A student's overall GPA is based on the total number of quality points earned and the total number of credit hours attempted at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University and all transfer courses accepted.

In rare cases, the appropriate school dean may grant an extension for resolving "I" grades. Such authorization must be sent to the Registrar in writing.

Students who have a dispute with grades for their ocursework or for the final course grade should first approach the course instructor for a resolution. If the dispute is not resolved at the course level, the grade appeal process may be initiated.

Coursework grade appeals must be initiated with the director of the program in question by filing a Grade Appeal form within (1) week after grades are posted in Moodle or coursework is returned, whichever comes first. The grade appeal form may be obtained via the Portal or from the Dean's office.

Final course grade appeals must be initiated with the director of the program in question by filing a Grade Appeal form within (1) week after grades are posted in Webservices. The grade appeal form may be obtained via the Portal or from the Dean's office.

Final decisions on grade appeals will be made at the school level and by the appropriate school dean. A dean’s decision regarding a grade appeal is final and may not be appealed further. Please refer to the Student Handbook for more details.

The University does not mail grade reports. Students may view their grades by accessing WebServices. Students may accessWebServices by logging onto www.franu.edu; “Current Students," and WebServices.

Mid-Term Grades

Students are graded at mid-semester and at the end of each semester or summer session. Mid-term grades serve as a progress report and are not entered on the permanent academic record. The mid-term grading process serves as a catalyst for assessment, advising and counseling for students who are not demonstrating satisfactory academic progress at mid-term. All students may access their mid-term status reports via WebServices after the eighth week of the fall and spring semesters and after the fourth week of the summer session. The mid-term status for courses less than eight weeks in duration will be provided to each student by his/her instructor. The distribution dates for non-standard terms vary.

Mid-term progress will be reported with a letter grade for each course in which the student is enrolled.

Instructors submit letter grades at the end of each semester or session. These grades become part of the student’s official record. Once entered, a grade may not be changed except through an officially executed Change of Grade form.

Repeat/Delete Policy

Under the repeat/delete policy, students are allowed to repeat courses in which a grade lower than a B was earned and have the original grade removed from GPA calculation. When a course is repeated, the grade earned in the repeated course and credits earned will be used to determine acceptability of the course for prerequisite and degree requirements at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University. The other grade(s) will be flagged as repeated and maintained on the academic record and only the repeated course grade will be used in the computation of the student’s Semester, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, and Overall GPAs.

Students enrolled in an associate degree program may apply the repeat/delete policy to one (1) course, one (1) time. Students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program may apply the repeat/delete policy to two (2) courses, one (1) time.

Only courses taken at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University are eligible for Repeat/Delete.

The grade point average calculated to determine the Trustees’ medal, President’s medal and the Deans’ medals will only include the original grade of those courses repeated.

Courses completed 10 or more years in the past must be repeated for the credit hours to satisfy Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University degree requirements.

Students who receive an “F" in a course taken at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University must repeat the course at the university in order to receive credit and quality points.

A small number of elective courses can be repeated for a specified number of total hours regardless of the initial grade earned in the course. These repeatable elective courses are noted as such in their course descriptions in the catalog (for example, special topics, internships, etc.) The repeat/delete policy cannot be applied to these courses.

Repeating equivalent courses at the university will not negate or replace the grades earned for courses taken at other institutions. Students should also be cautioned that the colleges and universities to which they wish to transfer may not honor the repeat policy applied at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University. Students considering repeating a course are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor and should be aware that they are required to pay tuition and fees for all repeated courses.

In measuring a student’s adherence to the financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards, all credit hours for repeated courses will be included in the total hours attempted.

Academic Standing is part of the student's permanent record and is recorded on their transcripts. A student is assumed to be in Good Standing unless otherwise noted.

To be considered in good academic standing, a student must have a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

Academic Probation provides a warning for a student whose academic work is unsatisfactory. For the first semester that a student is on academic probation, he/she can register for a maximum of 13 credit hours in the fall or spring semesters and no more than 7 credit hours in the summer. If after the first semester on probation the student achieves a semester GPA of 2.0 or greater, the credit hour restriction may be lifted upon recommendation of his/her academic advisor. Any student on academic probation must see an advisor each semester that he/she is on probation.

3. When he/she is a re-entering student whose last academic status was probation

To remain eligible to enroll in courses while on academic probation, a student must achieve at least a 2.0 semester GPA. Once on academic probation, a student will remain on probation (as long as each semester GPA is at least 2.00) until an overall GPA of 2.00 or higher is achieved. Academic probation status will be posted on the student's academic record. Failure to achieve a 2.0 or greater semester GPA results in suspension.

Academic suspension designates a time period during which a student is not eligible to enroll in courses due to his/her unsatisfactory academic work. A student will be academically suspended if, while on probation, he/she does not achieve a semester GPA of 2.0 or greater.

A student placed on academic suspension for the first time may not register for courses at the university for the following regular (fall or spring) semester and the intervening summer term should the student be dismissed after the spring semester. A second suspension will result in a student not being able to enroll in courses for an entire academic year consisting of two regular semesters. A third suspension will result in academic dismissal from the University. Academic suspension status will be posted on the student's academic record.

Any course work taken at another institution while a student is on academic suspension will not be accepted for transfer credit and will not be used to fulfill degree requirements or to modify the GPA.

Following suspension, an application for readmission is required. If readmission is approved by the Admissions Committee, the student will be placed on academic probation.

Academic dismissal from the University designates a status in which the student is ineligible to continue enrollment in the University. A student will be dismissed from the University if he/she has been suspended three times. Academic dismissal will be posted on the student's academic record.

Students who commit any of the following acts may be dismissed from the University according to the procedure for disciplinary dismissal:

§ commitment of any act which would result in ineligibility for licensure or certification

§ participation in cheating or lying in reference to clinical or classroom assignments

§ conduct which is inappropriate for either clinical or classroom environments (e.g., abusive language, threats, assault

This list is not meant to be all-inclusive, but serves to identify examples of behaviors that warrant disciplinary dismissal. See Student Handbook for due process due to misconduct.

Program dismissal appeals for dismissals not due to a course grade or overall GPA will be heard by an appeals committee convened by the Office of Academic and Student Affairs. This appeal recourse is available only to students dismissed from programs for student misconduct reasons (that is, reasons exclusive of those related to grades or GPA deficits). Students must initiate this process via a letter to the Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, clearly stating the reason for the dismissal, within two weeks of the dismissal notice.

Progression and Non-Progression statuses are used by some programs as a benchmark for student success. Each program defines Progression and Non-Progression requirements differently. These requirements can be found under each program heading in the Catalog. Progression and Non-Progression statuses, while part of the student's permanent record, are not printed on the student's transcript.

Progression:
Progression status designates an enrollment status whereby the student is satisfactorily completing their program of study in a time-frame determined to be appropriate by the student's program and is eligible to continue their enrollment.

Non-Progression:
Non-Progression status indicates a student is not completing their program of study in a timely and/or satisfactory manner as determined by the student's program or by the Governing Board over that program's profession. Non-Progression may restrict which courses are available to the student, as well as their expected completion date. Student's who resolve Non-Progression issues will be placed back into progression upon notification to the Registrar by the student's program or the program's Governing Board.

Semester Honors

Dean's List:
The Dean's List is published each semester. To be eligible for Dean’s List honors, the full-time student must have attained a grade point average of 3.5 or better during the semester in question.

President's List:
The President's List is published each semester. To be eligible for President’s List honors, the full- time student must have attained a grade point average of 4.0 during the semester in question.

Developmental courses will use the designation "S" for satisfactory completion or "U" for unsatisfactory completion. Developmental courses will not impact the GPA, either positively or negatively and the hours earned in English (ENGL 0310) and Mathematics (MATH 0310) cannot be used for meeting degree requirements. (Hours attempted and hours earned will count towards TOPS eligibility)

Students who do not wish to earn college credit may enroll in a course on an “audit" basis with written consent from the instructor and dean. New students must complete an application for admission and submit all required credentials.

The grade awarded for a class taken on an audit basis is “AU." No credit or quality points are earned and the student will not be permitted to take advanced-standing examinations on such work without permission of the dean of the appropriate school. Students may not audit the same course more than once. Courses previously audited may be taken later for credit. Tuition and fees for auditing a course are the same as for regular enrollment.

A student who initially enrolls in a class on an audit basis may change to credit if acceptable within the individual’s program of study, and with permission of the course instructor and academic advisor. Students may change from audit to credit (add) or credit to audit (drop) through the drop/add period as published in the Academic Calendar.

Students who are auditing may utilize the University Library, receive course handouts and, at the discretion of the instructor, may participate in class discussion and testing. Auditors may be allowed to observe and participate in the laboratory setting, but may not participate in the clinical component of a course. Students who are auditing are required to follow all policies of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.

The independent study option allows qualified students to complete courses outside the traditional classroom setting, in a one-on-one relationship with a faculty member. This option provides flexibility in meeting student needs (i.e., to solve scheduling problems, which would delay the student's graduation). It constitutes an agreement between the student and the instructor.

In special circumstances, students may request permission for a maximum of one independent study course per semester for a maximum of three per student. Independent study requires the written consent of the Instructor, Chair or Program Director and School Dean. Independent studies are not normally available for courses currently on the schedule. A course taken under the independent study option must be completed in the time frame of the semester enrolled. Normal tuition and fees will apply to courses offered under this option.

Once a student who applies to pursue a bachelor's degree has earned 65 credit hours or has completed an associate degree, she/he must declare a major. To declare a major, a student must complete a Declaration of Major form, which is available in the Registrar’s Office.

Baccalaureate students may elect to pursue designated areas of study at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University that will be documented as a minor on their transcripts. A minor is a cohesive plan of study requiring the completion of at least 15 credit hours. To be eligible, students must earn a 2.0 grade point average in minor course work with 6 of those credit hours being completed at the University. A minor can be either limited to a single academic discipline or be interdisciplinary in sciope. Students can only minor in an area of study sufficiently distinct from their major area of study. Students must declare a minor at least 1 year before their anticipated graduation date.

§ Completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours for an associate degree and 54 semester hours for a baccalaureate degree in residence at Franciscan

§ Completion of at least 50% of the semester hours required for a major must be completed at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.

§ Completion of the last 15 hours of an associate degree and 30 hours of a baccalaureate degree in residence at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.

§ Completion of one service learning course for an associate's degree and completion of two service learning courses for a baccalaureate degree.

§ Satisfaction of all program requirements (see appropriate programs for descriptions).

§ Individual professional programs may have alternatives to this general policy. Please see specific program requirements for such exceptions.

§ Clearance of all indebtedness to the University including the return of library materials borrowed.

§ Submission of an Intent to Graduate form to the Office of the Registrar by the appropriate deadline.

The deadline for submitting Intent to Graduate forms is the last day to add classes the semester preceding the semester in which a student plans to graduate (see Academic Calendar). It is strongly recommended that Intent to Graduate forms be submitted early in order to identify any issues prior to the pre-registration period of the candidate's final semester. Intent to Graduate forms are available in the Registrar’s Office or on the University website.

Late Intent to Graduate forms, if accepted, will be subject to a late fee. After the 14th day of class each term, no late Intents to Graduate will be accepted, no exceptions.

A student who files an Intent to Graduate and does not graduate for any reason MUST submit a new intent for the next term in which they are prepared to graduate.

Graduation exercises are held twice a year at the close of the fall and spring semesters. Students must complete all graduation requirements in order to participate in graduation exercises. Students completing requirements during the summer term will have their degrees posted at the end of the summer term, but as there is no summer commencement, they may participate in fall graduation exercises.

Associate degree students graduating with honors are awarded as follows: Honors for an overall grade point average of 3.50 or higher and Highest Honors for an overall grade point average of 3.75 or higher.

Baccalaureate degree students graduating with Latin academic honors are awarded as follows: cum laude for an overall grade point average of 3.50 or higher; magna cum laude for 3.75 or higher and summa cum laude for 3.90 or higher.

A student holding a baccalaureate degree who is pursuing a second baccalaureate degree must complete the major requirements for the second degree, with a minimum of 24 semester credit hours of upper division course work toward the degree and must meet the residency requirement of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (54 hours of course work taken at this University). Written approval, including a degree plan specifying required course work, is required from the student's advisor and the dean of the school.