Academic Policies

Calendar, Credit System and Final Examinations

The University operates on a semester calendar and uses the semester hour credit system. There are three semesters per twelve-month period: Fall Semester, Spring Semester, and Summer Semester. Each semester consists of fourteen weeks of classes with final examinations occurring during the two or three final examination days. Within each semester, there are two subterms listed on the Academic Calendar at https://harrisburgu.edu/academic-calendar.

Credit Hour Policy Program Instructional Equivalencies

A wide variety of course delivery is utilized. “Learning hours” are assigned to each course. Each “learning hour” represents one hour per week of student engagement, including both instructional and outside of class activities. The University reserves the right to change the delivery method of a course due to administrative needs, the health and safety of the University community, or government mandates.

Traditional 14-week semesters are offered, plus subterms and an accelerated format. Regardless of the format or delivery, all programs whether online, blended/hybrid, executive weekend, accelerated, subterms or traditional classrooms, must meet the 126-learning hour requirement for a 3-credit course (3 credits * 3 hours/credit * 14 weeks = 126 hours). Adherence to these regulations enhances the quality and rigor of the academic programs and is achieved by utilizing the “instructional equivalencies” detailed below.

Faculty establish the learning-based interactions (when, where, how, and why) including frequency, duration, evaluation, and assessment techniques. These guidelines recognize the need for the faculty to actively manage the learning space, both inside and outside the classroom. This policy is extremely important in helping faculty in the design and teaching of courses and in student learning. It is the responsibility of the faculty to deliver academic quality regardless of delivery format.

Provided below is an outline of acceptable “Instructional Equivalencies”:

*Researching, PowerPoint/video reviews, WebQuest activities, reading articles, etc. are considered “homework” assignments. The Rate of Equivalency denoted pertains to posting, reviewing, sharing, and providing student-to-student and/or instructor-to-student feedback.

Adapted from Misericordia University, Dallas, PA, and modified for Harrisburg University.

Catalog in Effect

A new student entering the University during the 2020-2021 academic year will be subject to the academic program requirements contained in this Catalog edition unless the student elects to complete a revised set of program requirements published in a future edition of the Catalog.

A student who elects to complete a revised set of program requirements must notify Records and Registration of this intent by completing a Change of Program form.

A student who leaves the University and returns from an absence of one year or more will be subject to the Catalog edition in effect during the year of return.

Enrollment Status

Student enrollment status is defined as either full-time or part-time. The minimum full-time undergraduate student enrollment is 12 semester hours in a semester. Part-time status is any number of credits fewer than 12 semester hours. The full-time course load is 12 through 17 semester hours. A course load average of 15 earned semester hours is needed to complete the program within 4 years. A full-time degree-seeking student must complete the program requirements within 8 years from the date first enrolled in that program. Requests for a course load greater than 17 semester hours must be submitted to Records and Registration. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher to request an overload.

Part-time status is sometimes defined further using one of the following terms:

Registration Process

Course registration is completed for first-time and transfer students by Records and Registration. If a student considers a course registration change or increase or reduction in semester hour load, the student should meet with the faculty advisor and complete the Add/Drop procedure.

For subsequent semesters and for students in the online program, the student registers online at MyHU/Academics to indicate course selections. The selections are then reviewed by the student’s faculty advisor and finalized when the student and the advisor agree to the selections. The start and end dates for registration appear on the Academic Calendar and Registration Instructions which are posted on MyHU/Academics and www.HarrisburgU.edu. Students who require an Americans with Disability Act accommodation to complete registration should contact the Office of Student Services at ADA@HarrisburgU.edu.

Experiential Learning

A student who intends to enroll in an experiential project (298 or 498) or internship (365) is required to submit a learning contract to the Office of Experiential Programs in advance of starting the experience. Once the student’s learning contract receives the designation of an appropriate academic advisor and a site supervisor (if applicable), and is executed by the Office of Experiential Programs, the student will be enrolled in the appropriate academic course. If a student begins an experience without an approved learning contract in place, the student will not receive academic credit for the course.

Directed Studies

A student requesting a directed study for a course from this catalog must obtain a Directed Study Request form from Records and Registration. The student must provide a rationale for requesting the directed study before approval can be granted by Records and Registration. The following guidelines are required for a directed study:

1. Directed studies are only open to juniors and seniors.
2. Directed studies must be necessary. Directed studies are deemed necessary if a student needs a specific course in their program in order to graduate that can only be met through a directed study.
3. A student must have a minimum GPA of 2.25 in order to request a directed study.
4. A student may not take more than 6 credits of independent study or directed study from one faculty member.
5. The program lead and the student’s faculty advisor must agree to offer the directed study.

Add/Drop Period and Course Withdrawals

The Add/Drop Period begins on the first day of the semester or subterm and ends after 6 days of classes have occurred (this includes Saturday). A student may make schedule adjustments during the add/drop period on MyHU, or in the Records and Registration office. No course may be added after the end of this period. If a student withdraws from any course after the conclusion of this period and up until the last day to withdraw from a course with a “W”, a final grade of “W” will appear on the permanent record. After that period, a “WF” will appear on the permanent record. The withdrawal deadlines appear on the Academic Calendar posted on MyHU for both semesters and subterms.

Enrollment Status Determination

A student’s enrollment status is determined at the end of the Add/Drop Period (same as census date per the academic calendar). The student is charged the applicable tuition rate for the number of semester hours in which the student is enrolled as of the census date.

A degree-seeking student must complete their program of study within 8 years from the date first enrolled in that program or the student may be required to change to the current catalog’s program requirements.

Audit Policy

The student may choose to participate in a course on an audit basis. The student who elects this option is expected to attend and participate in class regularly and complete all course requirements. The course that is being audited carries no academic credit but is recorded on the student’s academic record and will receive a Pass (P) or No Pass (NP) grade at the conclusion of the course. The student who wants to audit a course must notify Records and Registration in writing no later than the end of the Add/Drop Period. The semester hour tuition rate applies to audited courses. An audited course cannot be subsequently taken for credit.

Class Attendance

Attendance is a critical part of a student’s education. The student is expected to attend class regularly and participate fully in the activities of each course. The instructor is responsible to set forth the attendance requirements in the syllabus.

If, in the judgment of the instructor, a student is excessively absent from class or fails to complete the requested participatory assignments:

1. the instructor will notify the student of this determination;
2. the student will have one week to meet with the instructor to address the situation;
3. if the student fails to do so, the instructor will notify Records and Registration to recommend withdrawal of the student from the course; and
4. notify the Office of Student Services for consideration of academic sanctions

Advanced Standing

A student may earn advanced standing at the University in a variety of ways: transfer of credit from another institution, the awarding of credit for armed services training, successful prior learning assessment, or by examination.

A student without a degree who has earned advanced standing is classified on the basis of total semester hours accepted by the University.

A student who has earned a baccalaureate degree and is working toward a second degree is classified as a fourth-year student.

Articulation Agreements or Transfer Credit

The maximum number of semester hours that may be transferred to the student’s record is 87; no more than 70 may have been earned at a two-year institution. A student must take 33 semester hours (of which a minimum of 15 hours are within the major) at Harrisburg University to meet residency and earn a degree from Harrisburg University. Unofficial or student copies of transcripts may be used to initiate the transfer credit evaluation process. However, official final transcripts from the institution of origin are required before the transfer evaluation process can be finalized by Records and Registration and academic credit is posted to the student’s permanent record.

Certain 2-year associate degree programs covered under an existing articulation agreement are accepted into the University’s baccalaureate degree programs that satisfy the coursework requirements of the first and second year of study. An unofficial transcript may be used to initiate this transfer credit process. The official final transcript from the institution of origin reflecting the degree name and the date the degree was conferred is required to finalize the awarding of coursework credit or exemption.

Domestic - In lieu of articulation agreements, academic credit earned at another accredited U.S. higher educational institution for college-level work is awarded when:

• a final grade of “C” (not “C-“) or higher is earned;
• a course is a reasonable substitute for a University course;
• the course is a reasonable substitute for competencies associated with one of the general education requirements; and,
• the course is considered college-level work, worthy of elective credit in the student’s intended program of study and the student has sufficient unsatisfied elective credit requirements to which this course may be applied.

International - a World Education Services (WES) transcript evaluation or Educational Credential Evaluation (ECE) transcript evaluation is required. If the original evaluation received by Records and Registration from one of these evaluators deems the student’s prior work to be at the college level and the quality of the completed work is assessed to be at the “C” or higher level, credit is awarded for the courses that apply to the student’s intended program of study at Harrisburg University, as indicated above for domestic transfer credit. If the prior work was earned under an educational system that did not assign credit values, the Harrisburg University semester hour value is assigned for each course being accepted. If the student completed courses that are evaluated to be at the college level, but Harrisburg University has no comparable course(s), the student is granted elective credit unless all required elective credit hours have been satisfied.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) - a massive open online course is an online course targeting large-scale interactive participation and is delivered via open access on the web. A MOOC that is successfully completed will be reviewed and considered for transfer credit.

Coursework at Other Institutions - A student may study at other institutions and transfer the credit to the student’s record at Harrisburg University.

Process for Approval - The student must complete a Course Approval form at the Office of Records and Registration notifying the University of the student’s intention to enroll on a visiting basis at another higher educational institution. The request will be reviewed by Records and Registration, which may consult with an appropriate member of the University’s faculty. Prior to enrollment, a written response will be sent to the student stating whether or not the proposed course is acceptable.

Process for Awarding of Credit - The student must arrange for an official transcript from the other college or university to be sent to Records and Registration. If the approved course was completed with a final grade of “C” or higher, the semester hours earned from the course will be posted to the student’s record as transfer credits and not calculated in the student’s GPA.

American Council on Education (ACE)

HU works with ACE recommendations to provide services for adult learners. Within the ACE Center, the College Credits Recommendation Service (CREDIT), connects workplace learning with colleges and universities. CREDIT does this by helping students get academic credit, whenever possible, for courses and examinations taken outside traditional channels.

Armed Services Training Programs

Under the following conditions, a student may receive academic credit for training programs completed while serving in the U. S. Armed Services: 1) the student must present a copy of the discharge notice (completed DD-214 form); 2) the veteran’s military occupational specialty (MOS) designation must appear on the discharge; and, 3) the student’s MOS is described in the American Council on Education’s Educational Experiences in The Armed Services volumes 1-3. Credit is awarded based upon the ACE recommendation and the closeness of the match between the training program and a University course.

Prior Learning Assessment

The University may award undergraduate academic credit for prior knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired through non-accredited and work-related learning experience equivalent to:

• the outcomes of a specific course; or,
• the outcomes of college-level work not currently offered at the University.

The experience and evidence provided should have a direct relation to the material taught in a course in the University’s curriculum and should extend over a sufficient period to provide substantive knowledge in the relevant area. A baccalaureate degree-seeking student who is in good academic standing, has completed a minimum of 6 semester hours in a program of study at Harrisburg University and demonstrates the qualities to receive such credit may petition the Provost through the academic advisor for consideration of prior learning assessment.

The petition must include the following:

• a detailed description of the relevant experience;
• appropriate supporting evidence directly linked to course objectives;
• the equivalent University program, course number, and title; and,
• the number of semester hours sought.

A student may receive a maximum of 18 semester hours of credit for prior learning. However, not more than 6 semester hours of that credit may be substituted for core courses in the program of study.

The prior learning assessment process is a way to demonstrate to a mentor, who is an expert in the field, college-level knowledge in a particular course area. These college-level skills and knowledge may be from applicable work experience, volunteer activities, training programs, hobbies, religious activities, homemaking skills, prior independent reading, or special accomplishments. This process is not an independent study.

Working with a mentor, the student is guided to develop an online, electronic portfolio to demonstrate prior college-level learning. The student can choose between standard prior learning assessment and individualized prior learning assessment. Standard prior learning assessment is an option when existing course descriptions and learning objectives match the college-level learning that the student wants to demonstrate. Individualized prior learning assessment occurs when the student proposes a course description and learning objectives that do not currently exist in the course catalog for Harrisburg University.

Prior learning assessment cannot be awarded for physical education courses, field experiences, student teaching, cooperative education, practicum courses, internships, projects, seminars, independent study, or laboratories. It is important for the student to understand that life and learning experiences alone are an inadequate basis for the award of prior learning credit. To be eligible for prior learning assessment, the outcomes of the non-collegiate learning experience must be documented, be applicable to the student’s program of study, be directly related to a course’s learning objectives, and be assessed as being similar to or meeting the requirements of learning gained through college-level learning experiences.

Approval of prior learning credit must be made in writing from the academic advisor, the appropriate faculty member, and the Provost. A per semester hour charge of $225.00 is incurred by the student for the number of semester hours sought under prior learning assessment.

For more information about prior learning assessment, contact Records and Registration.

Credit by Examination

A student is limited to earning no more than 18 semester hours of credit via standardized tests: 1) successful performance on an Advanced Placement (AP) examination; 2) successful performance on a College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examination; or 3) successful performance on a challenge examination created by the Harrisburg University faculty.

Advanced Placement (AP) - a student who participates in the College Entrance Examination Board’s program in association with secondary schools may earn college credit for this work by 1) completing the course offered in the secondary school, 2) sitting for the Advanced Placement examination offered in May of each year, and 3) arranging for an official AP score report from College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) to be forwarded to Records and Registration at the University. See the AP chart indicating the required minimum score for each discipline and the University’s course equivalencies for which credit may be awarded.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) - The University awards academic credit to a student who has performed satisfactorily on a College Entrance Examination Board CLEP general or subject examination when the test is a reasonable substitute for a requirement of the student’s program of study under the following conditions:

• The optional essay portion of a subject examination has been completed successfully:
• For all subjects (with the exception of Level 2 French, German, and Spanish) representing the performance of the student who has earned a grade of “C” in the corresponding course, a minimum score of 50 per the American Council on Education’s (ACE) credit-granting recommendations:
• For Level 2 (four-semester) foreign language examinations representing the performance of the student who has earned a grade of “C” in the corresponding course: 60 for German Language; 59 for French Language; and 63 for Spanish Language per the American Council on Education’s (ACE) credit-granting recommendations.

Official score reports must be sent to Records and Registration before credit can be awarded.

** To receive full credit for GEND 201 - The Civic Mind  (6 credits), students must have courses from two different subject areas (history, macroeconomics or government/politics).

Challenge Examination - The University awards academic credit to a student who has performed satisfactorily on a challenge examination created by a member of Harrisburg University’s faculty. A student may do so by obtaining a Challenge Examination Form from Records and Registration, obtain the signature of the sponsoring instructor from the appropriate discipline, pay a fee equal to one-third the normal tuition charge for the course, and return the form to Records and Registration which will schedule a time and location for the examination. If successfully completed, the student will receive a “P” on the transcript.

Off-Campus Study Program

Pennsylvania Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology Partnership Capstone Semester - This program is comprised of a 6 course, 18 semester hour, one-semester experience at The Pennsylvania State University’s Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization on the University Park Campus focusing on nanofabrication manufacturing technology.

Policy - Any biotechnology student who is a Pennsylvania resident may choose to participate if the following criteria are met: (1) has earned a minimum of 60 semester hours; (2) has achieved a minimum 2.50 cumulative grade point average; and (3) be in satisfactory financial standing. The student is enrolled at The Pennsylvania State University during the Capstone Semester, so all registration, financial aid awards, and tuition payments must be coordinated with The Pennsylvania State University. If final grades of “C” or higher are earned at Penn State, the academic credit will be posted to the student’s academic record at Harrisburg University.

Procedure - The student should express an interest to participate in this program at least one semester in advance of the desired semester of attendance. The application form is available on MyHU>Academics>Forms. The student registers for these courses in Harrisburg University’s Office of Records and Registration after a letter of acceptance from The Pennsylvania State University has been received.

Additional information is available in Records and Registration.

Dual Programs

A student may elect to complete a second program while earning a Bachelor of Science degree. The student must satisfy all of the requirements of both programs. Courses may simultaneously satisfy the requirements of both programs, but at least 36 semester hours must be completed unique to the core and concentration of the second program. Biotechnology with a General Biology concentration and Integrative Sciences with a Biology concentration may not be dual programs. The student must complete one additional experiential course, either an Internship or a Project II, in the second program of study. The student is required to have a minimum GPA of 3.2 and notify Records and Registration in writing of the intention to complete two programs. Dual programs cannot be completed within the minimum 120 semester hours required for a Bachelor of Science degree.

Dual Concentrations

A student may elect to complete a second concentration within the program of study. The student must complete both the primary and secondary concentration requirements. The student may simultaneously use one or more courses to satisfy requirements of both concentrations, but at least four unique courses (a minimum of 3 semester hours each) must be completed toward the second concentration. The Chemistry concentration and the Biochemistry concentration in the Integrative Sciences program may not be dual concentrations. The student is required to have a minimum GPA of 3.2 and notify Records and Registration in writing of the intention to complete two concentrations.

Graduation Requirements

A student must satisfy all of the following requirements to receive a Bachelor of Science degree:

1. At least 120 semester hours must be successfully completed.
2. A student must successfully complete all of the requirements of the declared program of study for which the degree is to be awarded.
3. A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 in all course work completed at the University is required for graduation from a baccalaureate degree program.
4. The program required courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.00.
5. A student must earn a minimum of 33 semester hours in residence toward a baccalaureate degree from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology: 9 semester hours must be completed in experiential courses, 18 semester hours must be completed in required program courses, and 6 other semester hours. The maximum number of semester hours that may be transferred to Harrisburg University is 87; no more than 70 may have been earned at a two-year institution.

Verification that the student has met these requirements is made by Records and Registration. A candidate for graduation must complete all requirements for the degree to be eligible to participate in Commencement.

A candidate must apply for graduation after registering for the last semester of the anticipated completion date by submitting an Application for Graduation via MyHU.

Requirements for Earning a Second HU Bachelor’s Degree

A person who has earned a bachelor’s degree from HU or another accredited college or university may earn a second bachelor’s degree by meeting the following requirements:

1. A student may not pursue a second degree under the same program of study (e.g., if a student already has earned a B.S. in Computer and Information Systems, he or she cannot pursue a second B.S. in Computer and Information Systems). If a student intends to pursue a different concentration under the same degree, please refer to the ”Dual Concentrations” section of the catalog.
2. The student must satisfactorily meet all graduation requirements for the second-degree program unless there is an exception listed below.
3. Graduates from HU shall not be required to repeat any general education, foundation, or seminar course requirements of HU. Graduates who earned their first degree from another accredited college or university must submit transcripts for audit to determine if prior coursework meets the General Education and Foundation requirements.
4. A minimum of 30 additional undergraduate course semester hours and an additional 6 experiential learning semester hours (i.e., Project II and Internship) must be successfully completed at HU.
5. Coursework completed successfully as part of the first degree program may be used to satisfy the graduation requirements of the second major but will not count toward the 36 required semester hours minimum.
6. A student may not repeat a course he or she already completed for credit during his or her first degree program.

NOTE: A student currently pursuing a second program at HU does not receive a second degree (please refer to the “Dual Programs” section of the catalog). A student who intends to earn a second bachelor’s degree must meet all the requirements listed above for the second bachelor’s degree and must submit a request for a second bachelor’s degree to Records and Registration before beginning the second degree.

Grades and Grading

Grades are awarded to each student for academic credit completed. A grade is assigned by the instructor responsible for the course in which the student is enrolled, using the following grading scale to indicate the quality of the student’s academic work.

Grades of “AU”, “CR”, “I”, “IP”, “NP”, “NR”, “P”, “PLA”, “TR”, “TA”, “TA-“, “TB+”, “TB”, “TB-“, “TC+”, “TC”, “W”, or “WA” are not included in the calculation of a student’s grade point average (GPA). They are used by the University in circumstances when grades of “A” through “F” are not appropriate. A WF and FD grades are calculated into a student’s GPA.

Audit (AU) - The audit grade is assigned by the instructor when the student has properly registered to audit the course and has met all requirements of the University’s course audit policy.

Credit (CR) - A grade of “CR” is used to indicate on the student’s permanent record that credit has been awarded by the University for military training or successful completion of an examination. While courses with a “CR” grade are counted toward the student’s degree requirements, there are no quality points associated with this grade so there is no impact upon the calculation of the student’s grade point average.

Fail - Disciplinary (FD) - The “FD” grade can be assigned only by the Provost or other designated official. It is used for academic dishonesty violations. A request for this grade requires supporting documentation. The “FD” grade can be submitted at any time during the semester.

Incomplete (I) - Inability to complete coursework due to documented circumstances beyond the student’s control (such as severe illness) may, at the discretion of the instructor, result in a grade of incomplete (I). However, all work must be completed by the end of the Add/Drop Period of the subsequent semester. If all work is not completed by that time, the “I” grade will convert automatically to a grade of “F.” It is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor to make the necessary arrangements for makeup work.

In Progress (IP) - This is a deferred grade assigned by the instructor to be used for research projects, internships, independent study, directed study, etc., when it is understood that the course will extend over more than one semester. An “IP” grade should be accompanied by a written plan and a schedule for completing the course within a specified time period to be no longer than 12 months. If all work is not completed by that time, the “IP” grade will convert automatically to a grade of “F.”

Laboratory (LB) - This grade is assigned by Records and Registration at the conclusion of a semester to a student who is enrolled in a non-credit developmental recitation section of a course. This grade and such a course do not appear on the student’s transcript.

Withdrawal (W) - This grade is recorded by Records and Registration when the student has withdrawn from the course according to the policy set forth by the University for withdrawing from a course.

Administrative Withdrawal (WA) - The “WA” grade can be assigned only by the Provost or other designated official. It is used under extenuating circumstances and when the normal withdrawal process is not available to the student. A request for administrative withdrawal with accompanying documentation will be submitted to Records and Registration. The “WA” grade can be submitted at any time during the semester.

Withdrawal Fail (WF) - This grade is recorded by Records and Registration when the student has withdrawn from the course after the period a student can withdraw with a “W” grade.

Transfer (TR) - A grade of “TR” is used to indicate on the student’s transcript a block of credit that has been earned at another institution and that will count toward the degree at Harrisburg University.

Transfer with Grade Notation (Txx) - A grade of “Txx” is used to indicate on the student’s transcript each course that has been successfully completed at another institution and that has been accepted toward the degree at Harrisburg University.

Not Reported (NR) - The temporary grade of “NR” is recorded by Records and Registration when the instructor does not report a grade for the student for the course. Records and Registration will advise the Provost when an “NR” grade has been recorded for the student, and will work with the student and the instructor to determine why a grade was not reported.

Pass (P) - The “P” grade is assigned by instructors for a student who successfully completes a course that is designated as a course that will be graded on a Pass/No Pass basis. A “P” grade indicates a grade of C or higher.

No Pass (NP) - The “NP” grade is assigned by the instructors for a student who does not successfully complete a course that is designated as a course that will be graded on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) - The “PLA” grade is used to indicate credit that has been awarded by the University for prior learning. Although a course completed with a “PLA” grade is applied toward the student’s degree requirements, no quality points are associated with this grade so there is no impact upon the calculation of the student’s grade point average.

Grade Point Averages

A grade point average (GPA) is a statistical calculation of a student’s performance in a semester. The semester grade point average summarizes the student’s performance during that academic term and the cumulative grade point average (CGPA) summarizes the student’s performance during all semesters completed at the University.

1. Compute the quality points earned for each course by multiplying the semester hours attempted for the course by the numerical value of the grade earned in the course. Example: A student registered for a course worth 6 semester hours who earns a final grade of “C” in that course will earn 12 quality points for that course (6 semester hours x 2.00).
2. Add quality points earned for each course in which the student is registered in the semester.
3. Add the number of semester hours attempted for all courses in which a grade of “A” through “F” and “WF” was earned.
4. Divide the total number of quality points earned by the total number of semester hours attempted. The result is the grade point average for the semester.

The cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is determined in a similar way using the cumulative attempted semester hours and cumulative quality points earned. GPA and CGPA are truncated to the hundredths.

Early Warning

Each instructor notifies Records and Registration of a student’s poor academic performance in a course by submitting early warning deficiencies of “C-“, “D+”, “D”, “F” or “I” at the end of the fifth week of classes, as indicated on the Academic Calendar. The student is notified of the deficiency in writing. A student who receives a five-week early warning is encouraged to consult with the instructor and academic advisor and seek assistance offered from the Office of Student Services.

Deferred Examination Policy

This section applies to all examinations, including mid-term and take-home examinations, whether or not administered during the final examination period.

No Right to Defer

No student has a right to defer an examination. A student who fails to take an examination when scheduled will receive a failing grade of “F” on the examination unless the examination has been deferred according to the procedure outlined in this policy.

Policy on Deferral of Examinations

Examinations will be deferred only for “good cause.” “Good cause” will be determined by the instructor of the course. Examples of “good cause” include:

• serious personal injury or illness with appropriate documentation;
• serious injury, illness or death in the immediate family that can be documented; or,
• other extenuating mitigating circumstances beyond the student’s control.

Procedure for Requesting Deferred Examination

If a student desires to request a deferral of an examination, the student shall file a timely request with the instructor. Each student requesting deferral of an examination must provide evidence of the event or situation which the student believes is justification for the deferral request.

Emergency Deferral of Examination

If a student is unable to take an examination for good cause (as defined previously) that arises within 24 hours immediately prior to the examination time, the student may appear in person, communicate by electronic mail, or telephone the instructor and the Office of Student Services to obtain permission to defer an examination.

If a student cannot appear in person, communicate by electronic mail, or by telephone, the student may miss the examination and apply for deferral after the examination date. Such an application for deferral must be made to the instructor within 24 hours of the administration of the examination for which the student seeks the deferral.

Timing of Make-up Examination

The deferred examination will be taken at a time determined by the instructor, in conjunction with the student. The make-up examination must be completed in no more than five (5) business days after the original test date. Make-up examinations for documented emergencies can be arranged to be proctored through the Office of Student Services by emailing exams@harrisburgu.edu or through the faculty member directly.

Illness During an Examination

If a student becomes ill during an examination and is unable to continue, the student shall notify the proctor and leave all examination materials with the proctor. The student shall seek medical attention immediately and obtain medical documentation describing the illness that prevented the student from completing the examination. The student will be permitted to complete the exam at a time determined by the instructor, no more than five (5) business days after the original test date.

Final Examination Policy

Final exams are administered over a two to three day period following the last day of the semester. A final exam schedule is distributed during week 8 of the semester, reflecting those courses for which a two hour final exam period was requested. Courses not listed on the final exam schedule typically have a project, oral presentation, or term paper as the final grade assessment.

Final Grading Process

After the conclusion of a semester, each instructor notifies Records and Registration of a student’s academic performance in a course by entering grades via MyHU. Records and Registration makes these grades available on MyHU according to the dates noted on the Academic Calendar posted on MyHU.

Final Grade Appeal

A final grade is assigned by the instructor upon completion of coursework to earn credit during a semester or other term. A student who disagrees with the final grade assigned by the instructor should first contact the faculty member directly to resolve the grade dispute informally. The student that cannot approach the faculty member because of perceived discrimination, cannot reach the faculty member, or have received a response with which the student still disagrees, may seek remedy using an evidence-based argument, with any supplemental documentation, within five (5) days after grades are posted on one of the following grounds:

1. Discrimination: defined as unfair treatment or assignment of grade on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, handicapped status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.
2. Capricious evaluation: defined as a significant or unjustified departure from grading procedures outlined in the course syllabus or by the University or arbitrary assignment of grades. Capricious evaluation cannot be claimed if a student merely disagrees with the subjective evaluation of the instructor.
3. Errors: including clerical errors or errors in grade calculations that can be demonstrated in an objective manner.

A student who chooses to appeal a grade must obtain a Final Grade Appeal Form from the Office of Student Success. The form must be completed with an explanation forming the basis of the appeal and returned to Records and Registration via the support portal. The student’s academic record will be placed in a “hold” status during the grade appeal process. A final grade appeal must be initiated on or before the fifth (5th) business day after grades are posted or another term as specified in the Academic Calendar posted on MyHU.

The instructor must indicate and sign the form within five (5) days to either change the final grade, reaffirm the original grade assigned, or continue with the appeal process.

• If the original final grade is improved and satisfies the student’s appeal, the instructor shall submit a Grade Change Form to Records and Registration, the grade will be posted, and the academic record hold status will be released.
• If the original final grade is reaffirmed and both the instructor and student agree with the grade determination, the instructor shall submit a Grade Affirmation Form signed by the student and instructor confirming the original grade to Records and Registration, the grade will be posted, and the academic record hold status will be released.
• When a student is unable to meet with the instructor because of personal differences or if the instructor denies the initial appeal (above), the student may choose to pursue a final grade appeal by submitting the completed and endorsed form, with any and all tests, grades, essays or project summaries, and a complete explanation as evidence in support of the student’s position, to the Office of Student Services requesting a review and determination, with a copy to the Office of the Provost. The student may seek the assistance of the Office of Student Services to review a possible appeal and to prepare the appeal. Additional information may be requested from the student and/or the instructor during this time.
• A committee consisting of a representative of the Office of Student Services, Office of Compliance, one faculty member, and a student representative will review the appeal. The student and instructor will be offered the opportunity to participate in the appeal hearing. The committee will send a final determination to Records and Registration within five (5) days of receipt. The committee’s decision is final and is not subject to further appeal. Records and Registration will then post the grade and release the academic record hold status.
• If a student would like to appeal a grade during the semester, students should approach the faculty member to resolve informally. All documentation should be saved. If at the time the final grades are insufficient, the student can file a formal appeal at that time.

Release of Grades

In accordance with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), reports of the student’s grades are not routinely sent to the student’s parents or guardians. The parent or guardian of a student in our high school programs may obtain grades by writing to Records and Registration. The grades of a student over 18 years of age will be sent to the parents only with the written consent of the student.

Repeated Courses

A student may repeat a course in which a final grade of C- or below was received. The original grade remains on the student’s academic record. After a course has been repeated, the most recent grade is used in the calculation of the student’s cumulative grade point average. A student cannot repeat a course for the sole purpose of improving the overall GPA if the degree requirement has already been met.

Academic Honors

Honors List A student is eligible for the Honors List at the conclusion of a semester when:

1. the semester grade point average is 3.50 or higher; and,
2. a minimum of 9 semester hours of course work was completed, excluding those courses in which final grades were earned that are not included in the calculation of the grade point average.

Graduation Honors A student who has earned consistently superior grades will be recognized for this achievement at graduation with the designation listed below representing the student’s level of achievement. Both the student’s diploma and university record will carry the appropriate honors designation as follows:

Summa Cum Laude for a cumulative grade point average between 3.95 and 4.00
Magna Cum Laude for a cumulative grade point average between 3.75 and 3.94
Cum Laude for a cumulative grade point average between 3.50 and 3.74

Academic Standing Policy

A student with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 or higher at the end of the semester is in satisfactory academic standing. A student with a CGPA below 2.00 at the end of a semester is not in satisfactory academic standing and is subject to warning, probation, or dismissal according to the following policy:

First Occurrence - Warning

Following the first semester in which the student does not meet the satisfactory academic progress standard, the student will automatically be placed on academic warning for the next semester. A letter will be issued advising the student of their academic warning status. No appeal is needed, but in consultation with the Office of Student Services, an academic plan may be required.

Second Consecutive Occurrence - Probation

If, by the end of the warning semester, the student is not able to achieve satisfactory academic progress status, a letter will be issued placing the student on academic probation status for the next semester. An academic plan is required during the probation semester. The student should work with the Office of Student Services to create the academic plan.

Third Consecutive Occurrence - Dismissal

If a student after three consecutive semesters has a cumulative grade point average that remains below 2.00 or fails to meet the program pursuit percentage, a letter of dismissal will be issued.

Appeals

A student who is dismissed as a result of failure to meet satisfactory academic progress may file an academic appeal by submitting a letter outlining the nature of the appeal to the Office of Student Services within five (5) days of notification. An appeal will be considered only if the student’s failure to meet the standards of academic progress is determined to be due to events beyond the student’s control. Examples of circumstances for which an appeal may be considered include military obligation; the death of a relative; injury or illness of the student; unusual personal hardship or other extenuating circumstances. Written documentation of the circumstances of why the student failed to make satisfactory progress and what has changed that will allow the student to make satisfactory progress by the next evaluation must be submitted with the appeal and should reference the student’s name and student ID number. In addition, the evidence must be received documenting that the required academic plan was completed, the cumulative grade point average has improved, and the required satisfactory progress grade point average can potentially be achieved to complete a program of study within the maximum timeframe limitation. Appeals submitted without documentation will not be considered. A timely determination will then be made and documented in the student’s file.

If the academic appeal is denied, a second notice will be sent to the student advising that their appeal was denied. If the academic appeal is approved, a semester of academic probation will be awarded, and the student will be notified in writing that their appeal was approved. The student must achieve satisfactory academic progress by the end of the probation semester.

If after the academic probation semester a student is still not making satisfactory academic progress, but the evidence is provided showing the academic plan was successfully executed, the cumulative grade point average has improved, and the required satisfactory academic progress grade point average can potentially be achieved within the maximum time frame limitation required by federal regulations then a second probation semester may be granted.

Withholding of Records

Student records may be withheld by Records and Registration when directed by the appropriate University officials. The ability to register for courses or the release of academic transcripts or diplomas may be held for a period of time. More specifically, an official academic transcript or diploma will not be released, and a student cannot register for courses if tuition or other charges remain unpaid to the University. Additionally, a student cannot register for courses while the hold is on their record. The Office of Student Services determines when a student’s record should be placed on hold for disciplinary reasons and the Business Office determines when a student’s record should be placed on hold for financial reasons.

Official Withdrawal from the University Procedure

A student is encouraged to contact the Financial Aid and Business Offices in advance of any decision to withdraw from the University to obtain an explanation of the tuition and financial aid adjustments that will occur, if any, as the result of withdrawal from the program of study.

A student on an F-1 Visa should contact the International Student Office prior to submitting a withdrawal form to understand the impact it may have on their SEVIS status.

A student who intends to officially withdraw is encouraged to contact Records and Registration at RegHelp or in person. A withdrawal form should be completed. The determination date for withdrawal purposes shall either be the actual date of formal notification by the student. The determination date is used to calculate the tuition refund, if any, and the student financial assistance program refund, if applicable. Withdrawn courses cannot be reinstated. 

Military Personnel Called to Active Duty Policy

If a student is called to active duty by the National Guard or the reserve forces of the United States during an active semester, they should provide documentation of their call to active duty to the  Certifying Official. The below procedure will then apply:  

1. Course Registration/Grades: The student will be given an option to have courses dropped or an “I” (Incomplete) grade assigned to each of their courses. The assigning of an “Incomplete” is by mutual consent of the faculty member and the student and an appropriate completion date is to be assigned. If the active duty call occurs late in the term, the faculty member also has the option of assigning a  final grade rather than the “I” grade.  

2. Tuition: Tuition charges will be canceled or refunded‐in full‐ for all courses dropped.  Courses in which the grade of “I” or a final grade is assigned will have applicable tuition assessed.   The student must coordinate with the Certifying Official to address any overpayment or other  financial considerations with Veterans Administration funding  

3. Housing:  If the student resides in campus housing, they should initiate a discussion with Residence Life  Staff.  

4. Student Record:  The Student record will be kept active for one year from the later of the following dates, after  which the student would be eligible for re‐admission:  ‐ Effective date of the dropped course(s) ‐ End of the final completed semester  ‐ Latest deadline of assigned “I” grade 

Medical Withdrawal

A student requesting to withdraw for medical reasons must complete a medical leave request through the Office of Student Services by contacting studentservices@harrisburgu.edu or 717.901.5102. Student services will obtain official documentation from a doctor supporting the student’s request. To return from medical leave, the student must provide student services with documentation from a doctor supporting the student’s return. The student will have up to a year to return without having to apply for readmission.

Standards of Academic Integrity

Harrisburg University expects a student to act honorably and in accordance with the standards of academic integrity. Academic integrity is grounded in mutual trust and respect. Therefore, it is expected that a student will respect the rights of others and will only submit work that is their own, refraining from all forms of lying, cheating, and plagiarism.

A violation of the Standards of Academic Integrity could result in academic consequences. Please see the Student Handbook for details about academic conduct and the procedures in cases of a violation of Harrisburg University’s Standards of Academic Integrity.

Disciplinary/Academic Dismissal

The University reserves the right to exclude at any time a student who has misrepresented any part of his or her admission materials, whose academic record is unsatisfactory, or whose behavior or conduct is found to be detrimental to the orderly functioning of the University. When misconduct may constitute a threat to person or property within the University community or under other circumstances, it may result in disciplinary action. The University assumes the responsibility to regulate the private conduct of the student when such conduct could constitute a hazard to or an infringement on the rights of others, a violation of the law, of University policy or instructions, or is a disruption of the legitimate academic and administrative processes of the University. Please see the Student Handbook for details on the policies regarding the Student Code of Conduct, the Academic Code of Conduct, or Sexual Misconduct Policies.