Academic Honesty
Academic integrity is an essential component of a Worcester State education. Education is both the acquisition of knowledge and the development of skills that lead to further intellectual development. Faculty are expected to follow strict principles of intellectual honesty in their own scholarship; students are held to the same standard. Only by doing their own work can students gain the knowledge, skills, confidence and self-worth that come from earned success; only by learning how to gather information, to integrate it and to communicate it effectively, to identify an idea and follow it to its logical conclusion can they develop the habits of mind characteristic of educated citizens. Taking shortcuts to higher or easier grades results in a Worcester State experience that is intellectually bankrupt.
Academic integrity is important to the integrity of the Worcester State community as a whole. If Worcester State awards degrees to students who have not truly earned them, a reputation for dishonesty and incompetence will follow all of our graduates. Violators cheat their classmates out of deserved rewards and recognition. Academic dishonesty debases the institution and demeans the degree from that institution.
It is in the interest of students, faculty, and administrators to recognize the importance of academic integrity and to ensure that academic standards at Worcester State remain strong. Only by maintaining high standards of academic honesty can we protect the value of the educational process and the credibility of the institution and its graduates in the larger community.
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Matriculation
Matriculation is a process whereby students are admitted to Worcester State and pursue a formal course of study leading to the bachelor's degree, second major, certificate, professional certification or master's degree.
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General Requirements for the Baccalaureate Degree
Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must complete 120 semester-hour credits with a 2.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) and a minimum 2.0 GPA or higher in the departmental and ancillary courses of the major field of concentration. To receive a baccalaureate degree from Worcester State, a student must:
• complete 30 of the last 40 credits at Worcester State;
• earn a majority of credits in the major at Worcester State;
• earn a majority of credits in the minor (if elected) at Worcester
State.
Students completing their degrees within six years must meet the degree requirements of the catalog under which they enter Worcester State. After six years, students are subject to the degree requirements of the catalog in effect for their year of graduation.
Second Baccalaureate Degree: A student who holds a bachelor’s degree from Worcester State or another four-year institution of higher education accredited by regional accrediting agencies may be awarded a second bachelor’s degree by completing a minimum of 30 additional semester hours of prescribed work at Worcester State after matriculation into the second degree program. Twelve semester hours of the 30 must be in upper- level work in the student’s major, and the student must meet all requirements for that major. In addition, in order to be granted a second degree, the student must meet all current catalog requirements for a baccalaureate degree at Worcester State, as follows:
• All courses from the former institution which the Office of
Admissions deems usable towards fulfillment of the foundation, general education requirements, and the LASC requirements currently existing at Worcester State will be transferred to the student’s second baccalaureate program.
• All courses transferred into the student’s major for the second degree are subject to the approval of the Department Chair.
• As many credits from the former institution as are deemed appropriate by the Office of Admissions will be transferred to the student’s second degree program as elective credits (up to and not to exceed 90 credits).
Post-baccalaureate students who seek a second major but do not seek a second baccalaureate degree at Worcester State will receive a letter from the Registrar certifying completion of the second major upon completion of all prerequisites to the major and all requirements of the major. After matriculation into either post-Baccalaureate program, no additional transfer credits will be allocated as graduation credit.
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General Education Requirements
Track I
For first-year students admitted and matriculated in fall 2009 or later only.
Track II
For transfer students and all students matriculated prior to fall 2009. Beginning with the academic year 2009-2010, first-year students will fall under Track I, the new program of general education: the Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum. Students matriculated prior to fall 2009 and transfer students will fall under Track II, the general education requirements in place prior to the fall 2009.
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Foundation Requirements
**English Composition: 6 Credits
EN 101 English Composition I*, EN 102 English Composition II
*unless waived by the Department of English.
NOTE: Students whose assessment scores indicate the need will be required to take Precomposition during the first year. This course carries 3 developmental credits.
**Mathematics: 3 Credits
All students will complete one three-credit course, ordinarily during the first year. Before enrolling in a college mathematics course, the student may have to participate in the mathematics laboratory, a developmental self-paced exercise for students whose Accuplacer test scores indicate the need.
NOTE: Students whose assessment scores indicate the need will be required to take Developmental Math during the first year. This course carries 3 developmental credits.
Constitutions: 3 Credits
All students will complete, prior to graduation, one course in which the constitutions of both the United States and Massachusetts are studied (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 73, Section 2A). Courses which satisfy this requirement include:
HI 111 and HI 112, US History I and II; HI/PO 218 and 219,
US Constitutional History I and II; PO 102, Constitutions: US and
Massachusetts; and PO 210, American Government.
Foundation courses may not be taken on a pass/fail basis. Courses taken to fulfill foundation requirements cannot also be used to fulfill distribution requirements.
**Placement testing is required before registration into these courses. This is done through the Academic Success Center, 508-929-8139.
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Distribution Requirements
Worcester State requires a specified number of credits in the humanities, the behavioral and social sciences, the natural sciences, mathematics, and fine arts, and health studies.
Students may select from a broad spectrum of courses in each of these areas. The distribution requirements may be met in any year of the undergraduate program, but students are advised to complete them insofar as possible during the first two years of study. The following restrictions apply:
a) No course within a student’s first major discipline may be used
to satisfy any distribution requirement.
b) A student may apply no more than 6 credits in a given
discipline within a group toward the satisfaction of a
distribution requirement; e.g., Humanities:
6 credits in English and 6 credits in History would satisfy the
requirement;
9 credits in English and 3 credits in History would not.
Group I: Humanities 12 credits
Students will complete four courses (minimum of 12 credits) selected from the disciplines of:
English
Foreign Languages
History
Philosophy
Communication (excluding courses that apply to Group IV).
Group II: Behavioral and Social Sciences 12 Credits
Students will complete four courses (minimum of 12 credits selected from the disciplines of:
Cultural Geography (“GE” prefixes)
Economics
Education
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Urban Studies
Group III: Natural Sciences and Mathematics 13 Credits
Students will complete four courses (minimum of 13 credits), at least one of which must be a science laboratory course selected from:
Biology
Chemistry
Geology/Physical Geography (“GS” prefixes)
Mathematics
Natural Science
Physics
Group IV: Fine Arts 9 Credits
Students will complete three courses (minimum of 9 credits) selected from:
Art
Communication*
Music
Theatre
Visual and Performing Arts
*The following Communication courses are considered fine arts
offerings and can be used to satisfy Group IV: CM 150, CM 151,
CM 160, CM 231, CM 241, CM 244, CM 247, CM 250, CM 259,
CM 260, CM 360, CM 366, CM 374, CM 396.
Group V: Health Studies 3 Credits
Students will complete either one 3-credit health course or three 1-credit activity courses. This basic requirement may be waived upon validation of completion of military basic training; ROTC students receive a 1-credit exemption for each year of ROTC completed.
Laptop and Technology Requirement
Entering full- and part-time first-year and transfer students are required to own a laptop computer when they arrive on campus.
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First-year Experience Requirement
First-year Seminar Requirement Students who enter Worcester State as first-time first-year students must enroll in a first year seminar—a course outside the student's major, which focuses on a special topic or problem, and which is designated by FS and followed by the department and course number designations. Students may choose from a variety of first-year seminars that are offered each year. First-year seminars differ from other courses in that they have a limited enrollment, are designed for first-year students, and emphasize the academic tools necessary to ensure a successful Worcester State experience. First-year seminars are designed to meet one of the General Education distribution requirements.
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The Writing Center
Located in Sullivan 306, the Writing Center is a resource available free of charge to all members of the Worcester State community. The Writing Center is staffed by graduate assistants and peer tutors who represent a variety of majors and interests. Sessions can be arranged on an appointment or drop-in basis, and the staff of the Writing Center can address basic and advanced writing needs. The Writing Center also hosts Writenet (www.worcester.edu/owl), an online writing center that offers instruction and support over the World Wide Web.
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Math Lab Services
The Worcester State Math Lab, housed next to the Math Department (S143), is staffed with a supervisor and peer tutors with day and evening hours (Monday through Friday). Its main function is to offer students, who have not received a passing score on the Accuplacer Arithmetic and/or Elementary Algebra test, resources for skill development.
This lab offers developmental tutoring on a walk-in basis and houses the mathematics library as well as tutorial software. Any student in need of refreshing their mathematics skills, or tutoring for MA 098 and MA 099, may use this lab which has both a wireless network connection for lap-top users and several desktop computer stations.
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Electives
Having met the general education requirements and those of the major (and minor, where applicable), a student may elect other courses without restriction to complete the 120 semester hours of credit necessary for graduation. Since the purpose of elective courses is to encourage exploration in diverse fields of knowledge, students are urged to take
advantage of the opportunity to broaden and deepen their intellectual development.
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Intent to Graduate
The degree and diploma will be granted within 60 days of the final day of examinations for the semester in which degree requirements have been met providing that students have adhered to the following deadlines for filing an Intent to Graduate form:
December completion: Last Friday of October
May completion: Last Friday of December
August completion: Last Friday of May
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Declaration of Major/Minor
Major/Minor
Major: Upon or after admission to Worcester State, and in any case prior to the beginning of the junior year, degree seeking students declare an intent to major in a specific discipline or an approved interdisciplinary area. In general, a major is completed by earning between 30 and 48 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Students may take additional electives in their major if desired. Courses are selected under the direction, and with the approval of the student’s faculty advisor in the major. No course from a student’s first major discipline may be used to fulfill the distribution requirements.
Declaration: A department and/or an appropriate interdisciplinary committee administering an interdisciplinary major may establish standards for admission of enrolled students into their major and minor programs. The standards are not based solely on any GPA. They may be based on grades earned in prerequisite courses, demonstration of special knowledge and skills through test, portfolios, interviews, and other relevant criteria. Departments and interdisciplinary major administering committees must have standards approved by the All College Committee. A minimum GPA at variance with Worcester State's policy may not be used as a standard for retention as a major or minor student within a department and an interdisciplinary program. Transfer credits must be approved by the major department or the corresponding program administering committee. Not more than 2 courses from the second major may be used to fulfill distribution requirements. Minor: Although not required for graduation, a minor may be completed by earning between 18 and 24 credits in a discipline other than the student’s major discipline and/or in an interdisciplinary program.
Changing Major or Minor: A student wishing to change a major or minor field of study completes the Declaration/Change of Major/Minor Form at the Office of the Registrar. A request for a change in major or minor must be made in the Fall by mid-October and in the Spring by mid-March. Forms for the declaration or change of a major/minor are available at the Office of the Registrar.
Note: A student wishing to declare/change into Criminal Justice, Education, Nursing, or OT must obtain approval from the Chair of the department.
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Academic Advising
A student is assigned a faculty member from his or her major department to serve as advisor in the selection of courses, changes in schedule, and all other academic matters. Undeclared students have faculty/academic advisors assigned as well. The student meets with the academic advisor during the regularly scheduled advising period each semester to review academic progress and select courses for the coming semester. During the registration period the advisor signs the registration form which the student presents in order to enroll in classes. All advisors have office hours so the student should contact the advisor whenever information or an opinion on an academic matter is needed. Refer to the Academic Advising Handbook online (www.worcester.edu/handbook) or the Academic Success Center for further information.
Faculty advisors must approve all courses taken off-campus using appropriate forms available in the Office of the Registrar.
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Academic Success Center
The Academic Success Center is located in the Administration Building, Room 130. It focuses on:
• Advising (for new first-year students, transfer students
and undeclared students)
• Placement testing
• Special first-year initiatives such as the First-year Programs
• Organization of student workshops that deal with academic issues
• Tutoring for all academic subjects
Peer Advisors: The Academic Success Center sponsors a team of Peer Advisors who can provide academic information about programs, policies, and procedures. New students and those unsure of their choice of major are encouraged to drop-in and speak with these students who are resources for support and referral.
Tutoring Services
The aim of Tutoring Services is to increase student academic effectiveness. After a preliminary assessment, assistance is provided on a one-to-one or small group basis. The primary thrust of the service is directed toward 100- and 200-level courses, as this is the time when students are learning how to adjust to college level study. The focus, therefore, is on learning how to learn rather than on content area tutoring. Accordingly, tutors assist students in improving their study skills, test-taking skills, and time management skills.
Students who think they may need academic assistance in order to achieve their educational objectives should visit the Academic Success Center as soon as possible to maximize the benefit of the service.
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Worcester State Honors Program
Worcester State offers selected students the option of partially fulfilling their distribution requirements through participation in the college-wide Honors Program. The purpose of the Honors Program is to present students with a diverse, innovative, and stimulating learning environment that is composed of interdisciplinary and multicultural courses taught, whenever possible, in small sections. Students are encouraged to contact the Honors Program Director for information regarding admission into the program.
To continue in the Honors Program, the student must; complete a total of twenty-one credits in honors courses (six 3-credit courses and a 3-credit capstone experience during their first year, sophomore year, junior and/or senior years).
Commonwealth Honors Scholars: Successful completion of the honors courses and a senior thesis will qualify the student to become a Commonwealth Honors Scholar. The Commonwealth Honors Program is a collaboration of select Massachusetts institutions of higher education that provides the student with unique educational opportunities through state-wide conferences, shared cultural activities, and cooperative academic and research support. A student need not be a Commonwealth Honors Scholar to complete the President’s Scholars Honors Program in good standing.
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Dean’s List (posted for matriculated undergraduate students only)
Full-time Students: Following the completion of each semester, the names of all students enrolled for a minimum of 12 graded credits excluding courses taken on a pass/fail basis and whose GPA for that semester is 3.5 or better will appear on the Dean’s List. The distinction will be noted on the student’s transcript.
Part-time Students: Following the completion of each semester, the same criteria for honors for full-time students will be applied to part-time day and evening students. Students must have an academic load of a minimum of six credit hours excluding courses taken on a pass/fail basis. The names of students whose GPA for that semester is 3.5 or better will appear on the Dean’s List. The distinction will be noted on the student’s transcript.
Any student receiving an incomplete grade in a semester is ineligible for academic honors in that semester.
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Graduation Honors
According to the degree of academic excellence, graduates may be awarded the distinctions of cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude. Students graduating with honors must attain the following cumulative GPA based on all credits earned at Worcester State (minimum 60 credit hours for transfer and second degree students).
Cum Laude 3.5–3.69
Magna Cum Laude 3.7–3.89
Summa Cum Laude 3.9–4.00
Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony
Conducted annually, the Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony gives special recognition to Worcester State students who excel academically. Students so honored include those achieving the highest grade point average in individual disciplines, scholarship recipients, special academic award recipients, Dean’s List and honor society inductees.
Registration and Course Information
Pre-registration for returning students is scheduled in the fall and spring of each academic year for advance course selection. The order of registration proceeds from seniors to first year students. Class determination is made at the completion of the Fall semester and at the end of summer sessions. A student’s registration is not considered official until all financial obligations are met.
Course Numbering: The 100 level offerings are introductory or survey courses that generally do not require prerequisites. The 200 level courses are intermediate and may require prerequisite courses. The 300 level courses are advanced and require prerequisite courses. The 400 level courses are generally for seniors and include seminars, independent study, and internships. Courses at the 900 level are open only to post-baccalaureate students.
Prerequisites represent an essential body of knowledge and skills necessary for students to succeed at an acceptable level in a course and/or are required to satisfy licensing and certification standards. Specific prerequisites are required for many courses and in certain professional studies leading to licensing and certification. Prerequisites may be waived by the instructor or department chair of the department offering the course.
Corequisites are courses which support the successful completion of certain other courses when taken concurrently. When a corequisite is listed for a course, the students are advised to register for both at the same time. In some cases, prerequisite/corequisite classes may fulfill distribution requirements.
Course Credit is counted in units called semester hours. The number of semester hours carried by a particular course is indicated in the course description. Twelve to 19 semester hours of credit per semester are considered a full-time schedule of study.
Course Overload: Special permission is required for students to register for more than 19 semester hours of credit. Forms are available at the Office of the Registrar and advisor/department and Dean's approval are required.
Course Repeat: Students in academic difficulty who wish to repeat a course must file a course repeat form with the Registrar. Only the higher of the two grades is computed in the cumulative GPA. Students will not receive credit for a course more than one time except for PE100 and MU102, 220, 225 and TH321 and may include departmental special topics courses. Both the old and new grade appear on the transcript. Course repeats must be taken at Worcester State.
Adding or Dropping a Course: Students may add/drop courses in accordance with the deadline published in the academic calendar. It is the student’s responsibility to return the completed form(s) to the Registrar’s Office. After the deadline, students wishing to drop a course must follow the procedure for withdrawal.
Withdrawal From Courses: W. A student may withdraw from a course at any point up to one week after failure warnings have been issued. Choosing to withdraw is a serious matter which may affect a student’s class standing, full-time status, financial aid, etc. A student considering such a step should seek advice from the instructor or the faculty advisor.
To withdraw from a course, a student must obtain a Course Withdrawal Form from the Registrar’s Office and follow the prescribed steps. Mere non-attendance at class does not constitute official withdrawal and may result in a failing grade.
In cases of academic dishonesty, the W grade may be reversed.
All “W” grades are permanently recorded on the student’s transcript. A student who withdraws from all courses will be considered withdrawn from Worcester State, and must file a formal intent to withdraw with the Academic Success Center.
Students who receive any form of Financial Aid or Veterans Educational benefits should consult with the respective office PRIOR to dropping or withdrawing from a course. Reducing hour credit load may adversely affect eligibility to receive Financial Aid or Veterans Educational benefits. In addition, most private insurance companies require that students be full-time (12 credits or more) to be eligible for coverage.
Quality of achievement is represented by the following letter grades with associated points per semester hour of credit.
A 4.0 - points per semester hour credit
A- 3.7
B+ 3.3
B 3.0
B- 2.7
C+ 2.3
C 2.0
C- 1.7
D+ 1.3
D 1.0
D- 0.7
E 0.0 - no credit, included in calculation of GPA
I a temporary grade, not computed in the GPA
P pass/fail option; credit, not computed in the GPA
F pass/fail option; no credit, not computed in the GPA
W withdrawn; no credit, not computed in the GPA
AU Audit
Grade Point Average (GPA): At the end of each semester (and/or summer session), a semester GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of credits attempted (excluding grades of I, P, F, W) into the sum of the products of points and credits for all courses taken.
A Cumulative Grade Point Average reflecting the entire history of a student’s achievement at Worcester State is also computed. The Cumulative GPA is a major factor in determining class membership, academic standing, and eligibility for academic honors. Only grades earned at Worcester State are computed in the cumulative GPA.
Audit Procedure Policy: Students electing to audit may attend classes but will not earn grades or be permitted to submit assignments or take examinations. No academic credit is awarded, but the student receives the benefits of course lectures and discussions. Consent of the instructor is required to enroll in a class as an auditor.
Only students who are not matriculated undergraduates at Worcester State are eligible to audit undergraduate courses. Also ineligible to audit courses are Consortium, CAPS, dual enrollment, and foreign exchange students.
The audit option must be declared at the time of pre-registration or registration. Students cannot switch to credit-bearing status or from credit-bearing to audit status after registration. Audited courses do not count toward load for any purposes (e.g., financial aid, veterans’ benefits, etc.) The audit will be permanently recorded on the student’s transcript.
Pass/Fail: Students may elect up to two courses per semester on a pass/fail basis. Foundation courses and courses within major(s) and minor(s) disciplines may not be taken pass/fail, even when not applied to specific degree requirements. Students must notify the Registrar’s Office at least four weeks prior to the last scheduled day of classes if they intend to take a course on a pass/fail basis. Similarly, students deciding to change from pass/fail status to standard grading must notify the Registrar’s Office by the same deadline, four weeks before the final day of classes. Once a student decides to change from pass/fail status to standard grading, it is not reversible; the letter grade stands. No more than fifteen (15) hours may be taken on a pass/fail basis. No more than two courses in any given semester may be taken pass/fail.
Independent Study: A matriculated student desiring to conduct an independent study must select an instructor and prepare a written contract containing the content and credit hours of the study. The approved contract should be submitted to the discipline during the pre-registration advising period but no later than the first week of the add-drop period. One to six hours of credit may be granted for one semester of independent study. No more than 12 credits in independent study may be granted toward the baccalaureate degree. In no event may the total number of credit hours earned in independent study at Worcester State exceed 10% of the credit hours counted toward a Worcester State degree. The student must provide a copy of the approved contract to the department chair, major advisor, the instructor and the Registrar’s Office no later than the last day of the add-drop period.
Incomplete Grades: When circumstances (e.g.: illness) prevent a student from completing a course on time the student is responsible for requesting an incomplete. The professor may grant an incomplete provided the student had completed a substantial portion of the course requirements. The student must make arrangements with the professor to complete the course within six weeks of the beginning of the next semester. The academic calendar indicates the deadline for resolving incompletes from the previous term. If the requirements are not met within the appropriate period, the incomplete will automatically become an “E,” and so recorded on the student’s permanent record.
An extension of an incomplete for one semester may be granted if circumstances still prevent the student from completing the course. In such cases, the student is responsible for obtaining the approval of the professor who must notify the Registrar in writing of his/her approval prior to the end of the initial six (6) week period. With regard to the extension of an incomplete grade, the required course work must be completed by the student prior to the beginning of the final examination period of the semester immediately following the one in which the incomplete was originally issued. The instructor will then have five working days within which to submit a final grade to the Registrar.
Change of Grade: Once a grade has been posted to a student’s transcript that grade may be changed if, and only if, an error has been made in the calculation or transcription of the original grade. Under no circumstances will a change in grade for a student be allowed because of the submission of additional work after the course has ended. No grade change may be made after the conclusion of the semester following the semester in which the grade was originally submitted.
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Transcripts
Official transcripts of coursework taken at Worcester State may be obtained by eligible students from the Office of the Registrar with the completion of a form available for that purpose, or by writing the request. Students may also download the transcript request form from our Web site (www.worcester.edu/transcriptrequest), and forward the completed copy to the Registrar's Office. Requests must include name while attending, current name if different, Social Security number and/or student ID number, last date of attendance and whether or not the student was officially accepted into a program. Transcripts are $5 per copy. Payment must accompany the request in the form of a check made payable to Worcester State. Transcripts cannot be ordered by telephone or fax.
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International Programs
International Students
The International Programs Office at Worcester State bears dual responsibilities advocating internationalization on our campus as well as promoting academic and cultural exchanges within the global community.
The Office serves Worcester State students in implementing their academic goals, specifically in international education. Students are encouraged to pursue study abroad experience during their academic studies at Worcester State. Worcester State has study abroad agreements that allow study abroad in virtually every part of the world. Worcester State also maintains exchange agreements with several higher education institutions overseas. The Office of International Programs collaborates with campus academic departments to develop in-house study abroad programs. Led by our own faculty, in-house programs allow students to interact with their faculty more closely while gaining valuable international experience. Students who have achieved junior standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and sophomores with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible to study abroad. Students are encouraged to meet with the study abroad advisor at any time to plan their study abroad experience. Interested students may study abroad for one summer, one semester or an entire academic year at our partner institutions overseas. A detailed list of program options can be found on the IPO website: www.worcester.edu/ip. Eligible students should contact the study abroad advisor at 508-929-8835, or visit the International Programs office—Room A-159, or email mkpalumbo2@worcester.edu.
With respect to international students and visiting persons, Worcester State is authorized under federal law to issue I-20 and DS 2019 forms for academic study or teaching at our campus. All international students must have a valid student visa to travel to the U.S. and an approval of student status to conduct required full-time study. Under the policy of Department of Homeland Security, all international students must report to the Office of International Programs after their initial entry to the U.S. International students should contact the office by calling 508-929-8835 or email mkpalumbo2@worcester.edu.
Intensive English Language Institute (IELI)
The Intensive English Language Institute offers students the opportunity to attain English language fluency and U.S. cultural competencies to succeed in college or university studies. IELI offers both full-time and part-time programs providing top quality ESL instruction to international students and working professionals. Courses are not for credit.
In the Intensive ESL Program students study academic English up to 20 hours per week to rapidly improve their fluency and competency. Classes meet in the fall and spring for 14 weeks and in the summer for 5 or 10 week sessions. Core courses focus on reading, writing, listening, speaking, pronunciation, grammar and preparation for the iBT TOEFL examination. The full-time program meets requirements for an F-1 student visa.
ESL classes in the Community Program meet 4-5 hours per week. Students improve their English for work, further education, or general fluency.
Placement tests are required for all students to determine the best level.
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Standards of Progress
Matriculated students (students admitted to Worcester State and pursuing a formal course of study leading to the bachelor’s degree, second major, certificate or professional certification) are expected to make satisfactory and steady progress toward completion of their programs.
Opportunities are available for student advisement, both within the departments and from the Academic Success Center. However, each student is solely responsible for selecting courses, which satisfy departmental requirements for a major, as well as the general requirements for graduation as described in this catalog. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with this information. Exemption from, or exception to, any published requirement is valid only when approved in writing by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and confirmed by the Registrar.
Attendance
All students are expected to attend and participate in all class meetings and laboratory sessions. In the event that illness or some other emergency prevents a student from attending class, the student should contact the instructor directly. Since attendance requirements differ according to the specific academic goals of each course, students should carefully check the attendance policy on the course syllabus. If there is anticipated prolonged absence, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs (Administration Building, Room 361) should be contacted.
Worcester State abides by Chapter 375 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, An Act Excusing the Absence of Students for Their Religious Beliefs. Section 2B of this law states:
“Any student in an educational or vocational training institution other than a religious or denominational educational or vocational training institution, who is unable, because of his religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination, study or
work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study, or work requirement which he may have missed because of such absence on any particular day; provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon such school. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said student such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his availing himself of the provisions of this section.”
Academic Standing: For degree-seeking students, class membership is based upon the number of credit hours completed. Class membership determines priority for registration and participation in class events.
Class Credit Hours Completed
First Year 0-29
Sophomore 3 0-59
Junior 60-89
Senior 90-120
Good Standing: To maintain good standing at Worcester State, matriculated students must meet the minimum standards specified below.
College Credits* Cumulative GPA
1-29 1.50
30-59 1.75
60 and over 2.00
*College credits include all credits attempted at Worcester State plus all credits accepted in transfer. Students are reminded that only grades earned at Worcester State are used in determining their GPA.
Warning Status: Students will not be placed on probation status until they have attempted 24 semester hours; however, students may be placed on a warning status if they fail to maintain the minimum standard after attempting 12 semester hours. Students on warning status may enroll in no more than 16 semester hours. In consultation with an academic advisor, each such student will develop an academic plan/registration contract that will include such conditions as repeating failed courses, regularly scheduled advising appointments, attending workshops offered through the Academic Success Center, and recommended use of the writing center, math lab, and tutoring services.
Probation and Dismissal: Students who fail to meet and/or maintain the minimum cumulative GPA required for good standing are placed on academic probation and are subject to the following restrictions: 1) they may not participate in intercollegiate athletics; and 2) they may not register for more than 12 semester hours of credit per semester; and 3) they may not serve on any standing and ad hoc governance committees of Worcester State. Failure to improve the GPA and regain good standing after two regular academic semesters (Fall and Spring) will result in academic dismissal and separation from Worcester State.
Students dismissed from Worcester State for academic deficiency may not register for or attend classes at Worcester State until 12 months have elapsed. Readmitted students must attain a minimum GPA of 2.0 for each semester following their return. Failure to maintain a 2.0 semester GPA will result in a second separation from Worcester State not subject to appeal. See next section regarding withdrawal/leave of absence.
Appeal of Dismissal: Students may appeal for reinstatement to continue for a third semester on probation. Appeals must be made in writing to the Chair of the Academic Progress Review Board and submitted to the Registrar within five (5) days of notification. The Academic Progress Review Board will review the written appeals. The decision of the Review Board is final.
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Withdrawal from Worcester State/Leave of Absence
Matriculated students who fail to take a course during a calendar year will be administratively withdrawn from Worcester State. Students who wish to permanently withdraw from Worcester State or take a temporary leave of absence must complete appropriate forms in the Academic Success Center. If the withdrawal or leave of absence is filed prior to the last day to withdraw from courses for the term, “W” will be recorded on the student’s record. Students who file for leave of absence or withdrawal after the last day to withdraw from courses for the term may petition if they feel circumstances warrant the recording of “W” for all courses enrolled for that term. Normally, a leave of absence is for one semester; however, a student may have up to one year to return to Worcester State. Failure to return at the specified time will result in an administrative withdrawal from Worcester State.
Students who receive any form of Financial Aid or Veterans Educational benefits should consult with the respective office PRIOR to dropping or withdrawing from a course. Reducing hour credit load may adversely affect eligibility to receive Financial Aid, Veterans Educational benefits. In addition, most private insurance companies require that students be full-time (12 credits or more) to be eligible for coverage.
Reinstatement after Withdrawal/Non-continuous Attendance/Dismissal
Students reactivate their undergraduate, matriculation status through the Registrar’s Office. It is the students’ responsibility to supply and update the following documents if they are not on file:
• final high school transcript
• completed and notarized proof of residency form
• official transcript of all courses completed at each post-
secondary institution attended (excluding Worcester State)
When the file is complete, the student will meet with an advisor and develop a plan for academic persistence and success. If applicable, an updated evaluation of transfer credits will be done at this time. In the case of Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Education majors, an interview with the academic department will be necessary to determine reinstatement possibility in these majors.
Students readmitted after dismissal must attain a minimum GPA of 2.0 for each semester following their return. Failure to maintain a 2.0 semester GPA will result in a second separation from Worcester State not subject to appeal.
All reinstated students follow the degree, program, and graduation requirements from the catalog in effect at the time of their reactivation. Through appropriate advising, a plan for success outlining the maximum credits applicable will be developed prior to the semester of re-matriculation.
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Academic Reprieve Policy
The Academic Reprieve Policy applies to former Worcester State students returning to complete baccalaureate degree programs a minimum of three academic years after their last completed semester at Worcester State. This policy is designed to facilitate program completion for students whose previous academic records were so poor as to put them in jeopardy of academic probation or dismissal immediately upon readmission. A student may exercise this academic reprieve option only once.
A student meeting criteria for eligibility must file a petition form, available in the Office of the Registrar, requesting reprieve of eligible course work at Worcester State, either at the time of readmission or before the close of the first semester of re-enrollment. A maximum of 60 credits may be applied toward graduation from the student’s previous enrollment at Worcester State. In order to be applied, those courses must have received a passing grade. Credit for courses in the student’s major is contingent upon approval by the Department Chair. None of the grades associated with courses given credit under the academic reprieve policy will be calculated in the student’s GPA; however, all course work will be recorded on the transcript. A student selecting the reprieve option will be required to meet degree requirements of the catalog in effect on the date of the student’s application for readmission. Those electing the reprieve option may qualify for honors at graduation upon the completion of a minimum of 60 graded credits. All approved academic reprieve students should check with the Financial Aid Office to see whether their reprieve will be recognized for financial aid purposes.
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Undergraduate Appeal Procedure
Prior to invoking the use of the undergraduate appeal procedure, individuals should exhaust all informal means available to resolve questions concerning specific issues related to their courses.
The appeal procedure may not be used to challenge a grade which results from a faculty member exercising usual and customary professional judgment in the evaluation of student work.
Step 1
When an issue arises in which the student believes he/she has been treated unfairly, the student shall request in writing a meeting with the instructor. In the case of an end-of semester grade, the student shall request such a meeting no later than ten working days after the beginning of the next semester. The instructor shall arrange to meet with the student within ten working days of the receipt of the request.
Step 2
If the matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student at Step 1, then, within ten working days of the meeting in Step 1, the student shall file a written request to review the matter with the appropriate Department Chair.
Step 3
If, within ten working days of the receipt of the request in Step 2, the Department Chair is unable to resolve the matter to the satisfaction of all parties, then either party may, within ten working days, file a written request to review the matter with the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. In the case of continuing education courses or graduate courses, the appeal at Step 3 goes to the Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education.
Step 4
If, within ten working days of the receipt of the request in Step 3, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education is unable to resolve the matter to the satisfaction of all parties, then either party may, within ten working days, file a written request to review the matter with the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Step 5
Within ten working days of the receipt of the request in Step 4, the Vice President for Academic Affairs shall inform the student, faculty member, Department Chair, and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs of the results of his review.
The appeal process ends at this point.
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