Undergraduate Academic Regulations

All undergraduate students are responsible for complying with the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures contained in Alfred University's academic regulations.

(Refer to the current undergraduate catalog for specific degree requirements and course descriptions.)

100 Jurisdiction, Changes and Distribution

101 Jurisdiction

The regulations contained herein have been adopted by the faculty and Deans' Council with the approval of the President and will apply to all students, faculty, and administrators within the University.

102 Changes and Additions

Proposed additions and changes to college regulations may originate as recommendations by the individual college committees or faculties, the Deans' Council or the University Council, and must be accepted by the faculty of the appropriate college. Proposed additions and changes to general University regulations must be passed by Faculty Senate or a majority of the voting university faculty and accepted by the University President.

103 Official Copy and Distribution

The University Registrar will maintain the official copy of the "Academic Regulations". Upon adoption by the appropriate faculty, official changes and additions will be transmitted to the University President and the Registrar by the secretary of the appropriate faculty. The Registrar will distribute a copy of the official "Academic Regulations" to all faculty at the beginning of each academic year.

104 Interpretation

In any case where a question arises regarding the interpretation of these regulations, the Dean of the College or appointed representative will have the final authority in resolving such matters.

105 Waiver

Requests for a waiver of any particular provision of these regulations must be made in writing to the appropriate Dean, or to the Provost and Chief Operating Officer in the case of University requirements.

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200 Graduation Requirements

See also the Alfred University Undergraduate Catalog

201 Bachelor's Degrees

201.1 In order to satisfy the requirements for a Bachelor's Degree a student must:

  • Complete all course requirements, including those required for the major, general education, and the minimum number of credits for the degree sought as set forth by the faculty of the college or school in which the student is enrolled, and as described under “major requirements” in the University catalog in effect at the time of admission or most recent readmission.
    • Note: A three semester hour transfer course may be used to satisfy a four semester hour AU requirement in a major or in general education. However, the minimum number of total semester credit hours for the degree must still be earned to complete degree requirements.
  • Earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 in those courses presented for graduation.
  • Satisfy the Common Ground Requirement. This requirement is satisfied by completing with a passing grade the 1-credit course UNIV 101-Common Ground.
  • Satisfy the Global Perspective Requirement. This requirement may be satisfied by
    • Taking an approved “GP” course
    • Participating in an international co-op program or internship
    • Studying abroad
    • Going on a course-based faculty-led international study trip
    • Completing one semester of secondary or post-secondary education outside the United States
  • Satisfy the Lifetime Health and Wellness requirement.
    • The Lifetime Health and Wellness requirement must be fulfilled to receive a Bachelor's degree from any college of the University.
    • The physical activity portion of the requirement can be satisfied by one of the following:
      • One PFIT course or one of the specific Dance and Equestrian courses that have the “Physical Activity” (PFIT) attribute
      • Participation in one varsity sport for an entire season (as certified by the Athletic Department)
      • A lifetime sports proficiency Challenge Exam (requires both written and physical tests; current fee: $225)
      • Current active military service (including National Guard, Reserves, or the ROTC program’s MILS 101 or MILS 102)
    • The wellness portion of the requirement can be satisfied by taking one WELL course or another course that has been approved for this purpose and that has the “WELL” degree
      attribute.
  • Request legal conferral of degree (apply to graduate) (see section 202) and satisfy financial obligations to the University.
  • Satisfy the Residency Requirement: Undergraduate students admitted or last readmitted Fall 2011 and beyond must complete at least 45 credit hours in residence at Alfred University. (For students admitted or last readmitted prior to Fall 2011, the requirement is 30 credit hours in residence at AU.) “In residence” means courses offered by Alfred University on campus, at an extension site, or through distance education. All students must complete their final 30 semester credit hours in residence.

Students who have met the 45 (or 30) hour residency requirement and who are approved for study abroad in the second to last semester before graduation are exempt from the requirement to be in residence for the final 30 credit hours, but must be in residence in the final semester. Students who have met the 45 (or 30) credit hour residency requirement and who need no more than eight semester credit hours to complete degree requirements may petition the Dean for permission to complete the remaining requirements elsewhere.

201.2 Double Majors

Students may earn one baccalaureate degree with two majors by successfully completing all baccalaureate and major requirements for a primary major and the major requirements for a different (second) major.  There is no total credit hour requirement for earning a double major beyond the minimum required for the degree program when only the primary major is completed.  Students will receive only one degree, regardless of the number of majors they complete.  Both (all) majors will appear on a student's transcript.  The second major may be offered by an AU academic unit other than the primary academic unit the student is enrolled in; however, some majors are not available as second majors.  If each major is normally aligned with a different degree (B.S., B.A., or B.F.A), the degree that will be awarded will be based on the major designated as the student's primary major.  Note: a student may not add a second major to a degree that has already been awarded.

201.3 Secondary (Dual) Degrees

Students may earn two baccalaureate degrees to be awarded simultaneously (“dual degrees”) when the two degree programs are offered within the School of Art and Design (B.S. and B.F.A.) or when the two programs are offered by two distinct AU Colleges/Schools. (e.g.: B.A. in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and B.F.A. in the School of Art and Design; B.S. degrees offered in the College of Business and in the Inamori School of Engineering.) To receive two degrees simultaneously, students must complete all University, College/School, and major requirements in effect for both programs at the time the student was admitted (or last readmitted) to undergraduate study at AU and earn a minimum of 148 semester credit hours. Two diplomas are presented at graduation.

201.4 Bachelor of Arts Degree for Those Holding a Professional School Degree

Any person who has completed three or more years at Alfred University, who holds no undergraduate degree, and who has subsequently earned the M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., J.D., or comparable professional degree from an accredited college or university, will be granted, upon request, an Alfred University Bachelor of Arts degree. Upon receipt at AU of an official transcript from the school that conferred the professional degree and of an Application to Graduate, the B.A. degree will be conferred at the next opportunity (August, December, or May).

201.5 Degrees Awarded Posthumously

Alfred University may confer posthumous baccalaureate and graduate degrees upon students who are deceased prior to completion of all degree requirements of the program being pursued.

To be eligible for consideration, the student must have been nearing completion of coursework required for the degree and must have been in good academic standing with a grade point average sufficient to have earned the degree. Recommendation for award of the degree must be made by the faculty in the student's major area, and approved by the Chair or Director, the College or School Dean, and the Provost and Chief Operating Officer. Final approval for awarding of posthumous degrees shall rest with the Board of Trustees, which will act upon the recommendation of the President of Alfred University.

202 Application to Graduate

Written application for the conferring of degrees must be made by students at least 60 days before the degree conferral date. This requirement is satisfied by filing an Application to Graduate with the Registrar.

202.1 To Walk at Commencement

Students who are not graduating but wish to attend the May Commencement Ceremony must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be in good academic standing with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.
  • Roughly within 8 credits of graduating.
  • Can demonstrate degree completion is possible by December of same year.
  • Must be registered for the summer and/or fall semester(s).

If a student meets the requirements, an application to graduate must be submitted to provide intent to walk at commencement.

202.2 Petition to Walk

Any student not meeting the requirements (as noted in 202.1) for walking at commencement must complete a Petition to Walk form and submit it along with the graduation application.

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300 Credits, Grades, and Grade Point Averages (GPA)

301 Course Credit Definition

The Basic unit of credit is the semester hour.

Definition of Semester Credit Hour:

A unit of academic credit representing an hour (50 min) of class (such as a lecture class) or two to three hours of laboratory work each week for an academic (15 weeks) semester.

302 Grade Designations

The following grade designations are used in all undergraduate courses:

Grades calculated in Grade Point Average
Grade Per Semester Hour Meaning
A 4.00 Exceptional
A- 3.67
B+ 3.33
B 3.00 Good
B- 2.67
C+ 2.33
C 2.00 Acceptable
C- 1.67
D+ 1.33
D 1.00 Poor
F 0.00 Failure
Grades that are not calculated in Grade Point Average:
Grade Meaning
I Incomplete ( see 302.2)
IP In Progress ( see 302.7)
P Pass
W Withdrawn ( see 601)
AU Audit ( see 302.6)

302.2  Incomplete Grade

The grade of I indicates incomplete course work due to circumstances beyond the student’s control. The Registrar shall change the grade of I to F if the incomplete is not removed within the succeeding semester, unless the instructor grants an extension of the time period for completing the unfinished work.  Extension can be granted for one additional semester. Any extensions beyond the one additional semester (1 year total) must be approved by the Registrar’s office by supplying documentation that the student has been in contact with the instructor and is making progress towards completion. 

302.4 Pass-Fail Grading

  • Undergraduate students may designate up to four semester hours each semester to be taken for a grade of P or F provided they have not been previously enrolled in the course and the course is not a required course in their major program. Grades of D or better will be recorded as P. Advisor approval is required. The periods for selecting and canceling the Pass/Fail option are designated in the Academic Calendar. These additional limitations apply:
    • Students in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences may not take courses that fulfill major, minor, or General Education requirements on a Pass/Fail basis.
    • Students in the College of Business may not take courses that fulfill major requirements, or liberal arts credits for the BA or BS degree, or requirements for the minor, on a Pass/Fail basis.
    • Students in the Inamori School of Engineering may not use the Pass-Fail grading system for any course presented for graduation credits, except in the following instances: Co-op, off-campus study, and ENGR 160/360 Seminar.
  • Certain courses may be designated by the college curriculum committees to be graded only Pass or Fail.

302.5  Graduate Level Grading

Grading for graduate level courses is on a scale of A, B+, B, C, or F. Graduate level courses in the School of Art and Design are graded only HP, P, or NC. When undergraduate seniors in good standing are allowed to enroll in 500-level graduate courses they are graded on the graduate scale.

302.6 Audit

A student may elect to take a course on a non-credit or audit basis. The student may also change from credit to audit or vice-versa until the last day to withdraw from the course as designated in the Academic Calendar. An auditor receives a grade of AU in the course, and this is recorded on the student's transcript. It does not affect GPA and no credits are earned.

Any student registering as an auditor in a class must consult the instructor to determine the level of participation expected of an auditor. If any auditing student fails to meet the expected level of participation, the instructor will notify the Registrar at the time he/she submits final grades and the Registrar will cancel the student's registration in that class.

302.7 Grade of "In Progress" (IP)

The grade of IP (In Progress) may be given for thesis and seminar or project courses when the course extends by design over multiple terms. The IP indicates that the course remains in progress and that a grade will be given in the future.  IP grades will remain for no longer than 2 years, at which time the grade will change to an “F” or “NC”, unless an additional semester extension is approved by  approved by the Registrar’s office by supplying documentation that the student has been in contact with the instructor and is making progress towards completion. 

302.8 Repeating of Courses

When a course is repeated, the course credits shall be used only once and the grade points and credits corresponding to the most recent grade earned shall be used in calculating the cumulative GPA. While the original grade is no longer used in the GPA, it remains a part of the record and it appears on the student’s transcript. If a course cannot be repeated because it is no longer offered, a course with similar content may, with permission of the Dean, be taken in place of the original and recorded as a repeat.

304 Transfer Credit

304.1 Residency Requirement

Undergraduate students must complete at least 45 credit hours in residence at Alfred University. “In residence” means courses offered by Alfred University on campus, at an extension site, or through distance education. All students must complete their final 30 semester credit hours in residence.

Students who have met the 45 hour residency requirement and who are approved for study abroad in the second to last semester before graduation are exempt from the requirement to be in residence for the final 30 credit hours, but must be in residence in the final semester. Students who have met the 45 credit hour residency requirement and who need no more than eight semester credit hours to complete degree requirements may petition the Dean for permission to complete the remaining requirements elsewhere.

For credits to be transferred toward the AU degree, final, official transcripts from previous institutions must be received by the Office of the Registrar within one year of admission to AU as a degree-seeking student or within one year of an approved study away program.

When applying for admission to Alfred University, official transcripts should be sent to:

Office of Admissions
Alfred University
One Saxon Drive, Alumni Hall
Alfred, NY 14802

Once admitted to AU, official transcripts and any other academic records should be sent to:

Registrar
Alfred University
One Saxon Drive
Alfred, NY 14802

304.2 Transferable Credit

  1. Alfred University accepts transfer credits from those U.S. colleges and universities that are accredited by one of the regional accrediting bodies, such as the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Credits earned at U.S. institutions that are accredited instead by one of the recognized national accrediting organizations, such as the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, will be considered for transfer of credit on a case-by-case basis. Transfer credits from institutions outside the U.S. are considered on a case-by-case basis after the credential has first been evaluated by a recognized agency specializing in evaluation of international transcripts, such as World Education Services. (Evaluation by an outside agency is not required for transcripts issued by Canadian institutions.) Also considered are transfer credits for military training and education as recommended by the American Council on Education.
  2. Only courses comparable to the types of courses offered at Alfred University are considered for transfer. Examples of coursework not acceptable are courses in vocational fields; courses from non-accredited institutions or businesses, like Straigherline; or courses considered to be technical training. Mathematics courses below college algebra are not accepted. The coursework must be appropriate and applicable to some component of an AU bachelor’s degree program, including general electives.
  3. In courses graded A-F, only those courses in which the student has earned a “C” or above will be accepted. In courses graded pass/fail or credit/no credit, grades of “pass” and “credit” are accepted.
  4. Grades received in courses taken at other institutions are not included in the calculation of the overall Alfred University GPA, so it is not possible to replace a grade earned at AU with a grade earned in an equivalent course taken elsewhere. Further, if a student repeats at Alfred University a course equivalent to one previously transferred, the grade and credits from the AU course are used in the calculation of GPA and total credit hours, The credit that had been transferred is excluded and no longer counts as credit earned.
  5. Transfer credit evaluations are made under the direction of the Dean of the college in which the student is enrolled or wishes to enroll. The Registrar's Office posts the transfer credit to the student's record. Once admitted to AU, a student must have the permission of the Dean in advance to take courses at another institution and to transfer this credit back to Alfred University. Petition forms to take courses elsewhere after matriculation to AU are available in online from the Registrar webpage.

304.3 Number of Credits Transferable

The maximum number of semester credit hours transferable toward any Alfred University degree program from all sources combined is 75, to include credit from other institutions, credit as recommended by the American Council on Education, and credit from standardized exams (see below). The 75-credit-hour maximum applies to transfer credit earned both before and after admission to an AU degree program.

304.4 Cross-Registration at Area Schools

To provide students with the opportunity to explore an area of interest not otherwise available, Alfred University participates in a cross-registration program with more than 15 area colleges and universities through the Rochester Area Colleges (RAC) consortium. The list of participating RAC members includes nearby Alfred State College. Cross-registration under this program is available in Fall and Spring Semesters to full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students.

The course to be taken must be one that is not available at AU and it must be applicable to some component of the AU degree program. Faculty advisor approval is required. Students should be aware that the various member schools operate on differing academic calendars. The registration deadlines and all other academic polices of the school offering the course apply. There is no additional tuition charge for RAC cross-registration, but any lab, materials, or other special fees must be paid.

Credits earned under this program are considered to be transfer credits. They count toward the 75 credit hour limit on transfer credit, and the grades received in cross-registered courses do not affect the AU grade point average (GPA). For more information, contact the Student Service Center.

304.5 Credit by Exam

Standardized Exams

To encourage students with outstanding ability and enterprise, Alfred University places special emphasis on advanced placement and other exams that assess college-level learning that occurred outside of the traditional college classroom setting. Through these examination programs, students may earn appropriate credit for courses at any level where college-level learning can be demonstrated. AU recognizes these programs:

  • The Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board (AP). (See Appendix A, AP Equivalencies)
  • The International Baccalaureate Program (IB). Alfred University will grant 30 semester hours of credit (sophomore standing) to students who have earned the International Baccalaureate diploma in high school. Students who have not completed the diploma will be awarded equivalent credit up to two introductory courses for each IB exam, depending on level of the exam and the score achieved. (See Appendix A, IB Equivalencies)
  • The College Level Examination Program of the College Entrance Examination Board (CLEP). Only the CLEP subject exams taken prior to admission are considered for credit toward the degree. Students who wish to take a CLEP Exam for credit after being admitted to a degree program at AU must receive permission in advance from the Dean of their college or school. (See Appendix A, CLEP Equivalencies)
  • Other standardized exams where no prescribed policy has been determined (DANTES, ECE) are considered on a case-by-case basis for transfer credit. Exam results are compared with national norms to determine credit and/or advanced placement.

Credits awarded from AP, IB, CLEP or from any other standardized exam program are considered to be transfer credits. They count toward the 75 credit hour limit on total transfer credit, and they do not affect the AU GPA.

Credits from standardized exams are evaluated separately by Alfred University from original score reports only, not from the transcript of another college or university. Students are responsible to make sure official score reports are received in the Office of the Registrar within one year of admission to AU as a degree-seeking student. Scores received after this time cannot be counted as credit toward the degree.

305 Grade Changes

All grade changes must be accomplished prior to the Registrar’s certification of graduation. Assigning course grades at Alfred University is the exclusive responsibility of course instructors. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to limit the ability of the Registrar to change grades of incomplete (I) to fail (F) in accordance with section 302.2 of the Alfred University Academic Regulations. Nothing in this policy shall be construed as substituting or supplanting rules, regulations, or procedures contained in Section 700 of the Alfred University Academic Regulations.

305.1

A grade may be changed by the instructor of a course to convert an Incomplete or IP to a final grade.

305.2

A grade may be changed by the instructor of a course to correct an error. The appropriate Dean must be notified of all grade changes in writing (stating reason(s) for the change) except for completion of work in courses graded I or IP.

305.3

Once assigned, only the course instructor can change a course grade, except in rare circumstances when the course instructor’s supervising Dean may change a grade. (See Appendix B at the end of this document for specific information on the circumstances under which a Dean may change a grade.)

305.4

Students and former students (hereinafter known as “students” for the purpose of 305.4) have one year from the date a final grade is issued to petition for a change of grade. A student who believes a final grade is not correct should first meet with the instructor who assigned the grade. If the matter is not resolved, the student should meet with the Division/Program Chairperson in the academic area offering the course in question. If there is no resolution, the student should arrange a meeting with the Dean, or the Dean’s designee, of the College or School offering the course.

If there is still no resolution, the student may appeal the decision of the faculty member to the Ombuds Officer. Should a request for an appeal be made to the Ombuds Officer an appeals committee will be assembled. The appeals committee will be constituted by the Ombuds Officer within 14 semester days. Membership of the appeals committee shall include one student, to come from the University Student Grievance Committee, and two full-time tenured faculty. If the Student Senate has not appointed members of the Student Grievance Committee, or if those members stand in a conflict of interest with the petitioning student, the Ombuds Officer may select any full-time senior student for this purpose.

The appeals committee should meet as soon as possible after members of the committee have been selected. The appeals committee will review the case and prepare a written recommendation to be forwarded to the Provost and Chief Operating Officer. The Provost and Chief Operating Officer will make the final decision within seven semester days and officially notify, in writing, the student, the instructor(s) and Dean involved in the case.

The student may bring one other student or employee from Alfred University to the appeals committee hearing. Only members of the university community shall be permitted to attend the hearing. The invited other person shall not have the right to speak or otherwise participate in the hearing. No sound or video recording of the appeal committee hearing shall be permitted. All testimony given at the hearing shall be considered confidential except for communication to appropriate university faculty and administrators.

306 Alfred University Challenge Exams

306.1

Currently enrolled degree-seeking students may request a challenge examination for any undergraduate course which has not already been taken at Alfred University. (If any grade other than a “W” has been recorded at AU, the course cannot be challenged.) Students cannot take a challenge exam for any course that is a prerequisite for or a lower-level course for which they have already received credit. The student’s Dean determines if an eligible course is appropriate for completion through a challenge examination.

306.2

Credits earned through an AU Challenge Exam are considered to be institutional credit, not “transfer credit”, so these credits do not count toward the 75 credit hour limit on transfer credit. If the exam is passed, the credit from a challenge exam is posted to the transcript with a grade of “CH”, indicating the course was successfully challenged. Credits earned by challenge exam do not affect the AU GPA. Petition forms for Challenge Exams are available at the Student Service Center in Seidlin Hall.

308 Midterm Grades

Midterm grades are required for all undergraduate students in all courses except in seminar, independent study, and thesis courses. The grade of IP (In Progress) may be used in courses that extend by design over multiple terms. The grade of I (incomplete) may be used only in cases of extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control and may not be used for an entire class

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400 Classification of Students and Academic Standing

401 General Student Classification

The University baccalaureate program is designed to be accomplished in eight semesters of 15 weeks each (inclusive of final exams). The typical academic load of full time students at Alfred University is 16-20 credit hours per semester.

  • Most courses meet for 1 (50-minute) hour per week for each semester credit hour, or the equivalent
  • Courses with labs typically meet for 2 to 3 hours per week of class time plus 2 to 3 hours per week of lab time
  • Art studios meet 1.5 to 2 hours per week for each credit hour

On a weekly basis, students should expect to spend a minimum of two hours outside of class studying and completing assignments for each hour spent in class (three hours per week outside of class for each hour in class for art studios); which is a minimum of 45 hours of total learning time per credit hour for the term. Students taking an online course should, likewise, expect to spend about 45 hours of total learning time per credit hour in a term; the same amount of time as in a traditional, on-campus course.

The Registrar and the Deans review the class schedule each semester and review at least annually courses and programs as published in our catalogs in order to ensure compliance with credit hour requirements.

401.1 By Class (semester hours earned)

Class Rank By Semester Hours Earned
Class Rank Number of Credits
First Year 0-29
Sophomore 30-59
Junior 60-89
Senior 90+

401.2 Other

  • Full-time student - Undergraduate students currently registered for twelve semester hours or more are classified as full-time students. An average full-time load is sixteen semester hours.
  • Part-time student - Currently registered for fewer than twelve semester credit hours.
  • Matriculated, or degree-seeking, student - Admitted to the University and enrolled in a program in which the student anticipates earning a degree.
  • Undergraduate Special or non-degree student - A student who:
    • is not matriculated.
    • is not seeking a degree at AU.
    • may not enroll in graduate courses.
    • may apply for admission to change to degree-seeking status. If the student desires to seek a degree he/she must matriculate at least twenty-four semester hours prior to graduation.

402 Undergraduate Academic Standing

402.1

The Scholastic Standards Committee of each college or school will serve as the approving authority for student academic standing. The Committee will be composed of the Dean, as chairperson, faculty representatives, a Student Experience representative, and the Registrar. Student representatives may be added at the discretion of the college/school.

  • Definitions
    • Good Standing: Meeting or exceeding the minimum requirements for satisfactory progress toward the degree.
    • Academic Probation: Studies at the University may continue, but a probation contract may be required by the Dean and there may be limitations on credit load.
    • Academic Suspension: Studies at the University are interrupted for at least one full semester. The permission of the Dean of the College/School that suspended the student is required in order for the student to resume studies at AU. The Dean may require that specific conditions be met before permission to return will be considered. Potential transfer credit while away from AU may or may not be allowed. Students who do not resume studies at the end of the period of Academic Suspension are withdrawn from the University and must be readmitted to the University in order to resume studies in the future.
    • Academic Dismissal: Separation from the University due to serious, prolonged academic deficiency as evidenced by consistently low grades and, usually, repeated Academic Probation or Suspension. After a period of at least 2 years an application for readmission to the University may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Students must maintain the following term and cumulative Grade Point Averages to remain in Good Standing: (effective with grades for Fall Semester 2010):
    • In the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, and in the Inamori School of Engineering:
      • The minimum GPA is 2.00 regardless of the number of credits attempted*
    • School of Art and Design:
      • Minimum GPA for the School of Art and Design
        Number of Credits Attempted Minimum GPA
        0-35 1.70
        36 or more 2.00
    • *”Credits Attempted” include transfer credits and all credits earned at AU, as well as the credits for withdrawn courses and courses with grades of “In Progress” (IP) or “Incomplete” (I). Only Audited courses are excluded.
    • A student whose term or cumulative GPA drops below the level established, or who is not satisfying requirements towards a degree, will be placed on Academic Probation or may be Academically Suspended or Dismissed
    • A student on Academic Probation who fails to attain the minimum term and cumulative GPA’s for a second consecutive semester may be placed on Extended Academic Probation or on Academic Suspension, or may be Dismissed
    • A student with multiple semesters on Academic Probation or Extended Academic Probation, whether or not the semesters are consecutive, may be Academically Suspended or Dismissed
    • Students with a term or cumulative GPA below 1.00 are subject to Academic Suspension or Dismissal regardless of their prior academic standing
    • A student who is eligible for Academic Suspension a second time or who would be on Academic Probation/Extended Academic Probation for a third consecutive semester may be Academically Dismissed. A student eligible for a third Academic Suspension will be Dismissed from the University
  • Students may appeal their Suspension or Dismissal through the Dean for presentation to the Scholastic Standards Committee of the College or School that placed academic sanctions on the student

404 Undergraduate Honors

404.1 Dean's List

A full-time degree-seeking student in good academic standing who earns at least a 3.5 grade point average for a Fall or Spring semester with 12 or more GPA hours, no letter grade below C-, and no grade of Incomplete (I) is placed on the Dean's List in his or her school or college for that semester. Notation of the award is made on the student’s official transcript.

404.2 Honors in the Field of Specialization

Although specific requirements are determined by the faculty in the academic area offering the major, general requirements for honors’ candidates have been adopted by the faculty. Candidates for this honor shall have:

  • attained a cumulative GPA of 3.30 in the courses of the major field
  • earned at least two semester hours of credit in independent study (may be waived by the major area faculty)
  • passed an oral examination in the major and allied fields, conducted by a committee selected by the major faculty

Candidates for these honors will be recommended by their respective division and approved by the faculty.

404.3 Graduation Honors

Three grades of honors are awarded, upon faculty approval, to seniors based on their cumulative scholarship attainment as evaluated upon completion of the requirements for the bachelor's degree. In order to be eligible for these honors a senior must have earned a minimum of sixty credit hours at Alfred University ("Passed Hours") with at least fifty "GPA Hours".

  1. Summa cum laude, or highest honors, to those having a GPA of 3.90 and no grade below B.
  2. Magna cum laude, or high honors, to those having a GPA of 3.70 and no grade below C.
  3. Cum laude, or honors, to those having a GPA of 3.30.

404.4 Honors Program – Alfred University Scholars

  • Honors program students are required to take four 2-credit honor seminars. During the first year a seminar is required each semester; students must then take two during the three semesters which follow.
  • AU students are permitted to take one course a semester on a "pass/fail" basis. Honors students are permitted to take an honors seminar plus one other two or four credit course per semester "pass/fail".
  • Students in the School of Art and Design may count Honors courses in the academic elective and free elective categories.
  • To graduate as an "Alfred University Scholar", a student must have a 3.20 GPA, successfully complete four seminars, and write and defend an Honors thesis.

404.5 Top Undergraduate Students

The highest ranked graduating student in each undergraduate college or school will be selected by the Registrar using the following guidelines:

  • a minimum of 60 "GPA Hours"
  • grades received in all courses transferred to AU will be included in the calculation of a student’s “honors GPA" for this purpose only
  • double degree students may be honored for their work in either college or school

The top undergraduate students are seated on the Commencement platform and are recognized during the ceremony.

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500 Registration, Scheduling and Attendance

501 Registration

501.1

Any student in attendance during the previous semester who does not complete registration during the period designated by the Academic Calendar will be considered a late registrant.

501.2

A late registrant should complete registration as soon as possible.

501.3

Late registrants are subject to a late registration fee.

502 Scheduling and Schedule Changes

502.1

Each student must have a study plan for the following term approved by his/her faculty advisor(s). This requirement applies to both full-time and part-time students in degree programs.

502.2

Adding and Dropping Courses - A course may be added or dropped during the periods indicated in the Academic Calendar without penalty. (See also 502.3 for the distinction between dropping and withdrawing.) Any course dropped will not appear on the student's transcript. The approval of the student's Dean is required if this course change is made after the normal change period and will only be granted in extreme cases. If granted, a $35 late fee is assessed.

502.3

Withdrawing from a Course - A student may withdraw from a course and receive the grade of W with the signature of the lecture instructor and the approval of the student's advisor during the period designated by the Academic Calendar. The approval of the student's Dean is required if:

  • The revised load is less than twelve semester hours or more than 18 (20 for School of Engineering)
  • After deadline for this type of action ($35 late fee assessed.)

503 Attendance

503.1

Regular class attendance is expected of all students. Faculty members shall establish their own regulations governing attendance and communicate such to the students.

503.2 First Class Attendance Rule

A student in a closed course who does not attend the first class meeting or communicate with the instructor or the Registrar's Office by the close of the day of the first class may be dropped from the course. It is up to students to check with the instructor to determine if they have been dropped.

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600 Withdrawal, Leave of Absence and Readmission

601 Withdrawal from the University

 A student who chooses to withdraw from the University must meet with the Assistant Dean of their college or school. The Assistant Dean will explain the official process and advise the student on next steps. (See 604 for withdrawal grade policy.)

602 Readmission

602.1
A student who has withdrawn from the University or been suspended or dismissed for any reason may be granted the opportunity to return. Application for readmission must be submitted to the Office of Admission by July 1 for fall semester readmission or by November 1 for spring semester readmission.

602.2
A readmitted student must complete the degree requirements of the University catalog in effect at the time of their readmission. If the student chooses and/or their advisor recommends, the student may complete requirements of a later catalog.

603 Undergraduate Leave of Absence

Some students may need to temporarily pause their education. The University has established a leave of absence policy that assures a student the right to continue their education following a specified leave period, usually one to two semesters. A leave of absence request must include the reason(s) for the leave and the length of time the student plans to be away.

1. Personal Leave of Absence

• A student must meet with their Assistant Dean to request a leave of absence.
• Before granting a personal leave of absence, the Assistant Dean will counsel the student about the leave and return process.
• Once a leave of absence is granted, the Dean's office will notify relevant University officials of the decision and the expected date of return.

2. Medical Leave of Absence:

• A student seeking a medical leave of absence should contact the Dean for Student Experience.
• A student who is granted a leave of absence to deal with physical or mental health concerns must submit a clinical evaluation to the Student Experience Office and be approved to return from leave by the Dean of Student Experience.

A student living on campus at the time of their leave of absence will need to contact the Office of Residence Life regarding their room and belongings. Students should also communicate with the Student Accounts Office and Financial Aid if they have questions regarding their account.

Students on judicial probation will normally not be granted a leave of absence. Under certain circumstances (for example, a felony conviction) under which a student's leave of absence, and eligibility to return to the University, may be canceled.

604 Grades for Students leaving School During the Semester

A student who formally withdraws from the University during a semester will be given W grades in those courses in which they are registered, providing the published last date to withdraw from each course has not passed. When the last day to withdraw has passed, the instructor will record a final (non-W) letter grade. In case of special circumstances, the student's Dean may permit W grades to be recorded for any course after the deadline has passed.

605 Transcript Notations for Those Found to Be Responsible for a Crime of Violence

As required by New York State Education Law Article 129-B, the following notations will be placed on the official academic transcripts of students suspended or expelled after being found to be responsible for crimes of violence, including sexual violence, as defined by the reporting requirements of the federal Clery Act:

  • “Suspended after a finding of responsibility for a Code of Conduct violation,” or
  • Expelled after a finding of responsibility for a Code of Conduct violation”

If a student withdraws from the University while such conduct charges are pending, the transcript notation shall read:

  • “Withdrew with Conduct charges pending”

Students who are suspended may appeal to the Dean of Student Experience to have the notation removed from their official transcript one year after conclusion of the Suspension. Transcript notations for Expulsion are permanent.If a finding of responsibility is vacated for any reason, any transcript notation related to this provision is removed.

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700 Academic Dishonesty (Unethical Practices)

Alfred University values integrity of all types - scholarly (research), personal and academic. As a result, the Faculty at Alfred University have set high standards for academic integrity and severe penalties for deviations, broadly called academic dishonesty, from these standards.

701 Definition

Unethical conduct or academic dishonesty is defined as any action that enables students to receive credit for work that is not their own. Such conduct will not be tolerated in any form. Academic dishonesty can occur both in and outside the classroom, studio, or lab. This might involve venues as varied as student publications, art exhibits, and public presentations

In the context of tests, quizzes, examinations, or other in-class work, dishonest practices include but are not limited to:

  • Marking an answer sheet in a way designed to deceive the person correcting it
  • Possession of unauthorized material that could be used during a quiz, test, or examination for the purposes of cheating
  • The unauthorized use of books or notes during a quiz, test, or examination
  • The hiding or positioning of notes or other tools for the purposes of cheating on a quiz, test, or examination
  • Unauthorized possession or knowledge of any examination prior to its administration
  • Looking at someone else's quiz, test, or examination without the express permission of the instructor
  • Any form of unauthorized communication during a quiz, test, or examination. This includes use of any electronic communication devices without the consent of the instructor. Such devices include--but are not limited to--cellular ph ones, Bluetooth, computer internet, recording devices, and PDA, CD and MP3 players.

In the context of writing assignments, research projects, lab reports, and other academic work completed outside the classroom, dishonest practices, commonly referred to as plagiarism, include but are not limited to:

  • Lack of adequate and appropriate citation of all sources used
  • The appropriation of another’s ideas, analysis, or actual words without necessary and adequate source citations, either deliberately or inadvertently
  • The copying, purchase, or other appropriation of another person’s academic work with the intention of passing it off as one’s own original production
  • The creation of a document by more than one student that is then submitted to the instructor as the original creation of only one student, without the express permission of the instructor
  • Submitting the same piece of work to more than one instructor without the express permission of all instructors involved

The following guidelines are included to assist students in avoiding dishonest behavior in their academic work, particularly in writing assignments, research projects, and lab reports.

  • Students’ written work should reflect their own personal preparation for the assignment, such as reading books and articles, performing research on the internet and in electronic databases, and taking notes in class and during the research process.
  • Students should avoid using the actual words of the authors of their sources whenever possible, opting instead to demonstrate an understanding of the authors’ ideas by rewriting them in their own words.
  • All ideas and analyses that are derived from other authors must be attributed to those authors in the form of appropriate source citations, even when their own words are not used. Source citations usually take the form of footnotes, endnotes, or parenthetical citations in addition to a formal bibliography and/or works cited page at the end of the writing assignment. The format for these source citations depends on the conventions of each academic discipline: consult your instructor as to the appropriate form to use.
  • When the use of an author’s specific text is unavoidable or necessary, that material must be identified as a direct quotation and must either be surrounded by quotation marks or formatted as a block quotation. Appropriate source citations must follow all quotations, as per the instructions above.
  • Circumstances when direct quotation is necessary or desirable include: when the wording of the text is essential to the student’s own analysis; when the text exemplifies the author’s particular perspective; when quoting the text is a more efficient way of presenting the author’s ideas than a more elaborate and lengthy paraphrase would be. It should be noted that lengthy quotations and/or their overuse is neither desirable nor appropriate in most instances and should be avoided. Additionally, over-reliance on lengthy quotations can be considered a form of plagiarism.
  • Some instructors find collaborative assignments useful. Students may be allowed to collaborate in shared assignments only with the specific permission of the instructor. In those circumstances the limits to the collaboration will be established by the instructor and students should be aware that they are responsible for maintaining the appropriate limits to that collaboration.

702 Procedures

702.1 First Offense

If academic dishonesty is suspected, the following procedures should be followed:

  • Before a formal charge of academic dishonesty is made, the instructor is strongly encouraged to have his or her department chair or, if that department chair is deemed inappropriate or impractical, another colleague or administrator, review the alleged infraction.
  • Within seven business days after the infraction is observed or verified, the instructor shall advise the student orally, if possible, and by email that the student has (or may have) committed an act of academic dishonesty. This will allow simple misunderstandings and misinterpretations to be resolved. A semester day is defined as a day when the university is in session and classes/exams are held.
  • If the instructor remains convinced that an offense has occurred, a written statement of the offense will be sent to the student by email and also by regular mail. The statement will include whatever penalty the instructor considers appropriate. For offenses categorized as Tier One (see section 702.1.e), a copy of the letter along with the documentation of the infraction will be sent to the instructor's dean, the student's dean, and the Provost and Chief Operating Officer. This letter should include a reference to this section of these regulations to inform students of their rights and the procedures to be followed in the event of an appeal.
  • The penalty within a course for academic dishonesty is entirely at the instructor’s discretion for both Tier One and Tier Two offenses.
  • Infractions shall be categorized as Tier One (major) or Tier Two (other). Tier One infractions shall be reported to the student’s dean and the Provost and Chief Operating Officer. A second Tier One infraction will result in dismissal from the university. Tier One offenses include (but are not limited to) the following: plagiarism, submission of a commercially-derived term or research paper or report or art-presentation, use of a research paper or report prepared by another person without the instructor’s permission, producing a research paper or report for another student without the instructor’s permission, cheating on an examination or quiz, aiding and abetting academic dishonesty, falsification of grades or records, unauthorized viewing or altering of academic or administrative records, gaining an unauthorized or unfair advantage on academic assignments (including preventing other students from fair access to academic materials), buying or selling assignments or examinations. Tier Two infractions are generally considered less serious than Tier One offenses. They need not be reported to the Provost and Chief Operating Officer and the dean(s). Examples of Tier Two infractions include attendance-related dishonesty or submission of assignments to two or more classes without the instructor’s permission. If an instructor is uncertain about categorizing an infraction as Tier One or Tier Two, he/she shall make a determination in consultation with a department chair or, if the chair is a party to the case or is otherwise unavailable, the dean or assistant dean of the college.
  • The academic dean of the student’s college should advise the student of appeal procedures that are available.

Section 702.2 Following A Charge Of Academic Dishonesty

  • A student charged with an unethical practice may accept the judgment and penalty assessed by the instructor.
  • A student charged with an unethical practice may appeal in writing directly to the instructor who assessed the penalty within fourteen (14) business days after the instructor sends email and written notification of the offense and penalty to the student. The fourteen business-day period is not dependent on proof that the student has read the instructor’s email or written notification.
  • If the penalty is modified to one acceptable to both student and instructor, the appropriate academic deans and the Provost and Chief Operating Officer will be notified of the change.
  • If the instructor will not modify the penalty, the student may present the case to the Ombuds Officer. The Ombuds Officer informs the student if the matter has been resolved within seven business days.
  • In the event the matter is not resolved in a manner satisfactory to all parties through the Ombuds Officer’s review, the Ombuds Officer may at his/her own initiative, or shall at the student’s request, refer the matter to an appeals committee. A student request for appeals committee consideration of the matter must be made to the Ombuds Officer within fourteen (14) business days after the Ombuds Officer notifies the student orally, by email, or in writing, that the Ombuds Officer has been unable to resolve the matter.
  • The appeals committee will be constituted by the Ombuds Officer within fourteen (14) business days. Membership of the appeals committee shall include one student, to come from the University Student Grievance Committee, and any two full-time and/or tenured faculty. If the Student Senate has not appointed members of the Student Grievance Committee, or if those members stand in a conflict of interest with the student accused of the infraction, the Ombuds Officer may select any full-time senior student for this purpose. The appeals committee should meet as soon as possible after members of the committee have been selected. The appeals committee will review the case and prepare a written recommendation, to be forwarded to the student, the instructor(s) involved in the case, the student’s academic dean, and the Provost and Chief Operating Officer within seven (7) business days once the appeal committee has come to a recommendation. The appeals committee shall be limited to assessing whether the faculty member has proceeded in a manner consistent with the procedures specified in Section 700 and/or whether the offense constitutes academic dishonesty.
  • The instructor, the appropriate departmental/divisional head (if he/she is not a party to the case), and the instructor's dean (if he/she is not a party to the case) will consider the recommendation and notify the student, the student's Academic Dean, and the Provost and Chief Operating Officer of their final decision.
  • The student may bring one other student or employee from Alfred University to the appeals committee hearing, but no person not a member of the university community shall be permitted to attend the hearing. The invited other person shall not have the right to speak or otherwise participate in the hearing. No sound or video recording of the appeal committee hearing shall be permitted.
  • If the student is subject to more than one charge of academic dishonesty in a single class and the student requests an appeal committee hearing, all charges shall be considered together in a single hearing.
  • All testimony given at the hearing shall be considered confidential except for communication to appropriate university faculty and administrators.
  • If the appeals committee judges that the student is not guilty of academic dishonesty and the instructor who made the initial charge accepts the recommendation of the committee, all written records pertaining to the matter will be destroyed. If the instructor does not accept the recommendation of the committee, the Provost makes the final decision regarding written records. 

702.3 Second Offense

Notification and appeal procedures regarding second infractions are identical to those for an initial infraction.

  • A student found guilty of a second major infraction will be dismissed from the university within fourteen (14) business days, unless the student appeals the charge.
  • In unusual cases, the Provost and Chief Operating Officer has the right to dismiss a student who has committed more than one minor infraction from the university, to be determined by the Provost and Chief Operating Officer in consultation with the appropriate dean(s).
  • If the instructor chooses not to drop the charge and the student wishes to appeal the second offense, the Provost and Chief Operating Officer will transmit the appeal to the Ombuds Officer for an appropriate appeals committee review and recommendation for action to the Provost and Chief Operating Officer. If the review and recommendation confirms that the second offense is a major infraction and that the instructor’s action is warranted, the student will be dismissed from the University immediately.
  • In the case of a senior who plans to graduate at the end of the semester in which the second offense occurs, the appeals committee review should be conducted as soon as practical. If the date of the commencement ceremony makes the appeals committee meeting impractical, then the Provost and Chief Operating Officer, together with the student’s dean, shall have the authority to dismiss the student prior to the commencement ceremony.

702.4 Notification

Regarding all cases that fall under the purview of section 702.3, the Provost and Chief Operating Officer will notify the instructor(s) and student of a final decision.

When more than one college is involved (for instance, if a student from one college is charged with an infraction by an instructor in another college), the Provost and Chief Operating Officer shall inform all appropriate deans or program directors of the events and penalties.

702.5 Records

All reports and documents pertaining to each case, including faculty charges, student appeals, appeal-committee records, and all written responses will be filed within the Provost's office.

All such information is subject to regulations regarding disposal of records and release of information mandated by Alfred University and/or found in the Family Education and Privacy Act (FERPA) or as mandated by any other controlling legal authority.

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800 Miscellaneous

801 Half Semester Courses

Courses may be offered during the first or second half of the fall and spring semesters as set forth in the Academic Calendar. The credit value for these courses shall be determined by the curriculum committees of the College offering these courses.

802 Course Numbering System

802.1 Courses are numbered as follows:

001 – 099 Courses of a remedial nature that do not carry credit toward any University degree.
100 – 199 Courses without prerequisites primarily for undergraduate students in their first year of study.
200 – 299 Courses with or without prerequisites primarily for undergraduate students in their first or second year of study.
300 – 399 Courses usually having prerequisites and offered primarily for undergraduate students in their third or fourth year of study.
400 – 499 Advanced courses primarily for undergraduate students in their fourth-year of study.
500 – 599 Courses primarily for graduate students. With permission of the instructor, undergraduate seniors in good standing may enroll in these courses for undergraduate or graduate credit. (May count for graduate credit only if not required to complete the undergraduate degree.)
600 – 699 Advanced graduate courses open only to graduate students.

802.2

A few designated courses at the 400-level may be taken for graduate credit only by students who have been formally admitted to the Graduate School prior to the registration and permission of the advisor is required.

803 Students with Disabilities

It shall be the policy of Alfred University to offer alternate forms of evaluation to all students with documented learning disabilities who request such examinations. These alternate examinations must be consistent with the needs of the faculty to assess the knowledge of the students. Additionally, these alternate evaluation procedures must be suitable to permit the student appropriate opportunity to succeed on subsequent State/Federal licensing examinations.

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Appendix A - Standardized Exam Course Equivalencies

Advanced Placement (AP) Examination Equivalencies
AP Examination Credit-Granting Score Credit Granted Equivalent AU Course/Area
African American Studies 4 or 5 4 HIST 200
Art History 4 or 5 4 ARTH 130 and ARTH 140
Biology 4 or 5 8 BIOL 101/102(Area F-I)
Calculus AB 4 or 5 4 MATH 151 (03-QR)
Calculus BC 3* 4 MATH 151 *(w/Calc AB subscore of 4 or 5
Calculus BC 4 or 5 8 MATH 151 (03-QR) and MATH 152
Chemistry 4 4 CHEM 105 & 105L (Area F-1 & F-II)
Chemistry 5 8 CHEM 105/105L and CHEM 106/106L
Computer Science A 3, 4, or 5 4 CSCI 156
Computer Science AB 4 or 5 8 CSCI 156 and CSCI 157
Economics Macro 4 or 5 3 ECON 202
Economics Micro 4 or 5 4 ECON 201 (Area E2)
English Language and Composition 4 4 ENGL 101 (01-WR)
English Language and Composition 5 6 ENGL 101 + 2 Cr Eltv
English Literature and Composition 4  4 ENGL 101 (01-WR) 
English Literature and Composition 5 6 ENGL 101 (01-WR) + 2 Cr Eltv
Environmental Science 4 or 5 4 ENVS 101
French Literature 4 or 5 4 FREN 102 (02-FL)
French Language 3 or 4 4 FREN 102 (02-FL)
French Language 5 4 FREN 202
German Language 3 or 4 4 GRMN 102 (02-FL)
German Language 5 4 GRMN 202
Comparative Gov’t & Pol 4 or 5 4 POLS 100 (E2)
U.S. Gov’t & Politics 4 or 5 4 POLS 110 (E2)
World History: Modern 4 4 HIST 100  (D)
World History: Modern 5 8 HIST 100 (D)
U.S. History 4 4 HIST 211 (D)
U.S. History 5 8 HIST 211 and HIST 212 (D)
European History 4 4 HIST 110
European History 5 8 HIST 110 and HIST 111
Human Geography 4 or 5 4 General Ed (Area E-Soc/Anth)
Italian 4, or 5 4 ITAL 102 (F02)
Latin Literature 4, or 5 4 LATN 102  (F)@)
Music Theory 4 or 5 4 MUSC 120  (C)
Physics B 4  4 PHYS 111 (F-I)
Physics B 5 8 PHYS 111 (F-I) & PHYS 112
Physics C: Mechanics 4 or 5 4 PHYS 125 (F-I)
Physics C: Elec & Magnet 4 or 5 4 PHYS 126 (F-I)
Psychology 4 or 5 4 PSYC 101 (E)
Spanish Language 3 4 SPAN 102 (F02)
Spanish Language 3 4 SPAN 201
Spanish Language 3 4 SPAN 202
Spanish Literature 4 or 5 4 SPAN 102
Statistics 4 or 5 3 BUSI 113 (03-QR)
Studio Art – Drawing 4 or 5 4 ART 111 (C)
Studio Art – 2D/3D (General) 4 or 5 4 ART 100 (Area C)

*effective Fall 2014, a score of 3 will no longer earn calculus credit; a score of 4 or 5 will be required for credit

International Baccalaureate (IB) Equivalencies

Alfred University grants 30 semester hours of credit (sophomore standing) to students who have earned the IB diploma in high school. Scores of 4 or better on the higher-level (HL) exams and scores of 5 or better on the subsidiary level (SL) exams are considered for equivalent course credit. When necessary, liberal arts general elective credits are awarded to reach a total of 30 credits.

Students who have not completed the IB diploma are awarded equivalent course credit for up to two introductory courses for each higher level exam (HL) in which a grade of 5 or better was earned. Equivalent credit for one introductory course is awarded for each subsidiary level examination (SL) in which a grade of 6 or better was earned.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Equivalencies
IB Examination (level) Score Equivalent AU Course/Credit
Higher Level Exams: (4 or 5) (CLAS Gen Ed Category)
Biology (HL) 4* BIOL 100 4cr (F1, F-I)
Biology (HL) 5 BIOL 150 4 Cr. (F2, F-I)
Chemistry (HL) 4*-5 CHEM 103 4 Cr (F1, F-I)
Economics (HL) 4*-5 ECON 201 4 Cr. (E2)
History of Americas (HL) 4*-5 HIST 211 4 Cr. (D)
History of Europe (HL) 4*-5 HIST 107 4 Cr. (D)
Language A (English): Language and Literature (HL) 4*-5 ENGL 101 4 Cr. (01)

Language A (English): Literature (HL)

 4-5 ENGL 220 4 Cr.
Languages (HL) 4*-5 (Lang) 101 4 Cr. (02)
Mathematics (HL) 4*-5 MATH 101 4 Cr. (03)
Physics (HL) 4*-5 PHYS 111 4 Cr. (F1, F-I)
Physics (HL) 4*-5 PHYS 111 4 Cr. (F1, F-I)
Psychology (HL) 4*-5 PSYC 101 4 Cr. (E1)
Social & Cultural Anthropology (HL) 4*-5 ANTH 110 4 Cr. (E3)
Theatre (HL) 4*-5 THEA 110 4 Cr. (C)
Theory of Knowledge B or A PHIL 101 4 Cr. (B)
Visual Arts (HL) 4*-5 ART 100 4 Cr. (C)
Higher Level Exams: (6 or 7)
Biology (HL) 6-7 BIOL 150 4 Cr. (F2, F-I)
Chemistry (HL) 6 CHEM 105 4 Cr. (F1, F-I)
Chemistry (HL) 7 CHEM 105,106 8 Cr. (F1, F-I)
Economics (HL) 6-7 ECON 201,202 7 Cr. (4 cr E2)
History of Americas (HL) 6-7 HIST 211,212 8 Cr. (D)
History of Europe (HL) 6-7 HIST 107, 200 8 Cr. (D)
Language A (English): Language and Literature (HL) 6-7 ENGL 101,102 8 Cr (01)

Language A (English): Literature (HL)

 6-7 ENGL 220
Languages (HL) 6-7 (Lang) 101,102 8 Cr. (02)
Mathematics (HL) 6-7 MATH 101,115 8 Cr. (03)
Physics (HL) 6-7 PHYS 111,112 8 Cr. (F1, F-I)
Psychology (HL) 6-7 PSYC 101, 100 8 Cr. (E1)
Social & Cultural Anthropology (HL) 6-7 ANTH 110 4 Cr (E3)
Visual Arts (HL) 6-7 ART 100 .8 Cr. (C)
Subsidiary Level Exams: Students Earning the IB Diploma
Economics (SL) 5-7 ECON 201 4 Cr. (E2)
Language A (English): Language and Literature (SL) 5  ENGL 101 4 Cr. (01)

Language A (English): Literature (SL)

 5  ENGL 220 4 Cr

Literature and Performance

 5 ENGL 220 4 Cr
Languages (SL) 5-7 (Lang) 101 4 Cr (02)
Visual Arts (SL) 5-7 ART 100 4 Cr (C)
History of Americas (SL) 5-7 HIST 211 4 Cr (D)
Biology (SL) 5-7 BIOL 100 4 Cr (F1, F-I)
Chemistry (SL) 5-7 CHEM 103 4 Cr (F1, F-I)
Mathematics (SL) 5-7 MATH 101 4 Cr (03)
Mathematical Studies (SL) 5-7 MATH 101 4 Cr (03)
Physics (SL) 5-7 PHYS 111 4 Cr (F1, F-I)
Psychology (SL) 5-7 PSYC 101 4 Cr. (E1)
Social & Cultural Anthropology (SL) 5-7 ANTH 110 4 Cr. (E3)
Theatre (SL) 5-7 THEA 110 4 Cr (C)
Subsidiary Level Exams: Certificate or Non-Diploma (no credit for a score of 5 on SL Exams)
Economics (SL) 6-7 ECON 201 4 Cr (E2)
Language A (English): Language and Literature (SL) 6-7 ENGL 101 4 Cr (01)
Language A (English): Literature (SL) 6-7 ENGL 220 4 Cr
Literature and Performance 6-7 ENGL 220 4 Cr
Languages (SL) 6-7 (Lang) 101 4 Cr (02)
Visual Arts (SL) 6-7 ART 100 4 Cr (C)
History of Americas (SL) 6-7 HIST 211 4 Cr (D)
Biology (SL) 6-7 BIOL 100 4 Cr (F1, F-I)
Chemistry (SL) 6-7 CHEM 103 4 Cr (F1, F-I)
Mathematics (SL) 6-7 MATH 101 4 Cr (03)
Mathematical Studies (SL) 6-7 MATH 101 4 Cr (03)
Physics (SL) 6-7 PHYS 111 4 Cr (F1, F-I)
Social & Cultural Anthropology (SL) 6-7 ANTH 110 4Cr. (E3)
Theatre (SL) 6-7 THEA 110 4 Cr (C)

*a 4 is considered for equivalent credit on HL exams only for students who have earned the IB Diploma

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Equivalencies

Only CLEP subject exams taken prior to admission to AU are considered for credit toward the degree. Students who wish to take a CLEP Exam for credit after being admitted to a degree program at AU must receive permission in advance from the Dean of their college or school.

Composition and Literature
CLEP Examination Credit-Granting Score Credit Granted Equivalent AU Course/Area
American Literature 50* 3 ENGL 220
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature 50* 3 ENGL 220

*College Composition Modular 

 50* 3 ENGL 101

*English Literature

 50* 3 ENGL 220

*English Composition

 50 3 ENGL 101
Humanities n/a none none

* Credit is granted only with an acceptable locally-graded essay

Science and Mathematics
CLEP Examination Credit-Granting Score Credit Granted Equivalent AU Course/Area
College Algebra 50 3 MATH 115
Biology 50 4 Natural Sci (F2, F-I)
Chemistry 50 4 Natural Sci (F2, F-I)
Chemistry 65+ 8 Chem 105, 106
Calculus  50 3 MATH 151
College Mathematics 50 4 MATH 101
Pre Calculus 50 4 Math 100
Natural Science n/a none none
Foreign Languages
CLEP Examination Credit-Granting Score Credit Granted Equivalent AU Course/Area
French Language 50-61 4 FREN 101
French Language 62+ 8 FREN 101/FREN 102
German  Language 50-62 4 GRMN 101
German Language 63+ 8 GRMN 101/GRMN 102
Spanish Language 50-65 4 SPAN 101
Spanish Language 66+ 8 SPAN 101/SPAN 102
Spanish w/Writing 1 & 2 To be reviewed
History & Social Sciences
CLEP Examination Credit-Granting Score Credit Granted Equivalent AU Course/Area
American Government 50 3 POLS 110
Educational Psychology 50 3 General Elective
Human Growth and Development 50 3 General Elective
Macroeconomics, Principles of 50 3 ECON 202
Microeconomics, Principles of 50 3 ECON 201
Psychology, Introductory 50 3 PSYC 101
Sociology, Introductory 50 3 SOCI 110
U.S. History I 50 3 HIST 211
U.S. History II 50 3 HIST 212
Western Civilization I 50 3 Historical Studies (D)
Western Civilization II 50 3 Historical Studies (D)
Social Sciences & History n/a none none
Business
CLEP Examination Credit-Granting Score Credit Granted Equivalent AU Course/Area
Financial Accounting 50 3 ACCT 211
Business Law, Intro 50 3 LAW 241
Information Sys/Computer Apps 50 3 MIS 101
Management, Principles of 50 3 MGMT 328
Marketing, Principles of 50 3 MKTG 221

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Appendix B

Circumstances under which a supervising Dean may change a grade (refer to section 305, above)

The Dean may change a grade only when, after having performed due diligence to determine all relevant information about the grade from all involved parties, it is the judgment of the Dean that a reasonable person would conclude that one or more of the following circumstances influenced the grade assigned by the course instructor:

  • The criteria used to determine the grade of the affected student were different from the criteria used to determine the grades of other students in the same course at the same time.
  • The criteria used to determine the grade were applied differently to the affected student than to other students in the same course at the same time.
  • A prior or current personal or professional relationship between the course instructor and the affected student constitutes a conflict of interest for the course instructor.
  • In determining the grade of the affected student, the course instructor was influenced by any personal and/or demographic characteristics of the affected student including, but not limited to age, disability, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, language, national origin, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation or social economic status.

The course instructor’s supervising Dean may also change grades in the following situations, after consulting with the appropriate Division/Department Chair:

  • When the course instructor is no longer affiliated with the University for a student to contest a grade or resolve an incomplete.
  • Where an instructor's grades for a course deviate drastically from the expected overall class performance.

The course instructor’s supervising Dean will inform the course instructor of his or her intention to change a grade within five business days (i.e., excluding Saturdays and Sundays) of making that decision.

The course instructor may appeal any grade change made by his or her supervising dean to the Provost and Chief Operating Officer within five business days (i.e., excluding Saturdays and Sundays) of receiving official notification of the grade change decision by the supervising dean. In this case, the Provost and Chief Operating Officer will make the final decision.

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