Academic Programs

ACADEMIC POLICIES & PROCEDURES

The academic policies and procedures at Post University are designed to ensure the maintenance of standards while meeting the needs of a diverse student body.

For information related to course registration, student records, schedule changes, and transcripts, please click here.

Major

Students typically declare a major field of study when admitted to the University. Students may change their major at any time by filing a request through the Registrar's Office. Available majors are identified in the Online Degrees section of the website.

Double Major

Students may fulfill the requirements for two majors at the baccalaureate level. Both majors will be listed on the transcript. If the majors are different degrees (BS and BA), the student must decide which degree will appear on the diploma. Students receive only one degree. Students must declare their major or double major prior to graduation. Completion of a double major may increase the length of time necessary for a student to graduate.

Minors

Students pursuing a baccalaureate degree may elect a minor, which entails a minimum of 15 credits in a discipline approved by the academic advisor. Students who wish to declare a minor may do so by contacting the Registrar's Office. Students must declare a minor prior to applying for graduation.

Dual Degrees

In order to earn two degrees simultaneously, a student must obtain permission from his/her advisor and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. At graduation time, the student will complete two (2) Applications for Graduation, pay two graduation fees, and receive two diplomas as long as two different degrees are completed (B.S. and B.A.)

Second Baccalaureate Degree

In certain instances, it is possible for students to complete the work for two distinct baccalaureate degrees successively. A minimum of an additional 39 credits is required beyond the traditional 120-credit baccalaureate program. Students must satisfactorily complete all of the requirements outlined in each of the two baccalaureate programs. A form is available for this purpose in the Registrar's Office and must be signed by the student's academic advisor. If the student graduates and then wishes to return to the University to receive another degree at a later time, the GPA starts fresh.

En-Route Associate Degree

Associate degree recipients who continue in a baccalaureate program within two years will be considered to have taken an "en route" degree. As such, their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) will be carried forward to their baccalaureate work. Associate degree recipients who subsequently enroll in a baccalaureate program after an absence of two or more years will be considered as newly admitted for baccalaureate study. As such, their CGPA earned in the course of their studies toward an associate degree will not be carried forward to their baccalaureate studies.

Residence Requirements

Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must earn at least their last 30 credits at Post University and must satisfy all degree requirements. This must include at least 15 credit hours in the major. Candidates for an associate degree must earn at least their last 30 credits at Post University and must satisfy all degree requirements, including at least 9 credit hours in the major.

Dual Concentrations for Graduate Students

The Graduate School offers dual concentrations in certain areas. Students should investigate where these are offered within one’s program.  The best way to do this is through one’s Academic Advisor or the respective Program Director/Manager.

When undertaking a dual concentration, a student must first complete all required prerequisites, any foundation courses, as well as any and all core courses within the over-arching program.  Once students have worked with their respective advisor and/or Program Director/Manager, they must complete all designated concentration courses prior to entering a capstone course.  Capstone projects for dual concentrations must contain substantive elements from both concentrations for full credit to be provided.

Grade Point Average (GPA) Computation

A student's term Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by multiplying the graded credit hours attempted ("A-F" Grades) by the quality point value of each grade received. This result is the number of quality points earned. The total quality points earned are then divided by the total number of graded credit hours attempted.

The Cumulative Grade Point Average is based on all course work completed to date.

Grading Policies


The following grades are used on academic records and carry the quality points indicated:




GRADE

QUALITY
POINT VALUE

APPROXIMATE
NUMERICAL EQUIVALENT

A

4.0

95 - 100

A-

3.7

90 - 94

B+

3.3

87 - 89

B

3.0

83 - 86

B-

2.7

80 - 82

C+

2.3

77 - 79

C

2.0

73 - 76

C-

1.7

70 - 72

D+

1.3

67 - 69

D

1.0

63 - 66

D-

0.7

60 - 62

F

0.0

Below 60


The following notations may appear on a student's transcript in lieu of a grade:

AU - AUDIT
The student elected not to receive credit for the course

UW - UNOFFICIAL WITHDRAWAL
If a student stops attending classes and fails to notify the University in writing that they are withdrawing from the University, the student will continue to be considered enrolled and will receive earned grades for the course(s).

If an ADP student completes a MOD but fails to return for the next two MODs without providing notification of withdrawal from the University, the student is considered to have been administratively withdrawn from the University.  In each case, unless the University has obtained written confirmation from the student that he or she intends to continue the program by enrolling in the subsequent semester or MOD, the student will be withdrawn administratively and the requirements for the Return of Title IV aid and reporting of enrollment status of less than half time to the National Student Loan Data System will apply.

Students may be withdrawn from any or all classes or from the University by the appropriate University administrator if they display unjustifiable behavior, disrupt or impede the learning of other students,  fail to answer University summons or refuse to pay balances after due notification.

IN - INCOMPLETE
A student may request a grade of “IN” (Incomplete) in a course from his/her instructor.  The instructor will determine if the student has completed at least 60% of the required assignments and has a compelling reason for not being able to complete the remainder of the course by the end of the module. The decision on granting the Incomplete will be at the instructor’s discretion.  The student must complete the missing course work up to eight (8) weeks from the end of the module in which the “IN” grade was received or in a time frame as otherwise indicated by the instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to complete and submit the missing course work within the indicated time frame. Once completed, the course grade will be changed from an “IN” to the appropriate letter grade by the course instructor. An “IN” grade that is not rectified within the specified time frame will be automatically changed to the default grade entered by the instructor on the “Incomplete” contract.

M - MILITARY WITHDRAWAL
Students who, during the course of an academic term, enter active Military service (including National Guard and Reserve active duty) and are not in attendance at the end of the term will receive course credit as follows:

  • If withdrawal is during the first four (4) full weeks of the term, no course credit shall be awarded, no grades shall be granted and the term shall not be counted as a term in residence. Full refund of tuition, room and board will be granted.
  • If withdrawal is after the first four (4) weeks of the term and before the last two (2) weeks of the term, no course credit shall be awarded. The transcript or record shall note either WM (withdrawal/military) or IN (incomplete) for courses in progress at the time of activation, and the term shall count as a term in residence. When a student selects the withdrawal option, a full refund for tuition will be awarded.
  • If withdrawal is during the last two (2) full weeks of the term, full course credit shall be awarded, grades attained at the time of withdrawal shall be granted and the term shall count as a term of residence. Students enlisted in the National Guard or the Military Reserves are to be allowed a reasonable time to make up academic work lost while participating in required training.

P - PASS
“P” grades are not included in the computation of the term or cumulative average. Credit hours are, however, included in the hours earned.

W - WITHDREW
The student withdrew from the course.


Pass/Fail Option

Students may take one elective course with a pass/fail option. Students wishing to do so must declare their intention when registering. The decision, once taken, is irrevocable.

Grade Changes

No grade will be changed six months after the conclusion of the term in which the course was taken. No grade will be changed after a degree has been awarded.

Grade Reports

Final grades can be viewed under the “Personal Info” section of the Post University’s Web Registration system.

Grade Appeals Policy

Informal Appeal of Grade:  If a student has a question or complaint about a final course grade, the student should first try to work out the issue with the instructor on an informal basis.

Step 1 of Appeal: If not satisfied, the student can appeal the final course grade by notifying the instructor of the question/grievance IN WRITING using the “Grade Appeal by Student” form via student’s Post University e-mail address, within fifteen (15) calendar days of the end of the semester or MOD. Supporting documentation must be included at this time. A copy must be forwarded to the Academic Program Manager (APM) in charge of the program, or the appropriate Dean, if the Program does not have an APM.

Step 2 of Appeal: The Instructor must respond to the student in writing, via Post University e-mail address, within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt of the appeal with a grade change or an appropriate explanation of the original grade given.  A copy should be sent to the APM, in charge of the course in question.
 
Step 3 of Appeal: If the matter is still not resolved, the student should appeal in writing, via Post University e-mail address, to the Academic Program Manager in charge of the course in question.  All supporting documentation, including any forms, etc., should be included.   (If the instructor is an APM or no APM is assigned to the course subject, go directly to step 5.)

Step 4 of Appeal: Having reviewed all supporting material, including the justification by the instructor, the APM will respond to the student’s concerns within fifteen (15) calendar days via Post University email.

Step 5 of Appeal:  If the student is still not satisfied, then they should appeal in writing to the Dean of the school in which the course is housed and represents the instructor being grieved.  Academic Program Managers should forward all supporting documentation, including notes from any meetings with said student or instructor, to the Dean for his/her review.  The Dean should respond in writing, via Post University e-mail address, to the student with his/her final decision within fifteen (15) calendar days of being notified by the Academic Program Manager.

All grade change forms must be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar.

THE DECISION OF THE DEAN IS FINAL.

Honors

Post Scholars: Full-Time Students
Matriculated students who demonstrate outstanding academic excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.9 upon graduation are named Post University Scholars, and are eligible to receive an additional 10 percent tuition discount beyond the 10 percent Alumni grant on a master’s degree program at the University. The Post University Scholars tuition grant is contingent on the student maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or better as a graduate student. Post University Scholars who drop below a 3.5 GPA in any given module will forfeit the additional 10% tuition grant.

President's List: Full-time Students

Matriculated students who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence by earning a Grade Point Average of at least 3.9 while carrying a minimum of 12 credits in a 2-MOD period will be named to President's List for that period. Grades of C or IN are not eligible.

Dean's List: Full-time Students

Matriculated students who demonstrate excellence by earning a Grade Point Average of at least 3.5 while carrying a minimum of 12 credits in a 2-MOD period will be named to the University Dean's List for that period. Grades of C or IN are not eligible.

Dean's List: Part-time Students

Matriculated students who demonstrate excellence by earning a Grade Point Average of at least 3.5 while carrying a minimum of 24 credits over 4 modules will be named to a special University Dean's List. Grades of C or IN are not eligible.

Baccalaureate Degree Honors

To qualify for honors, baccalaureate candidates must have earned a minimum of 60 credit hours in residence at Post University and achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50.

Summa Cum Laude – 3.90 to 4.00    Magna Cum Laude – 3.75 to 3.89     Cum Laude – 3.50 to 3.74

Associate Degree Honors

To qualify for honors, Associate candidates must have earned a minimum of 60 credit hours in residence at Post University and achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50.

Highest Honors – 3.90 to 4.00                      High Honors – 3.75 to 3.89                 Honors – 3.50 to 3.74

Masters Degree Honors

To qualify for honors, Masters candidates must have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 4.0.  Those Masters candidates earning a 4.0 will earn their degree “With Distinction”.

Honorary Organizations

Alpha Chi

Post University sponsors the Connecticut Gamma Chapter of Alpha Chi, the National Honor Society for students matriculating for the bachelor's degree. Membership is offered to juniors and seniors who are in the upper 10% of their class and who have earned a minimum of 30 credits at Post University. Eligibility is determined twice a year, in December and June.

Alpha Phi Sigma – Iota Psi Chapter (National Criminal Justice Honor Society)

Post University sponsors the Iota Psi chapter of the Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society.  Undergraduate Students shall be enrolled in the institution represented by the chapter, have declared a major, minor or equivalent in the criminal justice field, have completed 3 full times semesters or its equivalent at the university, have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale and ranked in the top 35% of their class.  A minimum of 4 courses completed in the 3 full time semesters must be in the criminal justice field.

Phi Theta Kappa

Membership is offered when a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 is acquired after completing 24 credits of course work at Post University.  Eligibility is determined two times per year, once during the fall semester and module two, and once during the spring semester and module four.

Tau Upsilon Alpha (Main Campus & ADP Students)

The purpose of Tau Upsilon Alpha National Organization for Human Services Honor Society is to honor academic excellence; to foster lifelong learning, leadership and development; and to promote excellence in service to humanity. Membership is offered to undergraduate students that have completed at least 12 credits, have a minimum of a 3.25 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale and be in the top 35% of their class. Graduate students must have completed the number of graduate credit hours equal to one full academic term, have a minimum of a 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale, be in the top 35% of their class, and be committed to working in and advancing the field of human services. Eligibility is determined once a year.


Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities

For a student to be recommended for inclusion in “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities,” he or she must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75. Only junior and senior students are eligible.

Transcript of Record

An "official" transcript is one bearing the seal of Post University and the signature of the Registrar. An official transcript is not given to a student or graduate of Post University but is mailed directly to the institution or individuals considering the applicant for admission or employment. An "unofficial" transcript may be given directly to the student or the graduate upon request and is stamped "Unofficial" or "Student Copy."

Students may have an official transcript mailed to other institutions, prospective employers, or other authorized agencies by completing the Transcript Request form. The request must reach the office at least one week before the transcript is to be issued. Due to the volume of requests made in December and May, transcript requests may take up to two weeks to process at that time. Transcripts, grade reports, certifications, or other information about a student may be withheld for failure to meet financial obligations or to return University property.

Degree Audit and Application for Graduation

Post University awards degrees in May, August and December. Commencement exercises are held in May. Students may participate in the graduation ceremony provided that: (1) they are within 6 credits of their degree into which they are enrolled; and (2) they have a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Students anticipating a December graduation must complete their degree requirements by the end of the fall term or MOD2.

Potential graduates must meet with their advisors prior to their last semester or MOD to make sure they have completed all required courses. While faculty advisors may assist each student in the selection of courses, the responsibility for fulfilling the requirements of the program and all University academic requirements rests with the individual student.

Deadlines for Graduation Applications:
January 15 – May Graduation
July 15 – August Graduation
October 15 – December Graduation

In addition, undergraduate students must submit a $90 nonrefundable graduation fee and graduate students must submit a $115 fee. Failure to submit the completed application and fee to the Office of the Registrar by the specified dates will mean a delay in graduation.

Graduation application forms can be downloaded at http://www.post.edu/online/registrarForms.shtml.

Graduation Requirements

In order to receive a degree from Post University, students must:
  • Be matriculated in a program.
  • Satisfactorily complete all degree program requirements: complete at least 60 credit hours for an associate degree; at least 120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree; the required number of credits for a Master degree.
  • Achieve a cumulative GPA of not less than 2.0 for undergraduate and a 3.0 for graduate students.
  • Fulfill the residence requirement for the degree program they are pursuing.
  • Pay in full all charges and fees incurred while in attendance at the University.
  • Complete an Application for Graduation and pay a non-refundable graduation fee.

For Graduate Students, the State of Connecticut Department of Higher Education requires students to complete a culminating experience to exhibit adequate comprehension and acquisition of knowledge from pursuit of their Master’s education. We at Post University have developed a series of “Capstone Courses” which meet the OFAAHE requirements as well as aid students in producing final product they can be proud of and possibly implement post-graduation.

Students who fail their capstone courses cannot graduate. Students have a total of two attempts to pass capstone with a grade of C- or better. If you have not passed after two attempts you must petition the Director or Dean take the classes a third time.

Alternative Credit Options

Post University provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate college-level proficiency in certain subjects where learning has occurred in non-traditional ways, such as advanced placement courses, correspondence study, independent study, on-the-job training, or work experience. Students earn course credits by examination or portfolio, but no grade is assigned.

Advanced Placement

The University recognizes advanced standing for superior secondary school performance as indicated by scores of 5, 4, or 3 on the Advanced Placement Examinations (AP). The Advising Office makes decisions regarding the acceptance of Advanced Placement Examinations for advanced standing.


Standardized Examinations

CLEP: The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers examinations in courses, mostly at the introductory level. Students may earn three to six credits per exam passed.

DANTES: DANTES affords students the option to take examinations in introductory and upper-level courses, including technological areas. Examinees receive three college credits per exam based on a pass/fail formula score.

The CLEP and DANTES examinations are given off-campus. For information concerning sites and dates, consult the College Board website.  The official score report must be sent to Post University for credit to be granted. The maximum number of credits that may be earned through any combination of CLEP, DANTES, or Credit for Life Work Experience is 15 toward an associate degree and 30 toward a baccalaureate degree.


Credit for Life Work Experience

Post University awards matriculated undergraduate students credits for life experiences upon review of a student portfolio. To receive college course credit for experiential learning, a student can apply for the Credit for Life/Work Experience Portfolio Program. This process allows students to earn three credits per course based on their work/volunteer experiences. Students can earn up to a maximum of 12 credits in this manner. Information regarding policies and procedures is available from the academic advising department.  There are certain subjects that are not eligible for portfolio credit.  Please consult with the Advising department for any restrictions.

Undergraduate Academic Degree Progress Standards

Periodically, the University will conduct a review to determine if students who are having academic difficulty are still in good standing. Students who fall below the required standards may be placed on warning and, if satisfactory improvement is not achieved, then the student will lose aid eligibility and will be dismissed until such time the student regains eligibility. Each case is reviewed and, whenever possible, students are given the opportunity to continue with their education. In order to receive financial aid and continue studies, students must meet the following minimum academic standards:

Total Credits

CGPA

0-30

1.70

60

1.85

75+

2.00

Students must also successfully complete at least 67% of the credits attempted (cumulatively).  A review of Academic Progress will occur at the end of each Period of Enrollment.  Students not maintaining a 67% completion rate for the first time are subject to Probation.  Students on Probation who do not raise their cumulative GPA to the required minimum or fail to complete 67% of their coursework will be dismissed from the institution.

In addition, any incoming student, (freshmen), who does not earn above a 1.0 in their first semester, or first two Modules will be academically dismissed.

Academic Warning

Undergraduate students whose average falls below 2.0 will be notified after participation in a semester/two module period. Failure to make necessary improvement could jeopardize the student’s enrollment at the University.

Probation

Students who fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward a degree are placed on academic probation. Students on probation may not enroll for more than twelve credits in a given 2-MOD period and they may also be required to retake courses in which they performed poorly. Students placed on academic probation will be notified in writing by the Office of the Registrar.

Graduate Academic Standing

GPA Minimum

Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.  Students whose GPA is below a 3.0 may be placed on academic warning or probation and/or require an academic improvement plan to be approved by the applicable program Director or Dean.  A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 has the next two (2) registered modules (or as otherwise noted in an individualized probationary plan) within which time the GPA must return to the 3.0 minimum. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program. 

Students failing to maintain a 3.0 GPA at the time they are ready to register for the Capstone Course will not be allowed to enter this course until the student has successfully brought the GPA back up to a 3.0 or above. In most circumstances, this will require the student to repeat a course or courses already taken with the goal of improving his/her grade in that course or courses.

Any grade below a C- (i.e., D+, D, D- and F) will be considered a failing grade. Students receiving a grade lower than a C- will be required to repeat the course and obtain a passing grade (i.e., C- or better). Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.  

Program Time Limit
The student must complete a program of study within a five (5) year time limit from the date of admission to degree status. Should extenuating circumstances arise, students may petition for a one-time, one-year extension for completion of their program of study. Such petitions must include the signed endorsement of the student’s Program Director / Manager. The Provost will rule on the petition and make the final decision. 

Academic Load
Under normal circumstances, students take one course per eight week module for two modules consecutively, which is considered a “Full Time” course load at a graduate level.  However, a student may enroll in a maximum of two (2) courses (6 credits) per academic module. Permission to take more than two (2) courses may be granted, providing the student has maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA and receives approval from the program advisor. Approval will require the student to demonstrate that he or she is not currently employed (i.e., retired, leave of absence, summer break, on medical leave, unemployed, etc.). Students who are seeking financial aid are advised to contact the Financial Aid Office, as there may be a minimum number of courses/credits required to receive such aid.

Course Syllabi
Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the current syllabus posted in each course in which they are enrolled. At all times, the requirements and procedures outlined in the instructor’s syllabus are in effect as governing policies for that course.

Participation
Online courses require regular participation in class discussions, group projects/work, and completion of  assignments and examinations.  Although the Graduate School expects that students log into their courses and actively participate in a substantive way a minimum of three days a week, it is recommended that students access course communications on a daily basis.

Online education requires your active attention and substantive participation.

If you will not be able to participate in your class for a week or more, contact your instructor as soon as you know prior to the absence.  The instructor has the prerogative to decide how much work must be made up and when. For absences due to emergencies, please notify your instructor as soon as possible.  You may be required to provide verification of the emergency.

Exiting Graduate Programs

Dismissal
The University maintains the right to terminate students from a graduate program if they are not (a) suited to the program in which they are registered; (b) conducting themselves in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the University or hostile to the welfare of students or faculty; (c) adhering to the University’s academic standing standards (see section on Academic Standards). Students who have been dismissed from the University may not take courses at the University on ground or online.

Voluntary Departure
Students who do not enroll in courses for a period of one (1) year will be considered to have withdrawn from the University and must reapply for admission.  

Suspension

Students not fulfilling their academic obligations may be suspended from the University. Suspended students may be allowed to return to the University if they can demonstrate that they have recommitted themselves to the completion of a degree program. Students taking courses at another accredited institution during suspension must have the courses approved by Post University; otherwise, no credit will be granted for these courses by Post University. Notification of suspension will be sent by certified mail from the Registrar's office to the student's home address. The student may appeal the suspension in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. An Academic Appeals Committee will convene to discuss the merits of the appeal and either uphold the suspension or grant reinstatement to the student.

Undergraduate Readmission

Students who have been dismissed for unsatisfactory scholarship may apply for readmission after one term. ADP students are not required to take courses at another institution.

Graduate Readmission to Program

Readmission after Dismissal
Students who have been dismissed may apply for readmission after one year from date of dismissal.  Students seeking readmission to a graduate program of study must go through the readmission process.  Readmission to the program is not guaranteed and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Director of the program with an appeal to the Dean. Where no Director exists, the readmission decision rests with the Dean and may be appealed to the Provost. Students seeking readmission must meet the current application requirements, provide all current documentation plus deliver a letter requesting readmission providing details as to why the student will be successful if allowed to return to graduate study. The student must also agree to an academic improvement plan created by the Director of the program or Dean of the School as part of the readmission process.   The academic improvement plan will provide for conditional admission for the student’s next 2 modules, will limit the student to registering for one class per module for the remainder of his/her program and such other provisions as required by the applicable program Director or Dean.   If the student violates the academic improvement plan, the student will be dismissed from the program of study with no appeal process.

Readmission without Dismissal
Students returning who were not dismissed from the University or who have not been enrolled in a course for one (1) year must reapply and satisfy all current admission criteria for their program. If the Student’s GPA is less than a 3.0 then the student must agree to an academic improvement plan satisfactory to the Program Director or Dean.   Appeals of the Director’s decisions may be made to the Dean of the applicable School.    

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, unauthorized collaboration, unauthorized use of digital materials, introduction of viruses, willful interruption of systems, and may include complicity in others’ academic dishonesty. Instructors regularly monitor assignment submissions utilizing but not limited to plagiarism detection software. No papers or projects submitted in a previous course (at this or any other University) will be accepted in subsequent courses. Any cases of academic dishonesty will be reported to the appropriate Academic Program Manager and other University personnel as the situation dictates. Confirmed dishonesty may result in penalties up to and including dismissal from the program of study and denial of any financial reimbursement. Students have the right to appeal decisions made through this process through the proper channels and ultimately up to the office of the Provost.  However, students wishing to appeal are required to follow the appropriate path as outlined in the appeal policy for grades and dismissals.

The University as a whole (including students, faculty, and administration) has the important responsibility to protect academic integrity and thus will not tolerate academic dishonesty of any kind.  Together we are a learning community, respectful of individual scholarship and respectful of each other.  

Definition of Plagiarism: In an instructional setting, plagiarism occurs when a student deliberately (or with disregard for proper scholarly procedures) uses someone else’s (or their own previously written material) language, ideas, or other original material without acknowledging its source.  Proper scholarly procedures require that all quoted material be identified by quotation marks or indentation on the page, and the source of information and ideas, if from another (or in a previously written work by the author), must be identified and be attributed to that source. Students are responsible for learning proper scholarly procedures, and inadvertent plagiarism (done unknowingly) will not be accepted, and is not an adequate defense.

Post University utilizes the American Psychological Association (APA) Publication Manual guidelines for writing (in some instances MLA may be used), and students are required to be familiar with the contents.  Numerous other resources are available to assist the student in proper writing techniques through the chosen Program of Study, the Writing Center, and the Post University Library.

Penalties for Plagiarism/Cheating:  Post University generally employs a three-strike process if students have cheated/plagiarized; however, an egregious violation of academic integrity may involve immediate dismissal.  

Step One:  Depending upon the severity of the plagiarism/cheating, an Instructor may choose to give a grade of zero on any work found to be plagiarized.  It is up to the Instructor (with assistance from the Academic Program Manager if appropriate) to decide if this course of action will be taken.  If the incident is considered to be relatively minor, the instructor may choose to allow a rewrite or some other form of disciplinary action may be taken.  Again, this decision is up to the instructor and the Academic Program Manager.

Step Two:  A second confirmed incident of plagiarism and/or cheating will result in the student receiving a grade of zero for the course.  If it is found that a second incident of cheating or plagiarism has occurred, but in a different course, the course of action will continue to be a grade of zero for that particular course.

Step Three:  If a third incident of plagiarism or cheating is confirmed throughout the student’s tenure at Post University, the student will immediately be expelled from the University regardless of the week or time frame in the semester or module.  The instructor must inform the Academic Program Manager who will inform the Dean of the respective school and the Provost (in the Office of Academic Affairs).

In all cases listed above the student may appeal the grade or disciplinary action as stated in the Grade Appeal or Dismissal Policy.

Assessment

Post University is committed to development and delivery of the highest quality instructional experiences. To achieve this and other quality related educational objectives, the University engages in studies to evaluate educational outcomes. Students, from time to time, be required to participate in these studies.

Participation

Although Post University is not an attendance-taking institution, regular class participation is essential to the educational process. Failure to participate in class or complete assignments may result in a failing grade.  Students may drop a class during the first week of the term or semester.  After the first week of classes and before the final 1/3 of the term or semester the student may withdraw from a course with a grade of "W".  This is not an earned grade and will not affect the student’s grade point average.   During the last 1/3 of the term or semester, students may not withdraw from a class unless they are officially withdrawing from the University.

Auditing a Course

Students who wish to enroll in a class without receiving academic credit may audit the course. Audit status must be declared during the registration period and requires the permission of the instructor. Audit status, once declared, cannot be changed. The cost to audit a course is half the current rate of tuition.

Course Substitutions

Course substitutions can be made with approval from appropriate Academic Program Manager.

Taking Courses at Another University


Post University students who wish to take courses at another accredited college or university and transfer the credits earned at that institution to Post University must have permission from the Registrar's Office. Students must be aware that taking a course at another university in which they received an "F" grade at Post University will not change the student's grade point average. A minimum grade of "C-" will be accepted for the transfer of credit.

Official Transcripts which are sent electronically from another institution will be accepted on a case by case basis.   All electronic official transcripts must be sent by the institution directly or by an organization contracted with that institution to send transcripts in a secure manner over the Internet.

First-Year Placement:  Full-Time Main Campus Students

First-year students are placed in English and mathematics courses according to their individual abilities as demonstrated through the University testing program. The University administers placement tests at specified times during the summer and at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters at no charge to students. Based on these placement tests, students may be required to take courses that will contribute to their success at the University.

Academic Civility Code

The Post University community is committed to practicing civility among the students, faculty, staff and
administration. Civility is defined as conducting oneself with respect for others and behaving in a manner
that promotes and encourages a positive social and academic environment. Post University embraces:

  • Respect for faculty, staff, students, guests, and all university property, policies, rules and regulations.
  • Promoting the exchange of ideas and diverse opinions through tolerance, integrity, dignity, and
  • respect while upholding academic integrity to the highest standard.
  • Taking personal responsibility for individual choices and actions and accepting the consequencesthereof.
  • Communicating in a professional and courteous manner across all platforms (verbal, non-verbal, written or electronic).
  • Abstaining from actions that are intimidating, bullying, demeaning or hostile to another person.

The University’s goal is to achieve and maintain a high standard of civility to increase our students’
capacities to achieve success at the University and in their future careers.

Standards for Academic Success

Education is a key element for a prosperous life and a rewarding career. In order to boost your chances
for educational success, you should:

  • Attend every class, arrive on time, and remain in class for the full period. Take care of bathroombreaks, or any other reason for leaving the classroom, before class begins.
  • Turn off and put away cell phones and all other electronic devices and refrain from sending text messages or surfing the Web while in class. Laptops and similar devices should only be used for
    academic purposes.
  • Respect a quiet and productive learning environment by refraining from talking to your classmates while class is in session.
  • Come to class prepared to participate. The classroom is not an appropriate place to catch up on sleep.
  • Avoid disruptive or inappropriate behavior in the classroom.
  • Contribute to a respectful classroom environment by not using offensive language in class.
  • Prepare for each class meeting by bringing your book and other class material, regularly reviewing the syllabus, completing your homework and assignments, and studying for quizzes and exams.
  • Be committed to the highest level of academic integrity. Avoid even the appearance of academic dishonesty in all of its forms.
  • Check your Post University-assigned e-mail account daily. Professors and staff will only send e-mail to your @students.post.edu account.
  • Adhere to the Post University Civility Code.

Students who are unable to comply with the policy will be referred to the appropriate office for judicial proceedings.  Sanctions may include loss of privileges, loss of residence or administrative withdrawal from class.  Significant and/or continued violations may result in dismissal from Post University.