Financial Aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress is required by federal law (34 CFR 668.34) to measure a student’s completion of coursework toward a degree. The Student Financial Services Office monitors the progress of each student to determine if the students meets federal guidelines for receiving financial aid. Students must make both quantitative (pace) and qualitative (GPA) progress toward their program each year to receive financial aid. Students who do not maintain the minimum standards for grade point average and pace of progression may lose their eligibility for federal, state and/or institutional financial aid. Academic progress will be measured at the end of each student’s academic year, or at the midway point for programs under one year. All financial aid applicants are subject to the satisfactory academic standards whether or not they have received financial aid previously.

Students must maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0.

Grades of I, P, NR, AU, ADW, ADI, W, T and WD are not used in grade point calculations. Please refer to the College catalogue for the complete grading system. Students may receive financial aid for repeating a previously passed course once or a failed course until it is passed. The higher for the repeated course is used in the grade point average calculation.

Students must successfully complete a minimum of 67% of all credits attempted throughout their academic history as a graduate student at New England College.

Transfer credits earned at other institutions and accepted by New England College are included as credits attempted and earned. Graduate students may receive financial aid for up to a total of 150% of the total number of attempted credit hours required for their degree.

Students who fail to meet the satisfactory academic progress standards will be placed on financial aid termination and will be ineligible to receive financial aid. Students on termination must pay educational expenses from personal resources or private lenders that do not require a student to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Students failing to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress due to extenuating circumstances may appeal the termination.

Extenuating circumstances may include: prolonged illness/death of an immediate family member, medical illness that created hardship to the student, military activation, change in educational objective, documented learning disability, or other acts beyond control of the student. Students must submit a complete Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal form to the Student Financial Services Office within 14 days of notification of termination. Students must attach all necessary supporting documentation such as doctor’s notes, accident reports, etc. Appeals will be reviewed within 14 days of receipt. Incomplete appeal forms or missing supporting documentation not received within 14 days timeframe will result in a denied appeal. Decisions regarding appeals will be made in writing to the student. If an appeal is approved, the student will be either placed on a semester of financial aid probation or on a specific academic plan. If the student is on a semester of financial aid probation, they will be eligible to receive financial aid during the probationary semester and must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress by the end of the semester to remain eligible for financial aid. Students on an academic plan must meet the terms of the plan for the duration of the academic plan to remain eligible for financial aid.

Accessing Transcripts and Grades

Final grades and unofficial transcripts are available to students through the college’s MYNEC web services. Students are entitled to examine and make copies of any graded examinations and papers not handed back in class. Official transcript requests must be submitted in writing to the Registrar’s Office.

NEC Academic Integrity Policy: Graduate Programs

The New England College community embraces an Academic Honor Principle. It consists of honesty, trust, and integrity. Honesty is being true to oneself and others, engendering a culture of trust. Trust builds mutual respect, fostering a disposition of responsibility and civility. Integrity denotes inner strength of character: doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong. Students, Faculty, and Staff accept these values as fundamental guides to our actions, decisions, and behavior.

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following infractions:

Plagiarism: Using other people’s ideas, research, opinions, or words and taking credit for it as if it is your own work instead of copied. It is failing to cite quoted and/or paraphrased words or ideas from another person’s work other than the common knowledge or original thinking prepared for the course. Submitting an assignment or sections of an assignment that someone else has written - without giving proper credit ‐ is plagiarism. This includes work from other students, a purchased paper, and text from the internet. The following list describes different ways of plagiarizing. Any of these activities is academically dishonest:

1. Direct copy and paste from a source, without citation
2. Including cited sources in your paper, but not including sufficient information or correct formatting.
3. Copying pieces of a source.
4. Copying a source and then changing some of the words.
5. Using pieces of many different sources to put together a new whole.
6. Submitting a paper - or parts of a paper - that you have submitted for another course.
7. Uses more writing from other sources than from the author, even though it is cited.

Misrepresentation: having someone else do coursework, assignments, papers, quizzes and tests.

Facilitation of Academic Dishonesty: Helping someone else cheat. Examples include: supplying questions and/or answers to a quiz or examination, allowing someone to copy your homework, doing homework together without the instructor’s permission, seeking input from others during a take‐home or open book test.

Cheating: Deliberate deceptive behavior to avoid work and learning. Examples include:

1. Communicating with others during an exam or quiz
2. Copying all or part of homework or another’s quiz, exam, or written work
3. Using notes when you are directed not to by the professor, using electronic equipment to look up answers you don’t know
4. Making up data for research
5. Stealing quizzes or exams prior to their administration
6. Altering or attempting to alter college records
7. Offering a bribe to college personnel in exchange for special treatment or favors.

Because academic dishonesty violates academic integrity, it cannot be condoned at NEC.

Penalties for Academic Dishonesty

A student who incurs in academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred or may, if in the instructor’s opinion the work is of major significance in the total course, receive a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty must be reported to the Registrar’s office. If a second report of cheating or plagiarism occurs, the student will be subject to expulsion.

Procedures for Assigning Penalties

In order to protect the interests of the College community, including those of students and instructors, the following procedure shall be followed in cases of cheating and/or plagiarism. If an instructor is convinced an event of academic dishonesty has occurred, the instructor shall inform the student immediately before taking any other action. The student shall be given the opportunity to discuss the matter with the instructor. As a result of the discussion with the student, the instructor shall either dismiss the matter or, if the instructor remains convinced of academic dishonesty, s/he assign the student a failing grade for the work and/or the course, and report the matter to the Program Director and the Associate Dean where the program resides. Instances of cheating or plagiarism must be reported to the Registrar’s office.

Violations and Sanctions in cases of Academic Dishonesty

Graduate students are responsible for being aware of and complying with academic integrity policies, and must conduct themselves accordingly. Sanctions for Academic Dishonesty will depend on the seriousness of the offense and may range from the receipt of:

• An “F” grade on the subject paper, report, etc.
• An “F” in the course in which credit may be earned.
• Academic Dismissal.

If a graduate student who has been accused of academic dishonesty drops the course, the student’s registration in the course will be reinstated until the issue is resolved.

Notification to the graduate student of a failing grade and the option of appeal concerning the alleged academic dishonesty and academic dismissal remains with the Program Director and/or the Associate Dean of the Division where the program resides.

The student’s ability to proceed within an academic program while an appeal is in process will be determined by the individual Program Director and Associate Dean.

Appeals Procedure

The student may appeal the instructor’s action through the following procedure: Within 10 class days of receiving notice of the failing grade in the assignment or course, the student must submit a written request for a hearing to the Director of the program in which the student is enrolled. The request will contain a statement of the basis for appeal as well as any supporting evidence. The instructor will receive a copy of the student’s appeal. The Program Director will consult with the student and with the faculty member, and will try to reach a decision acceptable to both. If this is not possible, the Program Director will refer the case to the appropriate Associate Division Dean, who may in turn raise the matter to the Graduate and Professional Studies Council.

The Graduate and Professional Studies Council shall hear and decide, in accordance with procedures it may adopt, academic dishonesty appeals referred to it by the Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Both the student and the faculty member involved may present witnesses and be represented by advocates at the hearing. If the Council finds in the student’s favor, it will recommend that the instructor reconsider the failing grade. If the instructor does not accept the recommendation, the case will be forwarded to the Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies for a final decision.

Adding, Dropping, and Withdrawal from Courses

Students may add or drop courses prior to the first day of the term. Dropped courses are not recorded on a student’s academic record. A student may drop a course for any reason prior to the first day of the term (all terms begin on Mondays) without penalty.

Withdrawals are permitted until the last day of the fifth week of class and are noted on the student’s academic record with the designation of “W.” Students are financially responsible for all courses with a “W” grade. Exception to this policy is by petition, only with the approval of the instructor, the Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, and the Program Director. Enrolled students who withdraw must do so in writing, stating the reason for withdrawal. The refund of tuition is based on the week the student withdraws and notifies the Graduate and Professional Studies Office (both must be accomplished). The withdrawal policy is as follows:

No adjustments to account balances will be made nor withdrawal disputes considered after 30 days from the end of the term during which the student withdrew.

For weekend seminar courses, cancellations must be received by the Thursday before the first class date, or the student will be responsible for payment of the entire course tuition. Attending any portion of a weekend course will incur the same responsibility for tuition payment.

Administrative Withdrawal Policy

Nonattendance (understood in the online environment as lack of participation in the discussion boards, and failure to submit the required assignments) does not constitute a withdrawal, nor does stopping payment on a check for registration fees constitute a request for refund; it is the student’s responsibility to add or drop classes-not the instructor’s.

Policy

If a student misses two or more consecutive weeks of class during the term, or if the student has missed enough assignments that the instructor believes s/he cannot meet the goals of the course within the remaining timeframe, s/he may be subject to administrative withdrawal. In the absence of extenuating circumstances and 48 hours after the student has been notified, the administrative withdrawal will take place and the student will be removed from the class. This Administrative Withdrawal Policy will be implemented in all graduate level courses subject to the following provisions:

• The Student Services staff will carry out a good faith effort to contact the student and advise him or her of the situation and the consequences of an administrative withdrawal;
• The instructor will attempt to contact the student and issue a warning prior to the decision of administrative withdrawal;
• The administrative withdrawal must be approved by the program director, upon recommendation from the instructor and/or the student services staff. If the instructor does not initiate the administrative withdrawal process, s/he must be fully informed by the Student Services staff so that s/he can contact the student (via email) and issue the warning;
• The Administrative Withdrawal Policy must be included in the course syllabus. Students must be informed that administrative withdrawal may have an impact on their Financial Aid awards and status in the program;
• The Student Services office must have sufficient documentation of student notification prior to the administrative withdrawal. This documentation, together with the instructor’s warning, will become part of the student’s file at NEC;
• Administrative withdrawal will take place after the fee refund period. Students who are administratively withdrawn from the course will not be eligible for a tuition refund;
• For the purpose of withdrawals, term weeks start on Mondays and end on Sundays;
• No withdrawals are permitted during the last week of the term.

Audited Courses

Students wishing to audit a course may do so by contacting the Graduate and Professional Studies Office. Permission of the instructor is required. The workload and attendance policy in the course is to be determined by the instructor and should reflect expectations of both the instructor and the student. No credit is granted for an audited course. A grade of “AU” will not be entered on the student’s permanent record unless a student satisfactorily completes the attendance and workload requirements of the course. Students will be charged one‐half the current tuition rate for that course. All students will be charged any course‐related fees. After the end of the add/drop period, a student may not convert an audited course back to the letter grading system.

Directed Study Contract

A directed study is an academic tutorial course that allows a student to do an in‐depth study with a faculty member in an area of mutual interest. Students will meet weekly (face‐to‐face or online) with the faculty member.

Guidelines for Directed Study

• The Dean of the School of Graduate & Professional Studies reserves the right to deny requests for directed study option.
• Directed Study courses may not duplicate courses scheduled within a 12 month period, unless approved by the Dean.
• Directed Study courses may not be for more than 4 (four) credits.
• Students may present for graduation no more than a total of 12 (twelve) credits for Directed Study.

Eligibility and Registration

• Directed Study courses MUST be approved by the Dean of the School of Graduate & Professional Studies Office prior to initiating contract.
• Student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Student must have no record of cheating or plagiarism in prior course work.
• Student must have a faculty sponsor for the Directed Study.
• Student must coordinate the completion of the Directed Study Contract form and obtain all necessary signatures.
• The Directed Study Contract (complete with course syllabus and necessary signatures) must be submitted, in legible form, to the Office of Graduate & Professional Studies no later than the two weeks prior to the term start date.

Incomplete Grades

To request an Incomplete (“I”), the student must first approach his/her instructor. If the instructor agrees to grant the Incomplete, s/he must inform the SGPS Dean and the Associate Director of Students Services of this decision. Please note that an Incomplete is given only in exceptional circumstances beyond the student’s control (e.g., illness, unexpected delay in receiving materials for which the student is not responsible, etc.). Incompletes will only be approved for students who have already completed at least 50% of the required coursework. A student has 30 calendar days from the last day of the term to complete any grade of Incomplete. Unless the instructor notifies the Dean’s Office that another grade has been issued, grades of incomplete are automatically converted to grades of “IF” or “F.”

Students requiring an extension to complete the work in a course that has been graded Incomplete must submit a request to the SGPS Dean. The Dean will consult with the student’s instructor for additional information regarding the matter. This policy is also applicable to students not registered in the term following the Incomplete. Extensions will be granted only for extenuating circumstances. When the coursework for an Incomplete is submitted and the grade is changed, the new grade will be applied immediately to the student’s standing with regard to academic honors, warning, probation, etc.

Exceptions to Academic Policy

Exceptions to the College’s academic policies may be requested only by petition, and must be approved by the Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Class Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend and participate in all dimensions of every course. A student’s grade in a course may include attendance as well as online participation, and these policies and grading procedures will be stated clearly, in writing, by the instructor in the course syllabus before the end of the add/drop period. Students are personally responsible for the material missed as a result of absence from class. Attendance policies may vary from instructor to instructor, and some courses may involve specified grade reductions for missed classes or missed online participation. It is the responsibility of each student to understand fully the attendance policies and procedures for every course in which the student is enrolled.

New England College respects student absences from classes due to religious observances. In such cases, students are expected to notify their instructors prior to the anticipated absence. Making up missed assignments is the student’s responsibility.

Withdrawals and Leaves of Absence

A student who wishes to withdraw from the College during the academic year must notify the Office of Graduate Student Services in writing.

Students are automatically granted a leave of absence for a period of one year if they are in good academic standing. All other students must apply for readmission should they wish to return to the College.

The normal limitation for a leave of absence from the College is one year. Students whose absence exceeds this limitation may be required to file for formal readmission to the College, in which case they would reenter under the major and graduation requirements in effect at the time of their readmission. Students who withdraw during a semester may be required to apply for readmission before returning the following semester.