General Academic Information
About 50 percent of Medaille's students are older than traditional college-aged students. Medaille offers some unique programs and services to accommodate the special needs of students of all ages.
Day Classes
Day classes begin at 8:00 a.m. and may extend to 5:45 p.m. Day classes operate on a semester basis. Ordinarily, a particular course will be held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or Tuesday and Thursday. Most students take five courses per semester. Those who wish to be full-time students must register for 12-18 credits a semester.
Evening Program
If you are a person with daytime obligations, you'll appreciate the convenience provided by our Evening Program. By attending classes only two or four evenings per week, you may earn a bachelor's degree or an associate degree. You would be eligible to receive the same financial aid benefits as any full-time student. Evening courses are taught on Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday sequences, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., each class running two hours and five minutes. Each semester consists of two modules. Most students take two or three courses per module (nine weeks in length). Those who wish to obtain full-time status must register for 12-18 credits over the semester's two modules; students are not permitted to register for more than nine credits in a single module.
Weekend Classes
In an effort to provide our students with maximum flexibility, the College offers courses on Saturdays as well as on Friday evenings.
Accelerated Learning Programs (ALP) in Amherst and Rochester
Medaille's Accelerated Learning Programs offer the following degrees: the Associate in Science (A.S.) in Business, the Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Organizational Leadership, and the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.). These unique programs are offered at the College's branch campuses at the Centerpointe Corporate Park in Amherst, New York and at the Corporate Woods Office Park in Rochester, New York.
The programs are designed for the ambitious working adult, who has transferable undergraduate credit, and is seeking the challenge of a degree program that is oriented toward the real educational needs of the business world. The innovative schedule enables you to complete one course at a time while retaining full-time student status for financial assistance. In addition, you will master course con-tent through your own student study group. A personal lap-top computer is provided in all but the associate degree program.
Unlike traditional semester systems, classes can begin whenever adults are ready to start. There is no waiting for months for the start of a new school year. The program's schedule is built around student needs, not vice versa.
Upon enrollment in the program, students receive the ALP Student Handbook. Students should refer to this handbook regarding program policies and procedures.
For complete details on the Accelerated Learning Programs, including admission procedures, degree requirements, course descriptions, and financial information, contact the Amherst office at (716) 631-1061 or toll-free 1-888-252-2235 or the Rochester office at (585) 272-0030 or toll-free 1-866-212-2235.
Unit of Academic Credit
Generally, one credit represents the equivalent of one hour of lecture or recitation or at least two hours of laboratory work each week and at least 30 hours of supplementary assignments for one semester term or its equivalent.
Student Classification
A full-time undergraduate student is one who carries a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. A part-time student is one carrying fewer than 12 credit hours per semester.
A matriculated student is one following a prescribed program of study. A non-degree or non-matriculated student is one taking classes but not applying for a degree or certificate. A student must matriculate after completing 15 credit hours.
Class Load
The normal class load of a full-time undergraduate student each semester is 12-18 hours. A student must meet the criteria listed below to carry more than 18 hours during one semester or more than 9 hours during one module. A student is not allowed to carry more than 21 credits in any one semester. All students will be charged additional tuition for those semester hours over 18 during one semester.
The overload policy is as follows:
Freshmen – no overload permitted.
Sophomores – no overload permitted.
Juniors and Seniors – must have GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The student's academic advisor will certify, on the student's registration form, that he/she meets the criteria for an overload by (1) stating that the student is a junior or senior and (2) recording the student's GPA.
Class Standing
Class standing is determined by the number of semester hours a student has completed in his/her program of study. For sophomore standing, a student must have a minimum of 30 semester hours of accumulated credits; for junior standing, a minimum of 60 hours; for senior standing, a minimum of 90 hours.
The student should consult the Registrar concerning any questions pertaining to class standing.
Pre-Graduation Review
A pre-graduation review listing outstanding requirements, a Program Requirement Form, and a Diploma Information Form will be mailed to all potential graduates in August preceding the May commencement. These forms are sent to all baccalaureate degree candidates and associate degree candidates who apply for the upcoming graduation. A potential graduate who does not receive this material by September 15 should notify the Office of the Registrar immediately.
General Requirements for College Degrees
Graduation from the College with the award of the appropriate degree will be granted upon fulfillment of the following general requirements:
- The student must complete all prescribed courses in a specific program and sufficient elective credits to make up the minimum total required credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. A minimum 2.0 grade point average is also required of students in their major (core and elective courses). Any student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education degree must attain a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average for graduation. Please note: The average of the grades for all graduate-level courses in fulfillment of degree requirements for the B.S./M.B.A. Dual Degree (4+1) program must be at least a B (3.0).
- The student must earn his/her final 30 credits at Medaille if enrolled in a bachelor's degree program and his/her final 15 credits at Medaille if enrolled in an associate degree program.
- All College property on loan to the student must be returned in satisfactory condition to the College and all financial obligations to the College must be met prior to degree conferral and transcript release.
Any person who wishes to participate in the annual commencement, held during the month of May each year, must complete all academic requirements for graduation in order to participate, except for (1) those students in the process of completing requirements in the semester during which commencement takes place and (2) those students lacking one to six credit hours who, prior to the ceremony, register to take those outstanding credits during the Summer Session of their graduation year.
Dual Major
The following are guidelines for Dual Major status:
- All requirements for both majors must be fulfilled to qualify for Dual Major status.
- A Dual Major generally occurs when the student pursues a second program leading to one degree.
- A Liberal Studies Degree may not be part of a Dual Major.
Dual Degree
The following are guidelines for Dual Degree status:
- Dual Degree status is distinguished by the pursuance of two separate and unrelated fields of study in which two degrees are awarded during the same year upon successful completion of each program.
- A student seeking a second baccalaureate degree must complete an additional minimum of thirty (30) Medaille credit hours of study beyond the work taken for the initial baccalaureate degree.
- A student seeking a second associate degree must complete an additional minimum of fifteen (15) Medaille credit hours of study beyond the work taken for the initial asso-ciate degree.
- In all cases, all academic course requirements for both degree programs must be satisfied to qualify for Dual Degree award.
Course Substitution
Deviation from a prescribed curriculum will be permitted only under extraordinary circumstances. A course substitution must be approved by the student's academic advisor, department chairperson, the Registrar, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs or appropriate college dean. No student should begin attendance in a requested substitution unless a copy of the approved Course Substitution Form has been received by the student. No course substitution will be granted retroactively. Students graduating in May must have course substitutions approved by December 1 of the preceding year.
Policy Waiver
Deviation from a prescribed policy will be permitted only under extraordinary circumstances. An academic policy waiver must be approved by the student's academic advisor (where appropriate), department chairperson, the Registrar, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs or appropriate college dean. If the waiver is approved, the student will receive a copy of the completed Policy Waiver Form. No policy waiver will be granted retroactively.
Academic Alternative Credit
The total number of credits earned through any of the following academic alternatives or combination thereof can-not exceed 60 for the baccalaureate degree or 30 for the associate degree. All students working toward the bachelor's degree must earn the last 30 credits in course work at Medaille; for the associate degree, the last 15.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
The College recognizes the educational value of and awards credit for many types of life experience related to its degree programs. Each program may decide which of its requirements may be fulfilled by PLA. No student will be allowed to receive credit for Prior Learning Assessment to replace a course in which a failing grade was earned. Students applying for such credit must be matriculated at Medaille either part- or full-time before application. Credits for Prior Learning Assessment are considered as transfer credits. All students working for the baccalaureate degree must earn the last 30 credits in course work at Medaille; for the associate degree, the last 15. Each student applying for PLA prepares, in consultation with the Portfolio Advisor, a portfolio showing evidence in support of the application. A Faculty Evaluator reviews the portfolio submitted and makes a recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs regarding credit. The schedule of fees is listed under Financial Information in this catalog. More information and application packets can be obtained from the Senior Director of Special Academic Services, the Executive Director of Accelerated Learning Programs, or the Academic Alternatives Committee Chairperson.
PLA Deadlines
January Graduates / File by: March 15, Submit by: April 15
May & August Graduates / File by: October 1, Submit by: November 1
Challenge Exams
Any student enrolled at Medaille College may apply for Challenge Exams. The Senior Director of Special Academic Services will have a list of available exams from department chairpersons. No student will be allowed to take a Challenge Exam to replace a course in which a failing grade was earned. The College does not guarantee that a Challenge Exam will be available for a particular course in any given semester. In general, the College will not offer tests already offered through the College Level Examination Program. A student successfully completing a Challenge Exam receives credit; no grade is issued.
Application packets are available from the Senior Director of Special Academic Services. A non-refundable fee of $100 for each Challenge Exam is paid in the Business Office. Attach original receipt of payment to your completed application and return it to the Senior Director of Special Academic Services.
A test for any particular course will be given only once to an individual student.
Challenge Exam Deadlines
January Graduates / File by: May 1, Take by: December 15
May Graduates / File by: November 1, Take by May 1
August Graduates / File by: February 1,
Take by: August 1
Other Academic Alternatives
Medaille offers the DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) exams at a fee of $100 per examination. All other alternatives are options taken at other institutions and are eligible for possible transfer credit at Medaille. They are as follows: Excelsior College Examinations, CLEP (College Level Examination Program), AP (Advanced Placement), ACE/CCRS (American Council on Education College Credit Recommendation Service), and ACE/Military.
The College records will indicate that transfer credit has been earned and from which source. The number of credits to be accepted will be determined on an individual basis. Credit by examination granted through other colleges will be subject to review by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or appropriate college dean. Additional information can be obtained from the Senior Director of Special Academic Services.
Independent/Directed Study
Independent Study is the student's self-directed pursuit of academic competence in an autonomous manner which requires a rigorous search into a specified body of knowledge in which the course content, learning activities, and evaluative criteria are developed by the student in collaboration with the faculty mentor. It is a demonstration which provides evidence of capability in self-directed learning.
Independent Study is limited to four courses per baccalaureate degree and normally no more than one may be undertaken at a time. Also, freshmen and sophomores normally will not be allowed to take an Independent Study. Generally, applications will be approved for students who have GPAs above 2.7 and who have demonstrated the ability to pursue a topic in an academically rigorous manner. The faculty and College do not guarantee that this is avail-able during any particular semester.
Students may not take an Independent Study to replace a course in which a failing grade was earned.
Directed Study is individualized instruction identical in regard to the title, course objectives, course content, and evaluative criteria of the course.
Directed Study is generally limited to two courses per baccalaureate degree and is usually implemented to fulfill a graduation requirement. Application approval will usually be granted to seniors for courses required for graduation provided that the course(s) is not otherwise available to the student. GPAs of 2.0 are required of students who wish to undertake Directed Study. The faculty and College do not guarantee that this is available during any particular semester.
Students may not take a Directed Study to replace a course in which a failing grade was earned.
Before completing an application, a student should discuss the matter with the appropriate instructor. The instructor should be aware of what the student intends to accomplish and be willing to direct the study. The student and the instructor must agree on the time that will be devoted to supervision and the manner in which the instructor will evaluate the study.
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)
Medaille College has a special cross-enrollment, tuition-free arrangement with Canisius College for students desiring leadership education through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Program. For more details, as well as scholarship and other financial assistance information on this program, contact the Canisius College Professor of Military Science (PMS) at 888-2769 or 888-3239.
Servicemember's Opportunity College
Medaille College has been identified as a Servicemember's Opportunity College (SOC) providing educational assistance to active duty servicemembers. An SOC institution offers the following benefits for servicemembers:
- Use of admissions procedures which ensure access to higher education for academically qualified military personnel;
- Evaluation of learning gained through military expe-riences and academic credit awarded where applicable to the servicemember's program of study;
- Evaluation of non-traditional learning and awarding of academic credit for such learning where applicable to the servicemember's program of study;
- Evaluation of request for inter-institutional transfer of credits and acceptance of such credits whenever they are appropriate to the servicemember's program and are consistent with the College's curriculum;
- Flexibility to servicemembers in satisfying residence requirements by making adjustments for military students who transfer when there are other assurances of program balance;
- Designation of personnel with appropriate academic qualifications and experience to administer and supervise SOC-related activities and to develop policies and procedures appropriate to the scope of their voluntary education programs; and
- Educational services for veterans.
Field Experience
Medaille's curriculum stresses the importance of gaining work experience that is related to your major program of study. Consequently, most programs offer field experience. These field experiences not only give you academic credit, but they also increase your skills and your chances for future employment. Depending on your program, you would be placed in an appropriate work situation usually in, but not limited to, the Buffalo area. More information and a complete description of each program's field experience requirements are available from department chairpersons.
Field Experience Minimum GPA Requirement
A College minimum of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average is required for any student seeking entry into field experiences. Individual programs may establish their own minimum cumulative grade point requirements with the College minimum as a base.
The Grading System and What It Means
The following system of grading has been adopted by The College:
| High distinction, an exceptionally high achievement | A A– B+ |
4.0 3.7 3.3 |
| High achievement | B B– C+ |
3.0 2.7 2.3 |
| Average, average achievement | C C– D+ |
2.0 1.7 1.3 |
| Pass, below average achievement | D D– |
1.0 0.7 |
| Failure, unsatisfactory grade | F | 0.0 |
| Official withdrawal | W | |
| Incomplete | I | |
| Pass/Fail | P/F | |
| Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory | S/U | |
| Audit | AU |
(GPA) Grade Point Average
Grades received earn quality points as indicated on the preceding table. A grade point average is computed by dividing the number of quality points earned by the total number of credit hours for which you were registered. Grade point averages may be computed for one semester's courses or on a cumulative basis. To compute a semester grade point average, multiply the number of quality points earned for the grade (see preceding table) by the number of credits awarded for the course; add the quality points and divide by the number of quality credits for the semester.
Cumulative Average
The cumulative average is computed for all of the courses you have taken at Medaille. It changes whenever a new semester's grades are calculated and is a reflection of how a student is doing in all of his/her work. In cases of repeated courses, only the last grade earned is utilized in the cumulative GPA calculations.
(W) Course Withdrawal
In order to withdraw from a course after the drop/add period, a student must obtain a Course Withdrawal Form from the Office of the Registrar. The signature of the advisor should be obtained. If the student's advisor is not available, however, the student must write on the Withdrawal Form that he/she takes full responsibility for withdrawing from the course, sign and date it. The completed form is returned to the Registrar's Office.
A student may withdraw from a course during the first two-thirds of a semester or module. See the Academic Calendar for specific dates. A grade of “W” appears on the transcript for an official withdrawal. No withdrawal is permitted after the deadline. Depending upon the withdrawal date and the number of credits a student is carrying during a particular semester, course withdrawal may affect tuition. (See Tuition Liability Policy.) There is the possibility of reduced financial aid if withdrawing from a course means the student would carry fewer than 12 credits.
Please note: Discontinuance of attendance in one or all classes does not constitute an official withdrawal. A student who does not follow the proper procedure and/or stops attending class (an unofficial withdrawal) will receive from the instructor the grade earned according to the student's performance.
(I) Incomplete
An Incomplete is given only for a good and sufficient reason as determined by the instructor. It is completed in a manner determined by mutual agreement of student and instructor as indicated on the Incomplete Form, which must be signed by both student and instructor.
Incomplete Grade Forms may be obtained by the instructor in the Office of the Registrar. It is the responsibility of the student to complete the requirements of the Incomplete by the date stated on the form which is not to exceed the termination of the semester immediately following the initiation of the Incomplete. The student assumes the risk of not being able to complete the study if a faculty member is no longer at the College. All information must be complete when the form is submitted to the Office of the Registrar. If any part of the Incomplete Form is left unanswered, the form will be sent back to the instructor and no grade will be issued until the form is correctly filed.
An Incomplete must be removed from the student's record by the end of the semester following the semester in which the Incomplete was received. Exceptions will be made to this rule only prior to the stated deadline and under compelling circumstances with the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs or appropriate college dean. Any student receiving an Incomplete (“I”) grade will not be considered for Dean's List or Merit List status during the semester in which the Incomplete was issued.
(P/F) Pass/Fail
Medaille offers the P/F grade primarily as an encouragement for students to take more challenging courses than they might without endangering their grade point average. Students earn credits, but not quality points, for courses in which they earn a “P” grade. A grade of “F” is punitive and is factored into the quality point average.
Students may take a limited number of courses on a P/F basis. Although there is no limit to the number of courses to be taken P/F during a single semester, no more than ten percent (10%) of the total degree or certificate program may be taken P/F. Students may not take General Education Core courses P/F. Students must consult their department office for a list of acceptable courses within their program.
P/F grades are student initiated. Forms are available in the Office of the Registrar. Arrangements must be made within the deadline prescribed. Students requesting to take a course on a P/F basis must sign and return the form to the Registrar. Arrangements to take a course on such a basis are final.
Since colleges differ on acceptance of P/F grades, students interested in advanced study at other institutions should investigate the acceptance of such grades by specific graduate schools.
(S/U) Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Due to their nature, certain courses are offered only with grades of S/U. These grades are instructor or department initiated; courses taught on this basis are not included in the limit for P/F.
(AU) Audit
A student desiring to audit a course must receive the approval of the appropriate instructor and complete the normal registration process. Only officially audited classes will appear on the transcript. Students who audit are expected to attend classes but their work is not subject to review by the instructor and they will receive no grade at the completion of the class.
Repeating a Course
In cases of repeated courses only the last grade earned, whether higher or lower, is used in calculating the grade point average. All grades earned for courses taken at Medaille, however, remain a part of the student's permanent record. Students must complete and submit the appropriate form at the time of registration.
Students should take note that if the repetition is not required by the College, New York State will not allow the credit hours for the course to be counted in determining the minimum course load required for financial aid purposes.
Students may not take a Directed Study, Independent Study, Challenge Exam, or have a course transferred from another college to replace a course in which a failing grade was earned.
Academic Honors
At the end of each semester, the College announces the names of the full-time students who are recorded on the Dean's List. Students who take a minimum of 12 credit hours, and who earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for all credit hours carried during that semester, are placed on the Dean's List. Pass (“P”) and Satisfactory (“S”) grades are not included in the minimum 12 credit hours required for Dean's List qualification. Any student receiving an Incomplete (“I”) grade will not be considered for Dean's List status during the semester in which the Incomplete was issued. A student who attains Dean's List status for four semesters is eligible for the Medaille Medal which is awarded at the College's annual Honors Convocation.
At the end of each semester, the College announces the names of the part-time students who are recorded on the Merit List. Students who take a minimum of 6 but no more than 11 credit hours, and who earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for all credit hours carried during that semester, are placed on the Merit List. Pass (“P”) and Satisfactory (“S”) grades are not included in the minimum 6 credit hours required for Merit List qualification. Any student receiving an Incomplete (“I”) grade will not be considered for Merit List status during the semester in which the Incomplete was issued.
Full- and part-time status for academic honors is determined at the conclusion of the drop/add deadline.
Graduation Honors
The cumulative grade point average determines graduation honors. A student must have 48 credits in residence for baccalaureate degree graduation honors and 24 credits in residence for associate degree graduation honors. If a student has a cumulative GPA for all course work of 3.5, the student is eligible for Cum Laude; an average of 3.7, Magna Cum Laude; an average of 3.9, Summa Cum Laude. Students who qualify for honors at the end of the fall semester preceding commencement will have these honors announced during the graduation ceremony.
Academic Warnings
Students who are in danger of failing a course receive an academic warning. Students who receive a warning should immediately talk with the instructor to find out how the grade can be improved.
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