Academic Regulations

To that end, we have developed the following guidelines that outline our academic expectations for you and reinforce our commitment to intellectual integrity.

Academic Standards

Be sure to read Touro’s Academic Integrity Policy regarding cheating and plagiarism.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend each lecture on a regular and punctual basis and to complete assignments in a timely fashion. Excessive absences or failure to complete assignments may lead to a grade reduction or failure of the course. Repeated absences may lead to dismissal from the course.

Academic Standing

All students in the M.A. program are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.000 at all times. Students who fail to do this will be placed on academic probation and are subject to dismissal.

Grades

Grades are assigned on the following scale:

• A = Excellent (4.000)
• B = Good (3.000)
• C = Fair (2.000)
• F = Failed (0.000)
• WU= Failed (0.000) (Withdrawal without permission)
• N= No grade submitted by instructor
• INC = Incomplete
• P = Passed
• W = Withdrew with permission
• + = +.333 (No A+)

-       = -.333

Grade computation: A grade point average may be calculated by dividing the total number of quality points by the number of course credits completed.

For example:

3 credits A- 3 X 3.667 = 11.001

3 credits B 3 X 3.000 = 9.000

3 credits C 3 X 2.000 = 6.000

2 credits F 2 X 0.000 = 0.000

= 26.001

Quality points (26.001) / credits (11) = 2.363 (GPA)

Incomplete

Any student who has an approved petition on file with the Office of the Dean authorizing the rescheduling of an examination or an extension to complete a paper will receive a grade of INC (Incomplete).

In the case of extensions for papers, it is the student's responsibility to ensure that the instructor notifies the Office of the Dean authorizing the extension and specifying a date by which the paper will be completed, and a grade submitted for the student.

Incomplete grades must be resolved no more than two semesters (excluding summer session) from the conclusion of the course. Students who fail to complete the course work by the date specified by the instructor may receive a grade of F for the incomplete work.

Transfer Credit

Students may transfer a maximum of six graduate credits toward the Master of Arts degree, subject to approval by the Dean. No credits may be transferred for courses in which the student received a grade below B.

Students wishing to take courses at another institution while attending the Graduate School must obtain written permission in advance.

Credit Load

During the fall and spring semesters, the minimum credit load for a full-time student is nine credits. Six credits is considered a normal course load for summer sessions.

Completion of Requirements

A student must complete all requirements for a Master's degree within six years of admission to the program, unless granted an extension by the Office of the Dean.

Program Changes

Adding a Course

A student may add a course(s) within the first two weeks of the fall or spring semester or the first week of the summer semester by filing an add form signed by the Dean or his representative with the Registrar’s office.

Dropping a Course

A student may drop a course(s) within the first eight weeks of the fall or spring semester and no later than the fifth session of the summer semester by filing a drop form signed by the Dean or his representative with the Registrar’s office.

Withdrawals during the first two weeks of classes will not appear on a student's permanent record; however, withdrawals after this time will be recorded.

Unauthorized Withdrawal from Courses

Students who register for a course and do not complete the examination or submit the required papers or projects will receive a failing grade of WU if:

• The student has neglected to withdraw from the course by the deadline indicated on the academic calendar.
• The student was not excused from the examination/paper requirement.
• The student was not officially granted an Incomplete in the course.

Leave of Absence

A student in good academic standing who, for personal reasons, cannot continue participation in the program may request permission from the Office of the Dean to take a leave of absence.

The student should fill out a leave of absence form, specifying a definite time for his/her return, such time not to exceed two years. After two years, the student must apply for readmission.

Maintenance of Status

Students who have completed all of their course work but have not yet submitted the thesis or taken the comprehensive examination must register for maintenance of matriculation and pay the required fee. Failure to do so will jeopardize the student's degree eligibility.