Office of the Registrar
Location: McAuley Hall, Room 205
Office: (401) 341-2943
Fax: (401) 341-2996
Academic Policies & Procedures
Student Status
Class Attendance & Absence Procedure
Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing
Graduation Requirements & Procedures
Academic Progress
Academic Evaluation
Grading System & Grade Point Average (GPA)
University Grievance Procedure
Student Status
Admission To The University
All potential first-time students at Salve Regina University should contact the office of admissions. All students are subject to the provisions in the catalog which are in effect on the date of admission. Click here for admissions information.
Non-Matriculated Students
Non-matriculated students are those who have not completed the admissions process. Non-matriculated undergraduate students may earn up to 6 credits in this status. Non-matriculated graduate students may earn up to 9 credits in this status. These limits may not be exceeded without written permission of the respective academic dean. At the undergraduate level, non-matriculated students may register after July 1 for fall classes, and after January 1 for spring classes. Graduate students may register any time before the start of class.
Full-Time and Part-Time Student Status
Undergraduate students registered for a minimum of 12 credits in a semester are considered full-time students. Undergraduates who register for 11 or fewer credits are part-time students. For financial aid athletic eligibility, students need to be making satisfactory academic progress as described in the university catalog. At the graduate level, students registered for a minimum of 9 credits in a semester are considered full-time students. Graduate students who register for 8 or fewer credits are part-time students.
Academic Load for Undergraduates
Most baccalaureate programs are structured so that students may complete their requirements in four years of full-time study. This is accomplished by successfully completing an average of 15 credits per semester (30 credits per year). Students normally complete between 12 and 17 credits each semester for a total of 120 credits required for the baccalaureate degree. It may be advisable for some students to register for a reduced course load to ensure their potential success. Should such a plan be advised, the student will not be able to complete a baccalaureate program within the usual four-year period without at least some summer study, or in exceptional circumstances, possibly an additional semester or year at the University.
Students pursuing a full-time load may take up to 17 credits per semester. Students who wish to register for more than 17 credits must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher to qualify, and must obtain permission to do so from the Office of Academic Advising. Each additional credit will be subject to an additional tuition charge on a per-credit basis. Rates are published online and in the class schedule booklets each semester.
Class Standing of Undergraduates
Matriculated undergraduate students are classified as Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior according to the number of courses and credits completed (including one-credit units). Class standing guidelines are:
- Freshman 0-29 credits Completed
- Sophomore 30-59 credits Completed
- Junior 60-89 credits Completed
- Senior 90 or more credits Completed
Special Undergraduate Students
Students who have previously completed a baccalaureate degree program and wish to pursue a Salve Regina degree are classified as special students and must complete requirements in the major, prerequisites to such course work, and the general education requirements in religious studies. A minimum of thirty-six credits in course work at Salve Regina must be completed.
Class Attendance & Absence
Class Attendance
Students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions and to fulfill the requirements of each course as established by the instructor. Each instructor has the right to determine the norms for attendance as well as all other requirements for the course. Once the norms are announced by the instructor, students are obliged to abide by them.
Class Absence
Should extended illness or other serious reasons prevent class attendance for three days or more, students should notify the office of academic advising. Instructors are then notified. Although an absence may be explained, it remains the student's responsibility to make up any class work that has been missed. In the case of a minor illness or unforeseen circumstance that prevents a student from attending a class, the student must communicate this to the instructor by leaving a voice message on the instructor's telephone.
Students who represent the university at an official function are obligated to notify the instructor and to be guided by the course policy and the instructor's advice.
Transfer Credit & Advanced Standing
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit is awarded for matriculated students on the basis of official transcripts validating studies completed successfully at regionally accredited postsecondary institutions, when the course work is comparable to that of Salve Regina University and does not duplicate other courses for which credit has been granted. Qualifying grades at the undergraduate level are "C" or above (not "C-" or "Pass"). At the graduate level grades of "B" or above are required for transfer. Qualifying credits earned prior to matriculation are received in transfer with no effect upon the grade point average. Courses that have been applied toward a prior baccalaureate or master's degree are not considered for transfer.
Credit earned at institutions outside the U.S. is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all factors deemed necessary including appropriate national recognition of institutional quality.
Undergraduate students accepted with transfer credits are classified as freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior according to the number of credits accepted in transfer.
After matriculation, undergraduate students who desire to study at another institution must secure approval in advance, as follows:
- Regionally Accredited Domestic Institutions
- Permission is requested by completing the Transfer Credit Approval Form with all required signatures before the start of studies elsewhere. As indicated on the form, determinations are made by the appropriate department chair and the office of academic advising. Students who fail to receive approval in advance run the risk of credit being disallowed. Following their matriculation at Salve Regina, students are allowed a maximum of three courses at other institutions, although the maximum is adjusted for students in study abroad programs sponsored by the university and administered through the office of international programs (OIP).
- Study Abroad
- Permission in advance is required to study under programs sponsored by the university and administered through the OIP. Procedures and forms are published by that office, with required signatures indicating approval by the student's major department chair, the dean of undergraduate studies, and the director of international programs. Students enrolled in studies administered through the OIP are not subject to the three-course limitation noted above for domestic transfer.
- Second degree students are special students admitted on the basis of a previous baccalaureate degree. Since the prior degree is a requisite for admission, credit is not transferred from that degree. However, transfer may be considered when the special student completes appropriate studies at another institution beyond the baccalaureate, which satisfy Salve Regina course requirements. Transfer credit for special students does not reduce the university residency requirement below 36 credits.
Advanced Placement Program (APP)
The university grants academic credit to students of superior ability who have acceptable scores in the Advanced Placement Tests given by the College Board. Advanced standing and the actual number of credits to be granted are determined by the university after a review of the applicant's record and acceptable test scores. Click here for a detailed listing of qualifying APP test scores and courses for which credit may be granted.
International Baccalaureate Program
The university grants credit to students who achieve acceptable scores in the Higher Level and Standard Level courses of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. An official transcript of International Baccalaureate studies is required before a final decision on IB credit can be rendered.
Undergraduate students receive IB credit in two curricular categories: core curriculum and free elective. Credit may be applied to a major or minor only on the favorable written recommendation of the appropriate department chair. Specific credit determinations for each student are made on a case by case basis by the transfer credit specialist in the office of academic advising, employing the credit guidelines below. IB credit may not duplicate other credit granted, for example AP, CLEP, or transfer credit. The following table provides general guidelines for use in evaluating IB transcripts.
IB General Credit Guidelines:
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Matriculated undergraduate students who have developed competence in basic subject areas may demonstrate their proficiency by taking the CLEP examinations and receive credit for acceptable scores on CLEP tests offered by the College Board. Transfer students may receive credit from CLEP examinations taken prior to enrollment at the university provided that their scores meet Salve Regina University standards. Students will not be awarded duplicate credit for areas in which credit has previously been granted. Click here for a detailed listing of qualifying CLEP exam scores and courses for which credit may be granted.
Credit for Learning Associated with Life Experience
The university does not award academic credit for life experience but rather for the learning associated with that experience. A student applying for life experience credit must be a matriculated undergraduate at the university. A detailed procedure for submitting a portfolio for evaluation is available from the registrar's office. Ordinarily, a limit of nine (9) credits may be earned through this process and applied toward an undergraduate degree. There is a fee for each life experience evaluated and awarded credit.
Graduation Requirements & Procedures
Undergraduate Program Graduation Requirements
To qualify for graduation, undergraduate students must meet the following requirements:
- Declare a major and, if appropriate, a minor at least one full calendar year prior to the expected date of graduation. Usually the major should be declared by the end of the sophomore year.
- Complete all major and Core Curriculum requirements.
- Be in good academic standing.
- Earn at least the minimum number of courses and credits for the degree.
- Earn at least the minimum grade point average of 2.00, or higher for certain programs as specified in the university Catalog.
- Satisfy the residency for the degree.
- Complete the university's community service requirement as part of the Feinstein Enriching America Program.
Undergraduate Program Graduation Procedures
Candidates for all degrees must file for degree before the deadline. Students intending to graduate at the next university Commencement must submit a completed File for Degree form in the office of the registrar no later than the end of the fall semester. Upon submission of the form, the candidate is expected to have submitted:
- All official transcripts of courses to be applied toward the degree
- All necessary documents for credit awarded through CLEP, Advanced Placement Program, credit for learning associated with life experience and military experience, etc.
- The proper Major and Minor Declaration forms
- Registration for outstanding course work required for the degree
- Evidence of an Exit Interview with the director of financial aid, if applicable.
Graduate Program Graduation Requirements
To qualify for graduation, candidates must be fully matriculated into their respective graduate programs and complete all requirements with a minimum grade point average of 2.70.
Graduate Programs Graduation Procedures
Candidates intending to graduate must submit a completed File for Degree form in the office of the registrar prior to Commencement . All program requirements must be complete before conferral of the degree and participation in Commencement ceremonies. Where applicable the following documents must also be on file prior to graduation:
- Official transcripts validating any transfer credit to be applied toward the degree
- Evidence of an Exit Interview with the director of financial aid
Commencement: Participation in Ceremonies
Baccalaureate degree candidates who will have no more than six credits to earn after the May Commencement date, and who will complete their final degree requirements during the summer, may qualify to participate in graduation ceremonies along with those who will graduate in May. Such students are subject to the same deadline to file for degree: the end of the prior fall semester. All credits to be applied toward the degree must be completed by September of the same year in which the degree is awarded. Failure to complete all pending requirements in the allotted time will result in the requirement to re-file for the degree. Candidates for all other degrees must complete all degree requirements before participating in graduation ceremonies.
Academic Progress
Good Academic Standing and Satisfactory Academic Progress: Undergraduate
Full-time matriculated students are in good academic standing when they earn semester and cumulative grade point averages of at least 2.00 and successfully complete a minimum of twenty-four (24) credits each year. Part-time students are making Satisfactory Academic Progress and are in Good Academic Standing when they successfully complete a minimum of 12 credits each year and earn a grade point average of at least 2.00.
To graduate, students must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00. However, certain programs require students to earn a higher cumulative grade point average and/or a higher grade point average in courses that apply to the major program. Consult the program section of the undergraduate catalog or the department for specific requirements.
Satisfactory Academic Progress implies reasonable assurance that students can complete all degree work within 5 1/2 years. Failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress can impact the student's ability to receive financial aid, athletic eligibility and ability to remain enrolled at the University.
Full-time students make satisfactory academic progress by achieving the following cumulative grade point average and credit criteria each semester.
Academic Evaluation
Decisions regarding student status at the university level, or within a particular department, are based on the transcript current at the time the decision is made. Subsequent changes to the transcript will not retroactively alter student status.
Fifth Week Grade Evaluation
To ensure that students receive appropriate academic advisement, faculty are asked to submit the names of students whose performance in a course is below a "C" during the fifth week of class and report their names to the Registrar during the sixth week. Faculty evaluations during this period attempt to focus on current student achievement, making no prediction of final student success in the course(s). Students who receive warnings are thus notified by mail in the seventh week of class. They are encouraged to seek extra assistance from the instructor or from the Academic Development Center. Students who receive three or more warnings are scheduled to meet with Academic Advising to discuss strategies for improvement. This service is provided to assist students in achieving academic success. However, students are responsible to be aware of their own standing in each class and to take action for improvement when needed.
Grade Report Evaluations
At the end of each semester, the Academic Review Committee evaluates the grade reports of students who are not in good academic standing as well as those whose semester GPA is below the minimum 2.00. The severity of the situation may affect the student's registration for the subsequent semester or continuance at the University. Meetings with Academic Advising are recommended or required accordingly. Recommendations and/or continuance criteria are mailed to the student.
Academic Probation
Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.00 are placed on academic probation. The purpose of academic probation is to alert the student that serious problems exist in his/her academic performance which require carefully planned corrective measures in order to improve the GPA and return to good academic standing. If unresolved, these problems will prevent further studies and achievement of the student's educational objectives. Written notice is provided by the Office of Academic Advising both to the student and to faculty advisor(s) shortly after semester grades are processed.
Students on academic probation must work with staff in the Office of Academic Advising to develop a plan to return to good academic standing. Probationary students who are allowed to continue at the university will remain on probation as long as their cumulative GPA remains below 2.00.
Academic Dismissal
Students on academic probation must make significant improvement in each subsequent semester by achieving a semester GPA of at least 2.00 in order to continue studying for an additional semester. Students on probation who do not meet this goal are subject to academic dismissal. Students who are dismissed may make timely written appeal to the Academic Dean for Undergraduate Studies. International students studying on a nonimmigrant visa should consult with the appropriate Designated School Official to review visa status issues and alternatives.
Process for Appeal of Dismissal
A student who has been academically dismissed may submit a written appeal to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies within 30 days of the date of the dismissal. In consultation with the Academic Appeals Committee a decision regarding an appeal will be communicated to the student in writing. If readmission is granted, a student will be re-enrolled on academic probation and will be informed of specific academic criteria and expectations in writing. Students reinstated by appeal may not, if dismissed again in subsequent semesters, submit any further appeals for readmission.
Grading System & Grade Point System (GPA)
The university employs a 4.0 scale grading system with plus/minus increments reflected on transcripts as follows.
Undergraduate grades calculated in the GPA:
Graduate level grades calculated in the GPA:
Other grading codes:
Grade Point Average (GPA) Computation
The GPA is determined by dividing quality points by quality credits. Undergraduate courses may be repeated with the lower grade excluded from the GPA and duplicate credits excluded from the cumulative total. Specific exceptions in which the credits of duplicate course numbers accumulate toward graduation (notably certain visual and performing arts courses) are identified in the university catalog.
Resolving Grade Questions
If a student has questions about a grade, s/he should discuss the matter with the course instructor. If questions remain, they should be addressed to the department chair and after that, if necessary, to the respective dean for undergraduate or graduate studies.
Withdrawal Grades
Permission to withdraw from a course must be obtained from the instructor and the class advisor before the deadline stipulated in the Academic Calendar. Graduate students contact the office of graduate studies directly. Withdrawal forms are available in the registrar's office. If timely permission is obtained, a grade of W is assigned, with no effect on the GPA. If a student stops attending class without obtaining permission to withdraw, or withdraws after the deadline for withdrawing from a course without penalty, a grade of WF is assigned. The effect of the WF grade is the same as an F grade in the cumulative GPA. Click here for information on tuition and refunds in the event of course withdrawal.
Incomplete Grades
All requests for incomplete grades must be written and must be received by course instructors on or before the scheduled final examination for the respective courses. Incomplete grades for undergraduates may not continue beyond one semester. The student may request an incomplete for academic reasons (unanticipated difficulty in obtaining research materials, failure of a critical experiment, etc.) or for certain nonacademic reasons, such as illness. Upon approval by the instructor, a Report of Incomplete Form shall be signed by the student and the instructor and submitted to the registrar's office.
University Grievance Procedure
The university Grievance Procedure is published in the Student Handbook. Students are responsible to read the policy and adhere to the spirit of its guidelines. Students should attempt to resolve situations before pursuing a formal grievance. Pursuit of a formal grievance is required before students seek legal redress or legal relief from university policy.