Academic Policies

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Academic Policies

Academic Integrity Policy

Students enrolled at Fairleigh Dickinson University are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty. Students have the responsibility to each other to make known the existence of academic dishonesty to their course instructor and then, if necessary, the department chair, school director or the academic dean of their college. Course instructors have the added responsibility to state in advance in their syllabi any special policies and procedures concerning examinations and other academic exercises specific to their courses. Students should request this information if not distributed by the instructor.

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

Cheating — Giving or receiving unauthorized assistance in any academic exercise or examination. Using or attempting to use any unauthorized materials, information or study aids in an examination or academic exercise.
Plagiarism — Representing the ideas or language of others as one’s own. A more complete description is listed below in the section titled “Plagiarism Described.”
Falsification — Falsifying or inventing any information, data or citation in an academic exercise.
Multiple Submission — Submitting substantial portions of any academic exercise more than once for credit without the prior authorization and approval of the current instructor.
Complicity — Facilitating any of the above actions or performing work that another student then presents as his or her assignments.
Interference — Interfering with the ability of a fellow student to perform his or her assignments.

Plagiarism Described

(Adapted from the Kirkwood Community College plagiarism policy distributed at “Critical Challenges in Distance Education: Cheating and Plagiarism Using the Internet” workshop — April 3, 2003).

As defined by the Council of Writing Program Administrators, plagiarism “occurs when a writer deliberately uses someone else’s language, ideas or other original (not common-knowledge) material without acknowledging its source.” (“Defining and Avoiding Plagiarism: The WPA Statement on Best Practices.” http://www.wpacouncil.org/positions/WPAplagiarism.pdf)

Plagiarism can occur in the following ways: (From the Newark Academy Plagiarism Statement.)

Using text from another source (e.g. websites, books, journals, newspapers, etc.) without documenting the source;
Using direct quotation from a text without quotation marks, even if the source has been cited correctly;
Paraphrasing or summarizing the ideas or text of another work without documenting the source;
Substituting a word or phrase for the original while maintaining the original sentence structure or intent of the passage;
Using graphics, visual imagery, video or audio without permission of the author or acknowledgment of the source;
Translating text from one language to another without citing the original work;
Obtaining packaged information, foreign language translation or a completed paper from an online source and submitting it as one’s own work without acknowledgment of the source; and
Presenting the work of another student as one’s own.

Fairleigh Dickinson students are responsible for authenticating any assignment submitted to an instructor should the instructor request it. Students must be able to produce proof that the assignment they submit is actually their own work. Therefore, students must engage in a verifiable work process on all assignments:

Keeping copies of all drafts of work;
Making photocopies of research materials (including downloads from websites);
Writing summaries of research materials;
Keeping Writing Center receipts;
Keeping logs or journals of their work on assignments and papers; and
Saving drafts or versions of assignments under individual file names on a computer, external drive or other source.

In addition to requiring students to authenticate their work, Fairleigh Dickinson University instructors may employ various other means of ascertaining authenticity — such as using search engines to detect plagiarism, using external plagiarism-detection services, creating quizzes based on student work and requiring students to explain their work and/or process orally. The inability to authenticate work is sufficient grounds for a charge of plagiarism.

If subsequent evidence of plagiarism should be found after a grade has already been assigned, instructors have the right to lower the grade and/or apply one of the sanctions listed below.

Sanctions

Any student violating academic integrity will, for the first offense, receive one or a combination of the following penalties imposed by the faculty member:

No Credit (0) or Failure for the academic exercise.
Reduced grade for the course.
Failure in the course.
Recommendation for Academic Probation to the dean of the college or director of the school in which the student is registered.

The instructor shall file a notice of the penalty in the student’s file maintained in the campus Office of Enrollment Services.

In cases of interference and complicity, whether or not the student is registered in the affected course, the incident and penalty shall be recorded in the student’s file maintained in the campus Office of Enrollment Services.

For a subsequent violation of academic integrity, a student will be subject to any combination of the above sanctions, and, after due review by the academic dean according to the procedure below, one of the following:

Suspension from the University for one year. Readmission will be contingent upon the approval of the academic dean.
Dismissal from the University.
Dismissal from University identified on the student’s academic transcript as a result of a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Procedure

The faculty member should submit an electronic violation report to facilitate the reporting of violations of the Academic Integrity Policy, which faculty should complete if they find a student in violation of the policy and choose to impose a sanction. When a faculty member believes that a student has violated the Academic Integrity Policy, the faculty member shall discuss the incident with the student as soon as possible. If after the conference, the faculty member determines that an act of academic dishonesty has occurred, the faculty member may impose the appropriate sanctions. Within five days of the faculty member’s action, the faculty member shall notify his or her department chair/school director in writing of the circumstances of the violation and the imposed sanctions.

Within five days the academic department/school shall notify the student via FDU email of the sanctions and the appeals’ procedures. Copies of the email shall be sent to the chair of the department or director of the school of the student’s major, the dean of the college in which the course is offered and the campus Office of Enrollment Services. The student may appeal the instructor’s decision as outlined below. Upon completion of the appeals process, the dean shall notify the student via FDU email of the final disposition of the matter and the sanctions to be imposed, if any, via certified mail with copies to the faculty member, the department chair/school director and the campus director of enrollment services.

Appeals Process

A student who is charged with violating the Academic Integrity Policy by an instructor may appeal in writing via FDU email to the chair of the department or the director of the school or the dean of the college in which the alleged incident took place. The email must state the specific grounds for the appeal. The student must submit a written appeal via FDU email to the department chair or school director within 14 days of the receipt of the notification of the imposed sanctions. Failure to make an appeal within this 14-day period shall constitute a waiver of the appeal right. Within 10 working days of receipt of the student’s appeal, the chair/director will review the circumstances of the alleged violation with the student and the instructor and recommend upholding, modifying or dismissing the sanctions imposed by the instructor. The chair/director, within five working days, shall notify the student in writing via FDU email of the outcome, with copies to the instructor, the chair/director of the student’s major, the academic dean of the college or academic director of the school in which the course is taught and the campus director of enrollment services. If it is determined that a violation of academic integrity did not occur, the student’s final grade in the course cannot be based on the assumption of such violation. If the differences between the instructor and the student are not resolved by this review, the student may appeal the outcome to the dean of the college in which the course is offered.

Within 10 working days of the department chair/school director/college dean’s notification, the student may submit a written appeal via FDU email to the dean of the college in which the alleged dishonesty took place. The letter must state the specific grounds for the appeal. Upon receipt of the student’s appeal, the dean shall provide the faculty member and his or her chair/director with a copy of the student’s appeal. Within 10 working days the dean shall convene a five-person hearing committee consisting of a faculty member at large from the college in which the course is offered, the dean or school director or his or her designee, the vice president for student affairs or his or her designee, a faculty member from the department or school of the student’s major and a student, selected by the vice president for student affairs, from the college in which the alleged dishonesty took place. The hearing will be chaired by the college dean or school director his or her designee. The role of the appeals committee is to review the record of the matter and determine whether a finding of academic dishonesty is founded and whether a sanction is consistent with the terms of this policy. The committee shall base its decision upon a review of the record but may meet with the student and the faculty member to secure additional information to help it in making a determination about the merits of the appeal. The committee can uphold, modify or dismiss the sanction imposed by the instructor. The college dean/school director shall notify the student of the committee’s decision within five working days of the hearing. For a second offense of academic dishonesty, the academic dean can suspend or dismiss the student as indicated above.

For a sanction of suspension or dismissal imposed by the academic dean, the student may file a written appeal via FDU email to the University provost/senior vice president for academic affairs within 10 working days of receiving the notification of the dean’s decision. The University provost, or his or her designee, shall review the case within 10 working days of the receipt of the appeal. The University provost shall make the final decision, using any appropriate resource to assist in deciding the appeal. The University provost shall then notify all parties in writing via FDU email of his or her final decision within five working days of his or her decision.

Updated November 7, 2024

Academic Performance Warning, Suspension, Dismissal

Section includes policy on Academic Performance Warning, Continued Academic Performance Warning, Academic Suspension, and Academic Dismissal.

Note: The GPAs noted in this policy are for undergraduate students in all programs, with the exception of Nursing; please see theSNAH Student Manual for information Nursing GPA requirements. Please see the Graduate Student Bulletinor specific graduate academic program webpages for GPA requirements related to graduate student probation.

Academic standing is determined by the Grade Point Average (GPA) achieved over a semester expressed as “Semester GPA” (SGPA) or earned over all the semesters they have been enrolled in at FDU, expressed as “Cumulative GPA” (CGPA).

The SGPA and CGPA are both calculated by dividing a student’s total grade points by the total attempted credits in the relevant periods defined above.
Transfer credits and courses graded as Pass/No Credit, Audit, or Labs that do not receive a grade are not factored into the GPA.
Any “F” grade will be calculated into the GPA, except for grades excluded by the following policies as stated in the Undergraduate Bulletin: “Repeated Courses” policy, “Change in Majors” policy.
SGPA is calculated by dividing Total Grade Points for Semester by Total Attempted Credits for Semester.
CGPA is calculated by dividing Total Grade Points by Total Attempted Credits.
A student can view their SGPA and CGPA in their unofficial transcript in Self-Service.

Good Academic Standing

Good Academic Standing signifies that a student is making adequate progress towards achieving successful graduation.

The CGPA necessary to maintain “Good Academic Standing” is aligned with the GPA required to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Maintaining Good Academic Standing depends on the number of credits completed and the CGPA as follows:

For students with 1-30 credit hours completed, a CGPA of at least 1.80 indicates satisfactory academic progress.
For students with 31 or more credit hours completed, a CGPA of 2.00 indicates satisfactory academic progress. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 is required for graduation.
For students in some academic programs (e.g., Nursing), the GPA needed for good standing and graduation is higher. Students should consult their relevant academic program website and/or their academic advisor with any questions.

Academic Performance Warning

A student will receive an initial Academic Performance Warning if the SGPA or CGPA is below 1.80 (for students with 1-30 credits completed) or below 2.00 (for students with 31 or more credits completed).

Academic performance warnings are typically issued after final primary semester grades have been submitted, but academic performance warnings may also be issued due to a change in grade.

The student will receive an email from their college/school notifying them of the Academic Performance Warning. The student’s academic advisor will also be alerted.
The student will be required to meet with their academic advisor within ten (10) calendar days of the date of the email notifying them that they have received an Academic Performance Warning.
The meeting with the academic advisor will focus on:
- Support and Resources: The advisor and student will discuss issues that have posed a challenge to the student’s success. The advisor will identify and review the relevant support resources.
- Student Success Plan: The advisor and student will develop a written Student Success Plan identifying specific resources and steps for the student to take to help improve academic performance.
- Courseload Adjustment: The advisor and student will discuss whether decreasing the student’s courseload for the next semester might help improve their academic performance. A full-time student’s courseload may be limited to 12-14 credits per semester; a part-time student’s courseload may be reduced by one course. The academic advisor will use the Center for Academic Advising and Student Success (CAASS) “Guidelines for Advising Students on Academic Performance Warning” to determine whether or not to recommend a decrease in the student’s courseload. If a decrease is recommended, the advisor will email the student’s department chair/program director or their designee with the recommendation. The chair/director/designee will respond with the final determination within three (3) days of receipt of the advisor’s email.
If a student’s credits are limited as a result of the courseload adjustment decision, the student may appeal; see “Appeal Process for Credit Limit.”
If a student’s credits are limited as a result of the courseload adjustment decision, the advisor will notify the student immediately and work with the student to adjust their schedule for the next semester.

Continued Academic Performance Warning

A student will be placed on Continued Academic Performance Warning if the SGPA or CGPA is below 1.80 (for students with 1-30 credits completed) or below 2.00 (for students with 31 or more credits completed) for up to two consecutive primary semesters immediately following the initial Academic Performance Warning.

A student cannot be on Continued Academic Performance Warning for more than two consecutive primary semesters, with one exception: A student who has completed less than 90 credits who has been on Continued Academic Performance Warning for two consecutive primary semesters and whose CGPA remains under 2.00 but whose SGPA is above 2.00 will be allowed to extend the Continued Academic Performance Warning for an additional primary semester (i.e., for three consecutive primary semesters).

The student will receive an email from their college/school notifying them that they have been put on Continued Academic Performance Warning.
The student’s academic advisor will also be alerted.
The student will be required to meet with Financial Aid within ten (10) calendar days of the date of the email notifying them that they have been put on Continued Academic Performance Warning.
The student will be required to meet with their academic advisor within ten (10) calendar days of the date of the email notifying them that they have been put on continued academic performance warning.
The meeting with the academic advisor will focus on:
- Support and Resources: The advisor and student will discuss issues that have continued to pose a challenge to the student’s success. The advisor will identify and review the relevant support resources.
- Student Success Plan: The advisor and student will review and revise the previous Student Success Plan with a focus on identifying specific resources and steps for the student to take to help improve academic performance.
- Courseload Adjustment: A full-time student’s courseload will be limited to 12-14 credits per semester. A part-time student’s courseload may be reduced, based on advisor recommendation. The academic advisor will work with the student to adjust their schedule for the next semester. The student may appeal if they want to register for more credits; see “Appeal Process for Credit Limit.”

Removal from Academic Performance Warning or Continued Academic Performance Warning

A student will be removed from Academic Performance Warning or Continued Academic Performance Warning if both the SGPA and CGPA are 1.80 or higher (for students with 1-30 credits) or 2.00 or higher (for students with 31 or more credits).

If a change in a student’s grade (as a result of a grade appeal or the change of an “Incomplete” to grade) raises a student’s GPA out of the range for Academic Performance Warning or Continued Academic Performance Warning, the student, college/school, and academic advisor will be notified and the Academic Performance Warning will be removed.

Academic Suspension

The purpose of a suspension is to help students pause, reflect, and refocus and decide if they want to return to FDU to finish their degree. Courses taken at another institution while on academic suspension cannot be transferred into FDU. If a student wishes to continue at FDU to finish their degree, they may apply for readmission under special conditions as described in “Readmission.”

A student will be placed on Academic Suspension if the student has not met the criteria for removal from Continued Academic Performance Warning in the timeframe specified in “Continued Academic Performance Warning.”

A student may appeal academic suspension. See “Appeals Process for Academic Suspension.”

Academic Dismissal

A student will face Academic Dismissal if the student is readmitted to the university after Academic Suspension and is unable to maintain good academic standing, to the point where the student is facing a second Academic Suspension.

A student who is dismissed may not apply for readmission.

A student may appeal academic dismissal. See “Appeals Process for Academic Dismissal.”

Appeal Processes

Appeal Process for Credit Limit

If a student’s credits are limited as a result of being placed on Academic Performance Warning or Continued Academic Performance Warning, the student may appeal. The appeal process is as follows:

The student will email their academic advisor within ten (10) calendar days of the date of the notification of the decision regarding courseload reduction (in the case of initial Academic Performance Warning) or the date of the notification of Continued Academic Performance Warning. The student’s email must state the reason(s) for the appeal.
The student will meet with their academic advisor to discuss the appeal within five (5) calendar days of the date of the student’s emailed appeal.
The academic advisor will recommend to the academic department (see step below) whether or not to approve the appeal (i.e., lift the credit limit). The academic advisor’s decision will be based on an assessment of the student’s ability to successfully complete a regular courseload.
The academic advisor will email the student’s department chair / program director (or their designee) with the recommendation within five (5) calendar days of the meeting with the student.
The department chair / program director (or their designee) will meet with the student if necessary, and then make the final decision.
The department chair / program director (or their designee) will email the student’s academic advisor and Enrollment Services with notification of the final decision within five (5) calendar days of the date of the advisor’s recommendation.

Appeal Process for Academic Suspension

The appeal process is as follows:

The student will meet with Financial Aid within ten (10) calendar days of the date of the notification of Academic Suspension to discuss their financial aid status. The student should meet with Financial Aid before meeting with their academic advisor.
The student will email their academic advisor within ten (10) calendar days of the date of the notification of Academic Suspension to explain the reason(s) for the appeal.
The student will meet with their academic advisor to discuss the appeal within five (5) calendar days of the date of the student’s emailed appeal.
The academic advisor will recommend to the academic department (see step below) whether or not to approve the appeal. The academic advisor’s decision will be based on an assessment of the student’s ability to get back on track as well as on the student’s financial aid status.
The academic advisor will email the student’s dean/director (or their designee) with the recommendation within five (5) calendar days of the meeting with the student.
The dean/director (or their designee) will meet with the student if necessary, and then make the final decision.
The dean/director (or their designee) will email the student’s academic advisor and Enrollment Services with notification of the final decision within five (5) calendar days of the date of the advisor’s recommendation.

If an appeal for Academic Suspension is approved, the student will be allowed to continue for two more primary semesters on Continued Academic Performance Warning. If the student does not meet criteria for removal from Continued Academic Performance Warning by the end of that period, the student will be placed on Academic Suspension without rights to appeal.

Appeals Process for Academic Dismissal

The appeal process is as follows:

The student will meet with Financial Aid within ten (10) calendar days of the date of the notification of Academic Dismissal to discuss their financial aid status. The student should meet with Financial Aid before meeting with their academic advisor.
The student will email their academic advisor within ten (10) calendar days of the date of the notification of Academic Dismissal to explain the reason(s) for the appeal.
The student will meet with their academic advisor to discuss the appeal within five (5) calendar days of the date of the student’s emailed appeal.
The academic advisor will recommend to the academic department (see step below) whether or not to approve the appeal. The academic advisor’s decision will be based on an assessment of the student’s ability to get back on track as well as on the student’s financial aid status.
The academic advisor will email the student’s dean/director (or their designee) with the recommendation within five (5) calendar days of the meeting with the student.
The dean/director (or their designee) will convene a committee of faculty from the college/school to consider the student’s appeal. The dean/director (or their designee) will be part of the committee. The committee will meet with the student if necessary. The committee will make the final decision.
The dean/director (or their designee) will email the student’s academic advisor and Enrollment Services with notification of the final decision within fourteen (14) calendar days of the date of the advisor’s recommendation.

If an appeal for Academic Dismissal is approved, the student will be allowed to continue for two more primary semesters on Continued Academic Performance Warning. If the student does not meet criteria for removal from Continued Academic Performance Warning by the end of that period, the student will be Academically Dismissed without rights to appeal.

Academic Standards

The University expects its students to make normal progress toward a degree. For most students, this means the attainment of at least a 2.00 grade point ratio for each semester. Students whose grade point ratio falls below 2.00 should immediately check with their advisers regarding their status. Maxwell Becton College of Arts and Sciences requires a 2.00 cumulative grade point ratio (CGPR) in major courses and an overall CGPR of 2.00 for graduation. Students at the Florham Campus who joined the University before fall 2021 must still adhere to the 2.33 major GPR requirement. The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health requires that students earn a grade point ratio of 3.00 for progression in the nursing courses.

Acceleration

The normal time periods required for completion of the associate and baccalaureate degrees are two and four years, respectively. However, students may accelerate their programs and complete degree requirements in a shorter period by taking additional coursework, as available, during the summer and winter sessions and by taking more than the normal semester course load, subject to approval of an appropriate adviser. Additionally, students may receive credits by examination.

Attendance

Students are required to attend class, arrive on time and participate in all courses for which they are enrolled. Class attendance and participation are essential to academic progress. At the beginning of each semester, instructors will express the specific attendance requirements for each course according to the policies of their academic departments and colleges. The policy will clearly delineate the number of permissible absences and the sanctions to be applied for excessive absences or tardiness. Each instructor will include the attendance policy on each syllabus to prevent any misunderstanding of the requirements for the course.

Credit for Prior Learning and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

In addition to previous college credit accepted in transfer, the University provides three options that allow qualified students to receive academic credit for prior learning:

Credit by examination,
Credit for professional study and certification, and
Credit for prior learning through portfolio assessment.

Credit by examination

Proficiency examination credit may be awarded for:

Advanced Placement Examinations (AP), the College Level Examination Program (CLEP); the International Baccalaureate Program (IB); the New York University School of Professional Studies; Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES), and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST).

For proficiency examinations completed prior to enrollment at Fairleigh Dickinson University, examination scores should be sent to the Admissions office for consideration alongside other transfer credits. Matriculated students must obtain authorization forms from the Office of Enrollment Services and secure the necessary approvals prior to registering for proficiency examinations.

Proficiency examinations may be used as substitutes for selected FDU courses, and credit toward degree requirements may be awarded by completion of approved examinations. These approved examinations, along with minimum acceptable scores and course equivalencies, appear on a list maintained by the Academic Affairs unit of the University.

Students considering this option should consult with their Academic Advisor to determine the suitability of a particular proficiency examination for their major. Acceptance of proficiency test scores are subject to the following conditions:

Up to 33 credits may be awarded toward some baccalaureate degrees;
All proficiency examinations must be taken before completion of the student’s first 64 credits and applied toward those 64 credits only. Exceptions can be made for students enrolled in the University’s degree completion programs or for students transferring in with 32 credits or more;
If the proficiency examination duplicates previous course work, credits will not be awarded;
Credits earned through the proficiency examinations are not included in the cumulative grade point ratio;
Transfer students may apply proficiency credits earned at institutions other than FDU to an FDU degree program. Official documentation is requested at the time of admission;
Failed courses taken at FDU cannot be replaced through proficiency examinations.

Credit for professional study and certification

Students who have completed formal training or professional development programs conducted by business, the military, law enforcement and public safety, government agencies or other organizations may be eligible to receive college credit if those organizations participate in the American Council on Education’s (ACE) Credit Program or the National College Credit Recommendation Service (National CCRS). Students interested in receiving ACE or National CCRS credit should submit transcripts to the Office of Admissions (new students) or check with their academic adviser to determine if such credit is applicable to their degree program (continuing students).

Students may also be eligible to earn course credit through self-guided/self-directed educational providers such as Straighterline and Sophia if an ACE transcript is provided. Students are advised to check with their academic advisor before enrolling in any self-guided courses as several of the University’s accredited programs have restrictions regarding the acceptance of such credits.

Students may request a copy of their ACE transcript by calling the American Council on Education Transcript Service at (202) 939-9300 or visiting: https://www.acenet.edu/Programs-Services/Pages/Credit-Transcripts/Request-Transcripts.aspx. Students may contact National CCRS at (518) 486-2070 or via email at nccrs@nysed.gov.

Except for the Silberman College of Business, 6 undergraduate credits may be granted for Peace Corps volunteers (overseas service) and for VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). Additional credit may be granted at the discretion of the University.

Credit for prior learning through portfolio assessment

Credit for Prior Learning through portfolio assessment (Prior Learning Assessment or PLA) requires the submission of a portfolio demonstrating that college-level learning outcomes have been met. Portfolio review can occur at the time of admission or once a student has matriculated. Credits earned through Prior Learning Assessment will be posted after the student has completed 6 credits of FDU coursework. The Portfolio Review fee and Credit for Prior Learning posting fee can be found on the University’s Tuition and Fees page.

Associate degree students may earn up to fifteen prior learning credits, bachelor degree students up to twenty-four, and graduate degree students up to three. PLA credits must be awarded before the beginning of the student’s final semester in order to be added to the program of study.

Transferability of prior learning credit is not guaranteed.

The Guide for Portfolio Submissions and other questions regarding Credit for Prior Learning may be directed to Lifelong Learning at 201-692-7310

Credit Hour Definition

The University’s calculation of credit hours for all credit-bearing courses and degree programs follow rules established by the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education, which are consistent with the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of a credit hour.

Section 9A:1–1.2 of the New Jersey Administrative Code provides that “Semester credit hour” means 50 minutes of face-to-face class activity each week for 15 weeks (or the equivalent attained by scheduling more minutes of face-to-face class activity per week for fewer weeks in the semester) in one semester complemented by at least 100 minutes each week of laboratory or outside assignments (or the equivalent thereof for semesters of different length).

Credits Taken at Other Academic Institutions

Matriculated students may earn up to 15 credits at other institutions as long as these courses are taken during the summer or winter sessions and are equivalent in content and level to the courses they replace and/or are appropriate to the student’s curriculum. Students enrolled for coursework at Fairleigh Dickinson University during summer or winter session may not enroll simultaneously for coursework at another institution. The maximum additional credits that may be earned at other institutions is limited by the number of transfer credits already accepted by FDU (Table 1). This limit shall not apply to programs of study formally approved by FDU in association with other institutions of higher learning. Students cannot repeat an FDU course at another institution.

Table 1

Credits Initially Transferred into FDU	Maximum Possible Additional Credits After FDU Matriculation
0–14	15
15–29	12
30–44	9
45–59	6
60–74	3
75+	0

Authorization to take courses offered by another institution must be requested by completing the appropriate form prior to the summer or winter session in which the course will be taken. The student must have a minimum cumulative grade point ratio (CGPR) of 2.00 to be eligible. This authorization may be granted for elective courses and courses not available at the University in time to meet graduation requirements, but normally not for core or required major courses.

For a course at an institution with which the University does not maintain an articulation agreement, the authorization for all students requires two signatures — one by the chair or program coordinator of the student’s major department and a second one by the college dean or school director.

A course substituting for a lower-level course at Fairleigh Dickinson University may be taken at either an accredited two-year or four-year institution, but a course substituting for an upper-level course at Fairleigh Dickinson University must be taken at an accredited four-year institution.

A minimum grade of C must be earned in any course taken in the above manner in order to be counted toward graduation at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Students matriculated at Fairleigh Dickinson University and granted permission to take course(s) at another academic institution will have courses transferred in without the grades calculated into the grade point ratio (GPR).

Students may obtain additional information regarding the approval process from their college dean or school director. Exceptions to these policies must be approved by the college dean or school director.

Grade Appeal Procedure

While it is recognized that faculty hold the right and responsibility to grant a grade, a student who receives a grade that he or she believes to be unwarranted may appeal that grade by engaging in the following process:

Within the first three weeks of the start of the following full semester (fall or spring) in which the grade is received, the student shall have informally appealed the grade to the instructor. In the case of a student who is being kept from either graduating or registering because of the grade in question, the process should begin immediately upon receipt of the grade report. If either the instructor or department chair or school director is unavailable, the student may proceed directly to the dean. If no resolution of the matter results to the student’s satisfaction, the student may initiate the following formal appeal process.
The student shall request in writing a meeting with the respective department chairperson or school director concerning the grade in question. For University Core appeals, the director of University Core on each campus will replace a department chair or school director at this level of appeal.
The chair or school director shall report to the student on the resolution of the appeal within two weeks of that meeting.
If the issue is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student has one week to appeal in writing to the dean of the College in which the course is taught. For University Core appeals, the University provost’s designee will replace the dean at this level of appeal.
The dean/director shall review the entire matter with the student, the faculty member and/or the chairperson or school director involved.
If the dean/director feels there is no basis for a grade change, that determination is final and should be conveyed to the student in writing within two weeks of receipt of the student’s appeal.
If the dean/director believes that an erroneous grade exists, the dean shall attempt to resolve the issue with the instructor. If, however, resolution is not achieved, the dean shall refer the case to the College Ad Hoc Grade Appeal Committee.
The committee is expected to convene within two weeks after receipt of the dean’s referral.
Each College Ad Hoc Grade Appeal Committee shall consist of three faculty and one alternate selected by the college dean and school director and a professional staff person selected by the vice president for student affairs. Whenever possible, two of the faculty shall belong to the department or discipline of the instructor whose grading is in question.
The committee shall have the authority to recommend an appropriate course of action to the dean who shall have the authority to implement the recommendation. The recommendation shall be conveyed to all parties involved, in writing.

Honors and Dean’s Lists

The Honors List and Dean’s List are issued each semester and contain the names of students who have achieved a grade point ratio of 3.50 and 3.20 respectively. To be eligible, full-time students must complete a minimum of 12 credits during a semester. Weighted letter grades must be earned for all courses except for one that may be taken on a P/NC basis and may be included provided that a P grade is earned. Exceptions to the 12-credit minimum are as follows: 1) full-time students who are in special programs of study such as the clinical internship for allied health majors; 2) students beyond 95 credits who can complete degree requirements with a reduced load. In these special instances, all courses must be taken on a weighted letter grade basis. Part-time students may qualify for the Honors List or Dean’s List if they carry 6 or more credits each semester and achieve a grade point ratio of 3.50 and 3.20, respectively, for a minimum of 12 consecutive credits. Weighted letter grades must be earned for all courses except for one that may be taken on a P/NC basis and may be included provided that a P grade is earned.

Graduation Honors

A student whose cumulative grade point ratio (CGPR) for four years is 3.85 will receive his or her degree summa cum laude; if the CGPR is 3.67, magna cum laude; if the CGPR is 3.33, cum laude. Only weighted grades will be included in computing honors. Credits taken at Fairleigh Dickinson University and approved credits taken at other academic institutions after a student matriculates, with a minimum of 54 credits, will be used in this evaluation. Associate degree honors are awarded to students who achieve a 3.67 CGPR in two-year programs at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Honor Societies

Students admitted to Fairleigh Dickinson University with advanced standing may be eligible for admission to the University’s Honor Societies, namely Phi Zeta Kappa and Phi Omega Epsilon, when they qualify according to the standards set by the societies. The credits taken at Fairleigh Dickinson University may include credits taken off campus with prior University approval as outlined under “Credits Taken at Other Academic Institutions.”

Honor societies include:

Alpha Eta Society (Florham Campus only): Allied Health Professions National Honor Society. Eligibility for membership:

Associate — those undergraduate allied health students working toward an associate degree who have complied with the following conditions:

They shall be enrolled in an allied health curriculum leading to an associate degree and shall be in their last semester of enrollment.
They shall have maintained an overall scholarship average of 3.50 or better (out of 4.00) while enrolled in the allied health program.
Not more than 10 percent of the graduating class of a specified program shall be invited to membership or, in those programs with fewer than 10 students, no more than one student will be invited to membership.
They shall have shown capacity for leadership and achievement in their chosen allied health field.
They shall have been recommended by members and approved by the deans of the allied health unit or their equivalents.

Baccalaureate — Those undergraduate students working toward a baccalaureate degree who have complied with the following conditions:

They shall be enrolled in an allied health program leading to a baccalaureate degree and will be enrolled in their last semester.
They shall have maintained an overall scholarship average of 3.50 or better (out of 4.00) while enrolled in the allied health program.
Not more than 10 percent of the graduating class of a specified program shall be invited to membership or, in those programs with fewer than 10 students, no more than one student will be invited to membership.
They shall have shown capacity for leadership and achievement in their chosen allied health field.
They shall have been recommended by members and approved by the deans of the allied health unit or their equivalents.

Alpha Epsilon Rho (Florham Campus only): National broadcasting society. The National Broadcasting Society — Alpha Epsilon Rho, is a student and professional society of more than 85 chapters on college, university, community college and high school campuses. Through the years, the society has had as its purpose the goal of encouraging and rewarding scholarship and accomplishment among students of film and broadcasting, to establish meaningful communication between student and professionals and to foster integrity in the use of the powerful instruments of radio, television, film, cable and its many associated businesses and industries.

Alpha Kappa Delta: National honor society for sociology students. The society was founded in 1920 for the purposes of stimulating scholarship and promoting the scientific study of society. The organization was established to provide a forum for student and faculty interchange and paved the way for what has become an international organization dedicated to promoting, facilitating and recognizing academic scholarship. To date, more than 80,000 scholars have been initiated into the society, including those in the United States, Canada, China, Finland, the Philippines, Taiwan and Singapore.

Beta Beta Beta, Chapter of Omega Iota: National biological honor society. The society seeks to encourage scholarly achievement for undergraduate students who achieve superior academic records and who have an interest in the life sciences. The society emphasizes the stimulation of scholarship, dissemination of scientific knowledge and promotion of biological research. To be eligible for regular membership, students must major in biological science, complete at least one term of the second year of a four-year curriculum, complete at least three courses in biological science and have a grade point ratio of 3.20 or higher in those biology courses. In addition, the student must be in good academic standing with the University.

Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS): The only business honor society recognized by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. BGS was founded as a national organization in 1913. The mission of BGS is to encourage and honor academic achievement and personal excellence in the study and practice of business. Membership in BGS is the highest recognition a student can receive in an undergraduate or master’s business program accredited by AACSB International. To be eligible for membership, a student must rank in the upper 10 percent of the junior class, upper 10 percent of the senior class or upper 20 percent of the graduating master’s class.

Epsilon Rho, Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau: International honor society in nursing. Baccalaureate nursing students 1) who have completed one-half of the required curriculum, 2) who have demonstrated ability in nursing, 3) who have at least a 3.00 CGPR and 4) whose numbers do not exceed one-third of the total number expected to graduate in that class are eligible for membership.

Eta Kappa Nu (Metropolitan Campus only): The only electrical engineering honor society. The society speaks for electrical engineering scholars throughout the world. There are 152 college chapters in major institutions, including several in Europe and in South America. The top quarter of the junior class and top third of the senior class are invited each year to become members of the Theta Gamma Chapter at Fairleigh Dickinson University. To qualify, students must have a CGPR no lower than 3.20 and must have earned at least 45 credits at this University. Graduate students may join on recommendation of the electrical engineering school director and the faculty adviser.

Eta Sigma Delta: International hospitality management honor society. Eta Sigma Delta was originated in 1978 at the University of New Hampshire and currently has more than 90 active chapters worldwide. The Fairleigh Dickinson University, International School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Chapter was founded in 1981. Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) Honor Society has developed an important role within the Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (CHRIE) organization, which is the ESD parent organization. To be eligible for membership, FDU chapter students are required to have a grade point ratio of at least 3.00 and to take an active leadership role in the school and hospitality-related community service. Members are inducted in a ceremony held annually in November. At that time, they commit to performing acts of community service and outreach, as they demonstrate proactive leadership. For honorary members to be eligible, they must be hospitality/tourism professionals, faculty, administrators or other distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to the field.

Omicron Delta Epsilon: International economics honor society. Eligibility for membership is based on a 3.00 grade point ratio or better with at least 12 credits in economics and a grade point ratio better than 3.00. Omicron Delta Epsilon is one of the largest international honor societies. Each New Jersey campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University has a chapter.

Omicron Lambda, Chapter of Lambda Pi Eta: Communication studies honor society. The goals of Lambda Pi Eta are to recognize, foster and reward outstanding scholastic achievement; to stimulate interest in the field of communication; to promote and encourage professional development among communication majors; to provide an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas about the field; to establish and maintain close relationships and understanding between faculty and students; and to explore options for further graduate studies. To be eligible for membership, students must have completed 60 undergraduate credits, have a cumulative grade point ratio of at least 3.00, have completed the equivalent of four communication courses, have a grade point ratio of at least 3.25 in these courses and currently be enrolled as a full-time student in good standing with the department, the college and the University.

Phi Alpha Theta: International honor society in history. Phi Alpha Theta is the highest-rated departmental honor society. Students with an average of 3.10 or better in history courses and an average of 3.00 in two-thirds of the remainder of their work are eligible for membership. Eligibility for honor societies for transfer students will be based on all work done at other accredited institutions and a grade point ratio at Fairleigh Dickinson University that meets the grade point ratio requirement for membership in the honor society.

Phi Omega Epsilon: Eligibility for membership in the University’s senior honor society is established by completing at least 90 earned credits toward an undergraduate degree with a CGPR of 3.50. Of these 90 credits, the last 58 must have been taken at the University, and a CGPR of 3.20 must have been maintained for all of them. All the preceding requirements must have been fulfilled prior to the accumulation of 112 credits. Transfer students who are unable to fulfill the prerequisite 58-credit requirement will be able to establish eligibility if they have taken at least 32 credits prior to the accumulation of 112 credits and if they have maintained a CGPR of 3.50 during their entire career at Fairleigh Dickinson.

Phi Zeta Kappa: Eligibility for membership in the University’s junior honor society is established by completing at least the first 60 credits toward an undergraduate degree. Of these, 44 must have been earned at Fairleigh Dickinson and a CGPR of 3.20 must have been maintained for all of them. All the preceding requirements must have been fulfilled prior to the accumulation of 80 credits toward the undergraduate degree.

Pi Mu Epsilon: National honor society in mathematics. Students with an average of 3.20 or better in mathematics and an overall average of at least 3.00 are eligible for membership.

Pi Sigma Alpha: The Kappa Omicron Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha. It receives into membership students of government, political science, public administration and international relations, when such students attain high standards of scholarship and academic distinction both in political science and in the sum of their academic work. Its chapters are established in colleges and universities of accredited and recognized standing that offer at least the prescribed minimum of work in political science.

Psi Chi: National honor society in psychology. Psychology majors who have attained a CGPR equivalent to or greater than 3.20 and a grade point ratio of 3.50 in psychology courses, and who have demonstrated high standards of personal behavior, are eligible for induction. Each psychology department also requires completion of a minimum number of psychology credits to be eligible. Information on the minimum credits for each department is available through the department chairperson or school director on each campus.

Sigma Tau Delta: International English honor society. The goals of Sigma Tau Delta are to confer distinction for high achievement in the study of literature in undergraduate, graduate and professional studies; provide, through its local chapters cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities; foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language and writing; promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members; exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and serve society by fostering literacy. Candidates for undergraduate membership must have a minimum of two college courses in literature. The candidate must have a minimum of a B or equivalent average in literature and in general scholarship, must rank at least in the highest 35 percent of his/her class and must have completed at least three semesters or five quarters of college coursework.

Sigma Xi: The Scientific Research Society is an international scientific honor society, the aim of which is to encourage scientific research. Graduate and undergraduate students who have completed research projects are eligible for associate membership in the Fairleigh Dickinson University Club of the society. The club is authorized to elect associate members, which is by invitation and restricted to those who are actively engaged in research. The activities of the club include the sponsorship of lectures, discussions of scientific topics and the sponsorship of competition for the best student science papers. All activities of the society are free and open to the public. The society publishes the American Scientist, a magazine that is sent to all members.

Incompletes

This designation is not a substitute for a letter grade. It merely describes a student’s temporary status in a course. It is to be given only in exceptional or emergency circumstances at the discretion of, and after consultation with, the instructor. Students have a responsibility for completing all work in a course on time. They have the added responsibility of notifying the instructor of circumstances preventing them from completing the requirements on time. Students will have up to the third week of the next full semester (excluding summer sessions) to complete the requirements. If the requirements have not been met within the prescribed period, the I automatically will become an F. The F is a letter grade and will count in the student’s CGPR.

Major Religious Holy Days

The University respects the observance of major religious holy days by members of the campus community. Officers of administration and of instruction responsible for scheduling of required academic activities or essential services are expected to avoid conflict with such holy days as much as possible.

Remediation

The University recognizes that some of its students require developmental coursework in areas such as writing and mathematics. These courses do not carry college credit toward the degree. The load involved in a remedial course shall be counted, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, as part of a student’s academic load for the purpose of determining fulltime status and other eligibilities that are based upon academic load. Placement in these courses may be determined by formal testing.

Residence Requirement

The University requires that each candidate for the baccalaureate degree complete a minimum of 25 percent of the credits required for the degree including at least 50 percent of the credits required for a major to be taken in the department offering the major. In the Silberman College of Business, a majority of required business core, restricted business core courses and a majority of courses in the major must be completed from the Silberman College of Business. The credits making the 50 percent are listed under the business core, restricted business core and major (discipline) headings.

The University requires that each candidate for the associate degree complete a minimum of 30 credits in residence including 50 percent of the credits required for the core coursework.

ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps)

Some students may wish to enroll in an ROTC program as part of their college experience.

Secondary Areas of Concentration/Minors

A minimum of 15 to 18 credits as specified by the appropriate department or school must be completed successfully to satisfy the requirement for a secondary area of concentration/minor. Courses used to satisfy core and/or curricular requirements may be used to fulfill the requirements for a secondary area of concentration/minor.

For minors in the Silberman College of Business, see specific requirements at Business Minors.

Semester Credits and Normal Load

The normal credit load for an undergraduate student is 16 credits each semester. A credit is defined as one lecture hour or recitation a week, or two or three hours of laboratory a week for the duration of the semester. Additional credits may be taken according to the conditions described under “Acceleration” in this section.

Summer Sessions

Many on-campus, off-campus and online courses are offered during the summer months. Students may register for a maximum of 6 credits per summer session. Exceptions can be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Regular degree and nondegree students can attend summer sessions. Students from other institutions must file a Fairleigh Dickinson University Application for Visiting College Students.

Note: An unofficial transcript from the home institution is needed to complete the admissions process. A complimentary transcript will be sent to the home campus upon completion of the summer term.

University Core Curriculum

Fairleigh Dickinson University requires a common University Core curriculum consisting of four integrated courses.