Undergraduate Policies and Procedures
General Policies
Registration
Information and instructions concerning registration are distributed by the Registrar's Office. For continuing students, Advance Registration for courses takes place in the preceding semester. A student who advance registers must pay tuition or make payment arrangements with the Business Office by a specified date. If payment or arrangements are not made by the specified date, the Advance Registration is canceled, and the student must make arrangements for payment and re-register at Final Registration. After Advance Registration, students must call their advisors for an advising appointment.
Final Registration (for new students and continuing students who do not advance register) takes place immediately preceding the opening of classes each semester. Failure to comply with the procedures specified by the Registrar for registration, changes in course registrations (Drop/Add), or withdrawal from a course may result in denial of credit and a failing grade.
Class Schedules for Summer and Fall semesters are usually available in late March, and for Spring semester in late October, on the Web at www.ndnu.edu/academics/class-schedules.
Academic Unit Load
Full-time students normally carry 12-18 units each semester. Students on F1 visas, intercollegiate athletes, and students receiving financial aid must carry a minimum of 12 units each semester. During Summer Session, the maximum academic load is the equivalent of one unit per week of the session, or a cumulative maximum of 14 units for the entire Summer Session. Intensive Evening Degree students may carry a maximum of six units per term or 11 units per semester.
Academic Overload
Enrollment in more than 18 units per semester during the Fall and Spring semesters constitutes an academic overload and also incurs additional tuition charges. See item 5 below for the overload policy during the Summer Session. The following regulations apply to overload:
- A student may enroll in a maximum of 18 units. To enroll in more than 18 units (up to a maximum of 21 units), a student must receive permission from his or her academic advisor.
- All units for which a student registers, including physical education, athletics, music, theatre arts, laboratory assistantship, teaching assistantship, Independent Study, and units which are added during the Drop/Add period, are included in the total unit count.
- A student whose academic advisor does not approve an overload may petition the Academic Standards Committee. Petition forms are available at the Registrar's Office.
- A student requesting more than three units overload must petition the Academic Standards Committee. Petition forms are available at the Registrar's Office.
- Academic Overload during the Summer Session is defined as enrollment in excess of the equivalent of one unit for each week of the session or more than 14 units for the entire summer, regardless of cumulative GPA.
Independent Study
Independent Study is individual study or research under the direction of an instructor. Independent Study is open only to matriculated students and is generally available only for upper-division work. Independent Study may be taken under either optional or required circumstances.
Optional Independent Study includes circumstances such as:
- The student wishes to pursue individual, creative research at the institution or in the field;
- The student wishes to investigate new career opportunities;
- The transfer student enters with one or two units remaining in a requirement and wishes to complete the requirement through Independent Study.
Required Independent Study includes circumstances such as:
- Independent Study is required as part of a program;
- A required course is not offered again in another format during the time remaining before the student would normally graduate;
- A program is discontinued and the student still needs a required course.
In addition to a registration or add form, a separate Independent Study Contract, available from the Registrar's Office, must be completed for each Independent Study course. When all required signatures have been obtained, including the signature of the Dean, the contract is filed in the Registrar's Office. Students register for the Independent Study through the normal registration procedures. The contract must be presented at the time of registration and must be completed by the Add deadline of the semester or term in which the Independent Study is to be undertaken.
A maximum of nine units of Independent Study may be included in a student's total degree program.
Upper-Division Courses
A student may not enroll in upper-division courses until the second semester of the sophomore year (i.e., after completing 45 units), without special permission from his or her academic advisor.
Performance/Activity Courses
Two restrictions apply to Performance/Activity courses:
- Students are restricted to a maximum of five units in Performance/Activity courses per semester;
- A maximum of 16 units in Performance/Activity courses may be applied to the bachelor's degree. Units in the major (courses on the list below that are required for a given major) are not subject to the above restrictions.
The following courses are considered as Performance/Activity courses:
Laboratory Assistant: (any department code) 149L;
Performing Arts: MU018/118, 021/121, 022/122, 041/141; TA090C/190C, 090L/190L 090R/190R, 090S/190S;
Physical Education: All PE courses;
Publications: CM018L, CM118L, EN120C;
Teaching Assistant: (any department code) 149T.
Articulated BA/MA Programs
Notre Dame de Namur University offers articulation agreements between undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields where graduate study is compatible with an undergraduate degree program. Students admitted into an articulated program may apply NDNU graduate-level units toward requirements for both the bachelor's and master's programs, thereby reducing the time required to earn the master's degree and the fees associated with it.
Articulated programs are available in the areas of study listed below:
- Art Therapy and undergraduate Psychology
- Business Administration (MBA) and undergraduate Business
- Clinical Psychology and Gerontology and undergraduate Intensive Human Services
- Clinical Psychology and Gerontology and undergraduate Psychology
- Management (MSM) and undergraduate Business
- Public Administration and undergraduate Business
- Public Administration and undergraduate Sociology: Animals in Human Society
- Public Administration and undergraduate Sociology: Community and Criminal Justice
- Special Education (credential and master's) and undergraduate Psychology
Students interested in an articulated program should work closely with a school advisor, the Graduate Admission Office, and the Office of Student Financing to assure sound academic and financial planning. For the above graduate programs, an interview with a graduate program director is required.
For further information on eligibility and admission to an articulated program, see Graduate Admission or the relevant Program Director.
Dropping/Adding Courses (Including Course Withdrawal)
Semester-length Courses
Add Period
A student may add a semester-length course with the permission of the instructor prior to the third meeting of the class. A special add period that extends through the end of the 10th week of the semester applies to enrollment in the Writing Center (EN020/120).Drop Period
No record of enrollment in a course dropped within the drop period will appear on a student's transcript. The deadline for dropping a semester-length course is Tuesday of the fourth week of the semester. For certain math courses and for PL012/112, the drop period extends through Friday of the eighth week of the semester.Withdrawal Period
After the drop deadline, a student may withdraw from a semester-length course up to the Wednesday of the tenth week of the semester. No withdrawals will be accepted after that day. Such withdrawal requires the approval of the Student Financing Office, the instructor of the course, the student's academic advisor, the Coordinator of Immigrations Services in the case of international students, and the Registrar. Withdrawal from a course after the drop period will be reflected by a "Withdrawal" (W) on the student's transcript. Withdrawal forms are available from the Student Financing Office.
Intensive Evening Degree Courses
Add Period
Intensive Evening Degree courses can only be added, with the permission of the instructor, prior to the second meeting of the class.Drop Period
No record of enrollment in a course dropped within the drop period will appear on a student's transcript. The deadline for dropping an Intensive Evening Degree course is Tuesday of the third week of the intensive term.Withdrawal Period
A request for withdrawal from an Intensive Evening Degree course after the end of the drop period must be approved the Student Financing Office, the student's instructor, academic advisor, and by the Registrar. If a request for withdrawal from a course after the drop period is approved, it will be reflected by a "Withdrawal" (W) on the student's transcript. Withdrawal forms are available from the Student Financining Office.
Summer Session Courses
Add Period
With the instructor's approval, a student may add a summer session course that is scheduled to meet three or more times at any time prior to the third class meeting. Registration in workshops or courses that are scheduled to meet less than three times must be completed prior to the first class meeting.Drop Period
No record of enrollment in a course dropped within the drop period will appear on a student's transcript. A student may drop a summer session course that is scheduled to meet three or more times at any time prior to the third class meeting. A student wishing to drop a course or workshop scheduled to meet fewer than three times must do so prior to the first meeting of the class or workshop.Withdrawal Period
After the drop deadline, a student may withdraw from a Summer session course up to but not including the last class of the semester. Such withdrawal requires the approval of the Student Financing Office, the instructor of the course, the student's academic advisor and the Registrar. Withdrawal from a course after the drop period, will be reflected by a "Withdrawal" (W) on the student's transcript. Withdrawal forms are available in the Student Financing Office.
Military Withdrawal
If a student is called to active military duty after the Drop/Add period, he/she is entitled to a military withdrawal and a full refund of tuition and fees. Servicemen and women should provide copies of their military orders to the Registrar.
Repeat Policy
Students may repeat courses in which "C", "D", or "F" grades were received. Grades for all attempts appear on the transcript, but only the highest grade is computed in the GPA, and credit is earned only for the highest grade. Independent Study may not be used to repeat a course. Courses other than those described above may not be repeated for credit.
Should a Notre Dame de Namur University student earn a grade of "F" in a course at Notre Dame de Namur University and then subsequently repeat the course and earn a "C" or higher grade at a fully accredited institution, the grade earned outside of the University will be admitted to the student's record at the University. This applies only to a student who has been placed on academic warning, probation, or disqualified status at Notre Dame de Namur University and has repeated a course for the purpose of raising his or her grade point average.
Declaration or Change of Major or Minor
Any new declarations of majors, minors, or concentrations, or changes in majors, minors, or concentrations must be requested on a "Declaration or Change of Major/Minor" form available from the Registrar's Office.
Students normally indicate a major ("Major 1" or "primary" major) at the time of entry to Notre Dame de Namur University. Those who are undecided are classified as "undeclared". Students who enter as undeclared are expected to declare a major by the end of their sophomore year.
To declare a second major ("Major 2" or "secondary" major) a student should submit a completed "Declaration or Change of Major/Minor" form to the Registrar's Office.
Grading System
Grade Scale
Grades reflecting the quality of students' work are based on the following system:
Grade Points Per Unit
| A+ 4.0 | B+ 3.3 | C+ 2.3 | D+ 1.3 | F 0.0 |
| A 4.0 | B 3.0 | C 2.0 | D 1.0 | |
| A- 3.7 | B- 2.7 | C- 1.7 | D- 0.7 |
Grades not used in computing the grade point average:
| AU | Audit | NR | No Record |
| I | Incomplete | P | Pass (equivalent grade "C" or higher) |
| IP | In Progress | TR | Transfer Credit |
| NP | Not Pass | W | Withdrawal |
Grade Reports
Students may access grades online after they are submitted by instructors. Grades are not released over the telephone because the caller cannot be properly identified as required by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).
Pass/Not Pass Grades
With the permission of the major advisor, a student with a 2.0 cumulative GPA or above may take one elective course each semester on a "Pass/Not pass" option. This grading option may not be applied to courses that are taken to fulfill Core Curriculum or major or minor requirements and no more than 24 units of "Pass/Not Pass" coursework may be applied toward a degree. Students must indicate at the time of registration the course to be taken on a "Pass/Not Pass" basis, and the grading option may not be changed after the Add deadline.
Incomplete Grades
An "Incomplete" may be given to a student who has maintained satisfactory attendance and work throughout most of a course, including Independent Study, but due to extraordinary circumstances is unable to complete the required work by the end of the semester/session in which the course was taken. The Incomplete grade is to be replaced by a final grade within a period not to exceed one calendar year from the date on which the Incomplete was assigned, unless the instructor specifies a lesser time period. There will be no extension granted for clearing the Incomplete beyond this specified time period. Once the Incomplete has been changed to a terminal letter grade, no grade changes are accepted.
Either the instructor or the student may initiate a grade of Incomplete. The "Request for an Incomplete Grade" form is available from the Registrar's Office. On this form, the instructor specifies the work to be completed, the deadline for completion, and the default grade. An Incomplete grade will be recorded only if the form is completely filled out, signed by the student, the instructor, and the appropriate School Dean, and submitted to the Registrar no later than the due date for instructors' regular grade sheets.
It is the student's responsibility to verify with the instructor whether she/he will be available to complete the evaluation of the course within the specified time period, to maintain contact with the instructor, to complete the coursework, and to verify that the instructor submitted a final grade to the Registrar's Office.
If the coursework specified on the Incomplete Grade form is not completed in accordance with the above policy, the grade will be converted to the default grade. Students will not be allowed to graduate with an "Incomplete" on the transcript.
Grade Changes
Grades once entered on a student's transcript are final. No grade other than an Incomplete may be changed to reflect submission of additional work by a student. No grade may be changed as a result of an instructor's reevaluation of a student's work.
If a clerical error has been made that can be documented, an instructor may submit a petition for a grade change within one semester of the issuance of the grade to the Registrar's Office. Full supporting documentation must accompany the petition, including instructor signature. Grade changes must be reported by the instructor on a "Change of Grade" form available from the Registrar's Office.
See also the paragraph in the Student Handbook on Evaluation of Academic Performance within the section Student Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities.
Credit by Examination
Up to 30 semester units of credit by examination may be applied to the Notre Dame de Namur University undergraduate degree. Units earned by examination, other than Course Challenge Examinations, may not be used in satisfying the 30-unit Notre Dame de Namur University residency requirement. However, credits earned by examination are not considered as interrupting the residency requirement. During the residency period, up to six units earned through Course Challenge Examinations may be applied to residency.
Advanced Placement (AP) Policies
Advanced Placement Exam Scores
Scores of 3, 4, or 5 provide elective credit in the subject area and will satisfy Core Curriculum requirements as appropriate. Refer to the accompanying chart.
International Baccalaureate Exam Scores
Scores of 5, 6, or 7 on standard level exams will provide three units elective credit in the subject area and will satisfy Core Curriculum requirements, as appropriate to the subject area.
Scores of 5, 6, or 7 on higher level exams will provide six units of elective credit in the subject area and will satisfy Core Curriculum requirements, as appropriate to the subject area. Advanced placement in major courses will be awarded in consultation with the Department Chair.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma places the student in the sophomore year automatically, awarding specific course by course credit in consultation with the Director of the First Year Experience program.
Middle College or Running Start Programs
These are programs providing high school students credit for community college courses taken for credit toward high school graduation, and credit toward the college degree. Credits for community college courses taken in high school, for which a grade of “C” or higher is earned, will be awarded on a course-by-course basis for classes that would normally transfer credit to NDNU. Refer to articulation agreements for local community colleges for those taking courses there.
Course Challenge Examinations
A course challenge is an attempt by a student to obtain credit for a course by demonstrating competence in its subject matter through testing or other appropriate means. An exam for a challenged course, for example, would be comparable to the final exam administered at the end of the regularly scheduled course. Except for courses requiring laboratories and failed courses for which an "F" or "NP (No Pass) was posted, any regularly offered course (either for Core Curriculum, the major, the minor, or for elective credit) may be challenged with the approval of the student's major advisor and the department chair or program director in the discipline in which the course is to be challenged. To challenge a course, a student must be in continuing status (currently enrolled or on an official leave of absence) at NDNU. A challenge may be attempted only once for any given course.
The department chair is responsible for the academic quality of the challenge. To pass a course by challenge, a grade of "B" or higher is required; the grade is posted to the transcript along with the unit value of the course and an annotation that grade and credit were earned through the challenge process. A course which is not successfully challenged will be recorded as a grade of "NP" (Not Pass) on the transcript.
A student desiring to challenge a course should obtain an "Application to Challenge an Undergraduate Course" form from the Registrar's Office. The completed and approved form must be submitted at least two weeks before the anticipated examination date. A per unit fee of $100 will be charged for each challenge. An unsuccessful challenge does not result in refund of the challenge fee.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
NDNU grants CLEP credit only for examinations passed at the 50th percentile or higher. Credit is granted for total scores only; successful subscores within an exam are not granted partial credit. Credit is not granted for scores from foreign language exams taken by native speakers of the language being tested. Credit for CLEP exams may not duplicate credit granted for classes previously or subsequently completed at NDNU or elsewhere. CLEP credit is recorded on the Notre Dame de Namur University transcript as units passed, without an evaluative grade. See the Registrar's Office for information on credit for specific CLEP exams.
For CLEP General Examinations
Qualifying scores on the English Composition with Essay, Humanities, and Social Science General Examinations are each granted six lower-division semester units. There are two editions of the English Composition Examination; Notre Dame de Namur University accepts only the results from the edition that requires an essay. Qualifying scores on the Science and Mathematics General Examinations are each granted three lower-division semester units. Credit for General Examinations may be applied to appropriate Notre Dame de Namur University Core Curriculum requirements.
For CLEP Subject Examinations
Subject examinations passed at the 50th percentile or above qualify for either three or six semester units of credit; the amount of credit awarded depends upon whether the exam was designed to test one or two semesters of study in the subject area. Generally the credit granted is lower division, though scores from an exam testing advanced subject matter may qualify for upper division credit. Scores from Subject Examinations that offer an optional essay are only eligible for Notre Dame de Namur University credit if the essay component has been completed. Departments reserve the right to review such essays before determining whether credit will be awarded. Credit for Subject Exams may be applied to Notre Dame de Namur University Core Curriculum requirements and, with departmental approval, may be applied to lower division prerequisites in the major.
Transfer Work After Matriculation
After beginning coursework at Notre Dame de Namur University, students should receive prior approval from their academic advisor for any coursework to be undertaken at other colleges and universities. The same policies governing the transfer of academic credit prior to matriculation (see Policies for Awarding Transfer Credit) apply to the transfer of courses taken after matriculation at Notre Dame de Namur University. Upon completion of non-NDNU coursework, students should request that an official transcript be forwarded to the Registrar's Office. The unit value of transferable work, not the grade awarded for that work, will appear on the Notre Dame de Namur University transcript. See also Academic Residency.
Auditing a Course
With permission of the instructor, anyone may audit undergraduate courses at Notre Dame de Namur University. Neither a grade nor credit is awarded for a course taken on an audit basis, and the decision to take a course as an auditor or for credit cannot be changed after the add deadline for the course. Audited courses are transcripted as such only for matriculated students. The extent of participation of an auditor is at the discretion of the instructor. Auditors receive a course syllabus, but may not necessarily receive copies of all course materials. The audit fee per unit is 50% of the otherwise applicable tuition rate.
Clear Academic Standing
A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above constitutes clear academic standing. Students who do not maintain clear academic standing are subject to the provisions of Academic Warning, Probation, and Disqualification, as specified below.
Academic Warning, Probation, and Disqualification
The following steps are taken in succession by the University when a student's GPA falls below the minimum for clear academic standing.
Academic Warning
The first time a student's cumulative Notre Dame de Namur University GPA falls below 2.0 in a program of 12 or more units of graded courses for full-time students, or an accumulated total of 12 units for part-time students, the student is placed on Academic Warning and is informed that during the next semester substantial progress toward restoring a 2.0 average must be made. A student receiving a notice of Academic Warning may not carry more than 15 units, may not hold elective or appointed office, and may not participate in intercollegiate athletics unless eligible at the beginning of the season of participation. The Academic Warning is not transcripted.
Academic Probation
If, at the end of the semester in which a student has been placed on Academic Warning, the student's cumulative GPA remains below 2.0, the student is placed on Academic Probation if there is the possibility of returning to clear academic standing (2.0 or better cumulative GPA) after an additional semester of work. If, however, the GPA is so deficient that the student cannot return to clear academic standing after an additional semester, the student is disqualified. A student will be placed on Academic Probation for one semester only (or for an accumulated total of 12 units for part-time students) and, if at the end of that semester the cumulative GPA is not 2.0 or better, the student is disqualified. A student placed on Academic Probation is subject to the same restrictions listed above for Academic Warning. Academic Probation is noted on the student's transcript.
Appeal
Under certain circumstances, a student on academic probation who believes that he or she cannot return to a cumulative 2.0 grade point average through coursework completed during the semester on probation may petition for an additional semester of probationary status. Such a petition is made to the Undergraduate Academic Standards Committee, and requires the recommendation of the student's Academic Advisor as well as documentation of extraordinary circumstances (i.e., illness, accident, or other circumstances beyond the student's control) contributing to the student's current academic status. This petition must be submitted before the close of the semester on Academic Probation. If the petition is granted, the student is given one additional semester in which to raise the cumulative GPA to 2.0. If not granted, the student will be disqualified under the provisions for Academic Disqualification.
Academic Disqualification
A student is disqualified if one or more of the following situations apply:
- If special conditions of admittance, as outlined in the acceptance letter, are not met;
- If, after being placed on Academic Warning, the cumulative GPA is so deficient that the student cannot return to clear academic standing after an additional semester;
- If, at the end of the semester on Academic Probation, the cumulative GPA remains below 2.0;
- If, after clearing Academic Probation, the student's cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 as a result of grades earned in any of the following four semesters of his or her enrollment.
A student who is disqualified may not register for courses.
Reinstatement After Disqualification
A disqualified student may be reinstated when his or her cumulative GPA, when calculated for this purpose only by including transferable and/or non-matriculant NDNU coursework completed since disqualification, reaches 2.0 or above. The student may resume studies at NDNU by supplying an official transcript of this post-disqualification coursework and a written request for reinstatement to the Registrar's Office. A student who is reinstated under this policy returns in probationary status and will have two semesters of full-time enrollment or 24 cumulative units of part-time enrollment to attain a cumulative Notre Dame de Namur University GPA of at least 2.0. A student who fails to do so will again be disqualified, this time without possibility of reinstatement.
Eligibility for Participation in Intercollegiate Athletics
The privilege of participation in Intercollegiate Athletics is accompanied by the responsibility for satisfactory academic performance and behavior.
To be eligible for any intercollegiate competition, a student must:
- Have a minimum 2.0 cumulative NDNU grade point average;
- Make satisfactory progress toward a degree;
- Be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units (full-time status) at the time of participation, or if the participation takes place between terms, have been enrolled in 12 units in the term immediately preceding the date of participation;
- Exemplify and abide by the NDNU Code of Student Conduct as stated in the Student Handbook;
- Abide by NCAA and conference regulations.
Failure to comply with any of these requirements will result in students being ineligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics. The Director of Athletics receives the listing of students on academic warning and probation and is responsible for enforcing eligibility requirements with the assistance of individual coaches. Each coach is responsible for notifying his/her players of ineligibility. Each player is responsible for notifying his/her coach of any information he/she has which may affect eligibility.
General Undergraduate Attendance Policy
Students are required to attend all classes and laboratory sessions; they are held accountable for all assignments in each course, whether or not the assignments were announced during an absence. Faculty are responsible for clearly outlining their attendance policy on their syllabus presented on the first day of class.
While attendance in class is essential to a student's academic success and all students must accept their responsibility to be in class, it is recognized that there are some situations which necessitate absence from class.
Students are excused from class for the following reasons:
- Medical emergency with supporting documentation from a medical professional
- Observed religious holidays
- Family emergency
- Jury duty
- Participation in the following NDNU sanctioned activities:
a. intercollegiate athletic events (practice not included),
b. theatre productions (rehearsals not included),
c. professional or leadership conferences, and
d. required field trips.
Students planning to take performance or discussion based classes must be particularly careful, and may find that absences for the above designated activities preclude taking such classes.
At the beginning of the semester a student is responsible for finding out what the likely conflicts will be between these specified activities and the class schedule and then discussing them with the instructor during the first two weeks of class.
A student who will be absent from class for participation in the above designated sanctioned activities is required to notify the instructor at least one class meeting prior to each absence with a signed Notice of Absence form provided by the sponsoring department. The student is responsible for obtaining lecture notes and for making up course assignments, quizzes, or examinations within an agreed upon amount of time. It is expected that the instructor and student will come to a reasonable agreement which allows the student to complete the requirements, particularly in the instance of an infrequently offered required class.
Attendance Policy for Evening Students
The nature of the Intensive program requires a more stringent absence policy, since even one absence may significantly impact achievement of course learning objectives. A student who misses more than one class or its equivalent of four hours will be assigned a failing grade for the course, unless the student officially drops or withdraws from the course. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate the drop or withdrawal. See the Refund Policy for conditions under which some portion of the charges for the course may be reversed.
Leave of Absence/Official Withdrawal
Upon completion of a Leave of Absence form, students may be absent from the University for a year (two semesters and a summer) on an official Leave of Absence. Forms are available from academic advisors or the Registrar's Office.
Students on Leave of Absence are eligible to return as continuing students and retain the right to follow the degree requirements from the catalog to which they were entitled when their leave began.
Students who leave the University without an approved Leave of Absence or whose Leave of Absence has expired must apply for readmission through the Admissions Office.
Students intending to leave the University without planning to return should complete a Withdrawal form. Forms are available from the Registrar's Office.
Catalog of Graduation
Students remaining in continuous registered attendance at Notre Dame de Namur University may elect to meet the graduation requirements in effect either at the time of entering the University or at the time of graduation from the University. If, however, the University determines that changes are essential for certification requirements or competency in the academic or professional discipline, those changes in the graduation requirements shall be mandatory for all students, including students enrolled at that time. Continuous registered attendance for this purpose includes periods during which students have been granted an official Leave of Absence by the University.
Clearance for Graduation
Students nearing completion of their undergraduate studies (90 earned units) should request an Undergraduate Graduation Application from their academic advisor. Completion of this form will initiate a process which includes: (1) a Graduation Audit, prepared by the Registrar's Office; (2) a meeting with the Academic Advisor to review the audit; and (3) receiving information about Commencement, graduation activities, and diploma ordering.
The deadlines for filing the Undergraduate Graduation Application are: October 1 for May and August candidates; March 1 for December candidates.
Students normally must complete all degree work and meet all University graduation requirements prior to participating in Commencement. However, students who have six or fewer units to complete after May (confirmed by the Graduation Audit from the Registrar's Office) can request permission to "walk" in Commencement; students with more than six units remaining to be completed are not eligible to participate in Commencement. The six units include any outstanding credit: current Incomplete grades (even if the default grade is passing), credit by examination (Course Challenge or CLEP), or transfer work from other institutions. The form to request permission to "walk" is available from the Registrar's Office and must be accompanied by proof of advance registration in the remaining course(s).
Degree requirements outstanding after participation ("walking") in Commencement must be completed by December 31 of the year of the ceremony. This includes any courses not successfully completed in the final semester (e.g., "F," "I," "IP," and "W" grades). If the December 31 deadline is not met, students are required to petition the Academic Standards Committee for an extension. The petition must propose a detailed plan, approved by the student's academic advisor, describing how and when the remaining requirements are to be completed.
The graduation date posted on the transcript and on the diploma coincides with the end of the last day of the semester/session in which all degree requirements have been satisfied: Fall - December; Spring - May; Summer - August. The graduation ceremony for all candidates, regardless of the semester of completion, is held in May.
To be eligible to graduate, a student's overall GPA in his or her upper-division major courses must be a 2.0 or above, and the student must have been in clear academic standing for his or her final two semesters.
Academic Honors
Dean's List – To be included on the full-time student Dean's list, a student must have attained a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher in a program of 12 units or more of graded courses in the previous semester. The full-time student Dean's List is compiled at the conclusion of each Fall and Spring semester.
Dean's Honors - To be eligible for the part-time student Dean's Honors, a student must have attained a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher in a program of an accumulated total of 12 units or more of graded courses over one academic year (Fall, Spring, Summer). Students who were full-time in Fall or Spring are excluded from the part-time student Dean's Honors. The part-time student Dean's Honors is published approximately one month after final grades are due for Summer.
Students on either the Dean's List or on the part-time Dean's Honors list receive a letter of recognition and a certificate.
A student with an Incomplete ("I") grade in any of the 12 or more units on which the Dean's List/part-time Honors calculation is based is ineligible. Once compiled, the Dean's List/part-time Honors is not revised to accommodate subsequent resolution of Incomplete grades or other grade changes. In courses where performance required for a final grade necessarily extends beyond the end of the semester (e.g., research and internship courses), assignment of an In Progress ("IP") grade does not affect Dean's List/part-time Honors eligibility.
Honor Societies - Notre Dame de Namur University offers membership in the following Honor Societies: Alpha Mu Gamma, Kappa Gamma Pi, Delta Epsilon Sigma, Psi Chi, and Sigma Beta Delta. See Organizations, Activities, and Events for descriptions.
Honors at Graduation - Academic honors are awarded based on the cumulative NDNU grade point average only. To be eligible for academic honors, students must have satisfied a minimum of 46 letter graded upper-division units at NDNU.
Cum Laude: 3.50 - 3.64
Magna Cum Laude: 3.65 - 3.79
Summa Cum Laude: 3.80 - 4.00
Undergraduate Commencement Speaker - A representative of each graduating class is selected to address the graduates at Commencement. Selection is made by a committee comprised of faculty, staff, and students. The criteria for eligibility are: a minimum GPA at NDNU of 3.7, a minimum of 46 upper-division units earned at Notre Dame de Namur University (at the time of completion), and outstanding writing and speaking skills.