Credit Hour Policy and Compliance
All Mount Saint Mary College degree and certificate programs are approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). The Mount Saint Mary College credit hour calculations for degree and certificate programs follow NYSED guidelines – which are based on the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of credit hour.
The college is responsible for all aspects of the curriculum and degree program requirements. Mount Saint Mary College has a curriculum committee that reviews proposed new and revised courses and degree programs, including the credit hours associated with each.
NYSED – Credit Hour Definition
All courses and degree programs at the University must comply with Section 50.1 (o) of the New York State Commissioner of Education Regulations:
(o) Semester hour means a credit, point, or other unit granted for the satisfactory completion of a course which requires at least 15 hours (of 50 minutes each) of instruction and at least 30 hours of supplementary assignments, except as otherwise provided pursuant to section 52.2(c)(4) of this Subchapter. This basic measure shall be adjusted proportionately to translate the value of other academic calendars and formats of study in relation to the credit granted for study during the two semesters that comprise an academic year.
Source: NYSED Commissioner of Regulations: http://www.highered.nysed.gov/ocue/title_8_chapter_ii_regulations_o.htm
Matriculation
Students who are admitted to the Mount will be considered matriculated. The College requires that all candidates for matriculation must have:
- Completed all admissions requirements of the College;
- An appropriate GPA (see table under Academic Standards).
To advance in academic status, a student must complete the minimum credits and attain the specific grade index associated with the individual's particular status.
Students who break their matriculation for more than one calendar year from the date of departure and who present themselves to return to the College must comply with the general education and all requirements in place at the time of the approved leave of absence. Students seeking exceptions must petition the Academic Standards Committee. Students cannot mix the requirements of two catalogs.
Voluntary Medical Leave Policy
Leaves from the College for Medical Reasons
When a student has significant medical issues that prevent completion of coursework, s/he may request a Medical Leave from the College by submitting to the Director of Health Services: 1) a completed Voluntary Medical Leave Request form, and 2) supporting documentation from a qualified health professional. This documentation should include a letter detailing the diagnosis, symptoms, treatment history, and relevant circumstances, as well as dates and anticipated duration of the condition in question. The request and all supporting documentation must be received no later than two weeks (14 calendar days) prior to the last day of classes for the current semester, as defined by the academic calendar. A medical leave assumes an incapacity that prohibits acceptable academic performance, not simply a hardship or inconvenience. The Director of Health Services will consider the student's request, which must be supported by documentation from a qualified health professional, and make a determination as to whether the request is appropriate. If the request is deemed appropriate, the Director of Health Services will recommend to the Office of the Registrar, and the Office of Academic Affairs, that leave be granted. Students may first be encouraged to consult with their instructors or advisors to determine if there are alternative methods to alleviate their academic workload before obtaining a medical leave. Students experiencing medical difficulties fewer than 14 days before the close of classes may request an "Incomplete" (I) grade for all classes, as outlined in the College's grading policies.
If a student is not granted a medical leave, s/he may submit a written appeal, within two weeks of receiving the decision, to the Assistant Vice President for Students,, whose decision regarding the request will be final. If a request is denied, the College catalog policies will apply, based upon the original date the Voluntary Medical Leave Request form was initially submitted.
A student recommended for and granted a medical leave will be withdrawn from all current courses he or she is registered for, even after the official withdrawal period has ended and without academic penalty. Partial withdrawal is not possible. Additionally, a student on leave will receive a one-year Maintenance of Matriculation that allows the student to return without having to re-apply or pay another application fee. The student will be responsible for meeting 100% of his/her fees and room charges, as outlined in the College catalog. The student's board will be prorated. If the student receives financial aid funding, s/he should first meet with the Director of Financial Aid prior to requesting the leave in order to better understand its full financial aid implications.
If the student intends to return to the College to complete his/her degree, the student will be given a waiver for tuition charges to offset the cost of tuition upon his/her return. Should the student not return to the college to complete his/her degree, no refund of tuition charges will be given. If away for more than one year, the student would be subject to the catalog requirements in place at the time of return.
When a student wishes to return to the College, s/he is required to submit to the Director of Health Services appropriate documentation from a qualified health professional stating that the student has been cleared to return. It is recommended that s/he schedule a meeting with the Director of Health Services to review any relevant matters regarding this transition. If a student returning from a medical leave requires a reasonable accommodation in order to meet the essential eligibility requirements for MSMC students, MSMC will attempt to accommodate him/her as outlined in the MSMC Student Handbook. If the student is not approved to return to the College, s/he may submit a written appeal, within two weeks of receiving the decision, to the Assistant Vice President for Students, whose decision regarding the request will be final.
Voluntary Mental Health Leave Policy
Leaves from the College for Mental Health Reasons
When a student has significant mental health issues that prevent completion of coursework, the student may request a Mental Health Leave from the College by submitting to the Director of Counseling: 1) a completed Voluntary Mental Health Leave Request form, and 2) a completed Verification of Need for Mental Health Leave of Absence form. The Verification of Need for Mental Health Leave of Absence form should be completed by a qualified professional with experience in the mental health field, such as a medical physician, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, psychologist, or licensed mental health professional (such as LCSW, LMHC, LCAT, LMFT). The request and all supporting documentation must be received no later than two weeks (14 calendar days) prior to the last day of classes for the current semester, as defined by the academic calendar. A mental health leave assumes an incapacity that prohibits acceptable academic performance, not simply a hardship or inconvenience. The Director of Counseling Services in consultation with the Mental Health Leave Committee will consider the student’s request and determine whether the request is appropriate. Students may first be encouraged to consult with their instructors and/or advisors to determine if there are alternative methods to alleviate their academic workload before obtaining a mental health leave. Students experiencing mental health difficulties fewer than 14 days before the close of classes may request an “Incomplete” (I) grade for all classes, as outlined in the College’s grading policies.
If a student is not granted a mental health leave, the student may submit a written appeal within two weeks of receiving the decision to the Assistant Vice President for Students, whose decision regarding the request will be final. If a request is denied, the College catalog policies will apply, based on the original date the Voluntary Mental Health Leave Request forms were initially submitted.
A student granted a mental health leave will be withdrawn from all current courses that they are registered for, even after the official withdrawal period has ended and without academic penalty. Partial withdrawal is not possible. Additionally, a student on leave will receive a one-year Maintenance of Matriculation that allows the student to return without having to re-apply or pay another application fee. The student will be responsible for meeting 100% of their fees and room charges, as outlined in the College catalog. The student’s board will be prorated. If the student receives financial aid funding, they should first meet with the Director of Financial Aid prior to requesting the leave in order to better understand the full financial aid implications.
If the student intends to return to the College to complete their degree, the student will be given a waiver for tuition charges already paid to offset the cost of tuition upon their return. Should the student not return to the college to complete their degree, no refund of tuition charges will be given. If away for more than one year, the student would be subject to the catalog requirements in place at the time of return.
When a student wishes to return to the College, they are required to submit to the Director of Counseling appropriate documentation from a qualified health professional stating that the student has been cleared to return. It may be recommended that the student schedule a meeting with the Director of Counseling to review any relevant matters regarding the transition. If a student returning from a mental health leave requires an academic adjustment and/or reasonable accommodation in order to meet the essential eligibility requirements for MSMC students, the College will attempt to make such adjustments and accommodate the student as outlined in the MSMC Student Handbook. If the student is not approved to return to the College, they may submit a written appeal within two weeks of receiving the decision to the Assistant Vice President for Students whose decision regarding the request will be final.
Leave of Absence Policy
A leave of absence from the College may be granted to students for reasons other than academic difficulties for up to one full year after the end of the semester in progress. Students who do not intend to return in a subsequent semester must file for a Leave of Absence in order to remain classified as an "active" student. The leave requires approval by the academic advisors and the Registrar, and begins after the end of the semester in progress. Students requesting a leave of absence need to complete the Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Form available in the Office of the Registrar. The student must indicate his/her intended date of return to the College on the form. If the student does not return to the College on or before the appropriate date, he/she will be considered as having withdrawn from the College.
A student returning from a Leave of Absence MUST meet all requirements in place at the time of the approved leave of absence as long as the student returns within two academic semesters. Students taking a Leave of Absence who have received loans should consult the Financial Aid Office for information about loan repayment obligations. Filing for a Leave of Absence does not preclude suspension or dismissal at the conclusion of a semester. Students who were placed on probation at the time they took a leave of absence will, upon their return, continue to be on probation, and will be required to meet the conditions set by the College while they are on probation.
Involuntary Leave of Absence Policy
This policy shall apply to students who engage in, or are likely to engage in, (a) conduct that poses a direct threat to their own health or safety, or that of others, or (b) conduct that significantly interferes with their ability to function in an academic and/or residential setting or seriously disrupts the academic or residential living environment of others.
When a determination is reached by the Director of Counseling and Mental Health Leave Committee, that the student (a) poses a direct threat to the health and safety of the campus community or (b) is engaging in, or is likely to engage in, conduct that significantly interferes with their ability to function in an academic and/or residential setting or is seriously disruptive to the academic and/or residential environment of others, the Director of Counseling and Mental Health Leave Committee may place that student on an involuntary leave of absence. Such a decision shall be based on an individualized risk assessment, which shall include a review of relevant and available current medical information and, wherever possible, the opinions of the student’s health care providers.
This leave of absence will remain in effect until the student meets specific requirements for readmission. Requirements for readmission will be outlined by the Director of Counseling and Mental Health Leave Committee, and will be based on the individualized risk assessment. These requirements may include the completion of a mental health or medical evaluation, personalized treatment plans, release of treatment records, personal statements about activities pursued while on leave, questionnaires from the treatment providers, and evidence of the ability to comply with the College’s conduct or behavioral requirements. The Director of Counseling and Mental Health Leave Committee shall notify the student in writing of these conditions for readmission to the college. This notification letter will include the reason(s) for the decision and the terms of the decision and condition for the student’s return. This notice shall also include the student’s right to appeal the college’s decision. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified of the college’s decision and be sent a copy of the student’s notification letter, to the extent allowable under FERPA.
Unless permitted by the Director of Counseling and Mental Health Leave Committee, a student placed on an involuntary leave of absence is not permitted to be present on campus and is not permitted to engage in any college-related activities. When appropriate, the Mental Health Leave Committee can assist the student in resolving any current academic obligations; such accommodations may include assisting with communications to professors, helping to obtain course incompletes, withdrawals, etc.
Within a one-year period from the date of the decision to invoke an involuntary leave of absence, or such other period previously set based on an individualized assessment, the student may request permission from the Director of Counseling and Mental Health Leave Committee to return to the college. Such requests must be accompanied by the required supporting documentation that establishes, to the satisfaction of the college, that the student no longer presents a danger to the college community and/or is no longer likely to engage in conduct that significantly interferes with their ability to function in an academic and/or residential setting or is seriously disruptive to the academic and/or residential environment of others, and must be accompanied by proof that the student complied with any terms upon which the leave of absence was conditioned. The Director of Counseling and Mental Health Leave Committee will review this documentation and make the recommendation of whether the student will be permitted to return to campus. This decision will be communicated in writing to the student.
A student placed on an involuntary leave of absence, who is unable to complete their current coursework, may be withdrawn from all current courses they are registered for, even after the official withdrawal period has ended and without academic penalty. Partial withdrawal is not possible. Additionally, a student on leave will receive a one-year Maintenance of Matriculation that allows the student to return without having to re-apply or pay another application fee. The student will be responsible for meeting 100% of their tuition, fees and room charges for the current academic semester. The student’s board will be prorated. If the student receives financial aid funding, they should contact the Director of Financial Aid to better understand the full financial aid implications.
If the student is permitted to return to the College to complete their degree, the student will be given a waiver for tuition charges, not room costs or fees, incurred for the semester they were withdrawn. Students who are awarded this waiver are not permitted/eligible to use institutional funding for the semester in which they return. Students may be evaluated for state and federal funding if there are new charges incurred by the student. Should the student not return to the college to complete their degree, no refund of tuition charges will be given. If away for more than one year, the student would be subject to the catalog requirements in place at the time of return.
Loan repayment begins after a student graduates or drops below half time enrollment. For a student whose leave of absence extends beyond any available grace period (usually six months), loans will enter repayment. There may be forbearance options available to students (ex: forbearance based on unemployment). This process is not automated and the student would be required to contact the servicer of the loan to find out what options are available.
APPEALS PROCESS
If a student is not granted a mental health leave, the student may submit a written appeal within two weeks of receiving the decision to the Assistant Vice President for Students, whose decision regarding the request will be final. If a request is denied, the College catalog policies will apply, based on the original date the Voluntary Mental Health Leave Request forms were initially submitted
MEDICAL AMNESTY
The College’s regulations governing the use of alcohol and drugs are designed first to ensure the personal health and safety of each member of the Mount Saint Mary College community. In addition, these regulations are intended to foster an environment that facilitates student learning, promotes sound judgment, respect for the rights of others, and acceptance of personal responsibility for one’s behavior. Student health and safety are of primary concern at Mount Saint Mary College. The College recognizes that there may be times when students face medical emergencies involving excessive drinking and/or drug use. If a MSMC student seeks medical attention through the College and/or 911 (for themselves or for another) due to a medical emergency, disciplinary action will not be taken against the student for consumption or possession of alcohol or drugs. Please be aware that such Medical Amnesty does not preclude disciplinary sanctions due to any other violation of the Student Code of Conduct. In addition, Medical Amnesty applies solely to the MSMC student discipline process. The College has no ability to provide amnesty to enforcement actions initiated by the police, other law enforcement personnel, or other third parties, including criminal or civil proceedings.
The student(s) requesting Medical Amnesty will be required to meet with a member of the Student Affairs staff and may be expected to complete a MSMC judicial referral course on alcohol and/or drug use education program or another educational program before amnesty will be granted. The student seeking medical attention has full responsibility for all costs associated with medical treatment, including, but not limited to, hospital transportation, treatment, assessment, or damage. The College also reserves the right to notify a student’s emergency contact.
Medical Amnesty is not intended to be used frequently. For students who have been involved in prior alcohol/drug incidents and/or utilized Medical Amnesty in the past, a member of the Student Affairs Office will evaluate the request for Medical Amnesty and make a determination whether to provide Medical Amnesty on a case-by-case basis. The College reserves the right to deny such a request.
Returning to the Mount
Students who break their matriculation for more than one calendar year from the date of departure and who would like to return to Mount Saint Mary College must submit an application to return to Mount Saint Mary College to the Registrar for a declared major. Students who were previously under an academic probationary status are subject to the conditions of that status upon return. Permission to return or request for admission into a specific major is not guaranteed and will be based upon the review. Upon approval from the Registrar, students may register for class. Any course work completed while away from the Mount will be reviewed for possible credit upon receipt of official transcripts. All students must complete the general education and major requirements in place at the time of re-entry. Student cannot mix requirements of two different catalogs. Students seeking any exception must petition the Academic Standards Committee.
Withdrawal from the Mount
There may be times when a student feels uncertain about continuing his/her academic experience at Mount Saint Mary College. Such feelings need to be considered carefully and may be discussed with the student's academic advisor and/or counselor. Often these feelings arise as a result of a situation in the student's academic or personal life that can be resolved.
Students who withdraw from the College are also required to submit a signed student withdrawal form. This form is available online in the MSMC portal. Students unable to complete the form are required to notify the Registrar in writing; failure to do so may result in academic and or/financial penalty. The College refund policy concerning the refund of tuition and fees is listed in the section "Tuition and Fees" in this catalog. The withdrawal form is not official until it is completed and submitted to the Registrar. Note: when withdrawing after the last day to withdraw without academic penalty, students will receive "F" grades in all classes, and may be subject to academic probation.