Undergraduate Student Regulations

All undergraduates are urged to read these general regulations carefully. Failure to be familiar with this section does not excuse a student from the obligation to comply with all the described regulations.

Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this catalog, students are advised that the information contained in it is subject to change. They should therefore consult the appropriate academic dean for current information and the Schedule of Classes for any term-related regulations. The academic deans may grant reasonable exceptions from academic regulations to students within their colleges/schools. Each college or school may have specific requirements over and above those set forth in this section. The University reserves the right to revise its regulations and programs in accord with sound academic standards and requirements.

Student Categories

A Regular Undergraduate Student is a student admitted by the University to work towards a bachelor's degree. The usual course load of an undergraduate student (excluding College of Professional Studies students) is 16 units per semester. Students may not enroll for units in excess of 18. Exceptions may be granted by the appropriate academic dean. There is a per-unit fee charge for units in excess of 18. A student is considered to be full-time if enrolled for 12 or more units of credit per semester. Full-time undergraduate students pay tuition at a flat rate.

The class affiliation of a student is determined by the number of semester units completed as follows.

Freshman: 0-29 units

Sophomore: 30-59 units

Junior: 60-89 units

Senior: 90 or more units

A Part-Time Undergraduate Student is a student admitted by the University to work towards a bachelor's degree but enrolled for less than 12 units of credit per semester. Part-time students pay tuition at a unit rate.

A Special Status Undergraduate Student is a student admitted to attend the University for course work only, or for a modified course of study, but who is not admitted to work towards a degree. The Office of Admission, in consultation with the appropriate dean, grants special student status only to applicants who meet the University's regular admission standards.

An Undergraduate Student with Conditional Status is a student admitted to attend the University on the basis of one or more conditions which must be met for the student to be eligible for regular student status. A student on conditional status must meet all University academic regulations and the specific conditions set at the time of admission. Conditional status can be granted for a maximum of only one academic year.

A Student Classified as a Visitor is a student who is not formally admitted to the University but who is permitted to attend classes. A visitor is not aligned with a college and is not seeking a degree. A visitor is required to seek permission to enroll through the Office of Admission. To renew this status, the student must file a petition with the Office of Admission each subsequent semester. Completed course work taken by students with visitor status may not count towards a degree without formal acceptance to the University. A student in this category may enroll for not more than 8 units on a space-available basis starting the first day of classes. Courses may be taken for audit or credit grade type.

A Student in Good Academic Standing is one who is making satisfactory academic progress as defined in this catalog and who has met all the financial obligations of the University.

In a semester in which a student is actively working to complete postponed requirements for a course or courses for which he or she received an Incomplete ("I") grade, the student will be considered a regular undergraduate student even if he or she is not enrolled for any other courses. According to University policy a student must complete the postponed requirements by the end of the semester following that within which the incomplete grade was given.

Please see "Grading System" for further information on Incomplete grades.

Major

A Major represents the concentrated area of study a student has chosen to pursue for a bachelor's degree. Students who have not chosen a Major field of study are designated as undeclared Majors. All students must declare a Major no later than when they have completed 60 units or Junior standing.

Area of Concentration

An Area of Concentration represents a prescribed concentration of courses in a major, but is not required for all bachelor degrees. If completed, it is posted to the academic record when the degree is conferred.

Minor

A Minor represents a prescribed concentration of courses in a subject area other than the Major. A Minor is not required for a degree, but may be elected to strengthen preparation in areas related to the Major field, or to enhance career choices. A letter grade and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required in each course completed for the Minor and a minimum of at least one half of the units taken for the Minor must be taken at USF. A Minor is earned in conjunction with the Major, and is posted to the academic record when the degree is conferred.

Course requirements for each of the minors offered are in the department's section of the University's General Catalog.

Double Majors

A student who pursues a second Major must consult with and obtain written approval from the chairperson of the department (where appropriate) and academic dean (where appropriate) of the college or school that offers the second Major to determine the possibility of completing all requirements.

If the Majors are from the same college or school, courses cannot be "double-counted" towards both Majors and the student must petition for the primary Major that will appear on the diploma.

If each Major leads to different degrees, the student must petition for the degree that will appear on the diploma. Only one Major appears on the diploma and only one degree is awarded. The academic record (transcript) will designate the two Majors.

Change of Academic Program

A student may change from one Major to another or add a second Major within the same college or school with written approval of the appropriate department chairperson or advisor.

A student may transfer from one college or school of the University to another with written approval of the appropriate department chairperson or advisor and the approval of the dean of the new school or college. Students must be in good academic standing (2.0 in courses completed at USF) to transfer.

A student may declare or change an Area of Concentration or Minor with the written approval from the appropriate chairperson or advisor.

All students receiving degrees from USF must satisfy the requirements of the college/school from which they receive their degrees.

Change of Academic Program forms are available in the One Stop Enrollment and Financial Services office and on the Internet at

www.usfca.edu/acadserv/registrar/forms

Second Bachelor's Degree

Any student who has received a bachelor's degree from USF or another accredited institution may be eligible to study for a second bachelor's degree. A student who plans to earn a second degree at USF must apply or reapply for admission. Students who obtained the first degree at an institution other than USF must meet all the requirements that apply to students working for their first degree at USF. Previous academic work will be evaluated for transfer credit.

Students who have completed their first degree at USF must meet the requirements in the major of the second degree and must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 15 upper division units in the second major at USF.

The completion of work for a second degree normally necessitates at least a fifth year of study for a full-time student. Students may not work towards two degrees concurrently, including graduate and undergraduate degrees except for any specific joint degree programs such as the dual degree program in Arts and Sciences and Education.

Unit Hour Limitations

The average unit course load per semester for a full-time student is 16 units. Any unit over 18 is considered an excess unit load. A petition to take excess units will be considered only when presented by a student whose scholastic ability has been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the student's dean. The usual requirement is a 3.5 grade point average in the semester immediately preceding the presentation of the petition. Each excess unit is charged at the same rate as courses taken on a per unit basis.

Credit Hour Load

Fall/Spring Standard Term

Full Time: 12+ units

3/4 Time: 9-11 units

1/2 Time: 6-8 units

Less Than 1/2 Time: 1-5 units

Summer Non-Standard Term

Full Time: 6+ units

1/2 Time: 3-5 units

Full-time, part-time, etc., is based solely on the number of units registered in any term, not on course material. Credit hour load does not include challenge examinations, transfer credit, or similar credit situations.

Academic Residency Requirement

All students who are candidates for the bachelor's degree must satisfactorily complete at least 44 units of credit at the University of San Francisco. Additionally, all students must satisfactorily complete their last 30 units at USF except in the College of Professional Studies where students must complete a minimum of 30 units at USF.

Finally, all students must also satisfactorily complete a minimum of 15 upper division units in their major at USF.

These 15 units may be part of the last 30 units required at USF. Students in the McLaren College of Business should refer to the Business section of this catalog for additional guidelines and policies.

Grading System

The work of undergraduate students is evaluated and reported in terms of the following grade types:

A - Outstanding

B - Superior

C - Satisfactory

D - Lowest Passing

F - Failing (course not counted toward degree requirement)

The grades A, B, C, and D may be modified by plus (+) or minus

(-). In addition, the following notations are used:

P - "Passing," at least at the lowest passing level (D-); the units will be counted toward the total units required for graduation, but not in computing the grade point average.

S, U - "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory"; notations given in certain courses. If an "S" grade is received, the units will be counted toward the total units required for graduation, but not in computing the grade point average.

I - "Incomplete"; denotes an examination or required assignment which has been postponed for a serious reason after consultation with the instructor. Students who have not contacted the faculty member regarding completion of course requirements are subject to a failing grade.

• Students given approval to postpone course requirements must complete them on the date specified by the faculty member. If the notation is still incomplete at the close of the following semester it is converted to a failing grade (F).
• Students in the McLaren College of Business and College of Professional Studies are required to sign a Contract for Removal of Incomplete form and meet the deadlines established in the contract which is co-signed by the instructor. A student who fails to complete course requirements within the allotted time will receive an "F" and be required to repeat the course. All applicable registration and tuition and fee payments are required to repeat a course.

IP - Work "In Progress"; final grade to be assigned upon completion of the entire course sequence in courses predetermined by the dean. IP notations, if not cleared by the specified time, will revert to an "F".

W - "Withdrawal"; a notation used by the Office of the Registrar when a student drops a course after University census date and before the withdrawal deadline within any given semester.

NR - Grade "Not Reported" by instructor within 10 days after the examination period; a notation used by the Office of the Registrar. To correct the academic record the instructor must file a change of grade form. "NR" carries no connotation of student performance and no grade point value is given. "NR" grades not changed to a regular grade by the end of the following major semester will be converted to a failing grade (F).

AU - "Auditor": course not taken for credit; regular tuition is charged for audited courses.

CR - "Credit"; a notation given for faculty-assessed learning units where credit is granted.

Grade Points

Grade points per semester unit of credit are assigned as follows:

A+ = 4.0

A = 4.0

A- = 3.7

B+ = 3.3

B = 3.0

B- = 2.7

C+ = 2.3

C = 2.0

C- = 1.7

D+ = 1.3

D = 1.0

D- = 0.7

F = 0.0

Grade Point Average

The grade point average is determined by adding the quality points and by dividing the resultant sum by the total number of quality hours. As a general rule, the ratio is based on the number of attempted units completed; e.g., if a student repeats a course, both courses will be considered in the grade point average. As exceptions to this rule, a "Pass" (P), a "Satisfactory" (S), a "Credit" (CR), an "Unsatisfactory" (U) and a "Withdrawal" (W) will not affect a student's grade point average.

A student's cumulative grade point average is based on courses which the student takes at USF or in programs affiliated with USF. Courses which a student takes at other colleges or universities will not be counted in the cumulative grade point average without special authorization by the academic dean.

Official Grades

Official grades are available on-line via USFconnect at the end of each term.

Changes of Grade

Once grades have been recorded, they will not be changed unless there has been an evident injustice as determined by the faculty member's dean, and only after the faculty member's dean has received the faculty member's request giving the reason for the change. The change will become effective only after the Change of Grade Form has been approved by the dean and filed with the Office of the Registrar.

Pass-Fail Grade Option

Students are permitted to enroll in specified courses on a "Pass-Fail" option basis (except in the College of Professional Studies). The objective is to encourage students to widen their academic horizons by enrolling in courses of interest which will benefit their general education, without the burden of competing with students in the major, e.g., a student in Arts might wish to enroll in a course in Chemistry or Business, or a student in Science might enroll in Advanced English, etc.

The following general regulations are to be observed:

1. The Pass-Fail option applies to only one course each semester or session.
2. The Pass-Fail option is not allowed for Core Curriculum courses or for courses required by the Major or Minor.
3. To exercise the option, the student must have completed at least one semester at the University of San Francisco.
4. To qualify for the option, the student must have at least a cumulative C (2.0) average.
5. The Pass-Fail option must be exercised prior to Census Date in any term. Only in extraordinary situations will students be allowed to exercise this option after Census Date. Such changes after the deadline must be approved by the student's academic dean.
6. Once chosen, the Pass-Fail option is irrevocable.

P/F is an official grade type. The instructor will assign a "P" or "F" if the student has officially registered for the course on a Pass/Fail basis. No other letter grade can be given. Semester credit hours are awarded for a "Pass" (P) grade. The student's grade point average will not be affected. "Failure" (F), however, will affect the grade point average.

Credit by Challenge Examination

Full-time regular undergraduate students may obtain credit for undergraduate courses in the current University catalog by challenging those courses approved for this purpose by a faculty member, the faculty member's dean and the student's dean. Courses required for the major ordinarily are not approved for challenge by examination. Courses in the Core Curriculum may not be challenged, nor may a student challenge any course which he or she has previously attempted or completed at the University or other postsecondary institution.

Courses and credits obtained by these examinations may not be counted toward the fulfillment of the academic residency requirement nor toward the credit hour load in any term. The units for courses successfully challenged will be counted towards graduation. Grading for a challenge examination will be for "credit" or "no credit." No GPA quality points will be awarded. The student's academic record will show that the course, whether successfully challenged or not, was taken "by challenge examination."

Information on procedures for challenging courses may be obtained from the One Stop Enrollment and Financial Services Office.

Courses Taken at Other Academic Institutions

A student who is working toward a degree at the University of San Francisco and who wants to take a course or courses at another college or university must obtain the written approval of the dean of his or her school or college at USF prior to enrolling in such courses. Students are not allowed to take units at other institutions if those outside units, when combined with USF courses in a semester, exceed 18 units. Nor are students permitted to take from another institution Core Curriculum requirements, departmental requirements, or courses offered concurrently at USF during any semester or session.

Courses that a USF student takes at other colleges or universities in programs not affiliated with USF will not be counted in the student's cumulative grade point average unless specifically authorized by the dean.

Students enrolled at, or on official leave of absence from, USF will not be allowed to count towards their degree course credit obtained at another institution without the prior approval of the appropriate dean at USF. This regulation applies to University of San Francisco students who attend summer session courses at other institutions, and to correspondence or on-line courses offered through other colleges or universities. It is the student's responsibility to have a transcript of the approved work forwarded to the Office of the Registrar.

The Petition to Enroll at Another Institution form is available at the One Stop Enrollment and Financial Services Office and must be completed to obtain the necessary proxy approval to transfer course credit back to USF. Students in the College of Professional Studies may complete up to a maximum of 12 units, including courses satisfying Core Curriculum requirements, through the PEAI process. Students in the McLaren College of Business should refer to the Business section of this catalog for additional guidelines and policies.

Academic Probation

Academic probation constitutes a serious warning that a student's academic record is unsatisfactory and that failure to improve the record will lead to dismissal from the University.

The following categories of students will be placed on academic probation:

1. Any student who fails to achieve a 2.0 (C) average for a semester or whose cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.0 (C).
2. Any upper division student whose cumulative grade point average in his or her major falls below a 2.0 (C).

A student on probation is not allowed to take more than 16 units of credit per semester; the academic dean may impose additional requirements and limitations with regard to a student's participation in USF-recognized extracurricular activities

Academic Disqualification

Academic disqualification constitutes termination of a student's relationship with the University for unsatisfactory academic performance. A disqualified student may not register in any of the University's courses and is denied all privileges of student status.

See additional criteria for disqualification of students in the School of Nursing section of this catalog.

The following categories of students are subject to disqualification:

1. Students who, after being placed on academic probation, fail to achieve a 2.0 (C) average for the work undertaken during the probationary semester or who fail to achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) in the two semesters after being placed on academic probation.
2. Upper division students who fail to achieve a 2.0 (C) average in their major during the probationary semester or who fail to achieve in the major a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) within two semesters after being placed on academic probation.
3. International students enrolled in the English as a Second Language Program who do not achieve a TOEFL score of 550 after three semesters or who fail to maintain a 2.0 in their ESL courses.

Any student who receives a notice of disqualification may petition for a hearing. The college or school should be consulted for the specific petition procedures.

Ordinarily, students disqualified for unsatisfactory scholarship will not be readmitted to the University.

A disqualified student who wishes to return to the University must file a formal application with the Office of Admission and must follow the guidelines and procedures for new students. In addition, an applicant for readmission must give appropriate reasons for reapplication consideration.

A disqualified student who has been readmitted is on academic probation and has to meet the specific conditions set by his or her dean at the time of readmission. (Nursing students should contact the School of Nursing for a copy of the School of Nursing Progression Policies.) A readmitted student who fails to meet these conditions will be disqualified and may not reapply.

Note: In some instances, a student may be required to drop his or her major program for academic reasons and yet not be academically disqualified from the University.

Note: Students may be placed on probation or made subject to dismissal not only under the above provisions but also for deficiencies in other qualifications for their profession.

Minimum Academic Requirements at Graduation

To qualify for graduation, a student must have achieved at least a 2.0 (C) cumulative grade point average and at least a 2.0 (C) average in all courses required for his or her major.

See also the section "Grade Point Average."

This applies also to students who present more than 128 semester units for graduation.

Colleges and schools may designate requirements which exceed the minimum requirements stipulated by the University, e.g., students who major in Nursing must attain a 2.0 (C) in each required support course for the major and each nursing course, and Business majors must maintain a 2.0 (C) in both business core and major courses.

Graduation Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees

Candidates for undergraduate degrees must abide by all the University's regulations. In particular, candidates must:

1. Complete all academic degree requirements as indicated in the Catalog in force at the time of their most recent matriculation. If program changes occur while a student is progressing towards a degree, the necessary substitutions and equivalencies will be developed in consultation with the appropriate dean and/or published in subsequent issues of the Catalog.
2. Complete a minimum of 128 applicable units of semester credit hours.
3. Fulfill the requirements of the Core Curriculum and the writing requirements of the University.
4. Meet the requirements for a particular major and the school or college offering the major as described in this Catalog.
5. Meet the University's academic residency requirements.
6. Meet the minimum scholastic requirements for the degree and the major. The grade point average which determines eligibility for graduation is based solely upon course work completed at the University of San Francisco or its affiliated programs.
7. File an online Application for Graduation form with the Graduation Center to petition for a degree.
8. Ensure that all financial obligations to the University have been met, including payment of any outstanding fines.

Graduation requirements for transfer students are the same as for undergraduates entering as freshmen. Exceptions to this general rule are incorporated in this Catalog or will be determined by the student's academic dean. Prospective transfer students are urged to consult the general academic regulations for undergraduates (particularly those relating to graduation and academic residency requirements) and the section on the student's major field of study.

Filing for Graduation, Diplomas and Commencement

Candidates applying for the conferral of an undergraduate degree should file the online Graduation Application form upon completion of eighty-eight (88) units or by the following deadlines. Candidates in the College of Professional Studies should file when they are within 6 units of completing all degree requirements or by the following deadlines:

Fall Term: September 1

Spring Term: February 1

Summer Term: February 1

The Application for Graduation form is available online and is valid for three consecutive semesters, beginning with that listed on the application; after this period a new application must be submitted. The URL is http://www.usfca.edu/graduation

The remaining units for the degree may thus be selected with reference to the Graduation Center's appraisal of the student's progress towards the degree, which is based on the requirements for degree fulfillment listed in the University Catalog in force at the time of the student's most recent matriculation.

Undergraduate student diplomas list the degree, the primary major, the school or the college of the University awarding the degree, and, if appropriate, academic honors. The official academic transcript will list the degree and major, if applicable, second major, areas of concentration, minors, certificates, and academic honors. Students working towards two majors, each of which leads to a different degree, must petition for the primary degree that will appear on the diploma. Students working towards two majors leading to the same degree must petition for the primary major that will appear on the diploma.

Graduation dates posted on the academic transcript and on the diploma coincide with the last month of three of the semesters of instruction: Fall - December; Spring - May; Summer - August. The official graduation date will reflect the completion of all academic requirements for the degree and not the last term of enrollment, and will take into account all waivers and substitutions approved by the student's academic dean.

Diplomas are mailed to students approximately six weeks after degree posting. Diplomas will not be issued to students who have not met their financial obligations to the University, including payment of outstanding fines.

Commencement ceremonies are held twice a year in St. Ignatius Church, located at 650 Parker Avenue in San Francisco. Ceremonies are approximately one hour long and guest tickets are required for admission to all Commencement ceremonies.

Candidates will be invited to participate in only one commencement ceremony, regardless of when academic degree requirements are completed. Candidates who complete their degree requirements in the Fall or Intersession terms will be invited to the December Commencement Exercises. Candidates who complete their degree requirements in Spring or Summer terms will be invited to the May Commencement Exercises. Students who must take courses in the Fall term to complete their degree requirements will not be allowed to participate in the preceding May ceremonies. Likewise, students who must take courses in the Spring term to complete their degree requirements will not be allowed to participate in the preceding December ceremonies.

Honors and Awards

Dean's Honor Roll

The Dean's Honor Roll in each school or college is a list of students achieving high scholarship each semester.

To be eligible, a student must be enrolled full-time for 12 units or more of course work graded "A" through "F" and achieve a 3.5 grade point average for that semester.

In addition, the USF cumulative grade point average must be 3.5 or better. Students with a 3.7 or higher grade point average for two consecutive semesters are eligible for the Dean's Honor Roll irrespective of the cumulative grade point average.

Records indicating "I" (Incomplete) will make a student ineligible for the Dean's Honor Roll.

Undergraduate students in the College of Professional Studies are eligible for the Dean's Honor Roll if they achieve a grade point average of 3.9 or better in a minimum of 15 units completed in the previous Spring, Summer and Fall terms.

For the McLaren College of Business, please refer to additional information regarding awards and honors in the School of Business and Management sections of the Catalog.

Alpha Sigma Nu

Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit Honor Society, was founded at Marquette University in 1915 and currently has chapters at all 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. The University of San Francisco established its undergraduate chapter in 1941.

The requirements for membership in the Society are scholarship, loyalty, and service. Membership is highly selective and is awarded on the basis of chapter selection, confirmation by deans, and approval by the University President. Juniors and seniors who meet scholastic requirements are eligible for preliminary selection. Eligibility requirements include (a) junior or senior status, (b) a minimum of 30 units completed at USF, (c) ranking in the top 15% of each class (junior and senior), and (d) cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Qualifications of service and loyalty also must be met.

The current membership of Alpha Sigma Nu will nominate up to 4% of each class (junior and senior) to become new members. The list of nominees is sent to the respective deans for their concurrence and then to the University President for his approval.

Academic Honors at Commencement

For candidates to be recognized for University Honors, School of Nursing Honors, and College of Professional Studies Honors at the Commencement exercises, an undergraduate student must have completed, or be in the process of completing, all courses required for his or her degree.

Computation of grade point average (GPA) for determining academic Commencement Honors is accomplished by extending the decimal to its farthest point not by rounding off to the nearest significant figure.

University Honors

To be considered for University Honors, an undergraduate student must have completed at least 60 graded units of academic coursework at USF and have a minimum USF grade point average of:

• 3.85 for Summa Cum Laude;
• 3.75 for Magna Cum Laude;
• 3.50 for Cum Laude.

School of Nursing Honors

School of Nursing undergraduates are eligible for School of Nursing Honors at Commencement. They are awarded to candidates with a USF GPA of 3.9 or above.

College of Professional Studies Honors

College of Professional Studies undergraduates are eligible for College of Professional Studies Honors at Commencement. They are awarded to candidates with a USF GPA of 3.9 or above.

Valedictorian Policy

Valedictorians of the schools and colleges within the University of San Francisco exemplify the highest standards of leadership and scholarship in the Jesuit tradition. A leader in the finest sense of the word, the Valedictorian demonstrates selfless service to the University community while reflecting excellence in all academic pursuits. He or she is firmly committed to the mission of the University. In particular, the Valedictorian has helped to create a campus-wide environment that values each individual, heightens ethical standards, instills a passion for justice, and integrates faith with life.

To be considered for Valedictorian, an undergraduate student must meet the following requirements:

1. The student must have completed at least 60 units of graded academic course work at USF prior to the term in which he or she is participating in Commencement, with a minimum USF grade-point average of 3.85. The computation of the grade-point average is accomplished without benefit of rounding and is based on the last term completed.
2. The student must be graduating with an undergraduate degree.
3. The student must have completed or be in progress of completing all courses required for the degree to be granted in the term in which he or she is participating in the ceremony. Course work to be completed in a subsequent term will not be applicable.
4. The student must have filed an Application for Graduation form no later than 90 calendar days preceding the date of Commencement.
5. The student must not have received any sanction imposed as an outcome of a campus disciplinary process (academic or nonacademic) within the last three semesters preceding the term in which he or she is participating in Commencement.

The student selected as Valedictorian will be disqualified if he or she receives any sanction imposed as an outcome of a campus disciplinary process (academic or nonacademic) after the time of his or her selection as Valedictorian.