Academic Policies
Academic Policies
Registration: General Information
Please consult the Schedule of Classes for complete details concerning registration dates and course schedules. Some courses listed in this bulletin are not offered every semester. All students should be advised before registering.
Students with less than 30 credits must be advised in the Counseling Center before they may register. All eligible students are notified by mail regarding registration for the Fall and Spring semesters and the Winter and Summer Sessions. Students are assigned a specific day and time on which to register.
Size of Program/Full Time Status
The normal number of credits for a full-time student is 15.The maximum number of credits that a student may register for is usually 18.
A student who wishes to register for more than 18 credits must secure written permission in advance of registration from the Committee on Academic Standards and will be charged excess credit fees. (See the section on Tuition and Fees.) Students on probation may register for a maximum of 12 credits.
Procedures for Change of Program &Withdrawals from a Course During the first week of classes, a student may withdraw from one or more courses, add courses or change from one section to another section of the same course. During the second and third week, a student may only withdraw from a course or courses by applying to the Office of the Registrar.
Withdrawals during these first three weeks will not appear on the student’s transcript but the student may be liable for tuition.There is no fee for withdrawals only (although students may be liable for tuition), but there is an $18 fee (and the possibility of additional tuition) for all other program changes.
A student may also withdraw from a course or courses from the fourth through the tenth week of classes by applying to the Office of the Registrar. This action must be recorded on the student’s record with a grade of W, in accordance with the regulations of CUNY.
A student who finds it necessary to apply for permission to withdraw from a course or courses after the tenth week must apply during the semester the course is being taken, as follows:
• All students, except those in the SEEK Program, must apply directly to the Committee on Academic Standards
• Students in the SEEK Program must obtain approval from their faculty counselors before applying to the Committee on Academic Standards.
A student may not receive W grades through Committee action more than three semesters while attending York College. This will not include semesters for which an official leave of absence has been granted. If a student ceases to attend any course and does not follow the above procedure, the student will be graded WU in the course regardless of when attendance ceased.
Effective Fall 1978, there is a two-year limitation on appeals for retroactive change of transcript entry. In emergency situations necessitating a sudden withdrawal from a course or courses, applications for retroactive withdrawal will be considered the semester the student returns to school.
Auditing of Courses
Students must pay the appropriate tuition and fees to audit any course, except for senior citizens, who do not pay tuition.
Students who wish to audit a course must receive written permission from the instructor of the course and must submit the permission to the Office of the Registrar.
Forms for permission to audit courses may be secured from the Office of the Registrar. Students must register for the course during the regular registration period.
E- Permits/Concurrent Attendance at Another Institution A student who attends York College may not attend another institution concurrently. In special cases, the Office of the Registrar of York College may grant permission for dual attendance; however, the request must be processed prior to the registration period of both institutions.
A student with less than an overall C average will not be granted an e-permit to another college. A student who has completed 60 credits will not be granted an e-permit to a Community College. For all courses the student must have the permit application approved by the discipline coordinator and Registrar. An e-permit will not be granted for more than one half of the student’s semester credits, except in extraordinary circumstances.
The e-permit is available on the CUNY Portal.
NOTE: Courses taken at other CUNY campuses that were designated as Writing Intensive will transfer with the Writing Intensive designation at York College.
Independent Study Courses
Courses offered as Independent Studies are limited to York College degree students only. The number of Independent Study credits a student may register will be limited to three credits in any given semester, with the exception of the Political Science and Psychology programs, where six credits may be taken to satisfy the requirements of internship.
In special circumstances, permission for a waiver of this limitation may be granted by the department chairperson. Independent Studies courses may only be taken by students in good standing.
Pass/Fail Option
A student not on probation who has earned 30 or more credits may choose to take one pass/fail course per semester for a total of not more than six courses. Courses given on a pass/fail basis, such as Student Development 101-105, are not considered in the six-course total. Courses taken on a pass/fail basis may not constitute the student’s General Education Requirements or major requirements.
A student may exercise the pass/fail option any time during the first ten weeks of the semester and may elect to rescind the option up to the last day of classes (prior to final examinations).
This is done by completing an application and submitting it for approval to the Office of the Registrar. A letter grade is submitted by the instructor and is converted to P or F. In the pass/fail option, a grade of D or better is passing and F is failing.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend each class session. There is no cut allowance. Students may be required at any time to account for undue irregularity in attendance by personal explanation to their instructor (and, for SEEK students, to their counselor).
Any student who has been excessively absent from a course and does not present adequate documentation to the instructor, may receive the grade of WU (unofficial withdrawal), which is computed as an F.
Students absent for illness for more than one week will be required to present to the instructor medical documentation of the illness, including an indication that they are well enough to return to their classes. Students absent for more than one week for reasons other than illness will also be required to furnish documentation of reasons.
Instructors will be required to complete Enrollment Verification Rosters for their courses indicating if students have never attended or are attending the course. Any student noted as never attending will have a grade of *WN processed to his/her record. The *WN grade indicates non-attendance and is non-punitive. However, a student receiving a *WN grade may still be liable for tuition and fees.
Classification and Change of Status
Change of Residency Status
Applications for change of status for continuing students from nonresident to resident tuition rate are available in the Office of the Registrar, and can be filed until the end of the respective semester. All incoming students must apply for resident tuition rate through the Office of Admissions.
Declaration or Change of Major
Students who have decided on a major or have decided to change their major should file a Change of Major application with the Office of the Registrar. Students need to be aware that a change of major may have an effect on financial aid eligibility (see the section on Satisfactory Academic Progress). Students should also be aware that the major requirements that are reflected in the bulletin in effect at the time of declaration of the new major will apply. Change of major applications must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar prior to the fourth week of the current semester.
Academic Standing Classification of Students
1. Division of the college the student has applied for:
D - Day
E - Evening/Weekend
2. Billing Code:
B - Matriculated undergraduate students (enrolled after 6/1/92)
C - Student is not matriculated for a degree
3. Admission Code - identifies student admission status:
0 - Non-degree
1 - Continuing (degree/non-degree)
2 - Entering freshman or graduate (degree/non-degree)
3 - New advanced standing transfer (undergraduate)
4 - Readmitted
6 - New CUNY permit-in/CUNY B.A.-in
7 - Continuing CUNY Permit-in/CUNY B.A.-in
8 - Non degree to degree (undergraduate/graduate)
9 - Readmitted for graduation
4. Group Number - the students’ class is determined by the
number of credits completed, as follows:
0 - Non-degree
1 - Lower freshman 0 - 14.9
2 - Upper Freshman 15 - 29.9
3 - Lower sophomore 30 - 44.9
4 - Upper sophomore 45 - 59.9
5 - Lower junior 60 - 74.9
6 - Upper junior 75 - 89.9
7 - Lower senior 90 - 104.9
8 - Upper senior 105 - 120+
9 - Second degree has degree
Procedure for Leaves of Absence
A student may take a leave of absence during the first ten weeks of classes by applying directly to the Office of the Registrar. After the tenth week of classes, a student who wishes to apply for a leave of absence must file a petition with the Committee on Academic Standards.
Students who take a leave of absence after the first day of classes are liable for tuition and fees in accordance with the Fee Schedule (see Tuition and Fees).
The disposition of the student’s petition will depend upon circumstances including instructors’ recommendations. In the case of students in the SEEK Program, approval of the Director of the SEEK Program is also necessary. No fee is charged to effect a leave of absence; however, the student will be liable for tuition and fees in accordance with the Fee Schedule.
The frequency with which a student may withdraw from all courses to take a leave of absence shall be restricted as follows:
a. After the first leave of absence, a student may return the following semester upon the advice of a counselor.
b. After the second leave, a student must remain on leave at least one additional semester beyond that in which the student takes leave, and may return thereafter upon the advice of a counselor.
Grading Policies
Grading
In courses which carry college credit (with the exceptions indicated) the student is assigned a final grade (unless the student has permission to take the course on a pass/fail basis). The table below indicates the index and the numerical values for assigning grades and computing grade point averages (GPA).
Grade Numerical Value
A+ 4.00 97.0-100
A 4.00 93.0-96.9
A- 3.70 90.0-92.9
B+ 3.30 87.0-89.9
B 3.00 83.0-86.9
B- 2.70 80.0-82.9
C+ 2.30 77.0-79.9
C 2.00 73.0-76.9
C- 1.70 70-72.9
D+ 1.30 67.0-69.9
D 1.00 60.0-66.9
F, FAB,FIN,WU,WF,WN 0.00 0-59
PEN- Grade Pending - -
WA, W, *WN - -
NC - -
P - -
R - -
Passing Grades
Passing grades range from A+ to D*. P is a passing grade but it does not affect the student’s scholastic index.
*The C-, D+ and D grades are not considered a passing grade in certain programs. Please consult individual Major Program descriptions for details.
Failing Grades
Failing grades are F, FIN, WF, WN and WU. These grades are computed in the student’s scholastic index. Failing grades are not removed from the student’s record due to a subsequent successful completion of the course. Effective Fall 2009, WN grades would no longer be used according to the University Board of Trustees.
Effective September 1, 1990, in accordance with the resolution passed by the Board of Trustees of CUNY, an undergraduate student who earns an academic or administrative failing grade that is computed in the cumulative Grade Point Average may retake the course and upon successful completion of the course with a grade of C or better have the failing grade no longer computed into the G.P.A. This resolution applies to grades of C or better received for courses retaken in the Fall 1990 semester and thereafter replacing the index value of failing grades earned in courses taken in the Fall 1984 and thereafter.
The maximum number of failing credits that can legally be excluded from the computation of a student’s G.P.A. is limited to 16 for the duration of the student’s undergraduate enrollment in CUNY. If a student transfers from one unit of CUNY to another, the number of failing credits replaced in the previous college(s) will be subtracted from the 16 to determine how many failing credits may be replaced during the subsequent enrollment. In order for a grade of C or better to replace a failing grade in the calculations of the cumulative G.P.A., repetition of the course must take place at the same unit of CUNY where the failing grade was originally received. If a student received two or more F’s for the same course and subsequently earns a C or better, the initial F’s will, subject to the 16-credit limit, not be included in the student’s cumulative G.P.A., and the total number of credits of F not calculated in the G.P.A. will be charged against the 16-credit limit.
Failing grades may not be partially deleted from the G.P.A.s. So, for example, if a student has used 14 of the 16-credit limit, a grade of C or better only in a retaken 2 credit or two 1-credit courses may have the F grade deleted from the calculation of the G.P.A. A grade of C or better in a three or more credit course will not be eligible for this treatment. If a student does NOT wish to have a failing grade deleted from the cumulative G.P.A., he or she must inform the Office of the Registrar in writing any time after the second enrollment in the course. The student must be in attendance at the college when the request is made. The G.P.A. calculated on the basis of this CUNY policy is to be used only for the purposes of retention at and eligibility for graduation from the College, including admission to and continuance in a major or concentration.
All failing grades will be considered in the calculations for any honors.
ABS Grade
Effective Fall 2008 ABS and FAB grades have been removed from the grading glossary, except for the purpose of computing transcripts for students registered prior to Fall 2008.
INC Grade
A student who, because of extenuating circumstances, has not taken the final examination and/or completed the ork for the course, and has a passing average may, at the discretion of the instructor, receive an INC grade. The student, in consultation with the instructor, has up to 10 weeks in the subsequent semester to complete the work and have the grade resolved even if not registered in the subsequent semester. Grade changes resolving INC grades must be received by the Office of the Registrar by the last day of the tenth week of classes of the subsequent semester. (See Academic Calendar for exact due date.)
Grades received after the deadline will not be processed unless the student has obtained approval from the Committee on Academic standards.
The grade of INC is not considered in computing the academic index. However, if a grade change is not received by the Office of the Registrar within the ten week time frame, the grade of INC is changed to FIN. This grade is considered an F grade when computing the academic index. When compiling the Dean’s List, INC grades are calculated as F.
PEN Grade
This is a temporary grade assigned to a student and used to facilitate the implementation of the procedures for imposition of sanctions related to academic integrity.
P/NC Grade
Two symbols, P for pass and NC for no credit, are used as grades for all Student Development 101-105 courses. These grades are not considered in computing the academic index.
In addition, for the first 28 credits attempted by students, a failing grade in a non-remedial or non-developmental 100 level course will be converted to an NC grade. A student may receive an NC grade no more than twice for any particular course. A third failure to pass the course will be recorded as an F grade. The grade of NC is not removed from the student’s record due to a subsequent successful completion of the course. Though the NC grade is not computed in the index for retention purposes, it is always computed as an F for graduation honors and Dean’s List. Students should be aware that other colleges, universities, agencies and institutions may interpret the NC as a failure.
R Grade
The R grade is used to record a failure in a remedial or developmental course. It carries no grade point value in computing the index for retention purposes. The course must be repeated until the required level of proficiency is attained but a student may receive an R grade no more than twice for any particular course. A third failure to pass the course will be recorded as an F grade. The R grade is always regarded as an F for graduation honors and Dean’s List. The R grade is not removed from the student’s record due to a subsequent successful completion of the course. Students should be aware that other colleges, universities, agencies and institutions may regard the R as a failure.
W/*WN/WU Grade
In the case of a withdrawal from a course, three symbols are used: W signifying official withdrawal from a course without penalty, which is recorded on the student’s record after the end of the 3rd week of classes; *WN signifying that a student never attended the course; and WU signifying an unofficial withdrawal from a course (see Procedures for Change of Program and Withdrawal from a Course). In computing the academic index, W and *WN are not counted, but a WU counts as a failure.
Z Grade
The Z grade is an administrative grade, which cannot be assigned by an instructor. It is assigned when no grade has been submitted by the instructor. It has no index value and, therefore, is not considered when computing the G.P.A.
WA Grade
The WA grade is a grade assigned by administrative action. WA grades cannot be assigned by an instructor. It is assigned when the student is administratively suspended from classes. It has no index value and, therefore, is not considered when computing the G.P.A
Procedure for Appeal of a Grade
If a student wishes to appeal a grade that has been received, the student is asked to initially consult the instructor. Should the student desire to pursue this matter further, the student may see the chairperson of the department and finally the Committee on Academic Standards. The Committee can consider adherence to instructors’ stated standards (it is suggested that instructors have available in department offices the course syllabus which includes the grading practice for each course) and documented complaints of instructor-student relations, which will be kept confidential. The Committee cannot evaluate subject matter, evaluate competence of instructor or compel an instructor to change a grade. The decision of the Committee will be submitted in writing to both the student and the instructor as a recommendation.
The instructor will notify the student if the grade is to be changed. The student may appeal the denial of the petition to the Committee on Academic Standards. Grades are based only on work done during the semester including the final examinations.
Grade changes will not be considered for work submitted after the semester has ended except in cases of assigned INC grades. Necessary forms for appeals and denials of appeals can be found in the Academic Advisement Center.
There is a two-year limitation on appeals for retroactive change of transcript entry. Grades cannot be changed once a student has graduated.
Repeated Courses
Credit is not granted for repeated courses that have been passed. However, grades in repeated courses are computed in the student’s index. It should be noted that a student may audit a course as described in the procedure for auditing of courses previously indicated.
Computation of Grade Point Average (GPA)
The scholastic index (GPA) is computed by multiplying the total number of credits earned by the numerical index values of the grades and dividing the sum by the total number of credits attempted, including courses failed. For the purpose of computing academic index neither the credits nor the grades of W, WA, *WN, Z, P, R, and NC are counted, while FIN, WN, and WU are counted as failures. To determine the cumulative point value or deviation value the grade C is used as the reference grade. An overall C (2.0) average is required for graduation, in addition to an overall C average in the major discipline for most majors. Please consult individual major program descriptions for details.
Example A: Sample Calculation of GPA
Grade Index Credits Multiplier Quality Points Earned (QP)
EXAMPLE
GRADE CREDITS PT. VALUE INDEX VALUE
A+ 0 x 4.0 = 0
A 4 x 4 = 16
A- 0 x 3.7 = 0
B+ 0 x 3.3 = 0
B 3 x 3 = 9
B- 0 x 2.7 = 0
C+ 0 x 2.3 = 0
C 3 x 2 = 6
C- 0 x 1.7 = 0
D+ 0 x 1.3 = 0
D 3 x 1 = 3
F 2 x 0 = 0
WN 1 x 0 = 0
WU 0 x 0 = 0
Total 16 credits 34
16 credits divided into 34 = 2.125 G.P.A.
Cumulative Point Value (CPV) and Academic Deficits
The Cumulative Point Value is computed similarly to the
Grade Point Average, but using the values A + = +2, A = +2,
A- = +1.7, B+ = +1.3, B = +1, B- = +0.7, C+ = +0.3, C = 0,
C- = -0.3, D+ = -0.7, D = -1, and F, WN, WU, and FIN = -2
Each student must have a Cumulative Point Value of 0 or greater to graduate
from York College. A student with a negative Cumulative
Point Value is said to have an Academic Deficit.
Academic Probation and Retention
Standards for Academic Probation and Retention
The Cumulative Point Value of all previous semesters is determined at the end of each semester, and the academic standards for probation and retention are based on the Cumulative Point Value. It is noted that a CPV of 0 is the minimum required for graduation, in addition to the other graduation requirements.
All Credits Attempted Minimum Cumulative GPA (Index)
0 - 12 1.50
13 - 24 1.75
25 – upward 2.00
For transfer students, the number of college credits attempted includes all college credits attempted, including those attempted at other colleges, but the index required for retention purposes is the index achieved only at York College.
Example A: A student who enters York as a freshman with no credits transferred must achieve an average (index) of 1.5 on the first 12 credits attempted. If the student earns a lower average, he/she will be placed on probation for the following semester. If the student attempts 12 credits the following semester, the student must have a minimum index of 1.75 on the total of 24 credits attempted. If this index is not achieved, the student will be dismissed for academic reasons.
Example B: A student entering York as a sophomore, transferring 24 credits from another college, who registers for 12credits in the first semester at York, must achieve an index of 2.00 for the 12 credits because the total number of college credits attempted at York and the previous college(s) total more than 24. If this student achieves less than a 2.00 index, the student will be placed on probation for the following semester. Generally, students on academic probation will not be dismissed, but automatically continued on probation as long as they achieve an index of 2.00 or better each semester until they have reached the required minimum G.P.A. During this probationary period, students who make satisfactory academic progress will continue to maintain their academic standing with the College and their concurrent eligibility for financial aid. Students who fail to achieve the minimum 2.00 index (or any other index required by the academic review process) for any semester while on probation, will be dismissed for academic reasons.
Students are notified in writing by the Office of the Registrar when they are placed on probation. A student on probation may enroll for a maximum of 12 credits or the equivalent. In addition, the student whose program includes developmental and/or compensatory courses may register for a maximum of 19 hours of course work. Although you may register for as many as 12 credits/19 hours, you are advised to take fewer.
Students are notified in writing by the Office of the Registrar that they have been dismissed for academic reasons after failing to meet the minimum retention standard while on probation. A student may not be dismissed without being placed on probation for a minimum of one semester.
The retention standards are applied to all students, degree (matriculated) and non-degree (non-matriculated). Professional programs may have additional retention and progression requirements.
A student who has been dismissed is separated from the University for at least one semester and may not enroll during that period for credit-bearing courses in any unit of the University.
Readmission to York College is not automatic. The student must submit a petition to the Committee on Academic Standards indicating the basis for consideration for readmission. Written notification of approval or denial will be sent to the student. If the petition is approved, the student is permitted to register according to specific academic standards stipulated by the Committee, where applicable.
The college adheres to readmission deadlines. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of the Registrar regarding the deadline for filing an application.