Understanding the academic regulations at the University of Hartford is crucial for every student. While faculty advisors offer guidance, it’s ultimately each student’s responsibility to be familiar with the rules and requirements outlined in the University of Hartford Manual of Academic Policies and Procedures, available at the Mortensen Library, and summarized here. The University holds no liability for errors arising from a student’s failure to adhere to these regulations. For any uncertainties, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their school’s dean. uHart self-service provides a vital platform for students to access and manage their academic information, ensuring they stay informed and compliant with university policies.
Understanding Academic Credits
The academic credit, often termed “semester hour” or “credit hour,” is the standard unit measuring academic workload. Typically, one credit signifies satisfactory completion of coursework for one 50-minute class session per week throughout a semester. Laboratory or studio work usually equates to one credit for every two to three 50-minute periods weekly per semester. However, variations exist, such as at the Hartford Art School where courses are six hours for 3 credits, and in the Radiologic Technology program where one lab credit is a 90-minute weekly session. Students can use uHart self-service to track their earned credits and understand course credit values.
Managing Your Academic Load Per Semester
Undergraduate students enrolling in 12 or more credits, whether during the day, evening, or a combination, are considered full-time and must pay the full-program tuition. This tuition generally covers up to 18 credits, with additional credits beyond this typically charged at a per-credit-hour rate (refer to Tuition and Fees). Exceptions to credit limits may apply if a program requires more than 18 hours or if the dean authorizes up to 19 hours without extra charges. Enrolling in more than five courses or exceeding 18 credits usually requires special permission from the school dean. Similarly, non-matriculated students need special permission to enroll full-time (12+ credits). Graduate students are full-time with 9 or more credits, with tuition potentially based on per-credit-hour or a full-time rate depending on the program. Students can utilize uHart self-service to review their program tuition charges and enrolled credit load.
Summerterm Academic Load
Students are advised against taking more than two courses (6-8 credits) per Summerterm session without consulting their faculty advisor or the Office of Summer Programs. Planning your summer academic load effectively is essential for academic success.
Class Attendance Expectations
Regular class attendance is expected at the University of Hartford. Excessive absences, regardless of the reason, may lead to disqualification from receiving course credit. Consistent attendance is a key component of academic engagement and success.
Auditing Courses
Students who wish to attend courses without receiving academic credit can register as auditors. Audited courses do not receive grades or credits (see Auditing Courses for fee information). To benefit from special audit fees, audit status must be declared during initial registration. Changing from credit to audit status after initial registration does not qualify for these special fees.
Student Classification Based on Credits
Student classification is determined by completed credits:
| Classification | Credits Completed |
|---|---|
| Freshmen | 0-23 |
| Sophomores | 24-53 |
| Juniors | 54-86 |
| Seniors | 87+ |
uHart self-service allows students to easily check their current classification based on completed credits, aiding in academic planning and progress monitoring.
Degree Conferral and Commencement
Degrees are awarded in September, January, and May. Commencement ceremonies occur in May, with a Fall Commencement in December. Summer and fall graduates are invited to both the Fall and May ceremonies. Degree applications must be filed with the Registrar’s Office by posted deadlines. Students must also notify the registrar of their participation in Commencement ceremonies.
Continuous Registration Requirement
Degree candidates are expected to maintain continuous registration until all degree requirements are met. A break in registration for a semester or more necessitates readmission (see Readmission). Readmitted students may be subject to the Bulletin requirements in effect at the time of readmission, especially after a full academic year absence, unless under special circumstances like military service or extended illness. For approved off-campus study or personal reasons, matriculated students can request a leave of absence for one or two semesters by registering for Active Status, with advisor and dean permission, and paying a fee (see Active Status Fee). Extensions beyond two semesters require dean approval. Part-time graduate and adult students have more flexibility, allowed up to three semesters away without formal readmission. Bachelor’s and associate’s degree candidates must complete their final 30 credits at the University.
Course Numbering System Explained
The University’s course numbering system, updated in Summer 1984, indicates course level by the first digit:
- 0 = Noncredit
- 1, 2, 3, 4 = Undergraduate
- 5 = Graduate (potentially for advanced undergraduates with permission)
- 6, 7, 8, 9 = Graduate only
Courses cross-listed across departments are separated by a slash (e.g., AFS 222/ENG 222). The second and third digits are department-specific, except for X90-X99, reserved for special topics. Hyphenated numbers denote sequential two-semester courses. Comma-separated numbers indicate independent halves of a course. Course descriptions in the Bulletin include bracketed credits per semester, prerequisites, and special fees.
Noncredit Courses
Courses starting with ‘0’ are noncredit, indicated by credit figures in parentheses. These credits do not affect GPA or class standing but may count towards time status and tuition costs for part-time students. For example, ENGH 099, a review of English fundamentals, does not fulfill distribution or graduation credit requirements.
Intra-University Transfers
When transferring between University of Hartford schools, all relevant courses are transferred for GPA calculation, regardless of grade. Non-applicable courses are excluded from GPA calculation and marked with a ‘V’ on the transcript, indicating they don’t contribute to University summaries or GPA.
Policy on Repeated Courses
For repeated courses, only the most recent grade is used in GPA and credit calculations. The prior grade remains on the transcript but is disregarded in GPA and credit earned calculations. This policy, effective January 20, 1987, applies only when the second grade is A-F or P. If any other grade is received upon repetition, the initial grade is used for GPA calculation. This policy is specific to courses repeated at the University of Hartford.
Credit by Examination Opportunities
In specific cases, students can earn credit through examinations. Application forms are available from academic deans and the Center for Graduate and Adult Academic Services. Credit exams in sequential subjects like math and foreign languages are limited to 6 credits at the highest level a student is qualified to pass, preventing credit stacking across levels. Credit earned by examination is recorded as ‘P’ if passed, without grade points. The College Entrance Examination Board’s College Level Examination Program (CLEP) allows students to gain credit for college-level knowledge from independent study, work experience, etc., potentially earning up to 27 credits through CLEP General Examinations and more with departmental approval in subject exams. Information on CLEP is available at the Center for Graduate and Adult Academic Services.
Dean’s List Recognition
Dean’s Lists, recognizing superior academic achievement, are issued each semester for full-time students and annually for part-time students. GPA requirements vary by school, generally requiring at least a 3.0 GPA and no grade below C, with stricter requirements in some colleges like Barney School of Business (3.25 GPA), College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (3.25 GPA, no grade below C, with restrictions on C grades, Incompletes etc), Hartford Art School (3.5 GPA), and Hartt (3.5 GPA, no grade below B-, with restrictions on Incompletes etc). Specific criteria for each college are detailed in the original document. Load requirements also apply, with full-time students needing 12+ graded credits and part-time students needing 12+ graded credits annually. Hartt School specifies full-time study as 12+ graded credits per semester.
President’s List – Highest Academic Honor
The President’s List, recognizing the highest academic standing, is issued each semester for full-time students. Students on the Dean’s List who also achieve a GPA of at least 3.75 with grades of C or better qualify for the President’s List.
Declaring Audit Status for Courses
Students must declare their intention to audit a course at the time of registration. Changes from audit to credit status are allowed within the first two weeks of a semester with a Change of Program form. Changes from credit to audit are allowed within the first 10 weeks, also via Change of Program form. Summer session deadlines are shorter. Special audit fees apply only if audit status is declared initially.
Pass/No Pass Option Explained
The Pass/No Pass option is available under University and school regulations, typically declared at registration. Students can change to or from this option up to the 10th week of a semester (earlier in summer), using a Change of Program form. Schools may limit this option to one course per semester, up to eight total for degree requirements. Pass/No Pass credits count towards graduation but not GPA. Certain courses like Reading and Writing 110-111, languages for voice/opera majors, music for music majors, and major courses (unless departmentally approved) are excluded. ‘Pass’ criteria usually align with a D or higher grade.
Determining the Applicable Bulletin Year
Degree requirements are based on the Bulletin year of matriculation, potentially modified by subsequent years. Students may choose to adopt requirements from any later Bulletin during their enrollment, but not from earlier ones. The University reserves the right to make necessary changes at any time.
Athletic Eligibility for Intercollegiate Sports
The University of Hartford strictly adheres to NCAA and athletic conference eligibility rules. Key regulations include:
- Five-year participation window from initial college enrollment.
- Minimum full-time enrollment (12+ semester hours) during competition.
- Maximum four seasons of intercollegiate competition.
- Continuing eligibility requires satisfactory academic progress: (a) completion of an average of 12 semester hours per term for each previous academic year enrolled; or (b) completion of 24 semester hours since the last season of competition.
- Declaration of a specific baccalaureate degree program by the third year of enrollment (fifth semester).
- Compliance with all other NCAA eligibility rules.
The University may suspend athletes for any reason, regardless of NCAA eligibility.
Eligibility for Student Offices
Only full-time students (12+ credits and satisfactory academic progress) can hold undergraduate student organization offices. Eligibility is lost if credit load drops below 12 at any point during the academic year.
Grade Reporting and Access
Grades are posted to uHart self-service accounts at the end of each semester. The University may release grade reports to parents upon request, unless students expressly object. If a student objects, parental access requires proof of the student’s financial dependency under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.
Understanding the Grading System
The University of Hartford uses a comprehensive grading system:
| Grade | Definition | Grade Points per Credit Hour |
|---|---|---|
| A | 4.00 | |
| A- | 3.67 | |
| B+ | 3.33 | |
| B | 3.00 | |
| B- | 2.67 | |
| C+ | 2.33 | |
| C | 2.00 | |
| C- | 1.67 | |
| D+ | 1.33 | |
| D | 1.00 | |
| D- | 0.67 | |
| F | Failure | 0.00 |
| P | Pass | – |
| NP | No Pass | – |
| NG | No Grade Issued** | – |
| I | Incomplete | – |
| W | Withdrawal | – |
| NR | No Report from Instructor | – |
| V | Intra-University Transfer | – |
| * | Repeated Course Indicator | – |
Grades in the A range are excellent, B range good, C range fair, D range poor, and F indicates failure. The NG grade is reserved for courses typically spanning more than one semester, like dissertations. Incompletes (I) are used for work not finished within a semester.
Graduation Honors – Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor’s degrees are awarded with honors based on cumulative GPA and residency: cum laude (3.25+ GPA), magna cum laude (3.50+ GPA), and summa cum laude (3.75+ GPA), with a minimum of 60 credits in residence. Students with 45-59 resident credits may receive honors per college guidelines. University Honors Program completion also grants honors.
Honorary Societies at the University
The University of Hartford hosts numerous honorary societies across various disciplines, recognizing academic excellence and leadership. These include Alpha Chi (national honor scholarship), Alpha Sigma Lambda (adult student honor), Beta Alpha Psi (financial information), Pi Mu Epsilon Fraternity (mathematics), Pi Tau Sigma (mechanical engineering), Eta Kappa Nu (electrical engineering), Tau Beta Pi (engineering), Sigma Theta Tau, Iota Upsilon Chapter at Large (nursing), Lambda Beta (respiratory care), Kappa Delta Pi (education), Sigma Tau Delta (English), Pi Kappa Lambda (music), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (music fraternity), Sigma Alpha Iota (women’s music fraternity), Tau Alpha Pi (engineering technology), Omicron Delta Epsilon (economics), Lambda Pi Eta (communication), Pi Sigma Alpha (political science), and Tau Sigma Delta (architecture). Information on specific societies is available from the respective school deans.
Handling Incomplete Coursework
Undergraduate: Incomplete grades (I) are granted for satisfactory work unfinished due to extenuating circumstances, with prior arrangements with the instructor. These circumstances exclude workload issues. Incomplete work must be completed by the end of the next regular semester, or an earlier agreed date. Unresolved incompletes become mandatory F grades for resident undergraduates.
Graduate: Graduate students may receive permission for incomplete coursework completion post-semester, arranged by the instructor in line with departmental and school regulations.
Makeup Examination Procedures
Students should consult instructors for makeup exam permission and procedures. Fees apply for makeup examinations (see Makeup Examination).
Matriculation Definition
Matriculation signifies official acceptance as a degree, diploma, or certificate candidate within a University of Hartford school.
Medical Leave and Course Withdrawal Policies
Medical leave is for illnesses preventing class attendance for a semester or term. Medical-related course withdrawal is for illnesses necessitating withdrawal from some, but not all, courses.
Medical Leave during a Semester/Term: After week 10, medical leave grants ‘W’ grades for all courses, requiring signatures from the dean of students and the college dean.
Medical Leave after Semester/Term: Requests after term completion, with medical documentation within 12 weeks of the affected term, may grant ‘W’ grades for all courses with issued grades (including I, NG, NR). Partial withdrawals are not permitted. Dean of students and college dean signatures are required, plus the dean’s signature from the college of any course taken outside the student’s home college. Return from medical leave requires medical documentation submitted to the dean of students and college dean.
Medical-Related Course Withdrawals: Withdrawals within the first 10 weeks grant ‘W’ grades with dean of students and college dean signatures. Withdrawals after week 10 due to illness may result in ‘W’, ‘I’, or letter grades, requiring dean of students and college dean signatures (and instructor signature for letter grades or ‘I’).
Documentation: Medical leaves and withdrawals require written documentation from a physician or mental health professional, reviewed by the dean of students and college dean.
Signatures: If student signatures are unobtainable, the associate/assistant dean will secure required signatures.
Nonacademic Suspension and Expulsion
Violations of the Code of Student Conduct can lead to nonacademic suspension or expulsion. Suspended students must wait a year before readmission application. Expelled students cannot reenroll. Suspended or expelled students must leave campus immediately.
Academic Probation Guidelines
Students falling below GPA standards (page 66 table) are placed on academic probation. Those significantly below standards (0.5+ grade points) may face dismissal. Failure to meet course completion rates may also result in probation. Probationary students are not in satisfactory academic progress but can continue enrollment. Advisor consultation is crucial. Academic standing committees review probationary records each term. Deficiencies corrected result in probation removal; otherwise, probation may continue, degree candidacy may be revoked, or dismissal may occur.
Academic Dismissal Policy
Students with GPA and/or completion rates indicating low probability of degree completion may be academically dismissed. Dismissed students are not in good academic standing and are ineligible for re-enrollment, except under the Fresh Start program.
Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculation
GPA is calculated by multiplying course credits by grade point values, summing these points, and dividing by total attempted academic credits. All University of Hartford courses applicable to the current program are included. NG, W, P, NP, and I grades are excluded. GPAs are calculated to two decimal places, not rounded. uHart self-service provides students with their official GPA calculations.
Readmission Procedures
Previously matriculated full-time students not registered in the prior semester (excluding summer) due to dismissal, voluntary withdrawal, or leave of absence must apply for readmission. Application deadlines match full-time undergraduate admissions (see Admission of Students). Former non-matriculated students or those attending other institutions since leaving uHart must submit transcripts from all attended institutions. Readmission is based on current regulations. Active status students transferring credits from other institutions must submit transcripts to Admissions for evaluation. Readmission application fees are waived for previously matriculated students not attending other institutions since their last uHart registration.
Recital and Exhibition Requirements
Applied music students must be enrolled in applied music during the semester of a required recital. Art students must be enrolled during the semester of their required exhibition.
Course Registration Policy
Students must be officially registered by the first class meeting of a course. uHart self-service is the primary tool for course registration and management.
Removal from Degree Candidacy
Students demonstrating low probability of meeting degree requirements may be removed from degree candidacy. These students can re-enroll part-time, non-degree, for up to 11 credits per semester and 15 total credits. They are in good academic standing but not making satisfactory academic progress.
Degree Requirements – Undergraduate and Graduate
Degree fulfillment is the student’s responsibility. Deviations from published requirements require written dean approval.
General Requirements:
- Degree application
- Satisfactory completion of prescribed curriculum
- Payment of all outstanding fees
- Faculty, trustee, and regent vote
- Commencement attendance (see Conferral of Degrees)
Baccalaureate Degree with Multiple Majors:
- Same degree, same college: Dean approval and registrar notification required. All major requirements must be met. One degree and diploma issued.
- Different colleges/degrees: Additional program dean approval and registrar notification needed. All major requirements must be met. One degree and diploma issued, transcript will note “and a subject-area major in .” Subject-area major implies major requirements completed, but not all degree requirements for that major.
Second Baccalaureate Degree:
- Previous uHart bachelor’s degree holders can apply for a second bachelor’s. All second degree requirements must be met. Prior documents need not be resubmitted, and no additional application fee is charged.
- Current bachelor’s candidates can apply for a second bachelor’s simultaneously via Change of Major form. All second degree requirements must be met. No additional application fee.
- Two simultaneous/sequential bachelor’s degrees require meeting all requirements for each, exceeding double major requirements. Minimum 150 credits required, with final 30 in residence. Advisor consultation recommended.
Degree Application Process
Degree candidacy requires filing a Degree Application form from the registrar or school/college evaluator, signed by the evaluator, and submitted to the Registrar’s Office by announced dates. The expected degree completion date (August, December, or May) must be indicated.
GPA Requirements for Degrees
Minimum cumulative GPA for bachelor’s and associate’s degrees is 2.0, also required in the major unless stated otherwise. Graduate GPA requirements vary by program. Hillyer College two-year program requirements are detailed in its section of the Bulletin.
Residency Requirements for Degrees
Most bachelor’s and associate’s degrees require completing the final 30 credits at the University. Bachelor of University Studies has a 30-credit residency minimum, not necessarily the final 30. Graduate residency requirements vary by program.
Satisfactory Academic Progress and Good Standing
Maintaining enrollment and financial aid eligibility requires demonstrating probable degree completion success. Satisfactory academic progress includes: (a) minimum GPA (qualitative progress); (b) satisfactory major area performance; (c) acceptable course completion rate (quantitative progress). University GPA standards are outlined under “University Minimum Standards for Undergraduates.” Schools may have higher standards. Students are responsible for knowing their satisfactory academic progress status. Quantitative satisfactory progress is based on attempted credits at census date. Full-time students in 60-126 credit programs should complete 12 credits/semester or 24/year. Programs over 126 credits require 1/5 of program credits per year. Part-time students must complete associate’s within 5 years and bachelor’s within 10. Summer and Winterterm credits can help achieve satisfactory progress. Fall incompletes must be resolved by spring’s end, and spring incompletes by summer’s end for quantitative progress. Financial aid is contingent on fund availability upon eligibility. Good academic standing means eligibility to continue or return to the University (unless expelled/suspended non-academically). Students not in good standing cannot attend credit classes. uHart self-service helps students monitor their academic progress and standing.
Academic Schedule Structure
The academic year comprises two semesters, plus day and evening summer sessions (see Academic Calendar).
Transcripts of Academic Records
One unofficial transcript is provided to each graduate. Transcripts can be requested via the National Student Clearinghouse, also accessible through uHart self-service. Written requests for certifications and other records should be sent to the Registrar. Transcript requests require 10 business days’ notice. Official transcripts are sent directly by the University. Transcripts are not issued for financially delinquent individuals.
Course Withdrawal Procedures
All course withdrawal requests must be in writing. Administrative withdrawal within the first 10 weeks may result from excessive absence or justifiable circumstances. Withdrawals in weeks 1-3 of a regular semester void registration. Weeks 4-10 result in a ‘W’ grade. After week 10, letter grades (A-F or I) are issued, with exceptions for cause approved by the dean. Summer withdrawal deadlines are shorter. Refund policies apply to withdrawals (see Withdrawal and Summerterm refund schedules).
University Minimum GPA Standards for Undergraduates
| Degree Type | Credit Range | Minimum GPA Required |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 00-15 | 1.7 |
| 16-30 | 1.8 | |
| 31-45 | 1.9 | |
| 46+ | 2.0 | |
| Baccalaureate Degree | 00-23 | 1.7 |
| 24-53 | 1.8 | |
| 54-86 | 1.9 | |
| 87+ | 2.0 |
*Credits include earned, transferred, and failed credits. Specific colleges like Education, Nursing and Health Professions, Engineering, Technology, and Architecture have slightly varied minimum GPA standards at different credit hour ranges, as detailed in the original document. Hartford Art School and The Hartt School require a minimum 2.0 GPA throughout undergraduate programs. Graduate students must maintain at least a 2.8 GPA. Students are also expected to meet major requirements and complete degrees within time limits (5 years for associate’s, 10 for bachelor’s). Full-time students should complete 75% of their initial load each term, and part-time students 50%. Graduate load expectations may vary by college.
Image of the Mortensen Library, a key resource for academic policy information at the University of Hartford, reminding students to utilize both online and physical resources for academic success.
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University of Hartford Seal, representing the official academic authority and standards that underpin all regulations and policies outlined for students.
