Academic Policy, Regulations, and Standards

Academic Policy, Regulations, and Standards

Overview of Academics 

ACADEMIC YEAR

The academic year includes two semesters: fall and spring. The academic year is at least thirty-two weeks in length, during which time full-time students are expected to complete a minimum of twenty-four semester hours. The Summer Session is scheduled between academic years and allows students to accelerate or remediate their academic progress through full- or part-time enrollment.

ACCELERATED TERMS

Attending term courses, the student has an opportunity to attend accelerated courses scheduled in at least eight weeks in length. While this accelerated model is designed to allow degree completion in a shorter period of time, there is an increased expectation for independent learning outside of the classroom, while still completing the full required contact time. Students should anticipate a minimum commitment of fourteen to twenty-one hours per week for each course, in addition to class time. Attendance in both terms per semester is mandatory.

CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS  

Student classification categorizes the population to identify their progression towards their undergraduate degree, using completed united applicable towards their degree, and cohort towards graduation. Students who have never attended college before are considered first years never attended college before and those students who have transferred in 1-24 credits are considered first year attended college before. For all classifications please follow the listing below: 

0-29 units = Freshman 1st year 

30-59  = Sophomore 2nd year 

60-89  = Junior 3rd year  

90 or more credits = Senior 4th year  

ACADEMIC LOAD  

Bay State College is semester-based academic calendar, three semesters Fall/Spring/Summer a year with 2 intersession terms per semester, and Summer Semester maybe option depending on the program. For students utilizing the term calendar academic load is defined as an accumulation of units included in both terms of a semester, for reporting purposes terms always still fall within the semester calendar. Selective programs offered at BSC are accelerated; run on the term calendar and during Summer session, contact your advisor for more information. 

Full-Time: A full-time student is registered for 12 or more credits per semester  

Part-Time: A part-time student is registered for less full-time each semester. Students that take a part-time course load will take longer to earn their degrees 

¾ Time: 9-11 credits per semester   

Half-time: 6-8 credits per semester 

Less than half-time: 0-5 credits per semester 

Financial Aid Disclosure: Any academic load below full-time will have implications affecting their Title IV Financial Aid. Contact  

VETERAN STUDENTS 

Veteran Affairs is aware some schools offer classes in terms that are shorter than a semester. This is especially true for online classes and summer enrollments, but some schools offer accelerated terms at brick-and-mortar campuses year-round. In these cases, VA calculates weighted “equivalent credit hours” so that fewer credits are required for full-time (and more than half-time) training. For more information please contact Veterans@BayState.edu. 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 

To maintain F-1 status, international students are required to pursue a full course of study and make normal academic progress toward completion of a degree program. Students are required to register for a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Additional information may be found in the International Student Handbook.  

OVERLOAD - 12-Credit Course limit registration condition 

Academic load over 12 credits a semester can be defined as an overload or accelerated learning, anything over Students that place into Fundamentals of Algebra or Basic English based on placement testing register for only 12 credits their first semester. The 12-credit course status is reviewed at the time of the next registration period by the student’s Academic Advisor, who will determine if the student is ready to register for more than 12 credits. This registration condition can last anywhere from 1-4 semesters, may take additional summer courses (or transfer credits from another institution) to make up for the missing credits, and students that are on a 12-credit course load will take longer to earn their associate/bachelor’s degrees. 

RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT 

Students entering an associate degree program may transfer no more than 30 credits, students entering a bachelor’s Degree program may transfer no more than 90 credits, and students entering a certificate program may transfer no more than 14 credits from an accredited institution to Bay State College. A minimum of 9 of the last 15 credits toward a degree must be earned at Bay State College. 

MINORS AND CONCENTRATIONS 

Bay State College offers a variety of minors and concentrations to students so they may further refine their areas of study. Students who are interested in pursuing a minor or a concentration should speak with their Department Chair for additional information. Students are encouraged to do so as early on as possible in their academic career, preferably during the enrollment process or first semester, as there may be an academic and/or financial impact.  

A minor and/or concentration can only be received at the same time that a student graduates with a major. A minor and/or concentration is an attribute to a degree and not an entity by itself. Students must declare a minor and/or concentration with their Academic Advisor before graduating. Declaration requests are only processed between academic semesters. Students can complete more than one minor and/or concentration at a time. 

A student who has previously earned an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from Bay State College is eligible to pursue a second Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, or Bachelor of Science degree in a different discipline. The major of the second degree cannot be the same as the previously awarded degree. 

Registration 

Students are required to meet with their Academic Advisor during each registration period to select courses to complete their program. Students must be in good financial standing to register for classes. International students should refer to Student Handbook for information on additional requirements for registration. Students should refer to the Academic Calendar found on the Bay State College Portal and website for specific registration dates for each semester and term. 

ADD/DROP PERIOD 

Students may add or drop courses during the first five business days of the term/semester (as defined in the Academic Calendar). A course dropped during this period will not appear on the student’s transcript. During the Add/Drop period students are required to post positive attendance or will be subject to being administratively withdrawn from their course. Students who fail to pass their prerequisite requirements of a consecutive term will be administratively withdrawn from that course and notified by their Advisor, please know students are ultimately responsible to fulfill pre-req requirements for their enrollment.  

Additional Add/Drop Disclosures: Any change in enrollment course load will impact the student’s financial aid. International students are required to maintain a full-time course load and must gain approval from an Academic Advisor and the Designated School Official (DSO) prior to dropping a course. Veteran students who choose to change their registered courses after their enrollment has been certified to VA are responsible to contact veterans@baystate.edu to discuss possible ramifications.  

NOTE: Students who drop from all their courses within a term/semester may be subject to administrative withdrawal from the college but will be able to reenter when ready to return to BSC. 

ONLINE COURSES AND CROSS DIVISIONAL PROGRAMS 

Bay State College offers certain degree programs online at the bachelor’s and associate degree levels. Students enrolling in the Online Division may complete their programs fully online. The College also offers access to courses in the online format to accommodate the varying schedules and obligations of our Day and Evening students as needed. 

Online courses carry the same credit and meet the same learning objectives as their classroom-based counterparts. Day and Evening Division students should consult their Advisor or Department Chair and the Cross-Divisional Registration policy prior to registration. International students should refer to the Student Handbook for more information regarding online course restrictions.      

The online courses are offered fully online; there is no physical meeting of the class. All readings, activities, assessments and homework are submitted through the College’s Learning Management System (LMS). All Bay State College online courses are instructor-led and are limited to a maximum class size so faculty can offer the same level of support as in classroom-based courses. Students taking an online class will be required to have a valid Bay State College email account and a computer with reliable internet access.  

Students taking courses outside of their division (e.g. Day Division student taking an Online or Evening course) are charged their division’s tuition rate. Exceptions may apply; students should contact their Academic Advisor for more information.  

Any student taking more than 50% of their course load outside of their division is subject to an administrative division change. Students are advised to contact a Financial Aid Counselor to discuss any financial implications.  

AUDITING A COURSE 

A student who audits a course is merely an observer. A student may audit one course per semester at no charge, pending seating availability, providing they are enrolled in a degree-seeking program. Students auditing a course must register for the audited course by completing and submitting a Student Action Form with their Department Chair or Academic Advisor prior to the end of the Add/Drop period. No grade is attached to the course; however, it will be noted on the student transcript (AU).  

NON-DEGREE COURSES 

Interested students may also take non-degree coursework, providing they can demonstrate that they have met all prerequisites. All policies within this Catalog apply to non-degree students as well.  

Developmental Courses 

Developmental courses are considered remedial non-collegiate, preparatory prerequisite units of enrollment, and do not earn credit toward the degree, but are counted as units completed toward meeting SAP requirements. Minimum passing grade for remedial courses is a C- and students are required to successfully complete their developmental prerequisite courses prior to starting in their college level course of that discipline.  

·   Fundamentals of Algebra (MAT098) 

This course will help students to understand and operate with fractions, decimals, percentages, exponents, and signed numbers. Basic algebraic topics will also be covered, including simplifying and evaluating variable expressions, solving linear equations, and graphing. Fundamentals of Algebra is required for students who do not pass the math placement test administered during the College’s placement testing sessions. A minimum grade of C- is required in this course in order to register for Intermediate College Algebra. 

·   Basic English for College (ENG099A) 

In this course, students will focus on basic punctuation, grammar, reading comprehension, and writing skills. Basic English is required for students who do not meet the minimum requirements for the English I class based on the results of the English placement test administered during the College’s placement testing sessions. In addition, all Basic English students are required to attend a writing lab. This lab supplements the Basic English class assignments as well as all assignments from other classes.  Students who test into Basic English can only take four classes during the first semester. A minimum grade of C- is required in this course in order to register for English I.  

Academic Standards

ACADEMIC CREDIT 

Federal regulation defines a credit hour as an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutional established equivalence that reasonably approximates not less than:  

One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time;  
Or 

At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours. 

INDEPENDENT STUDY 

Qualified students may complete an Independent Study with a designated faculty member under the following criteria: 

A.   Independent Study credit will be offered for currently active courses at the College. 

B.   The structure of the Independent Study will vary from course to course; however, guidelines for all courses are as follows: 

Standard syllabus, with minimum number of contact hours, is used for each Independent Study. 

Syllabus for the Independent Study is kept on file in the Office of Academic Affairs. 

INTERNSHIPS 

The Internship Program was developed to provide field experience so that a student may acquire the skills and techniques used in a professional setting. Internships afford an opportunity for students to explore various career possibilities within each program. Internships are designed and intended to be a continuation of the student’s education. Students are placed in professional settings, where they will receive a better understanding of the field and of their own potential contributions. The experience is available to students who have obtained a 2.0 grade point average in their major and/or by recommendation of the department. Because the internship experience is educational, students should not expect compensation. Some programs require internships for graduation. Due to state regulations, internships for fully-online programs are not required.  

Internship Guidelines: 

·   Students must pass the 1-credit internship seminar with a C or better before participating in the 2-credit internship course. 

·   Students are eligible for internships after having successfully completed two semesters. 

·   Students must meet academic requirements stated above. 

·   The College requires a minimum of 120 hours; program and employer requirements may vary. 

·   Students must register for an internship as a regular course. 

·   Students must be enrolled in a degree-granting program. 

·   All academic assignments, beyond the hourly requirement, must be completed in order to receive credit. 

·   It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for an internship placement with the Department/Program Chair (Day Division) or Campus ·   Coordinator/Advisor (Evening Division) in the semester prior to the internship. 

·   Students must conform to appearance guidelines and standards of his or her internship site as described in the individual program internship handbook. 

·   International students must meet with the Designated School Official (DSO) prior to beginning an internship in order to be registered for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) within SEVIS. Additional information regarding CPT can be found in the International Student Handbook.   

·   Summer internships and clinicals are billed at the regular program rate. 

·   Please see specific programs for more information on internships. 

CLINICAL COURSES 

Clinical experiences are the student’s opportunity demonstrate acquisition of knowledge skills and attitudes learned and practice in the classroom, laboratory, and simulation settings. Clinical experiences direct students to refine their abilities to gather patient data, make sense of that data, provide appropriate care, based on the data, and then evaluate both the patient’s and one’s own actions. The process of developing clinical judgment is emphasized, in the clinical setting across the curriculum.  

·   Proof of COVID/Influenza Immunization are required for clinical course enrollment.

·   Clinical hours are dependent on program and course requirements. See Bay State College Division of Health Sciences Student Handbook for more details. 

·   During an academic semester, one unit of credit is awarded for no less than one hour (60 minutes) of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately sixteen weeks. 

Required Clinical Education  

Nursing Program  

All Associate Degree Nursing students will be assigned to clinical rotations. These clinical rotations will take place in accredited agencies with whom Bay State College has deemed appropriate for learning. Bay State College has a contract with each of these agencies to assure safe, effective, and quality student clinical experiences which will further enhance theory and evidence-based practice. Clinical instructors are Bay State College employees. Clinical rotations require mandatory attendance, and each student must satisfactorily complete the clinical assignment in order to continue in the Associate Degree Nursing program. (See Bay State College Division of Health Sciences Student Handbook for more details.)  

Physical Therapist Assistant Program  

Physical Therapist Assistant students must complete one 8-week and one 10-week clinical education experience, for a total of 13 credits. These clinical education experiences are full-time, 40 hours per week, for a total of 720 hours. Specific objectives and information for each clinical education experience are detailed in the course syllabi and in the Bay State College Division of Health Sciences Student Handbook.   

HYBRID COURSES

Hybrid courses require weekly instructional in-person contact time and students are required to complete online asynchronous that equals no less than the course required overall contact time. All scheduled sessions are mandatory. In addition, students are required to work independently on assignments for at least two hours a week for no less than thirty total hours per one unit of credit.

ONLINE COURSES

Online courses are offered fully online, there is no physical meeting of the class. All readings, activities, assessments, and homework are submitted through the College’s Learning Management System (LMS). All Bay State College online courses are instructor-led and are limited to a maximum class size so faculty can offer the same level of support as in classroom-based courses.

Synchronous

Synchronous sessions are direct contact time with an instructor conducted online during a scheduled date and time. These sessions take place in real time and attendance is required. Synchronous sessions will last three hours thirty minutes per week, no less than the course required contact time. In addition, students are required to work independently on assignments for at least two hours a week for no less than thirty total hours per one unit of credit.

Asynchronous

Asynchronous sessions are self-guided and represent three hours and thirty minutes per week of class time, no less than the course required contact time. You can log on at any time during the week and regular posting is required. All asynchronous assignments for the week are to be completed based on the required deadlines per activity and is required for attendance purposes. In addition, students are required to work independently on assignments for at least two hours a week for no less than thirty total hours per one unit of credit.

TOPIC COURSES 

A topic course focuses on various areas of interest within the field while maintaining the course outcomes and general description. As specific topics change students are eligible to take these courses more than once, not exceeding three times, and not exceeding the program requirements. Topic courses are not identified as a repeat, and each topic is considered within the credits attempted and CGPA, unless a topic specific course has been taken again and identified as a repeat.

THE GRADING SYSTEM 

The grade point average (GPA) is computed for courses in which you earn grades A-F and their plus and minus forms. If you take a credit-bearing course pass/fail, an “F” will affect your grade point average; a “P” will give you credit for the course but will not affect your grade point average. To determine a GPA, first figure out the number of quality points by multiplying the number of credits assigned to a course times the quality points from the chart below based on the grade received (e.g., 9.9 quality points earned in a three [3.00] credit course with a final grade of “B+”). Divide the total number of quality points received for all courses in a term by the total number of credits attempted in that term (do not add in credits for courses in which you received a grade of P or W).  

Grade             Numerical Value    Quality Pts per Credit Unit 

A                            95-100                              4.0 
A-                         90-94.99                             3.7 

B+                        87-89.99                             3.3 

B                           84-86.99                             3.0 

B-                         80-83.99                             2.7 

C+                        77-79.99                             2.3 

C                           74-76.99                             2.0 

C-                         70-73.99                             1.7 

D+                        67-69.99                             1.3 

D                          64-66.99                             1.0 

D-                         60-63.99                             0.7 

F                            0-59.99                              0.0 

IF                              n/a                                 0.0 

WF                            n/a                                 0.0 

AU            Course being audited, no grade assigned.  

I                Incomplete: A student has one semester to make up a grade of incomplete before it turns into an IF, Incomplete Failure.    

IF              Incomplete Failure 

NP            Non-Pass Credit Not Earned 

P               Pass Credit Earned 

TR             Transfer Credit 

W             Withdrawal, Drop Grade Included in credits attempted/SAP 
WF           Withdrawal (after last day of withdrawal), Drop Grade Included in credits attempted/GPA/SAP 

INCOMPLETE GRADES 

A grade of “I” (Incomplete) is given to a student who has been unable to finish his or her work in the prescribed time for valid reasons. The purpose of an Incomplete is to allow a student time to deal with an unexpected occurrence that impacts his or her studies to the extent that an extended absence is warranted. The student will be required to provide his or her instructor a reason for the request, an estimated date of completion of work, and any required documentation related to the student’s request for the Incomplete. A student is strongly encouraged to also speak with his or her Academic Advisor about requests for Incompletes.  

This grade can be given only when the major portion of the completed work is of such quality that a student would be expected to pass the course if the remaining work is comparable to what has already been achieved. An “Incomplete” is not given to a student who misses his or her final exam unless there are unforeseen extenuating circumstances. The student has one semester (two terms) to make up any missing work and take the final exam before his or her grade will convert to an “IF” (Incomplete Failure), regardless of whether or not the student is registered for classes in that subsequent semester.  

A grade of “I” (Incomplete) may also be given to a student who has not completed his or her clinical affiliation or internship or if his or her affiliation or internship was terminated prior to completion due to circumstances beyond the control of the student or Bay State College. The student has one semester to make up this affiliation/internship before his or her grade will convert to an “IF” (Incomplete Failure), regardless of whether or not the student is registered for classes in that subsequent semester.  

No extensions will be given for Incomplete grade requests. Incomplete Failure (“IF”) grades are not eligible for a Change of Grade. 

CHANGE OF GRADE 

A student who believes that an error in grading has occurred (related to course requirements or quality of work) may request a review by the instructor of record. If the instructor agrees that a change is justified, the instructor will initiate a Change of Grade Authorization Form, gain approval from the appropriate Department Chair and the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and file it with the Registrar’s Office. All students have one semester (two terms) from the time the grade is issued to request and file a Change of Grade Authorization with the Registrar’s Office, regardless of whether or not the student is registered for classes in that subsequent semester. Grade changes are not permitted after a student graduates. Incomplete Failure (“IF”) grades are not eligible for a Change of Grade.  

MIDSEMESTER/MIDTERM PROGRESS REPORTS 

At mid-semester or mid-term, Progress Reports are given out in every class to all students. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with their instructors to discuss methods for improvement when indicated. Midsemester/Midterm Progress Reports are not considered part of the student’s permanent college record.  

FINAL EXAMS 

Final exams are typically given during the last week of each term/semester. The final exam schedule is posted on the Student Portal and on the College’s website. Final exams will not be given earlier than the scheduled final exam week. An “Incomplete” grade will not be given for a missed final. The College reserves the right to reschedule final exams in the event of an emergency. 

FAILING COURSES 

A student who fails to meet the minimum grade requirement for a course that is required for his or her major must repeat that course. Any student who fails to meet the minimum grade requirement twice may be required to complete a remediation plan or be withdrawn from the College at the discretion of the Department/Program Chair.  

REPEATING A COURSE 

Bay State College permits students to repeat courses which have previously been attempted. A student may attempt a course a maximum of three times (original attempt and two retakes), any additional attempts may be granted with a submitted recommendation by the Advisor, and with approval by both the Chief Academic Officer and Registrar. Courses are considered attempted when a student starts a course and subsequently has received a letter grade, including W/WF/IF grades. Original course attempts with the original grade are included on the official transcript and each subsequent attempt. However, only the attempt(s) with the highest earned grade will be factored into the student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA), and all attempts will be counted towards credits attempted in SAP. Courses that are considered a repeat must be identical to the first course taken, same department, course number and title, and number of credits. Students may not repeat a course after they have graduated.  NOTE: Certain majors may have additional limitations on which, or how many, courses may be repeated. Students are advised to check with their Academic Advisor before repeating any course.  

Repeat Fees and Title IV - Financial Aid Disclosure: Students are required to pay normal tuition/fees for all repeated course work. Students repeating a passed course to improve a grade can only receive financial aid for the first repeat. Contact directly Student Accounts at StudentAccounts@baystate.edu or Financial Aid at FinancialAid@baystate.edu for assistance.  

Veteran Student Disclosure: Classes that are successfully completed may not be certified again for VA purposes if they are repeated. However, if a student fails a class, or if a program requires a higher grade than the one achieved in a particular class for successful completion, that class may be repeated and certified to VA again. Before repeating a course check with the BSC SCO at Veterans@BayState.edu.  

WITHDRAWAL FROM A COURSE  

Withdrawing from a course after the Add/Drop period, but before the Last Day to Withdraw, will result in a grade of W, which will impact the student’s percentage of classes completed. Students who withdraw from a course after the Last Day to Withdraw, will result in a punitive grade of WF. Students who wish to withdraw from a course must do so officially. Ceasing to attend class does not constitute withdrawal from an individual course. To withdraw from a course, the student must complete and sign a Student Action Form with his or her Department/Program Chair or Academic Advisor (Day Division) or Campus Coordinator/Academic Advisor (Evening Division and Online Programs) prior to the Last Day to Withdraw as published in the Academic Calendar. Withdrawing from a course(s), especially if the student is taking less than 12 credits (a full-time course load), may result in an adjustment to the student’s financial aid eligibility. Students are expected to contact their Financial Aid Counselor and the Bursar’s Office to discuss financial obligations to the College before withdrawing from a class. 

International students are required to maintain a full-time course load and must gain approval from an Academic Advisor and the Designated School Official (DSO) prior to dropping a course. The specific dates for the Last Day to Withdraw can be found on the Academic Calendar in the Student Portal and on the College’s website. 

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COLLEGE 

Students are encouraged to consult with their Academic Advisor and/or Department/Program Chair, Financial Aid Counselor and Student Affairs personnel, if appropriate, prior to officially withdrawal from the College. 

Official Withdrawal - Student Initiated 

Students who withdraw from the College before fulfilling their graduation requirements must complete and sign a Student Action Form or Official Withdrawal Petition with either their Department/Program Chair, Academic Advisor, or the Registrar’s Office. Students should not stop attending classes without first officially withdrawing from the College. Students should refer to the College’s refund policy.  

Students who plan to take a designated amount of time off from their studies should still follow the official withdrawal process and should indicate their intent when meeting with an Academic Advisor. Students who return to the college within 2 years or less from their withdraw are eligible to Reenter Bay State, refer to the Reentry to the College policy or contact their Advisor. Students who are ready to return over 2 years later should contact the Admissions Office to initiate readmission to the college.  

Any resident student who withdraws from the College will be required to withdraw from the residence halls. By signing the Residence Agreement, students have committed to a contractual period that consists of a full academic year or summer term(s). Please refer to the Residence Agreement or the section below for additional information regarding withdrawal from the residence halls. 

Administrative Withdrawal 

Students who do not meet the College’s academic standards, who fail to adhere to the College’s attendance policy, who do not fulfill warning guidelines determined by the Academic Standing and Integrity Committee, who are dismissed due to behavioral issues, or are non-responsive to official college correspondence can be withdrawn by the Academic Advisor, Department/Program Chair, or other heads of the College’s administrative staff. 

Students who return to the college within 2 years or less from their withdraw are eligible to Reenter Bay State, refer to the Reentry to the College policy https://www.baystate.edu/campus-life/registrar-office/reentry-students/ or contact their Advisor. Students who are ready to return over 2 years later should contact the Admissions Office to initiate readmission to the college.  

Withdrawal from the Residence Halls Only 

By signing the Residence Agreement, resident students have committed to a contractual period that consists of a full academic year or summer term(s). A resident is responsible for room and board charges for the entire term of the Agreement. 

The resident will be charged for housing based on the date he or she moves into an on-campus room and the chart listed in the Residence Agreement. 

Should a student leave housing for any reason during the term of the Agreement, he or she will remain responsible for all housing-related charges. In the event that the student’s contractual obligations can be assumed by a new resident, the withdrawn student may be eligible for release from these financial obligations based on his or her date of vacancy. This date is defined as the date when the resident’s belongings are completely removed from the room and all keys have been returned. In the event that this date falls between December 1 and the last day of final exams for the fall semester, the default date of vacancy will be the last day of final exams in all circumstances.  

Residents who fulfill all graduation requirements, spend a semester studying abroad in a Bay State-sponsored program, or become Community Advisors should speak with a Financial Aid Counselor about the process for obtaining a housing waiver.  

Residents who are not in good academic or disciplinary status as defined in this Handbook will be given the lowest priority in release.  

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Students taking a leave of absence from BSC for one or more semester(s) to a maximum of 180 calendar days, and no more than one leave in a 12-month period, must complete the formal approval process. An LOA application should be obtained from the Registrar’s Office and the process completed before leaving the College. Students requesting for LOA due to medical reasons should contact the Mental Health Counselor/Disability Support Specialist to start this process. All students will be required for their request to be approved by a representative from the Financial Aid Office prior to filing for a leave of absence and leaving the College.

All students are to review the Financial Aid Title IV Leave of Absence policy located within the Financial Aid section of the Catalog prior to initiating an LOA application.

Purpose

A leave of absence allows a BSC student to return to his or her studies after the approved leave without reapplying to the College. A reason for a leave of absence and the length of time granted for a leave is varies based on student need, but not exceeding the parameters listed above. Bay State College policy is designed to meet these varying needs and provide opportunities for students to discuss implications and responsibilities pertaining to a leave of absence with both Advisor and FA staff.

Application Procedure

All students interested in applying for a leave of absence should complete an application form available from the Registrar’s Office. The form asks for the duration of the leave, the plans for the period of the leave, and a written statement on why the leave is requested. Final approval for the leave is given only when the completed application is submitted to the Registrar’s Office. The application form and the written statement will be kept as part of the student’s record. It is strongly recommended that the student consult with an academic advisor to be sure that the leave will not create any serious complications to their academic program. Students requesting for LOA due to medical reasons should contact the Mental Health Counselor/Disability Support Specialist to start this process.

Time of Absence

A leave of absence may extend up to 180 calendar days, and no more than one leave in a 12-month period. Requests for a leave of absence should normally be made at the end of the semester.

Failure to Return after a Leave

A student who does not return at the end of a leave is considered withdrawn from the College. If a student later wishes to return to the College, will need to contact the Admissions Department to start the readmission process. Former students who are readmitted after falling to return from LOA matriculate under the versions and catalog in effect at the time of readmission.

Attendance Policy

At Bay State College, students are expected to attend all classes even during the Add/Drop period of a semester or term. Students are required to post positive attendance during the add/drop period of a start in all their registered course or will be subject to being administratively withdrawn from their course the day after add/drop ends. Regular attendance is critical to succeed as a student.   

The following attendance policy has been established after careful consideration of input from students and faculty. 

A.  Attendance in classes is expected in all courses at Bay State College and is part of the student’s record. All instructors are required to take attendance in all courses. 

B.   Each day that a student misses all scheduled classes counts as an absence.   

C.  Students are expected to wait for the faculty member for the first 15 minutes of class. If the instructor has not arrived at that time, students may leave class. 

D. Policy and procedure for any missed assignments, quizzes, and/or exams will be determined separately by the instructors. 

E.  Instructors may exclude latecomers from their classes at their discretion. 

F.  Instructors may set and announce penalties for excessive absences or tardiness. Students missing excessive classes may be advised to withdraw. A student who has been absent is responsible for making up any missed assignments. 

G. A student who is absent 2 consecutive weeks of scheduled classes (excluding final exam periods, holidays, and school closings) without prior approval will be administratively withdrawn from the College the day after reaching his/her maximum consecutive days of absences. This will establish the date of determination. 

H. Students are withdrawn from the College immediately following the Add/Drop period of the term or semester if they are not enrolled in courses for that given term/semester. The exception to this is for Day Division students (not including Associate Degree Nursing, RN to BSN, PTA, and Certificate students) who are not enrolled in summer courses.  

I. Students who have no attendance recorded during the Add/Drop period of each new semester/term may be unregistered from their courses at the College and will not be allowed to register again until the next semester/term. 

J. Students who are enrolled in fully-online and hybrid classes, internships, clinicals, and independent studies will be eligible to earn positive or negative attendance on days in which the College is otherwise closed (i.e. holidays, snow days, breaks, etc.). Attendance will be recorded for the date on which the work was completed or the internship/clinical was attended. 

K.  Canvas will be utilized to measure attendance automatically in all classes at Bay State College. For all on-campus meetings, students will be required to complete an assigned Canvas quiz within 30 minutes of the completion of the class period to receive credit for attending. Canvas can be accessed from any device (desktop, laptop, phone, etc.). Students who do not have access to a device should speak with their instructor(s) during the add/drop period or as soon as possible to discuss a plan for completing these assignments utilizing kiosks or labs on campus.  

Students who are administratively withdrawn from the College are subject to the same guidelines with regard to their funds (Title IV, veterans’, state, institutional) as a student who has voluntarily withdrawn. Financial aid awards will be adjusted according to federal regulations, which stipulate that a student who withdraws retains aid in proportion to the percentage of the semester he or she was enrolled. If the student withdraws during the first 60% of the semester, a portion of his or her federal funds must be returned. The student will be responsible for any balance created by this return. Once the student has completed more than 60% of the semester, no adjustment to the financial aid award is necessary. Additionally, resident students who are administratively withdrawn will be responsible for all housing-related charges, as outlined in the Residence Agreement. 

Students have the right to appeal an administrative withdrawal. Appeals must be in writing and submitted along with documentation directly to the Chair of the Academic Standing and Integrity Committee. 

Approved Absences 

Approved individual class absences are at the discretion of each instructor. Students should refer to the syllabus for each class regarding specific attendance requirements. Any documentation regarding individual class absences should be provided to the class instructor. 

Students will need prior approval from the Office of the Registrar if they will be absent for two consecutive weeks of scheduled classes (excluding final exam periods, holidays, and school closings). If students do not secure prior approval from the Office of the Registrar, they will be administratively withdrawn from the College the day after reaching their maximum consecutive days of absences, regardless of instructor-approved absences and course-specific attendance requirements.  

For students accessing Disability Support Services, advanced notification of extended absences to their instructor(s), Department Chair, and the Disability Support Services Coordinator is encouraged whenever possible. Extended class absences can only be approved by the Disability Support Services Coordinator, in conjunction with the student’s Department Chair and the Office of the Registrar. Official documentation will be required for extended absences and must be provided to the Disability Support Services Coordinator for consideration.  

ONLINE COURSES

Students are required to post positive attendance during the add/drop period of a start in all their registered course or will be subject to being administratively withdrawn from their course the day after add/drop ends. Regular attendance is critical to succeed as a student.   

To be considered in attendance, students must log into their online course(s) and participate in at least two (2) “Academic Activities” each week: 

“Academic Activities” will be set by the instructor for the course and outlined on the syllabus. They may include any combination of the following: 

·        Short multiple-choice questionnaire on related subject matter 

·        Quiz or exam 

·        Reflection paper, essay, or paper 

·        Journal entries 

·        Discussion posts 

For purposes of the College’s institutional attendance policy, the following activities will not be considered attendance:  

·        Material submitted via a third-party provider such as MyMathLab or Cengage 

·        Assignments submitted via email or another platform (other than directly through Canvas) 

While these activities may not count toward a student’s institutional attendance, they may be considered as a part of the instructor’s assessment of the student’s grade or class participation. Students should refer to the course syllabus for additional information.  

It is recommended that students visit the course, at minimum, 4-5 times per week to participate in discussions, read materials, take assessments, and submit assignments. Active participation in online courses is both required and graded.  

A student’s last date of attendance will be determined as the last day in which they participated in an Academic Activity.  

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ATTENDANCE 

If an international student fails to abide by the College’s attendance policy, he or she will be administratively withdrawn from the College and his or her I-20 will be terminated. As a result, the student will need to leave campus immediately. If a student is aware in advance that he or she will be absent from class and is in jeopardy of falling below this threshold, he or she should contact the Designated School Official (DSO) immediately in order to discuss these implications. For additional information, please refer to the International Student Handbook.  

International students are permitted to take accelerated courses if they meet the following criteria: 

·        Cumulative GPA of 3.0 with a minimum of 12 credits completed at Bay State College 

·        Registered for at least 12 credits in a semester 

Students will be permitted to register in no more than two accelerated courses in a semester, only one of which may be fully online. 

Degree and Program Changes

CHANGE TO PROGRAM CURRICULUM 

A change to curriculum is made when action by the College makes it unfeasible for the student to follow the prescribed requirements of the program. Such changes must be sound and follow closely to the student’s program of study. Additionally, it is the student’s responsibility to know and follow the prescribed requirements of his/her program. Before a change/substitution to a student’s program of study can be made, a Change of Program Curriculum Form must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office at the time of registration; changes to program curriculum will not be accepted retroactively. Additionally, changes will not be made to core curriculum requirements.  

Changes cannot be made to allow for “Walk” status during May Commencement. Program curriculum changes for students in their last term of enrollment should be completed and submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the Add/Drop period of the semester in which they are scheduled to graduate. All changes require final approval from the Department/Program Chair and the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Any documentation that indicates a required course should be waived or substituted will be reasonably accommodated at the discretion of the Department/Program Chair. 

CHANGE OF PROGRAM 

Students must contact their Academic Advisors prior to changing to a different program within the College to complete required paperwork. Students are also encouraged to speak with a Financial Aid Counselor to discuss the financial implications of a division switch. Additionally, students who receive Veterans benefits should meet with a VA Academic Advisor to create a new VA Educational Plan. Students may be required to provide updated documentation to the Registrar’s Office when submitting a request for a Change of Program. Students who wish to transfer from a bachelor’s degree to an associate degree program, or an Associate’s Degree to a Certificate program, cannot do so in the same semester in which they intend to graduate. Students must be currently enrolled in and complete one full semester, or two full terms, in the new degree before they can graduate. 

CHANGE OF DIVISION 

Students must contact their Academic Advisors prior to changing to a different division within the College. Students are also encouraged to speak with a Financial Aid Counselor to discuss the financial implications of a division switch. Students may be required to provide updated documentation to the Registrar’s Office when submitting a request for a Change of Division.  

Transfer to Day Division 

·        Associate Degree students are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and have completed at least 12 credits. Students with a GPA between 1.5 - 1.99, and not on academic warning, must meet with the Department/Program Chair and receive approval to transfer. 

·        Bachelor’s Degree students are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.3, have completed 12 credits, and submit a recommendation from the appropriate Department/Program Chair. Students who maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above are not required to submit a recommendation.  

·        Students must obtain a Division Change Form from their Academic Advisor and get signed approval from the Department/Program Chair. 

·        Students switching from the Online Division must submit a Certificate of Immunization according to the guidelines listed on page 72. 

Transfer to Evening or Online Division 

Students must obtain a Division Change Form from the Registrar’s Office and get signed approval from the Office of Online and Continuing Education. International students require prior approval from the PDSO or DSO in order to fully enroll in the Evening or Online Division. Information regarding online course restrictions for international students can be found in the International Student Handbook.  

Academic Standing

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP) 

Bay State College has established the following policies and procedures to fulfill the requirements outlined in the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA) as revised for the 2011-12 academic year. The Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policies and procedures of Bay State College are reviewed and updated when changes at the Federal level require review to ensure compliance with Federal regulations. This policy applies to all Bay State College students. Any Bay State College students applying for Title IV Federal and other types of assistance must meet the criteria stated below regardless of whether or not they previously received any financial assistance. 

Academic progress at Bay State College is measured both quantitatively and qualitatively. To remain in good academic standing, a student must satisfy the requirements of both standards as detailed below. 

Quantitative Measurement - Academic Credits Earned by Semester 

At the end of each academic semester, students are evaluated to determine the rate of course completion, which is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of credits successfully completed by the cumulative number of credits attempted. To remain in good standing a student must complete two-thirds of his/her cumulative attempted credits. Grades that are considered in the credits attempted and completed calculation of maximum credits include: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F, I, IF, P, W, WF. Repeated courses are included in the evaluation. Courses completed at other institutions that have been accepted for transfer credit at Bay State College are included in this calculation as both credits earned and credits attempted. 

Students are also required to complete their academic program within a maximum timeframe defined as a period no longer than 150% of the length the program measured in credit hours.  

Qualitative Measurement - Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) 

Students are evaluated at the end of each academic semester in which they are enrolled. Students must maintain a required cumulative GPA to remain in good standing, as outlined below. Satisfactory Academic Progress is determined based on a student’s GPA for the current enrollment record, not the student’s overall cumulative GPA. Official final course grades are recorded in the Portal; grades posted in Canvas or other course websites are not considered official final grades. Students, with their Academic Advisors, monitor their cumulative GPAs to ensure that progress toward degree completion requirements is being met as follows: 

*Number of Credits attempted includes courses accepted at Bay State College as transfer credits from other institutions. 

SAP Met  

Students assigned to this status have met the quantitative and qualitative SAP requirements based on cumulative credits, as outlined in the chart above. 

Warning Status 

A student placed on Warning status, based on the qualitative and quantitative requirements outlined in the above chart, will be allowed to retain funding (Title IV, veterans’, state, institutional) for the academic semester during which the status is assigned. The student has this same time period to meet satisfactory academic progress standards.  

Suspension 

A student is assigned to this status if he/she has not met the qualitative and/or quantitative SAP requirements outlined in the chart. This policy applies to all Bay State College students. Any student placed in this category will not be eligible for any funding (Title IV, veterans’, state, institutional) during the subsequent award year unless a successful appeal is submitted and approved by the Academic Standing and Integrity Committee (ASIC). See the Appeal Process section for more information.  

Probation 

A student in Probation status has successfully appealed a suspension or administrative withdrawal to the Academic Standing and Integrity Committee and has been approved to retain funding (Title IV, veterans’, state, institutional) for the academic semester during which the status is assigned. The student has this same time period to meet satisfactory academic progress standards. Students in Probation status must complete an Academic Plan with their Academic Advisor to ensure that academic deficiencies will be addressed and resolved within the timeframe specified by the plan.  

Appeal Process - SAP 

A student who was placed in Suspension status will not be allowed to return to the College without successfully appealing this academic status. Students who fail to meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards and have documented extenuating circumstances beyond their control may submit an SAP appeal.

Conditions that would be considered during an appeal:

·   Death of a family member - parent, guardian, spouse, sibling, or child during the academic year.

·   Serious illness or injury of student which led to a complete or partial withdrawal from course(s). The serious illness or injury of a family member (parent, guardian, spouse, sibling, or child) that required the student to be the primary caregiver and prevented the student from passing course(s).

·   Documented Extreme personal hardship or trauma in your life that impaired your emotional and/or physical health.

·   Compulsory military duty.

Appeals that will NOT be considered:

·   Appeals submitted after the established deadlines

·   Encountering a situation that could have been anticipated

·   Change of major or addition of a major or minor are not viewed as extenuating circumstances, since the standard is quite

generous in the time frame allowed to complete a degree

·   Dissatisfaction with course material, instructor, instructional method, and/or class intensity.

·   Lack of motivation

·   Participation in extracurricular activities.

·   Academic/unit overload

·  Documentation is required to be submitted in support of the appeal request. The appeal should be submitted to the Academic Standing and Integrity Committee (ASIC). The decision of the ASIC is final. The ASIC will review the appeal and if approved, the Academic Advisor or Department/Program Chair will provide the student with an Academic Plan to which the student will be bound during the next semester. The Academic Plan may require a reduced course load and/or retaking of failed courses. If the appeal is granted, the student will be reinstated in a Probationary status for the semester.

Academic Standards for Nursing and Allied Health Programs 

In addition to the requirements described above, there are specific requirements pertaining to minimum grades and GPA requirements, course progression, completion terms, laboratory sessions, professional attire, liability insurance, vaccines, CPR certification, behavior, and internships for students in these programs. Information on specific requirements and standards are available Bay State College Division of Health Sciences Student Handbook.   

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY  

Students at Bay State College are fully responsible for ensuring the academic integrity of their coursework.  Students who are engaged in any form of academic dishonesty are subject to the sanctions outlined in this policy. 

FORMS OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY 

The following is a list of forms of academic dishonesty: 

Plagiarism  

Plagiarism is when one copies another’s words, thoughts, ideas, or data without appropriate acknowledgment, such as copying another’s work, presenting someone else’s opinions and theories as one’s own, or working jointly on a project and then submitting it as one’s own.  

Cheating  

Cheating is defined as being dishonest or deceptive in order to gain academic advantage. This includes, but is not limited to, stealing or receiving or using stolen examinations, papers, computer assignments, research, and/or library materials, and the copying of computer software. It also includes misrepresenting work as original when the work has previously been submitted in part or in whole for another assignment in any previous course. 

Fabrication 

Fabrication is the intentional misrepresentation or invention of any information, such as falsifying research, inventing or exaggerating data, or listing incorrect or fictitious references.  

Collusion 

Collusion is assisting another to commit an act of academic dishonesty, such as paying or bribing someone to acquire a test or assignment, taking a test or doing an assignment for someone else, or allowing someone to do these things for one’s own benefit.  

Academic Misconduct 

Academic Misconduct is the intentional violation of college policies, such as tampering with grades, misrepresenting one’s identity, or taking part in obtaining or distributing any part of a test or any information about the test. 

Forgery 

Forgery is defined as signing another person’s name to examinations, papers, or attendance lists. 

Representation of Original Work 

Original work is work that has been created for a singular assignment. All students are expected to create original work for each assignment in each course, regardless of whether that course is being repeated. Any student wishing to use parts of a previously submitted assignment for that or another course at the College must receive approval from the course instructor prior to resubmitting the assignment in part or in its entirety. Students who resubmit an assignment that has previously been submitted in any class, and do not have permission from the current course instructor to do so, will be in violation of the College’s policy on Cheating.  

Nursing, PTA and Health Sciences Programmatic Academic Integrity Policy 

Students at Bay State College are fully responsible for ensuring the academic integrity of their coursework. Honesty, integrity and ethical behavior are essential attributes of the professional nurse. Patient safety depends on the nurse behaving with honesty and integrity in an ethical manner. The faculty of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SONHS) takes very seriously behaviors demonstrating a lack of these attributes in any student enrolled in the SONHS Students found to be in violation of the College’s Academic Integrity Policy may be dismissed from their program for a first offense. The minimum penalty will be failure of the course in which the violation of academic integrity occurred. 

Defenses of not understanding the policy and not being aware of the policy will not be entertained. All students are required to sign a statement confirming that they have read and understood the policy at the beginning of the first semester at the College. 

The following is a list of forms of academic dishonesty: plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, academic misconduct, and forgery. 

Definitions: 

·  Plagiarism is when one copies another’s words, thoughts, ideas, or data without appropriate acknowledgment, such as copying another’s work, presenting someone else’s opinions and theories as one’s own, or working jointly on a project and then submitting it as one’s own. This includes papers, presentations, discussion questions, case studies, homework assignments, and any other form of assignment. 

·  Cheating is defined as being dishonest or deceptive in order to gain academic advantage. This includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized assistance on an exam or quiz, in the classroom or online, from a human, print, or electronic resource; stealing or receiving or using stolen examinations, papers, computer assignments, research, and/or library materials; and the copying of computer software. It also includes misrepresenting work as original when the work has previously been submitted in part or in whole for another assignment in any previous course. 

·  Fabrication is the intentional misrepresentation or invention of any information, such as falsifying research, inventing or exaggerating data, or listing incorrect or fictitious references. 

·  Collusion is assisting another to commit an act of academic dishonesty, such as paying or bribing someone to acquire a test or assignment, taking a test or doing an assignment for someone else, or allowing someone to do these things for one’s own benefit. 

·  Academic Misconduct is the intentional violation of college policies, such as tampering with grades, misrepresenting one’s identity, or taking part in obtaining or distributing any part of a test or any information about the test. 

·  Forgery is defined as signing another person’s name to examinations, papers, or attendance lists. 

·  Original work is work that has been created for a singular assignment. All students are expected to create original work for each assignment in each course, regardless of whether that course is being repeated. Any student wishing to use parts of a previously submitted assignment for that or another course at the College must receive approval from the course instructor prior to resubmitting the assignment in part or in its entirety. Students who resubmit an assignment that has previously been submitted in any class, and do not have permission from the current course instructor to do so, will be in violation of the College’s policy on Cheating. 

The SONHS faculty will address violations of the College’s Academic Integrity Policy in the following manner: 

The instructor of the course in which the alleged violation occurred will email the student that a violation has been reported/observed and will schedule a meeting to discuss specifics with the student and another faculty member. 

The student may choose to supply a written explanation of the behavior and circumstances to be considered by the faculty. This email must be sent to the Chair of their academic program, except for students in the nursing associate degree program who will send the email the Assistant Dean of the SONHS, within two (2) business days. 

The student will be notified of the decision via an email sent to their baystate.edu account by the Chair of their academic program or if appropriate, the Assistant Dean of SONHS. 

If a student wishes to pursue an appeal of the faculty’s decision, they must email the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences within two business days. The Dean will review the minutes of the faculty meeting and the student’s statement. The student will be notified of the Dean’s decision via their baystate.edu account. The decision of the Dean is the final appeal, except in the event of a dismissal from the academic program, in which case an appeal to the Chief Academic Officer may be requested by email within two business days of the Dean’s notification of decision. 

REPORTING VIOLATIONS 

Individual Offenses 

To ensure consistent application of the Academic Integrity Policy, instructors are expected to address violations of this policy with students, issue an appropriate sanction, and report violations to the Assistant Dean of Students. Instructors should fill out the Academic Integrity Violation Form and forward it to the Dean of Students who will keep the forms on file. Forms completed for Nursing and PTA students should also be forwarded to the Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences for further review based on the specific policies within those academic programs.  

Sanctions for Violations of the Academic Integrity Policy: 

1.  Censure or written reprimand copied to the  Dean of Students 

2.  Repetition of exam or rewrite of paper 

3.  Grade reduction or failure of the exam/paper 

Depending on the severity of the offense, the College reserves the right to refer the violation to the Dean of Students’ Office to be processed through the Code of Conduct (see pages 45-64 for additional information).  

Any student who believes that he or she received an unwarranted or excessive sanction may appeal an individual instructor’s decision to the Academic Standing and Integrity Committee within seven days of the instructor’s decision. A sub-committee of the Academic Standing and Integrity Committee will meet within seven days of receiving the notice of appeal. The student and the student’s instructor will be asked to attend the appeal hearing. The sub-committee will decide by a majority vote of its members to reverse or affirm the instructor’s decision. The Committee’s decision is final and binding.  

Specific academic programs may have separate guidelines, sanctions, and appeal processes for violations of academic integrity. Please refer to individual program handbooks for more information about these standards.  

Multiple Offenses 

Students with multiple offenses face a strong possibility of dismissal from the College. If the Assistant Dean of Students receives a second report of a violation by an individual student, the Assistant Dean will forward the information to the Academic Standing and Integrity Committee. A sub-committee of the Academic Standing and Integrity Committee will meet within seven days of receiving a report and will determine the appropriate sanction for the second offense. Within seven days of making its decision, the sub-committee will contact the student with an explanation of the sanction that is being issued and the process for appealing the decision. This information will be referred to the Dean of Students’ Office for further review of the student’s disciplinary status at the College.  

Any student who wishes to appeal a decision of the Academic Standing and Integrity Committee may do so in writing within two days of receiving written notice of the Committee’s decision. Letters of appeal should be submitted to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The decision of the Vice President of Academic Affairs will be final. Please note that this does not apply to students who have already appealed to the Academic Standing and Integrity Committee after an instructor’s decision; appeals can only be made to the Vice President of Academic Affairs if it is the first appeal for a particular decision.  

STANDARDS FOR FORMAL WRITTEN WORK 

In the academic world, as in the world at-large, readers judge written work primarily on the basis of its content, that is, on the quality of the information and opinions it contains. However, the careful organization and the clear, concise expression of that content are essential if readers are to grasp the student’s full meaning. Therefore, the faculty will evaluate the organization and expression of written assignments along with the content. Grammar, mechanics, and appearance will also be considered, as problems in these areas can interfere with readers’ comprehension of the work or even prevent them from giving it their serious attention. 

Standard English, Grammar, Style 

·  Papers should be written in formal, standard English. They should be free of nonstandard constructions (such as double negatives) and of informal usage (such as “The experiment went OK”). 

·  Sentence structure should be free of grammatical problems, such as sentence fragments, subject-verb disagreement, inconsistent verb tenses, unclear pronoun reference, and misplaced modifiers. 

·  Sentences should be clear and concise. 

·  Choice of words should be precise and appropriate to the subject. Students may sometimes find it essential to use technical terms, but they should always avoid unnecessary jargon. 

Library Research and Documentation 

·  Students should be able to use materials published in various forms, including the College’s selected handbook and a dictionary. 

·  Students should be able to summarize or paraphrase the written work of others. Paraphrased material must be completely restated in the student’s own words and should blend smoothly into the student’s style. 

·  All papers, reports, and research submitted by students shall be their own except as properly annotated. The copying or imitating of others’ work is plagiarism. Students guilty of plagiarism may be subject to dismissal. 

Mechanics and Appearance 

·  Papers should contain no errors in spelling, punctuation, or capitalization. 

·  Papers should show careful attention to matters of appearance, including legibility, neat corrections, and suitable presentation. 

SUSPENSION OR DISMISSAL 

Bay State College reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any student for failure to maintain a satisfactory academic record, acceptable personal behavior, satisfactory standards of health, or for nonpayment of tuition or residence hall fees. A suspended student may submit an appeal of his or her dismissal due to academic/attendance reasons to the Academic Standing and Integrity Committee.  

A suspension or dismissal of an international student who holds an F-1 Visa and I-20 through the College will result in the termination of the student’s I-20. For more information, please refer to the International Student Handbook.  

REENTRY TO THE COLLEGE 

A student who has voluntarily withdrawn from the College while in good academic standing or has been administratively withdrawn and is seeking to re-enter within 2 years, or less, of their last date of attendance are eligible to submit a Student Reentry Form to request reentry status. Using this form the student must be cleared academically, financially, and any disciplinarily prior to being approved for active status and cleared to register for classes.  Former students who are reentered matriculate under the degree requirements effective at the time of reentry. All reentries will be required to complete a Program Disclosure and Enrollment Agreement for the student to contractually consent the change in program version from their prior enrollment. It is advisable to allow for additional processing time. Students looking to be accepted for reentry must initiate the Student Reentry Form at least 4 weeks prior to the semester they are to return. Once approved students will be notified by the Registrar’s Office their eligibility to register. If they are not approved, the department which denied them will directly notify the student. 

Students requesting reentry into a different program must submit a Change of Program Form, as required per the Change to Program policy. A reentry status with a change of program requires approval of both requests before the student is eligible for active status and cleared for registration. It is advisable to allow for additional processing time. 

Nursing/PTA/Health Studies Disclosure: A Nursing, Physical Therapy Assistant, or Health Studies student who has not been continuously enrolled exceeding 18 months will have their previously completed core courses evaluated for validity upon reentry to Bay State. Any questions regarding this disclosure are to be forwarded to the Nursing and Health Sciences department.  

Students requesting to return to the college beyond the 2 years as described must be readmitted to the college, please see Readmissions to the College. 

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT 

In addition to providing a quality education, Bay State College is committed to developing socially and ethically aware citizens. As such, in order to remain in good standing at the College, students must abide by a set of policies and regulations governing student conduct both in and out of the classroom. These regulations may be amended, as deemed necessary, in writing. Any violations of these regulations are subject to the College’s conduct process. The right to determine appropriate conduct not otherwise covered by this code and to impose sanctions for misconduct shall be reserved for the administrators and faculty members of the College.  

The responsibility to abide by and respect College policy is held by all members of the Bay State community. If students willingly remain in the presence of a policy violation without taking action to dissociate themselves, they may be perceived as supporting the violation and will be held accountable as such. When in the presence of a violation, an individual has the responsibility to leave the area where the violation is occurring and/or to contact appropriate College officials so that the violation is confronted. 

All Bay State College students are expected to fully comply with all of the policies and procedures listed in this Handbook. Additionally, resident students are expected to fully comply with the guidelines detailed in the Resident Student Handbook, available from the Office of Residence Life & Student Success.  

At Bay State College, we are very serious about making sure that students meet the responsibilities listed in this Code of Conduct. Students who are unable or unwilling to act with appropriate decorum, who do not act with good citizenship, or who engage in antisocial behavior toward others, will find that they are not welcome to remain at the College. 

Academic Integrity 

As members of an academic community, all students have an obligation to respect the rules of academic integrity. Please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy on pages 7-9 for details regarding these responsibilities. 

*See 2021-22 Student Handbook for more information. 

Graduation and Awards

DEAN’S LIST AND PRESIDENT’S LIST 

Students who achieve a term Grade Point Average (GPA) between 3.40 and 3.69, in a given semester, will be placed on the Dean’s List. Students who achieve this GPA while completing 12 or more credits, in that semester, will be placed on the Dean’s List with Distinction. Due to differences in scheduling, students enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing program receive this distinction with a minimum of nine credits completed in that semester. 

Students who achieve a term Grade Point Average (GPA) between 3.70 and 4.0 in a given semester will be placed on the President’s List. Students who achieve this GPA while completing 12 or more credits, in that semester, will be placed on the President’s List with Distinction. Due to differences in scheduling, students enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing program receive this distinction with a minimum of nine credits completed in that semester.  

DEGREE COMPLETION   

The following rules are used to determine the appropriate curriculum to be followed by any student who incurred a lapse in his or her enrollment from Bay State College:   

·   A student reentering within two years or less will follow the curriculum at the time he or she originally entered the College. However, if a student is changing programs, he or she will follow the current curriculum for the chosen program and student must complete one full semester (or two terms) in the new program before they can graduate.   

·   If a student is readmitted exceeding 2 years of absence from the College, he or she will matriculate in the current curriculum of their chosen program.   

NOTE: Science, technical, and other courses more than five years old must be retaken if such courses are central to the current knowledge and/or skills base of a program of study. Nursing/PTA/Health Studies programs core courses exceeding 18months are to be evaluated for their validity by the department. Other courses not considered central to the current knowledge and/or skills base of a program of study will be valid regardless of the year completed.  

GRADUATION 

Academic and Non-Academic Requirements 

To fulfill the graduation requirements in any program of study offered at Bay State College, students are expected to complete the following: 

·        Meet all academic requirements*. Students must have a final cumulative GPA of a 2.00 or higher, have successfully completed all required courses in their major, and have earned the number of credits prescribed for the program in which they are enrolled. 

·       Complete the online Application for Graduation*. Along with the application, students must include a degree application fee. Names should be printed on the application exactly as they should appear on diplomas and in the Commencement brochure. Diplomas are mailed 4-6 weeks after conferral, so students should provide an up-to-date address as well. 

·   Contact the Office of the Bursar to confirm good financial standing with the College*. All student accounts must be settled. This includes the payment of any outstanding balances such as tuition, room and board, library fines, etc. 

·   Complete the Career Services Exit Survey and electronically sign the Career Services Agreement. Students will be emailed links to both of these documents approximately one month prior to the graduation date.  

·   Schedule an appointment with the Default Prevention Specialist to complete Exit Loan Counseling. Federal regulations require Bay State College to offer exit interviews for students who received any loans during their time at the College. 

·   Contact the Office of Admissions to ensure all required immunization documentation is on file.  

·   International students should schedule a meeting with the Designated School Official regarding their F-1 status. 

·   Walking candidates should meet with their Academic Advisor to complete a Walker Action Plan.  

*Students who fail to meet this requirement will not be able to participate in graduation exercises and will have their diploma/official transcript held until completed. 

Pending Graduates 

·   A minimum of 60 earned credit hours is required for the Associate Degree, a minimum of 120 earned credit hours is required for the Bachelor’s Degree, and a minimum of 29 earned credit hours is required for the Certificate.  

·   A minimum of 73 semester hours is required for the Associate in Science Degree in the Nursing Program. Students must pass all Nursing professional courses with a minimum of B- or better.  

·   A minimum of 71 semester hours is required for the Associate in Science Degree in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Students must pass all PTA professional courses with a minimum of C+ or better. 

Walking Candidates 

In order to walk in the Commencement Ceremony a student must: 

·   Have 2 courses or less to complete at the end of the spring term/semester; and 

·   Must be an active student. 

*Due to differences in scheduling, students enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing program that are completing their degree requirements at the end of the summer term/semester, are eligible to participate in Commencement. 

A diploma or official transcript will not be awarded until all credits are completed. Since students who walk in the annual ceremony have not completed all required courses, these students should not expect to officially graduate or receive a diploma until a subsequent conferral date when all graduate requirements have been met.  

Commencement Exercises 

Bay State College awards degrees at the end of each term/semester. One annual Commencement Ceremony for all graduates is held in the spring.  

If attending the Commencement Ceremony, a student must purchase a Bay State College-approved cap and gown. No student may walk across the stage without a cap and gown. There is a graduation fee assessed to each student. 

Students will have the opportunity to have regalia mailed directly to their preferred mailing address or mailed to Bay State College for on-campus pickup in Boston and Taunton.  

If a student chooses to decorate the cap for the commencement exercise, please keep in mind that it: 

·        Must not contain any advertisements, symbols, abbreviations, initials, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that refer to drugs or controlled substances, tobacco, alcohol, weapons, or that are of a sexual nature; 

·        Must not be obscene, profane, vulgar, or lewd; 

·        May not threaten the safety or welfare of any person; and 

·        Are only decorated on the surface with flat decorations (3-D creations are prohibited). 

Commencement Awards 

The following awards and distinctions are given out and recognized at the annual Awards Ceremony. Recipients of these awards and distinctions are notated in the annual commencement ceremony brochure. Only those students who have completed all of their degree requirements prior to the ceremony are eligible to receive the Valedictorian Award.  

The President’s Award for Excellence is presented during the Commencement Ceremony to nominated graduates who have demonstrated the following qualities: excellence in academic work, genuine enthusiasm for learning, competence in the field of study, positive contribution to the interpersonal relations among students, high capacity for contribution to the industry, and college participation.

The Valedictorian Award is presented to the Associate Degree and the Bachelor Degree graduate who has attained the highest academic average while attending Bay State College. A student cannot have transferred more than 15 credits (Associate Degree) and 30 credits (Bachelor Degree) to Bay State College from another institution and be named valedictorian. Students who are enrolled in the RN-BSN program or a Certificate program are not eligible for this award. 

In recognition of students who have achieved and maintained superlative academic stature, Bay State College presents those graduating students with a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher with the Honors Award. At the annual Awards Ceremony and Commencement Ceremony, published honors will be based on a student’s GPA as of the prior fall semester. However, honors listed on the official academic transcript will be based on the student’s final GPA at the point of conferral.  

The Community Service Award is presented in appreciation to a graduating student who has demonstrated excellence in service to the community.  

Academic Regulations

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 

All international, non-immigrant students in F-1 status must possess an I-20 from the College. Students must complete their course of study by the end date shown on the I-20 form or request a “Program Extension” from the Designated School Official at least 45 days before the I-20 expires.  

International, non-immigrant F-1 students must be enrolled at the College full-time, with a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Exceptions to the full-time requirement may be made under certain circumstances. The Designated School Official should be contacted for details.  

International students in F-1 status may not accept employment without authorization from the Designated School Official and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  

All F-1 international students must report to the Designated School Official (DSO) within one week of the start of the semester. The DSO must verify the student’s status at the College in the USCIS Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The student is required to present the I-20 at this time, as well as copies of the passport information page, United States visa page, and front and back of the I-94 admission card. The student must also complete an International Student Information Form, providing an active local address and phone number. If there is a change of address, phone number or course of study at any time during the student’s enrollment, he or she must notify the DSO within seven days. This information should also be updated on the College’s Portal. 

Additional information regarding policies and procedures that specifically apply to international students can be found in the International Student Handbook, available on the Bay State College website.  

VETERAN AFFAIRS RECORDS RETENTION POLICY 

VA student records must be kept for 3 years following the ending date of the last period certified to VA. Records need to be kept longer than 3 years only if a written request to keep the records longer is received from the Department of Veterans Affairs or the General Accounting Office 30 or more days before the end of the 3-year period. 

VETERAN/MILITARY STUDENTS 

Students that receive Veterans’ educational benefits should contact the School Certifying Official. For specific information on the GI Bill®, and to apply for benefits please visit the United States Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill® Site at gibill.va.gov.  

Any student that receives some type of Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits is required to complete a Request for Certification of VA Educational Benefits(Form B) and an educational plan. Dependents of service members receiving benefits, including tuition assistance, are also included.  

The educational plan must be completed within 60 days of attendance at Bay State College and outlines the courses needed to graduate in the student’s chosen program of study and includes a projected graduation date. Students who change their program of study at any time will be required to complete an updated plan within 60 days of the change of major. 

More information and the Request for Certification of VA Educational Benefits(Form B) is available on the College’s website. To complete an educational plan, students should speak with their Academic Advisor at Bay State College or contact Veterans@BayState.edu.  

In accordance with Section 103 of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018:  

Bay State College permits any covered individual* to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 (a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website -eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:  

1. The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.  

2. 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.  

*A Covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.  

Bay State College will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.  

Bay State College may require additional payment or impose fee for the amount that is not covered by the veteran or other eligible beneficiary’s VA educational benefits (Example: Housing, Meal Plan, Waivable Fees, or beneficiary is less than 100% eligible.) 

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.