- minimum of 30 credit hours as a degree-seeking student;
- minimum of one half of the courses in the major department (excluding cognates);
- minimum of one half of all courses required in the minor; and
- minimum of 15 credit hours of the final 30 credit hours of a student’s degree program.
- minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (or higher if required by the major at Bridgewater State University);
- minimum major GPA of 2.0 (or higher, if required in the student’s major(s) requirements taken through Bridgewater State University). Major GPA includes all courses completed in the major field (excluding cognate requirements), unless otherwise specified by the individual department.
- minimum minor GPA (if enrolled in a minor) of 2.0 (or higher, if required in the student’s minor requirements taken through Bridgewater State University). Minor GPA includes all courses required for completion of the minor, regardless of the department in which the courses are offered.
PLEASE NOTE:
a. The credit earned in an introductory college skills course may not be used to satisfy the Core Curriculum Requirements nor may it be applied toward the minimum number of credits required for graduation in any major.
b. 90 credits may be accepted in transfer by Bridgewater State University and applied to the baccalaureate degree; however, only 69 credits will be accepted from two-year institutions. Any course taken at another accredited institution after admission to Bridgewater State University must have departmental preapproval. A student must complete a Request for the Transfer of Undergraduate Credit Taken After Admission form for each course in advance of enrollment in the course.
c. One diploma will be issued to students, and one degree earned, regardless of the number of major programs completed. Students with double majors will be awarded the degree (BA, BS or BSE) based on their primary major. The diploma will indicate the degree earned, and honors awarded based on the students’ final grade point average. The degree earned, honors awarded and all majors and minors completed will be listed on the student’s academic transcript. Please note: students will not receive their diplomas or transcripts until all financial debts to the university have been paid.
Conferral of a degree or certificate occurs when the Registrar’s Office finalizes the student’s academic record and confirms that all requirements have been satisfied, including all financial obligations. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not constitute conferral of the degree. Similarly, inclusion of a student’s name in such publications as the commencement program does not confirm eligibility for the degree.
Undergraduate Certificate
Curricula leading to an undergraduate certificate can range from 6-21 credits and can be completed while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree or independently.
Certificates will be awarded to those who have completed the following:
- Been officially admitted to the certificate program or approved to add the certificate as an additional program by the College of Continuing Studies
- Submission of a certificate application on Infobear by the student to the Registrar’s Office prior to the end of the graduation review for that semester/term (see recommended deadlines listed above)
- Completion of all undergraduate certificate course requirements
- Satisfactory completion of all requirements for an undergraduate certificate must be under a catalog in effect within eight years of the date of graduation. The catalog used, however, may be no earlier than the catalog in effect at the time of matriculation into the certificate program (Note: This policy does not apply to students enrolled in programs governed by state and/or federal regulations where current academic requirements may need to be met. Students should check with their departments where applicable.)
- Completion of the undergraduate certificate residency requirements which mandate that the following must be completed at Bridgewater State University
- At least 50 percent of courses required for an undergraduate certificate
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (or higher if required by the undergraduate certificate at Bridgewater State University);
Graduation Requirements – Second Degree Program
Upon admission to a second undergraduate degree program (see the Admission – Undergraduate section of this catalog), students will meet with an advisor from the major department to plan a course of study based on the current requirements of that major. That course of study must be approved by the chairperson of the department and forwarded to the Registrar’s Office. Any changes in that course of study must also have the approval of the advisor and the chairperson and be forwarded to the Registrar’s Office. If a student does not complete the course of study within four years of admission, the department may require the student to change their catalog year to reflect changes in major requirements. (Note: This time period does not apply to students enrolled in programs governed by state and/or federal regulations where current academic requirements may need to be met. Students should check with their departments where applicable.)
The graduation requirements for a second degree are as follows:
- The completion of a minimum of 30 credits through Bridgewater State University, as a degree-seeking student, beyond the first degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (or higher if required by the major department).
- The completion of at least one half of the required courses in the second degree major (excluding cognate requirements) through Bridgewater State University. The remainder of the major requirements may be satisfied by transfer credits from another accredited institution.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (or higher if required by the major department) in the student’s major requirements taken through Bridgewater State University. Major GPA includes all courses completed in the major field (excluding cognate requirements), unless otherwise specified by the individual department. Minor GPA includes all courses required for completion of the minor, regardless of the department in which the courses are offered.
- The completion of all requirements for the major.
The Bridgewater State University Core Curriculum Requirements are satisfied by the student’s first bachelor’s degree, whether that degree was earned through Bridgewater State University or another accredited institution. Each student, however, must fulfill the state-mandated requirement in United States and Massachusetts Constitutions.
Both cumulative GPA and major GPA for the second degree will be based on all grades received through Bridgewater State University, and all undergraduate courses will appear on one continuous academic record. A student must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in order to remain in good academic standing at the university and continue in the program. Upon completion of the second degree, students will be eligible to attend commencement and graduate with honors based on the cumulative GPA for all undergraduate-level work attempted through Bridgewater State University.
Graduation With Honors
Academic excellence for the baccalaureate program is recognized by awarding degrees summa cum laude (cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher), magna cum laude (cumulative GPA of 3.6 to 3.79), and cum laude (cumulative GPA of 3.3 to 3.59). The cumulative GPA determined for honors is based on all university-level work attempted through Bridgewater State University.
The Commencement Program is printed prior to grades being submitted for the student’s final semester; therefore, the Registrar’s Office must print the honors designation that a student has earned up to the time of publication. The student’s diploma and finalized transcript, however, will reflect the official honors designation based upon the student’s final grade point average.
For additional information concerning graduation visit www.bridgew.edu/graduation.
Commonwealth Honors Program
BSU’s Commonwealth Honors Program is part of a statewide distinction for students in any field of study. A student who meets the following requirements can graduate as a Commonwealth Honors Scholar in Massachusetts:
- At least 18 honors credits, including nine or more at the 300-400 level
- Honors Capstone or Honors Thesis (3-6 credits—part of the 9+ upper-division honors credits)
- Grades of “B” or higher in all honors courses (all 18 credits)
- Overall GPA of 3.2 or higher at graduation
Commonwealth Honors students at BSU complete 18 honors credits as follows:
- Nine or more honors credits at the 100-200-level, through Honors in the Core: any combination of 100- or 200-level honors core curriculum courses (3- or 4-credit honors courses), honors intro courses in the major (3- or 4-credit honors courses) and/or honors colloquia (1-credit honors courses)
and - Nine or more honors credits at the 300-400-level, through one of the following options:
a. Departmental Honors in the major (9 credits); see the department’s Departmental Honors requirements. The academic transcript will report that the student is graduating with “Commonwealth Honors and Departmental Honors in [Department].”
b. Interdisciplinary Departmental Honors in two majors or a major and a minor (9 credits), which includes a 6-credit (2-semester) honors thesis or honors capstone, plus a 3-credit honors contract in one of the departments. Policies of both departments’ Departmental Honors programs (e.g., minimum GPA, prerequisite courses) apply. The academic transcript will report that the student is graduating with “Commonwealth Honors and Interdisciplinary Departmental Honors in [Department] and [Department].”
c. Upper-Division Commonwealth Honors in a major and/or a minor (9 credits), which requires a 3-6-credit (1-2-semester) honors thesis or honors capstone, and the remaining credits through honors contracts (additional work that turns a non-honors 300-400-level course into an honors course). The academic transcript will report that the student is graduating with “Commonwealth Honors.”
Credit Hour and Grading System
An undergraduate academic credit hour is equivalent to one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks of each semester. Therefore, a three-credit class has an expectation of approximately three hours of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of six hours of out-of-class student work over that same time period. An equivalent amount of engagement is required for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, web-based courses and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours. For purposes of this definition, “one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction” traditionally equals 50 minutes.
The university uses the letter-grade system to indicate the student’s relative performance: A (Superior); B (Good); C (Satisfactory); D (Poor); F (Failure). Grades in the A, B, C and D ranges may include a designation of plus or minus. In computing averages, grades are assigned the numerical values in the chart below. Grades for all courses (day and evening) at Bridgewater State University become a part of the student’s record and are used in computing the GPA.
A 4.0 B- 2.7 D+ 1.3 A- 3.7 C+ 2.3 D 1.0 B+ 3.3 C 2.0 D- 0.7 B 3.0 C- 1.7 F 0.0 Audit (AU) – AU indicates a student completed a course on an audit basis. The grade will appear on the transcript with no credit value, but the course will not be applied to degree or graduation requirements.
Pass/No Pass (P/N) – Certain courses such as internships and practica may be offered on a Pass/No Pass basis. The grade and the associated credit will appear on the transcript, but the grade will not factor into the GPA.
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) – Courses whose credits cannot be used toward degree credits earned are assigned grades of “S” or “U”.
Withdrawn (W) – Students who officially withdraw from a course are assigned a grade of “W”. A symbol of “WA” may be given to any student who ceases attending a course without withdrawing between the end of the drop/add period and the end of the withdrawal period.
Transfer Symbols
Each course accepted in transfer by Bridgewater State University will show one of the following transfer symbols on all academic documents. No numeric value will be assigned, and the student’s BSU GPA will not be affected.
TA, TA-, TB+, TB, TB-, TC+, TC, TC-, TD+, TD, TD-, TR
Change of Grade
If a student believes that a mistake was made in the original grade recorded for a course, the student may petition the instructor for a change of grade no later than the last day of final exams in the academic semester following that in which the grade was recorded. A change of grade will not be considered after this time.
Dean’s List
Full-time Students: The dean’s list is published at the end of each semester to honor the academic achievement of full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students. A 3.3 GPA for the semester is required with a minimum of 12 credits earned and no grades of “incomplete” (IN/INC/IN.). Undergraduate students are not eligible for Dean’s List in a semester they use the Optional High Pass, Mid Pass, Low Pass, No Pass.
Part-time Students: The dean’s list is published at the end of each semester to honor the academic achievement of part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students. A 3.3 GPA for the semester is required with a minimum of 6 credits earned and no grades of “incomplete” (IN/INC/IN.). Undergraduate students are not eligible for Dean’s List in a semester they use the Optional High Pass, Mid Pass, Low Pass, No Pass.
Grade Appeal
Rights and Responsibilities
At Bridgewater State University (“BSU”), the faculty member has both the right and professional expertise to determine grading criteria and to assign grades for courses. The faculty member also has the responsibility to communicate the grading criteria to students through the course syllabus, and to individual students upon request. Any grading policy modifications will be communicated clearly and in a timely manner. Students have the right to seek information about grades and the grading process, discuss and review their academic performance with the faculty member, and to appeal a grade without repercussions. Students also have the responsibility to read the course syllabus and related grading materials and accept the faculty member’s professional judgment and expertise. The student has the responsibility of substantiating with evidence any grade appeal.
Basis for Appeal
Appeals must be based on evidence of an objective basis related to process and the grading criteria. Appeals based on subjective differences in judgment or opinion related to academic performance will be considered to have no merit.
Students may appeal grades following the process but only under the following circumstances:
- The student has evidence that the course grade resulted from an incorrect application of the Course Policy as demonstrated by the course syllabus.
- The student has evidence that their resulting score on a graded, objective exercise contributing toward the calculation of the final grade (as outlined in the course syllabus) was incorrectly calculated or that the calculation of the final grade (as outlined in the course syllabus) was incorrectly done.
If a student believes that a grade has been assigned due to discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, gender, disability, ethnicity, veteran status or another protected characteristics, the student should contact the Office of Equal Opportunity/Title IX.
The Appeal Process
In all cases, the parties involved should make every effort to resolve the dispute quickly and professionally.
If a student is filing a grade appeal based on discrimination or harassment the objection may be filed directly with the Office of Equal Opportunity/Title IX. A student is never required to file a complaint with the Office of Equal Opportunity/Title IX to initiate the Appeal Process.
Step One. Student and Faculty Member
If a student believes that they received a grade that is eligible for appeal, they must contact the faculty member within fourteen (14) calendar days of the following semester and request a meeting to discuss the grade earned during the previous semester. The request should be made through the student’s BSU email address to the faculty member’s BSU email address and must contain the rationale for questioning the grade. At the meeting, the student should present their case and provide supporting evidence to the faculty member. Although a face-to-face meeting is preferred, the meeting may take the form of a telephone call or a virtual meeting. After the meeting, the faculty member has fourteen (14) calendar days to determine whether the initial grade will remain or if the grade will be changed and to notify the student, via BSU email, of the decision.
If the student is satisfied with the outcome, the student should respond via email to the faculty member indicating such.
If the student is not satisfied with the outcome, then the student can proceed to Step Two and initiate the Formal Appeal Process.
Step Two. Student and Department Chair
The student contacts the department chair within fourteen (14) calendar days of learning of the faculty member’s decision via BSU email with a request for a meeting. The student must submit a formal appeal along with a written rationale for a grade change and any supporting documentation prior to the meeting. Again, a face-to-face meeting is preferred but the meeting may take place virtually or over the telephone. After the meeting, the department chair will contact the faculty member within seven (7) calendar days and discuss the issue.
The chair will determine if the appeal has merit. If the chair does determine that the appeal has merit, the department chair may not change the grade but will encourage the faculty member to choose to do so. If the department chair recommends that the grade be changed, the faculty member has seven (7) calendar days to decide to change the grade or not. If the faculty member decides to change the grade, the faculty member notifies the student and the Registrar’s Office. If the faculty member decides not to change the grade, they will notify the student and the department chair through email.
If the chair determines that the grade is appropriate and the appeal has no merit, they will notify the student and faculty member within fourteen (14) calendar days of receiving the student’s appeal. In this instance, there is no appeal after this step.
If the student is satisfied with the outcome of Step Two, the student will send an email to the faculty member and department chair indicating such.
If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of Step Two and the chair determined the appeal has merit, the student may move to Step Three.
Step Three. Student and Dean
The student contacts the dean of the college that offers the course, or the dean’s designee, within fourteen (14) calendar days of the outcome of Step Two. The student should provide a written justification for the appeal and supporting documentation. After reviewing the student’s appeal and the faculty member’s response(s), the dean, or designee, will discuss the matter with the student, the faculty member and/or the department chair. The discussion may take place in person, virtually or over the phone. The dean, or designee, will determine if the appeal has merit and if the process has been followed appropriately.
If the dean, or designee, determines that the grade is appropriate and the appeal has no merit, they will notify the student, faculty member and department chair within fourteen (14) calendar days of receiving the student’s appeal. In this instance, there is no appeal after this step.
If the dean, or designee, decides that the appeal may have merit, they will contact the Dean of Undergraduate Studies within fourteen (14) calendar days of finding that the appeal has merit.
Step Four. Academic Review Panel
The Dean of Undergraduate Studies will work with the Chair of the Academic Policies Committee (APC), who sets up an Academic Review Panel (ARP). The Dean of Undergraduate Studies will contact the student and the faculty member and inform them that an ARP will review the disputed grade within thirty (30) calendar days.
A grade appeal ARP is composed of three (3) to five (5) faculty/librarian members of the Academic Policies Committee as determined by the Chair of the Academic Policies Committee. The Chair of the APC will also Chair the ARP as a nonvoting member. No more than one (1) member of the ARP shall be from the same department as the faculty member of the course in question.
The ARP hearing process is as follows:
a. The ARP will convene a hearing within thirty (30) calendar days following notification from the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.
b. The ARP Chair will invite the student and the faculty member to present additional information in the scheduled panel hearing.
c. The faculty member and the student may each request that another party from BSU, who is not a relative or legal counsel, be present at this panel hearing to serve in an advisory role. This person may not participate in the panel hearing discussion.
d. The Dean of Undergraduate Studies will compile and distribute a packet of all significant documents to be given to the ARP, the student and the faculty member seven (7) calendar days prior to the ARP hearing. The faculty member, student and college dean may all contribute documents to this packet.
e. The ARP hearing will be scheduled based on the student’s and faculty member’s schedules; however, the hearing will be held even if the faculty member or student cannot or will not attend.
f. The ARP will review all documentation related to the grade appeal and discuss it in a closed session.
g. Based upon the evidence received and reviewed, the ARP may decide in favor of the grade assigned by the faculty member or assign an appropriate grade.
h. The ARP’s decision will be forwarded in email to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies within seven (7) calendar days of the hearing.
i. The Dean of Undergraduate Studies will inform the student and the faculty member of the ARP’s decision by email within seven (7) calendar days. The notification will also include a copy of the ARP’s written decision and any other documents that the ARP may produce that are addressed to either the student or the faculty member.
j. If the ARP determines that the grade should be changed, the Dean of Undergraduate Studies will notify the Registrar’s Office of the change.
k. The Dean of Undergraduate Studies will maintain a record of the ARP’s decision and the related documents in Maxient, the official BSU database used for this purpose. All materials will be kept strictly confidential for five (5) years after graduation or last enrollment before destruction in accordance with the Commonwealth record retention policy.
In this instance, the ARP’s decision is final. There is no appeal after this step.
Issues that May Arise
- If the faculty member is no longer employed by BSU, the student should contact the department chair and the process begins at Step Two.
- If the student elects to use the processes provided by the Office of Equal Opportunity/Title IX, then the Appeal Process will be suspended pending review and determination by the Office of Equal Opportunity/Title IX. If the Office of Equal Opportunity/Title IX does not find discrimination or harassment, then the Office of Equal Opportunity/Title IX may refer the matter back to the Appeal Process. In the event of a finding of discrimination or harassment, the Office of Equal Opportunity/Title IX will remand the matter to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies who will designate an appropriate person to decide the outcome of the Appeal Process.
- Every effort should be made to follow the timelines outlined in this policy. However, timelines may be extended due to illness, semester breaks, personal emergencies, new information, etc. The Dean of Undergraduate Studies should be notified if one of the parties is unable to meet the deadline and the Dean of Undergraduate Studies will notify all parties involved.
- For the purposes of this policy, “days” refers to calendar days, unless otherwise specified.
- Any grade change must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office within seven (7) calendar days of a final decision.
- If the department chair is the instructor/faculty member whose grade is contested, the student has a conversation with the department chair and then proceeds to the dean’s review of the appeal.
- The Dean of Undergraduate Studies is responsible for this policy and is available to consult with all parties – the student, the faculty member, the department chair or the college dean – should the need arise.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
The GPA indicates the student’s overall academic average. It is calculated on both a semester and a cumulative basis. The GPA is calculated by multiplying the grade numerical value received in each course by the number of credit hours per course. These totals are combined, and the result is divided by the total number of credit hours carried. At Bridgewater State University, the GPA is rounded to the third decimal.
The grade point average of the student will be resumed after readmission unless the student applies for and is approved for a GPA Restart.
GPA Restart Policy
The GPA Restart Policy has been developed for students who have been academically separated from Bridgewater State University or who have left the University with an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) below 2.0. Those who return to BSU after three or more years and demonstrate a higher level of academic performance may apply to have their GPA restarted. Students must earn a minimum of 12 credits with an earned minimum GPA of 2.25 in order to be considered. All grades will remain on a student’s transcript; however, a notation will appear on the transcript that some grades are not included in the GPA calculation. The past GPA is noted as well.
In order to be eligible for a GPA Restart, readmitted students must participate in the Summit Program offered by the Academic Achievement Center during their first semester back at BSU. During this semester, they will consider their options and determine if the Restart policy is their best option or if their GPA can be repaired through use of the Repeat Courses Policy. Students who wish to apply for a GPA Restart should consult the Office of Undergraduate Studies for the application. Each application for a GPA Restart will be reviewed by the Assistant Administrative Dean, the Associate Dean or Dean from the College of the student’s major, and the department chair of the student’s major. The decision of this committee is final.
Students may have their GPA restarted only once. Students earning a minimum of 30 credit hours at BSU after being readmitted or reinstated are eligible for university and departmental honors.
Students should be aware that some graduate and professional programs will not use the GPA after the Restart but will instead use all grades on a student’s transcript in calculating a GPA for consideration of admittance into a program.
Incomplete
An incomplete (IN/INC/IN.) may be given at the discretion of the instructor. The time by which missing work must be completed, both in graduate and undergraduate courses, is also at the discretion of the instructor; however, this time period may not extend beyond the last day of classes of the academic semester following that in which the incomplete was earned. If a course is not successfully completed by this deadline, the incomplete will automatically be changed to a grade of “F” (Failure), “N” (No Pass), or “U” (Unsatisfactory).
Any course with an incomplete (IN/INC/IN.) grade must be resolved prior to graduation and degree conferral.
Mid-Semester Warning Notices
Faculty may elect to send mid-semester warning notices to undergraduate students who are receiving less than a “C-” (1.7) average in any course at that time. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with their advisor and the instructor of any course in which a warning is received. Since mid-semester warning notices are not issued by all instructors, students who do not receive notification are cautioned not to presume that they are maintaining a grade of “C-” or better.
Repeat Courses
Credit cannot be awarded more than once for the same course, whether earned through BSU or in transfer. Credit also may not be awarded more than once for courses which are seen as equivalents to each other, in content or in outcomes. For example, credit may not be awarded for more than one first year seminar (_ _ _ _199) or more than one second year seminar ( _ _ _ _298 or _ _ _ _299) regardless of topic. All exceptions (e.g., Internships) are marked in the catalog as “repeatable for credit.”
An undergraduate student may choose to repeat a course through BSU. The repeated grade will replace the prior grade in the student’s GPA regardless of which grade is higher. Although both courses and grades will appear on the student’s transcript, credit for the course will be awarded only once as outlined above. Only courses taken through Bridgewater State University and repeated through Bridgewater State University will be eligible for use under this policy.
Please note that a student’s Honors designation is finalized at the time of degree completion. If a student repeats a course after having graduated, the GPA may change, but the Honors designation is not adjusted.
NOTE: Repeating courses taken in a previous semester may affect certain federal and state benefits, various financial aid programs, loans, scholarships and social security benefits, in addition to athletic eligibility and veteran’s benefits. Students should meet with a representative from the appropriate office for additional information.
Optional High Pass, Mid Pass, Low Pass, No Pass Policy
The primary purpose of the Optional High Pass, Mid Pass, Low Pass, No Pass policy is to afford undergraduate students an opportunity to explore course work in areas outside of their major/minor degree requirements without concern of the potential impact of a traditional letter grade on their GPA. The parameters of the Optional High Pass, Mid Pass, Low Pass, No Pass policy are outlined below:
General Guidelines:
- Undergraduate students may select Optional High Pass, Mid Pass, Low Pass, No Pass (HP/MP/LP/NP) grades rather than traditional letter grades in up to 12 credits of free elective course work during their undergraduate degree.
- Any courses a student opted-in for Pass/No Pass during Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 will not be counted towards the 12 credit limit
- A student who did not earn a high enough grade to meet prerequisite requirements will need to repeat the course
- If a student earned a letter grade high enough to meet prerequisite requirements before selecting the Optional High Pass, Mid Pass, Low Pass, No Pass, they may contact registration@bridgew.edu to have their original grade reviewed for prerequisite purposes
Excluded from the Optional High Pass, Mid Pass, Low Pass, No Pass are those in the following categories:
- Any course(s) in a student’s major/minor are of study, including cognates
- First Year Seminar (199), Second Year Seminar (299), ENGL-101 and ENGL-102
- Core curriculum courses
- Any course(s) which are being repeated
Time frame for requesting High Pass, Mid Pass, Low Pass, No Pass grading
- Undergraduate students will have until the full semester withdrawal deadline each semester to request High Pass, Mid Pass, Low Pass, No Pass in no more than eight credits which are free elective credits.
- A High Pass, Mid Pass, Low Pass, No Pass form will be made available to students each semester by the Registrar’s Office
- Once a student has opted-in to High Pass, Mid Pass, Low Pass, No Pass grading for a course, they may not change back to a letter grade
Processing/Conversion of letter grades
The Registrar’s Office will convert letter grades for students who have requested High Pass, Mid Pass, Low Pass, No Pass in the following way:
- High Pass (HP) – Any letter grade “A” through “B-“
- Mid Pass (MP) – Any letter grade “C+” through “C-“
- Low Pass (LP) – Any letter grade “D+” through “D-“
- No Pass (NP) – Any “F” grade
A High Pass, Mid Pass and Low Pass grade will earn credit but will not be used to calculate the GPA. A No Pass (NP) grade will not earn credit and will not be used in calculating the GPA.
Undergraduate students are not eligible for Deans list in the semester they use the Optional High Pass, Mid Pass, Low Pass, No Pass.
Undergraduate students who receive an Incomplete may not use the Optional High Pass, Mid Pass, Low Pass, No Pass for that course.
Students are strongly encouraged to consult their academic advisor prior to making a decision to ensure they understand the full impact of requesting High Pass, Mid Pass, Low Pass, No Pass grades in place of earned letter grades.
First Name in Use, Gender Identity and Pronouns in Use Policy
I. Purpose
Informed by the overarching priority of student success for all students, BSU is committed to promoting a safe, welcoming, and diverse campus climate in which to learn and work. As part of the University’s values of equity and inclusion, BSU is proud to offer students, faculty/librarians, administrators, staff and alumnx the option to indicate their First Name in Use, Gender Identity and Pronouns in Use.
The University’s policy for First Name in Use, Gender Identity and Pronouns in Use options are consistent with BSU’s Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Affirmative Action Plan and the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, protecting transgender individuals against discrimination based on gender identity and expression.
Although the policy reflects best practice for supporting transgender and gender non-conforming members of college communities, the options to indicate First Name in Use, Gender Identity and Pronouns in Use are not limited to transgender members of the community. Anyone who has a First Name in Use other than their legal first name, and/or who seeks to state their Gender Identity and Pronouns in Use are encouraged to opt in.
II. Usage
Any BSU student, faculty/librarian, staff, administrator, or alumnx may indicate their First Name in Use, Gender Identity and/or Pronouns in Use so long as the purposes are not due to fraud or misrepresentation. Non-university students who leverage BSU services may also opt-in. Participation is voluntary.
III. Privacy
Appropriate access to and use of First Name in Use, Gender Identity and Pronouns in Use is of the utmost importance and ensures respectful dialogue amongst university community members. It is important to note that when a record shows a legal name that is differently gendered from the Name in Use, then transgender identity is functionally revealed (e.g., the Name in Use is Jessica, typically used for females, but the legal name is Jason, typically male). Similarly, when legal sex is different from Gender Identity on an individual’s BSU record, then their transgender identity is revealed. In order to prevent inadvertently revealing transgender identities to personnel who do not need to know this information, access to legal name and legal sex will be limited to those who have a legitimate University operational need to know. As a way to demonstrate BSU’s respect for privacy and personal agency, as well as its prioritization of safety, only campus departments with a legitimate operational need will have access to view legal name and legal sex.
It is the position of BSU that legal name and legal sex are considered sensitive information. Therefore, University personnel will be able to view or have access to First Name in Use and Gender Identity data only, unless otherwise specified in this policy. Further, all internal and external University reports, publications, letters, and communications will reference First Name in Use and Gender Identity (when provided) instead of legal first name or legal sex data unless required by law or regulation.
IV. Access to Legal First Name and Legal Sex Information
- University officials who have a legitimate operational need to utilize legal first name and legal sex information in order to fulfill their professional responsibilities are authorized to access it.
- “Legitimate operational need” is defined as those instances in which access to First Name in Use or Gender Identity is required for a university official to carry out their professional responsibilities for BSU.
- A university official is defined as a person employed by the University in an administrative, academic, research or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted as its agent to provide a service (such as an attorney, auditor or collection agent); a member of the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee or assisting another school official in performing their essential duties.
- The University may release legal first name and legal sex information in compliance with a judicial order or pursuant to any lawfully issued subpoena. As a general policy, before any information is so released, the University will first attempt to notify the student, employee or alumnx at the person’s most recent address as shown in the records maintained by the University.
- In connection with an emergency, the University may release legal first name and legal sex information from University records to appropriate persons if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student, employee, alumnx or other persons.
- University officials may release legal name and legal sex information to appropriate organizations in adherence with mandated federal and state reporting or in conjunction with a bona fide law enforcement investigation or inquiry.
- Data permissions will be reviewed at least once per year and may be increased to once per semester if recommended by the Banner Technical Committee (BTC). For data access needs that change outside the scheduled review period, areas may utilize the process, stated below, to update their access permissions.
The process by which areas can request an update to their data access is to first contact the Director of the Pride Center. The Director of the Pride Center serves as the Data Steward for access permissions and will discuss the needs and possible solutions with the requestor. If the changes requested require a change to Banner codes, then the Data Steward will contact the chairperson of the BTC for subsequent review by the committee. In the event that the Data Steward cannot serve for an extended period of time, then the Vice President of the division of Student Success and Diversity will appoint an interim data steward.
Holds on Student Records
A hold may be placed on a student record for a variety of reasons: incomplete submission of required documents, outstanding balance, etc. The hold may prohibit registration, viewing grades, obtaining transcripts or receiving a diploma, depending on the type of hold. Students may view the type of hold on their account by logging into InfoBear, clicking on the Student Records link under the Student tab, and then then clicking on View Holds.
Institutional Learning Outcomes Assessment Statement
Bridgewater State University places a high value on documenting the progression of students’ learning through institutional assessment activities. After approval from the Institutional Review Board for individual assessment projects, student work may be randomly selected for program assessment purposes. The identity of individual students and faculty will be removed from all materials. Inclusion of student work for institutional assessment will have no impact on a student’s class standing or academic progress. Both student and faculty privacy will be protected to the extent required by law. For more information about assessment at Bridgewater State University, please visit the Office of Assessment’s intranet site.
Undergraduate Reinstatement and Readmission
Reinstatement: Required of all previously enrolled undergraduate students seeking to re-enroll at Bridgewater State University who have not been enrolled at the university for one full academic year (three consecutive terms, including the summer session) or more. Apply for reinstatement through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or the College of Continuing Studies.
Readmission: Undergraduate students who have been separated because of academic or disciplinary reasons from the institution must apply for readmission through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or the College of Continuing Studies.
Reinstatement or readmission to Bridgewater State University is subject to the following criteria:
- Reinstated or readmitted students will be assigned to the current catalog at the time of readmission/ reinstatement. However, students may elect to resume the program requirements outlined in the catalog that was in place during their enrollment, provided that the catalog is no more than eight years old at the time of graduation.
- Readmission or reinstatement may be subject to space availability.
- Readmission or reinstatement may be subject to current admission requirements.
- On-campus housing is not guaranteed for reinstated or readmitted students. Students seeking on-campus housing are encouraged to contact Residence Life and Housing to discuss the availability of on-campus housing.
- Readmission or reinstatement to the university does not guarantee renewed financial aid eligibility. Please contact the Financial Aid Office to be considered for financial aid.
- Prior to reinstatement or readmission, the student must resolve any/all outstanding holds on their student account. Students with outstanding disciplinary concerns must contact the appropriate office/s to satisfy any/all requirements as a part of the reapplication process.
- Reinstatement or readmission to the university is not guaranteed.
- Students who have been expelled from the university are not eligible for reinstatement or readmission.
Reinstatement Process: Students who are seeking to enroll at the university following a semester withdrawal under the Undergraduate Withdrawal Policy and who have not been enrolled at the university for one full academic year (three consecutive terms, including the summer session) or more must apply for reinstatement by filing a Reinstatement Application through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or the College of Continuing Studies and, if applicable, submit official transcripts from all institutions attended since the last date of attendance at BSU. Additionally, students must meet with an academic advisor to discuss degree completion and available course options. For additional support and resources, please contact the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.
Readmission Process: Students who have been separated because of academic or disciplinary reasons from the institution must apply for readmission by filing a Readmission Application through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or the College of Continuing Studies and, if applicable, submit official transcripts from all institutions attended since the last date of attendance at BSU. Additionally, students must meet with an academic advisor and will be required to participate in an orientation program to discuss degree completion and available course options. For additional support and resources, please contact the Academic Achievement Center.
Upon readmission or reinstatement, transfer credit, if applicable, will be awarded according to the university’s established Transfer Credit Policy. The grade point average achieved at BSU upon separation will be resumed as grades achieved at other institutions are not included when calculating a student’s BSU grade point average.
Registration and Enrollment Policies
Auditing a Course
A student may audit a course to gain knowledge in a particular subject area without earning credit or a grade. Students auditing a course attend and participate in classes; however, they are exempt from examinations. A student may audit a course with the approval of their advisor or department chairperson and consent of the instructor. Additionally, the following guidelines apply:
- A student is subject to conditions established by the department and/or instructor for the audited course.
- A student registering for credit has course enrollment preference over an auditing student. Therefore, a student must register for audit only during the drop/add period by submitting forms provided by the Registrar’s Office. A student’s status as an auditor in a course cannot be changed.
- A student may register for one audit course per semester. Exception may be granted by petition to the appropriate college dean.
- A student receives no credit for an audited course. The student’s academic record will reflect the course enrollment with the notation “AU”.
- A student will be charged the same tuition and fees for an audited course as for a course taken for credit.
BSU and UMass Law 3+3 Program
The BSU and UMass Law 3+3 Program is open to academically qualified undergraduate students who are committed to pursuing a law degree at UMass Law. Participants complete the first three years of their undergraduate studies and meet the requirements specified below. In their fourth year, participants matriculate at UMass Law as full-time first-year law students, and they earn credit toward completion of the undergraduate degree by completing their first-year law courses. Students save one year of college tuition by substituting their first year of law school for their final year of undergraduate study. To be eligible for admission to UMass Law under the 3+3 program, BSU students must meet the following requirements:
- earn at least 90 credits
- complete all requirements in a participating major and the Core Curriculum
- maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3
- successfully pass the LSAT or GRE
- receive a written recommendation from a BSU Pre-Law Advisor
- meet all other UMass Law admission requirements
The majors participating in the 3+3 program are Criminal Justice, English, History, Philosophy and Political Science.
Change/Declaration of Concentration
To declare a concentration, students must complete a Program of Study Declaration form which is available on the Registrar’s Office forms page. Students may change their concentration at any time.
Change/Declaration of Major for First-Semester Freshman
All first-year students must formally declare a major or choose the status of an undeclared major. The undeclared student should select a major by the end of the sophomore year. First-Semester Freshman students may change their area of interest by by completing the First-Semester Freshman Program of Study Declaration form located on the Registrar’s Office forms page. First-Semester Freshman students are advised to meet with their assigned advisor to discuss their interest in changing their major prior to submitting a new Program of Study Declaration form. Although early childhood, elementary education, secondary education and special education majors may not be formally admitted into the teacher education program until the second semester of the sophomore year, they must confirm their continued interest in these majors by the same process used by the other first-year students for declaration of majors. In addition to their education program, students must also elect a major in the liberal arts.
Change of Major for Upperclassmen
Students may change majors at any time by obtaining the Program of Study Declaration form, which is available on the Registrar’s Office forms page. Students must secure the electronic signature of the department chairperson involved to declare a major.
Change/Declaration of Minor
In order to be enrolled in any minor offered by the university, a student must declare the intended minor on the Minor Add/Drop form available on the Registrar’s Office forms page. Students may change their minor at any time.
Class Year Designation
Degree-seeking students are designated as being in a given class year based on the number of credits they have earned for courses successfully completed. The list below shows the number of credits that must be earned in order for a student to be designated as a member of a particular class year.
For registration purposes, degree-seeking students will be classified based upon the total number of credit hours earned prior to the semester in which the registration is held.
Classification Credit Hours Completed Senior 84 Junior 54 Sophomore 24 First-Year Course Drops and Adds
The Drop/Add Schedule is as follows:
- The Drop/Add period for 15-week semester courses ends after the 6 th weekday of the semester.
- The Drop/Add period for seven-week quarter courses ends after the 3 rd weekday of the quarter.
- The Drop/Add period for five-week summer courses ends after the 3 rd weekday of the session.
- The Drop/Add period for 10-week summer courses ends after the 5 th weekday of the session.
- The Drop/Add period for non-regular courses ends one weekday after the first class meeting. However, students cannot add intensive (e.g., weekend or one-week) courses after the first class meeting.
No adds or drops will be permitted after these deadlines. Students are able to drop and add classes online through InfoBear. Alternatively, drop/add forms are available at the Registrar’s Office during the drop/add period. It is recommended that students discuss changes in their schedule with their advisor.
If students fail to drop courses appropriately, a grade of “F” may be entered on their academic record. This grade will be used in the GPA calculation.
Course Load
Full-time undergraduate students must carry a course load of 12 to 18 credit hours or the equivalent each semester. The typical course load is 15 credit hours. Students wishing to carry more than 18 credit hours must receive permission from the appropriate college dean prior to registration. Failure to carry at least 12 credit hours may jeopardize housing, financial aid status, athletic eligibility and health insurance.
Undergraduate students wishing to carry a course load of more than 15 credit hours during the summer must obtain permission from the Dean of Continuing Studies.
It is recommended that students not enroll in additional courses during the semester in which they are student teaching.
Note: Intersession credits are included in students’ spring semester course load.
Course Schedule Information
Students in all courses may be required to utilize the learning management program (currently BlackBoard) or other online resources to view course information or complete course requirements.
Courses are scheduled to meet the needs of as many students as possible, and space is limited in each course. Therefore, timely completion of a program of study may require a student to complete courses in multiple formats (i.e., face-to-face, hybrid, online).
Full-time students enrolled in 18 or more credit hours will be charged a per-credit rate for credits 18 and over.
Students enrolled in evening or weekend undergraduate courses (those beginning a 4:00 pm or later) will be charged all tuition and fees associated with the cost to provide the evening program. As a result, full-time, undergraduate day students who enroll in an evening or weekend course may incur additional charges. Please see the Tuition and Fees section of this catalog and the Tuition and Fees chart on the Students Accounts website for more information.
Course descriptions may designate when the course is typically offered (fall, spring, summer) to assist students and advisors in planning course schedules. Please note, however, that these offerings are subject to change, and the university reserves the right to cancel courses or sections.
Helpful registration “how-to” videos can be found on the Registration Tools website.
Cross-Registration Programs
CAPS – College Academic Program Sharing (CAPS) is designed to provide full-time students attending a Massachusetts state college or university the opportunity to study at another state college or university for the purpose of adding a different or specialized dimension to their undergraduate studies. Colleges and universities participating in this program include Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, Massachusetts College of Art, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Salem State University, Westfield State University and Worcester State University. BSU students may participate for one or two semesters and complete up to 30 semester hours of credit without going through formal admission or registration procedures. Tuition is covered within the student’s full-time tuition charge at Bridgewater State University. Courses taken under the CAPS program are not included in the student’s GPA. All BSU students who wish to cross-register as part of the CAPS program must apply through the Registrar’s Office, Boyden Hall. Students from another college or university who wish to take courses at BSU through CAPS must work with the Registrar’s Office at their home institution.
SACHEM – Through the Southeastern Association for Cooperation of Higher Education (SACHEM) program, qualified full-time BSU students may cross-register for up to two courses each semester without going through formal registration procedures. Tuition is covered within the student’s full-time tuition charge at Bridgewater State University. Courses taken under the SACHEM program are not included in the student’s GPA. Colleges and universities participating in this program include Bristol Community College, Cape Cod Community College, Dean College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Massasoit Community College, Stonehill College, University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and Wheaton College. All BSU students who wish to cross-register as part of the SACHEM program must apply through the Registrar’s Office, Boyden Hall. Students from another college or university who wish to take courses at BSU through SACHEM must work with the Registrar’s Office at their home institution.
Directed Study
The university permits students to pursue their interests through directed study. Such an undertaking involves independent thinking, hard work and creativity along with the guidance and help of a faculty member. The end result should be a paper or project accepted by the faculty member working with the student. Directed Study, which is limited to three credits with a maximum of six credits for graduation purposes and is primarily for upperclassmen, is available for the pursuit of independent work. Application forms for directed study are available from the student’s major department and should be submitted to the department chairperson for their recommendation and then forwarded to the appropriate college dean for approval.
Independent Study
An independent is designed for students who must complete a specific BSU course as part of their program requirements. Students will work independently to fulfill all course requirements as outlined in the BSU catalog and as specified by the faculty supervisor. Application forms for an independent study are available on the Registrar’s Office intranet site or in the Registrar’s Office.
Intercollegiate Athletics Eligibility
The following rules govern intercollegiate athletics eligibility for most students attending Bridgewater:
- A student-athlete must be a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student.
- A student-athlete must maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours or the equivalent each semester.
- A student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.
- A student-athlete must pass 24 credit hours (satisfactory progress) or the equivalent in an academic year as a full-time student.
- A student-athlete must complete appropriate NCAA compliance affirmations, including the student-athlete statement concerning eligibility, a Buckley Amendment consent and a drug testing consent.
On a case-by-case basis, a student enrolled in a part-time academic course load as part of an accommodation to a documented learning disability, can petition the NCAA to participate in intercollegiate athletics through the Athletics Department. Student-athletes considering this accommodation must follow the normal petition and appeal processes through the associate director of athletics and recreation.
Student-athletes are required to undergo both physical and orthopedic examinations prior to competing on intercollegiate teams. Specific information on these exams can be obtained either from the director of athletics or from the assistant director of athletics for sports medicine.
In addition, all transfer students must complete specific NCAA and MASCAC requirements and certifications prior to participation in intercollegiate athletics. This includes transfer students from other four-year institutions, transfer students from two-year or junior colleges, and students who have been involved in multiple transfers. For information, please confer with the associate director of athletics.
Internship, Practicum and Field Experience
A number of departments within the university offer students the opportunity to enroll in an internship, practicum or field experience for academic credit. Such experiences provide students, usually in their third or fourth year, the chance to undertake a supervised practical experience in their field of study. Normally, field experience opportunities are available only during the fall and spring semesters.
Students interested in such a field experience have the option of consulting with their faculty advisor for details on programs available through the department or developing their own program proposals, subject to the approval of the department. If the field experience desired is proposed by the student, it is the student’s responsibility to locate a faculty member who will provide the necessary supervision.
Application forms for a field experience are available in the student’s major department. The completed form must be filed with the chairperson of the department in which the field experience is to be undertaken no later than the end of the first quarter of the semester prior to the semester in which the field experience is to be undertaken. The department will screen all applications in order to select students best suited for the positions available. The chairperson will forward the application forms to the dean of the appropriate college for approval. The completed form must be received by the Registrar’s Office prior to the end of the drop/add period to enroll the student.
Applicants to internships must have completed at least 54 credits with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Departments may set higher standards.
Supervision, evaluation and grading of a field experience are the responsibilities of faculty members in the department offering the program. A student may be removed from the program if, in the judgment of the faculty supervisor, it is in the best interests of the student, agency and/or university. Grades are based on written evaluations from both the faculty supervisor and the agency supervisor.
From 3-15 credits in field experience may be earned and applied toward graduation requirements. The number of credits that may apply toward the major will be determined by each department. A minimum of 45 clock hours in the field is required for each credit hour granted.
Typically, students may not be compensated except for minimal amounts to cover such expenses as travel.
Placement
First-Year Writing – If a student does not have credit for first-year writing at the time of admission to the university, they will be placed in one of the three first-year writing courses (ENGL 101, ENGL 101E or ENGL 102) that fulfill the Core Writing Requirement based on their SAT Verbal score (if a score is submitted) and in-house placement essay.
Note: A student’s highest score earned in either SAT or placement essay determines placement.
Placement into ENGL 101: Students with a SAT Verbal score between 550-639 and/or a placement essay score of 3 will be placed into ENGL 101.
Placement into ENGL 101E/ENGL 144: Students with a SAT Verbal score below 550 and a placement essay score of 2 will be placed into ENGL 101E and the corequisite course ENGL 144 Academic Strategies.
Placement into ENGL 102: ENGL 101 or transfer equivalent; or First-Year Writing Placement essay score of 4 or SAT Verbal score of 640 or higher
- Students with a SAT Verbal score of 640 or above will be automatically placed in ENGL 102 and are not required to write a placement essay.
- Students, regardless of SAT Verbal score, with a placement essay score of 4 will be advised to enroll in ENGL 102.
- Students with an ENGL 102 placement can elect to take ENGL 101 first.
First Year Mathematics – At the time of admission to the university, if a student does not yet have credit for a college-level mathematics course(s) meeting the Core Foundations of Mathematical Reasoning requirement as well as any math course(s) that may be required by their chosen program of study, they will be placed into an appropriate course based on their scores on SAT Mathematics (if a score is submitted), math placement exams, and where appropriate, their high school transcripts. All incoming first-year students are expected to complete math placement testing at BSU.
A student’s highest score earned in either SAT or math placement exams is used to inform placement. Recognized placement exams include College Board’s Accuplacer, and the Bridgewater Essential Algebra Readiness (BEAR) exam. Students may attempt placement exams up to three times in separate testing sessions. Review materials are available via Testing Services.
Students who graduated high school within the previous three (3) years may be placed into selected college-level math courses listed below via their overall high-school grade point average, as recalculated by the office of Admission.
Several pathways of mathematics courses are offered to suit the needs of various programs of study, with various criteria for placement. Consult the catalog to determine which pathway is appropriate for each program; students with multiple programs may be required to complete courses from multiple pathways.
- Calculus pathways, including courses required by programs in the Ricciardi College of Business and Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics:
- Placement into MATH 161/161E: BEAR score of 300 or higher; or SAT Mathematics score of 670 or higher; or Accuplacer QAS score of 268 or higher and Accuplacer AAF score of 263 or higher.
- Placement into other courses with calculus content (MATH 132 or MATH 141): BEAR score of 240 or higher; or SAT Mathematics score of 650 or higher; or Accuplacer QAS score of 268 or higher and Accuplacer AAF score of 263 or higher.
- Placement into precalculus (MATH 140 or MATH 150): BEAR score of 180 or higher; or SAT Mathematics score of 590 or higher; or Accuplacer QAS score of 268 or higher and Accuplacer AAF score of 243 or higher.
- Placement into college algebra (MATH 122): BEAR score of 8 or higher; or SAT Mathematics score of 570 or higher; or Accuplacer QAS score of 268 or higher. Placement into college algebra with corequisite tutorial support (MATH 122E/122T): BEAR score of 6 or higher; or SAT mathematics score of 500-560; or Accuplacer QAS score of 252 or higher.
- Placement into non-credit precalculus readiness (MATH 095): If none of the above criteria are met
- Placement into MATH 112: BEAR score of 7 or higher; or SAT Mathematics score of 530 or higher; or Accuplacer QAS score of 262 or higher.
- Placement into non-credit math readiness (MATH 090): If the above criteria are not met.
- Placement into statistics (MATH 110): BEAR score of 8 or higher; or SAT Mathematics score of 570 or higher; or Accuplacer QAS score of 268 or higher.
- Placement into statistics with corequisite tutorial support (MATH 110E/110T): High-school GPA of 3.0 or higher; or BEAR score of 7 or higher; or SAT Mathematics score 530 or higher; or Accuplacer QAS score 262 or higher.
- Placement into non-credit math readiness (MATH 090): If the above criteria are not met.
- Placement into MATH 105: BEAR score of 8 or higher; or SAT Mathematics score of 570 or higher; or Accuplacer QAS score of 268 or higher.
- Placement into MATH 105 with corequisite tutorial support (MATH 105E/105T): High-school GPA of 3.0 or higher; or BEAR score of 7 or higher; or SAT Mathematics score 530 or higher; or Accuplacer QAS score 262 or higher.
- Placement into non-credit math readiness (MATH 090): If the above criteria are not met.
Prerequisites
Students must have the necessary prerequisite for each course. Prerequisites, if any, are indicated with the individual course listing and are enforced at the time of registration. Prerequisite courses taken at institutions other than Bridgewater State University must be documented (transcript or grade report, and in some cases, course description) prior to registration.
Students who wish to enroll in a course without the prerequisite(s) must obtain a Prerequisite Override form prior to registering for the course. The form must be signed by the chairperson of the department through which the course is offered and, in some cases, the instructor of the course. Students seeking an override of professional education prerequisites for courses taught through the College of Education and Health Sciences must complete a Request for a Student to Take an Upper Level Professional Education Course Without Formal Program Admission form and obtain all required signatures.
Registration
Preregistration is held for returning, degree-seeking undergraduate, graduate and joint admission students in November for the spring semester and in April for the fall semester. During the advising period held two weeks prior to registration, undergraduate students are required to meet with their advisor(s) to review their progress toward degree completion, as well as to review course selections for the coming semester. The advisor then electronically approves the student for registration.
Preregistration is available online and in person. Students’ preregistration date is determined by their classification (senior, junior, sophomore, etc.) which is based on the total credits earned. An undergraduate non-degree student may register for courses the Friday prior to the start of the term. For more information about non-degree status, see the Admission – Undergraduate section of this catalog. Students will not be allowed to register for courses until all financial debts to the university are paid and health records are up to date.
Prior to each registration period, course listings, specific registration dates and registration instructions as well as up-to-date information concerning course openings and prerequisites are available online through InfoBear under QuickLinks at the Bridgewater State University website.
Withdrawal From Courses Following the Drop/Add Period
Withdrawal from individual courses by the published deadline
Students may withdraw from courses following the drop/add period if they submit a Course Withdrawal form to the Registrar’s Office by the appropriate semester deadline date, which is posted on the Registrar’s Office website.
The Course Withdrawal Schedule is as follows:
- The withdrawal period for 15-week semester courses ends the last day of the thirteenth week of the semester.
- The withdrawal period for seven-week quarter courses ends the last day of the the sixth week of the quarter.
- The withdrawal period for five-week summer courses ends the last day of the fourth week of the session.
- The withdrawal period for 10-week summer courses ends the last day of the ninth week of the session.
- The withdrawal period for non-regular courses typically ends one weekday following the point when approximately 70 percent of the course has been completed. Students should consult the Registrar’s Office for exact deadlines for withdrawal from these courses.
Students who are taking a course online or off-campus or who are non-degree seeking must meet established deadlines and procedures.
Withdrawal from individual courses after the published deadline
When extraordinary circumstances arise after the published withdrawal date that prevent a student from continuing enrollment, a student may request a late withdrawal from a course. Such examples might include, but are not limited to, death of an immediate family member, extreme personal financial hardship, military deployment or training, or new information about the student’s academic progress.
In order to request a late withdrawal from a course, the student must contact the Academic Achievement Center and meet with an advisor who will conduct a short interview and will assist the student in completing the required late withdrawal forms. (A face to face meeting is not required.) Supporting documentation, including a detailed letter outlining the reasons for the request, should be attached. The student must present a compelling reason for this exception in the letter. The student will then present the forms to the office of the dean of the college that offers the course.
Late course withdrawals are not automatically approved. Any decision(s) reached by the dean(s) or associate dean(s) are considered final.
Late course withdrawal requests must be made within one academic year after the term of the student’s enrollment in the course.
Consequences of withdrawing from individual courses
- Course withdrawals will be indicated on the student’s transcript with a “W” and will not affect the calculation of the student’s grade point average.
- Course withdrawals are likely to extend a student’s time for degree completion.
- Course withdrawals are subject to the university’s refund schedule.
- Course withdrawals may affect eligibility for financial aid, health insurance, participation in extracurricular activities and on-campus housing.
- Approved withdrawals requested by a student are considered final and students will not be re-enrolled.
Transcripts
A transcript is a cumulative, permanent record of a student’s grades and degrees earned at Bridgewater State University. Students may request a copy of an official transcript online or from the Registrar’s Office. Current students can access their unofficial transcripts through InfoBear. See the Registrar’s Office website for details.
Transfer of Credit After Admission
In order to receive credit for courses taken at other accredited institutions, degree-seeking undergraduate students must obtain approval in advance. Failure to obtain this approval could result in denial of the course credit.
Request forms are available on the Registrar’s Office website and in the Registrar’s Office. Requests for approval of a course from another institution should be accompanied by the course description from that institution’s catalog. Approval must be obtained prior to registering for the course at the other institution. It is the student’s responsibility to have official transcripts sent directly by the institution to the Registrar’s Office upon completion of the course.
NOTE: A minimum grade of “C-” is required to receive transfer credit. Students may transfer up to 90 credits to Bridgewater State University toward a baccalaureate degree; however, only 69 credits will be accepted from two-year institutions. Transfer courses do not factor into a student’s GPA.
Credit by Examination
The university encourages qualified students to meet certain graduation requirements through “Credit by Examination.” Currently, the university will award credit for successful completion of the College Level Examination Program’s (CLEP) general or subject area examinations. In addition, certain departments offer their own examinations for which credit can be awarded. Additional information can be obtained from the Office of Testing Services in the Academic Achievement Center, 508.531.1780.
See the Admission – Undergraduate section of this catalog for further information concerning credit by examination.
VALOR Act Academic Credit Evaluation Policy
Consistent with the Massachusetts VALOR Act, the university accepts military course work credit listed on the Joint Services transcript as recommended by the ACE Guide to the Evaluation of Education Experiences in the Armed Services. For more information, see the Admission – Undergraduate section of this catalog.
Full Semester Withdrawals, Undergraduate
If a student decides after the drop period has ended that they are unable to finish all of their courses, they have the option of withdrawing from all courses. This is defined as a “full semester withdrawal” regardless of whether the student plans to return to BSU in the semester immediately following or not at all.
There are two ways in which a student may initiate a withdrawal from the semester: voluntary withdrawal and medical withdrawal. In addition, the university may withdraw students through an involuntary withdrawal process. Depending on the manner in which a student is withdrawn, the student will be required to follow certain steps to return to the university.
Voluntary Full Semester Withdrawal, Before or After the Deadline
Any undergraduate student considering a full semester withdrawal before or after the published deadline must meet with an advisor in the Academic Achievement Center to identify any alternatives to withdrawal, discuss the possible implications of withdrawing, review the process for returning and prepare the necessary withdrawal paperwork. (A face to face meeting is not required.) This important consultation will include careful consideration of the many possible implications of withdrawing, including but not limited to, the completion of current course work, graduation requirements, financial aid, account balances, student employment, on-campus housing, health insurance, pending disciplinary matters, immigration status and/or participation in extracurricular activities. Following this discussion, the student may be directed to follow-up with other offices to discuss the potential impact of their withdrawal.
If a student leaves the university without processing an official withdrawal, failing grades may be recorded in all courses.
Full semester withdrawals requested before the published deadline are reviewed and approved by the Dean of Undergraduate Studies. Once completed, paperwork regarding the withdrawal will be submitted to the Registrar’s Office for processing.
Late full semester withdrawal requests are reviewed by the Assistant Administrative Dean of Undergraduate Studies.
Since the request may result in a change to a student’s transcript, late semester withdrawal requests are held to a higher level of scrutiny than withdrawal requests submitted by the deadline. Students must demonstrate that they: a) attempted to withdraw by the deadline and were not able to be successful in that attempt; or b) that circumstances arose after the withdrawal deadline that support their need for a late withdrawal from the semester.
Appeals for late semester withdrawals must be submitted within one academic year from the term of enrollment. Requests submitted after the one academic year deadline will not be considered.
Once a decision about a semester withdrawal, whether on time or late, has been made, the student will be notified in writing about the decision and any conditions placed on their return. If the request is denied, the student may appeal that decision in writing to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies who will review the request for appeal. Once a decision has been reached, the outcome will be communicated in writing to the student. All decisions reached by the Dean of Undergraduate Studies are considered final.
Full semester withdrawals, whether on time or late, adhere to the University Refund Policy.
Voluntary Medical Withdrawal
The university understands that students may experience physical or psychological situations that may significantly impair their ability to function successfully or safely in their role as students. In those situations, students may request a medical withdrawal. The goal of a medical withdrawal is to ensure that students return to the university with an increased opportunity for success.
Unless the student can demonstrate that the ability to complete selected courses was not affected by the medical condition, medical withdrawals apply to all courses taken in the given semester.
The university uses an individualized process that allows students to request a medical withdrawal so that they can receive treatment, return to the university and successfully achieve their academic goals. Any conditions placed upon the student at the time of the medical withdrawal may be incorporated into a written agreement with the student and may result in a hold being placed on the student’s account.
It is important to note that a medical withdrawal does not exempt the student from their financial obligation to the university and does not guarantee a refund or partial refund. The student may still be responsible for any outstanding fees, fines or costs. In extraordinary circumstances, the university may, in its sole discretion, provide a refund.
Additionally, the student may be responsible for repayment of financial aid if mandated by the federal government. If a student has received financial aid and withdraws before completing 60% of the semester (for extraordinary reasons or not), the U.S. Department of Education requires the university to perform a Return of Title IV calculation to determine what financial aid must be returned to the federal government.
Medical withdrawals may have the following benefits:
- For students who are currently enrolled in the BSU Health Insurance Plan, it is possible to seek permission to stay on that plan until the end of that premium period.
- For students who have purchased tuition reimbursement insurance, a medical withdrawal generally qualifies a student for benefits under tuition insurance plans they may carry. However, please refer to your policy for clarification.
- For international students, a medical withdrawal may provide a way to remain in the United States in compliance with applicable immigration regulations. Additionally, international students who are currently enrolled in the BSU Health Insurance Plan may request that the university allow them to stay on the plan until the end of the premium period. For further information, please consult with International Student and Scholar Services, (508) 531-6195, isss@bridgew.edu.
- Students may receive prioritized consideration for on campus housing upon reinstatement.
To request a medical withdrawal before or after the published withdrawal deadline, the student should contact the Academic Achievement Center and follow the process for a semester withdrawal as outlined above. Medical documentation to support the request is required. An Academic Affairs designee will maintain all medical documentation related to withdrawal determinations but may share such documentation with others within the university with whom the office consults, on a need-to-know basis and consistent with applicable privacy laws.
Once the request is complete, the Academic Affairs designee will evaluate the request and any re-enrollment plans in consultation with other appropriate university personnel. Depending on the circumstances, an individualized risk assessment may be conducted as part of the consultative process. Generally, the Dean of Undergraduate Studies will review requests for medical withdrawals before the withdrawal deadline and the Assistant Administrative Dean of Undergraduate Studies will review requests after the deadline.
After a determination has been made regarding whether or not the request qualifies for a medical withdrawal, and if applicable, for subsequent reinstatement subject to certain conditions, the student will be notified in writing of the decision.
If the request for a late medical withdrawal is denied, the student may appeal that decision in writing to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies who will review the request for appeal. Once a decision has been reached, the outcome will be communicated in writing to the student. All decisions reached by the Dean of Undergraduate Studies are considered final.
Interim Involuntary Withdrawal and Involuntary Withdrawal
In situations in which a student presents a significant risk of harm to the safety, health or well-being of any person or the campus community or where the ability of the university to carry out its essential operations is seriously threatened or impaired (collectively referred to as a “serious risk of harm”), the university may require the student to withdraw in accordance with the following procedures.
This policy does not take the place of disciplinary action and sanctions associated with a student’s behavior that is in violation of any law or university rule, code or policy, including, but not limited to, the Student Code of Conduct or the policies set forth in the Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Affirmative Action Plan, or the Academic Integrity Policy. Such processes may run concurrently.
An Involuntary Withdrawal is meant to be used in cases where students experience needs that exceed the university’s services or resources. In such circumstances, the student will be advised to consider a voluntary withdrawal. If the student declines to voluntarily withdraw from the university, the university may involuntarily withdraw the student in situations where: (1) the student is unable or unwilling to carry out substantial self-care obligations; (2) the student has health needs requiring a level of care that exceeds what the university can appropriately provide; (3) the student presents a substantial risk of seriously affecting the health or well-being of any student or other member of the university community; (4) the student causes a substantial disruption to the university community.
Upon learning of credible evidence, including observed or recorded behavior, that a student may pose a serious risk of harm, the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students or designee may initiate the following procedures:
Interim Involuntary Withdrawal
In circumstances where a student’s behavior may pose an imminent serious risk of harm, the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students or designee may immediately implement an interim involuntary withdrawal or other measures. Under such circumstances, the student will receive notice of the interim involuntary withdrawal and will have an initial opportunity to respond to the evidence; however, the student’s right to more fully respond to the evidence and provide additional information will be delayed until it has been determined that there is no imminent serious risk of harm, in accordance with the process outlined below.
Involuntary Withdrawal Process
In instances where an Interim Involuntary Withdrawal was not initiated, the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students or designee will notify the student that an involuntary withdrawal is under consideration and provide the student with a copy of this policy and a description of the reasons involuntary withdrawal is under consideration and the implications of an involuntary withdrawal. Whenever appropriate, the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students or designee will discuss with the student the opportunity to take a voluntary withdrawal from the university or agree to other measures that could mitigate the serious risk of harm.
The Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students or designee will consult as appropriate and feasible in the circumstances with appropriate university personnel and others regarding whether the student poses a serious risk of harm.
The Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students or designee may require an evaluation of the student’s behavior and any relevant physical/mental conditions by an appropriate provider designated by the university if the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students or designee believes that an evaluation will facilitate an informed decision. A student who fails or refuses to undertake a requested evaluation may not be permitted to return to the university as determined at the discretion of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students or designee.
The student will be offered a reasonable opportunity to address the evidence and to provide additional information relevant to the university’s evaluation, including information from student’s treatment provider(s).
Following a review of the best available relevant information, including available current medical information, and these consultations, the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students or designee will determine whether to impose an involuntary withdrawal.
- If an involuntary withdrawal is imposed, the university will give the student written notice of the decision, including the beginning date and notification of any conditions that must be satisfied in order to return to the university. The student must leave campus (or the applicable university program or activity) within the time frame established in the written notice. In accordance with applicable law, the university may notify a parent, guardian or other person, if notification is deemed appropriate. During the duration of the involuntary withdrawal, the student may visit the university’s owned or leased property only with the prior written authorization from the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students or designee. Conditions for return following an involuntary withdrawal will be determined by the university on an individualized basis and will be documented in the involuntary withdrawal notification. For examples of the types of conditions that may be imposed, please refer to the section on Reinstatement and Readmission.
- If an Involuntary Withdrawal is not imposed, the university will provide written notice of that decision.
Interim Involuntary Withdrawals and Involuntary Withdrawals will adhere to the University Refund Policy.
Governing Principles for an Involuntary Withdrawal
- Any withdrawal determinations should be based on an assessment of current, available medical documentation or advice about the student, and/or observable conduct that affects the health, safety or welfare of the campus community.
- Any assessments of risks should be individualized and conducted in a team environment.
- In the absence of an emergency or direct threat, voluntary withdrawal or restrictions shall be encouraged prior to any determination of involuntary withdrawal.
- Any imposed conditions, including re-enrollment conditions (if any), will be reasonable and individualized for a particular student’s situation.
- Any conduct code or other policies relevant to a withdrawal shall be applied equally to all similarly-situated students, i.e., without regard to known or perceived medical or mental health conditions.
- Students shall be provided notice of any withdrawal determinations and shall be afforded the opportunity to appeal such determinations.
Reinstatement and Readmission following a Medical, Late and/or Involuntary Withdrawal
Students wishing to be reinstated or readmitted following a medical, late or an involuntary withdrawal must satisfy all of the re-enrollment conditions established at the time of the withdrawal. If medical documentation was established as a condition for re-enrollment, the university will give significant weight to the opinion of the student’s treatment providers regarding the student’s readiness to return to the academic environment at the university, with or without accommodations. In extraordinary circumstances, the university may require the student to undergo an additional individualized assessment to make a determination regarding the student’s readiness for return. The university may also impose conditions on the student as part of their return, based on the particular student’s situation.
Additionally, in reviewing requests for return from a medical, late or involuntary withdrawal, the university looks for evidence that the issues that led to the request to withdraw have been addressed. Specifically, that the student has maintained stability and demonstrated follow through with treatment for a sufficient period of time to enable the student to be successful. Additionally, evidence of productive functioning (i.e. employment, volunteerism, etc.) is looked upon favorably.
A student may appeal any decision concerning reinstatement to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies or designee and the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.
If a student is permitted to re-enroll following a withdrawal, the student is responsible for coordinating the return to the university community with the appropriate university offices. A student must also resolve any outstanding Code of Conduct issues with the Office of Community Standards and/or the Equal Opportunity Office prior to their return.
Consequences of semester withdrawals, whether voluntary or involuntary
- A “W” for withdrawal or “ME” for medical withdrawal will be placed on the student’s transcript for each course.
- Withdrawals will not affect the calculation of the student’s grade point average.
- Withdrawal determinations should proceed as quickly as possible to allow a student experiencing difficulties to receive the support they need. However, decisions about withdrawals will not be made unless the Academic Affairs designee has all of the required and requested information.
- The date of withdrawal for tuition refund purposes is the last date of class attendance. Charges for other services provided by the university are incurred as they are used or as otherwise required by contract or policy.
- Withdrawals may extend a student’s time for degree completion.
- University withdrawals may affect eligibility for some sources of financial aid, health insurance, participation in extracurricular activities and on-campus housing.
- A withdrawal is final. Once a mark of “W” or “ME” is entered on a student’s transcript, it will not be changed.
Requests for Withdrawals from Others
Due to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students must make requests to alter their registration. In extreme circumstances, a FERPA release form may be signed and someone other than the student may request a course or semester withdrawal. All withdrawals may be completed after the published deadline (as long as they are completed within an academic year) however, it is recommended that students delay future registration decisions until they are able to complete the requests themselves.
Withdrawals when Academic Integrity or Disciplinary Matters are Pending
Please note that if a student withdraws with pending academic integrity or disciplinary charges of any kind, the student will be subject to the provisions of the applicable university policy or procedure. The university reserves the right to initiate these procedures at any time, including after the student has chosen to withdraw and/or before the student is allowed to return to the university. Additionally, if a student is subsequently separated or expelled from the university, or a grade change is warranted, the student’s academic record will be updated to reflect that suspension, expulsion or any grade that might be assigned.
Accommodations for Students with Documented Disabilities in the Withdrawal Process
At any point in the withdrawal process, a student may seek input or discuss with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) the availability of a reasonable accommodation. A student with a disability who desires an accommodation must request an accommodation by following the procedure for requesting an accommodation through SAS. SAS will make a determination regarding the request and notify the appropriate parties. A student will not be considered to have a disability unless and until the student registers with SAS. Student Accessibility Services can be contacted via phone at (508.531.2194) or by email at SAS@bridgew.edu for further information.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by law. Reasonable accommodations depend upon the nature and degree of severity of the individual’s documented disability and the setting for which the accommodations are requested. The university is not required to grant a requested accommodation that is unreasonable, ineffective, an undue burden or substantially alters a university program, service or practice.
Designee
While this Policy identifies certain university officers, employees and others who have particular roles and duties, each such party and/or the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management or the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, may designate other officers or employees to perform such roles or duties set forth herein.
