Academic Policies and Procedures for Nondegree Coursework in Professional Development Studies

All academic policies and procedures that apply to matriculating graduate students at Rutgers University and at the School of Communication and Information apply to nondegree graduate students pursuing certificates, with the following differences:

Scholastic Standing

Students are expected to earn grades of B or better in their coursework. No more than 3 credits bearing a grade of C, C+, or Pass, and no credits bearing a grade of F or IN, may be used in meeting the requirements for the certificate. A total of no more than 24 credits may be taken to meet associate school library media certificate requirements, including credits bearing the grade of IN.

Poor Academic Performance

Academic Review.The director and administrator of the program shall review and may take action on the record of every student who has received 3 credits of C, C+, Pass, F, or expired incomplete grades since he or she began nondegree study.

Warning. A student shall be warned in writing when he or she has received 3 credits of C, C+, Pass, or F grades, or expired incomplete grades, or at any time the director and administrator feel that the student's academic performance is such that he or she may be in difficulty unless the work improves, based upon feedback from course instructors.

Probation. A student receives written notification of being placed on probationary status if he or she has received 3 credits or more of C, C+, Pass, or F grades or expired incomplete grades. Being on probation means that the student is scholastically deficient and is continuing in the program with the understanding that he or she must improve the level of work and meet the conditions of probation set forth by the director and administrator of the program.

Dismissal. Students are informed in writing that they are no longer eligible for the certificate if they have earned more than 3 credits of C, C+, Pass, or F grades or expired incomplete grades. Students who are dismissed will not be permitted to take courses for credit for at least one year and until they receive permission to reenroll by the director and administrator of the program.

Appeal. Students desiring to appeal a decision of the director and administrator must follow the following procedure: Applicants must appeal in writing to the Professional Development Studies office within thirty days of the decision date. Upon receipt of the written appeal, the director and administrator of the program will review the student's file, use any additional information submitted by the applicant with the appeal, and reconsider the decision. Either a new decision or a confirmation of the original decision will be sent to the student within thirty days. Should the student be dissatisfied with the disposition of the first appeal, a subsequent appeal may be made in writing directly to the dean of the school within thirty days. The dean will review the file and consult as necessary with the director and administrator. The dean's decision will be made in writing to the student with copies to the Professional Development Studies office. The dean's decision is final.

Reenrollment.Students who have been dismissed for academic reasons may not reenroll for at least one year. After one year if they wish to reenroll they must provide evidence to the director and administrator that they can successfully complete the program. Such evidence may include a medical report or letter of support from an employer. After reenrollment, a grade of C, C+, Pass, or F or an expired incomplete in one course will be grounds for a second dismissal. Students are not usually readmitted after a second dismissal action.