Academic Policies

Academic Load

Students can register for no more than two classes per term. If a student wishes to take more than two courses at the same time, he or she must request written approval permission from his or her academic advisor and then forward this to the Registrar.

Change of Program

Students who wish to change from one program of study into another should send an official request in writing to their current Department Chair and to the Registrar.

Full Time/ Part Time Student Status

Undergraduate

Full time: completing 24 credit hours or more in an academic year or five consecutive terms

Part time: completing less than 24 credit hours in an academic year or five consecutive terms.

Graduate

Full Time- completing 12 credit hours or more in an academic year or five consecutive terms.

Part Time – completing less than 12 credit hours in an academic year or five consecutive terms.

Student Schedule- Course Changes

Registration

Students are able to register for courses each term. In every term a student registers a non-refundable registration fee is charged. Registration is open six weeks before the term begins and closes the day before pre-week commences.

Course Drop

Students who drop courses during the first week of class will receive 100% tuition refund (less the drop fee per course). No grade will post on the student’s record. See academic calendar for dates and term deadlines.

Course Withdrawal

Students who withdraw from a course between 8 and 14 days of the first day of class will receive a 50% tuition refund (less the withdraw fee per course). No grade will post on the student’s record. See academic calendar for dates and term deadlines.

Students who withdraw after 14 days will not receive a refund. A grade of W will post on the student’s record.

Course Numbering System

Course numbers are designated as follows:

300-399 Junior-level Courses
400-499 Senior-level Courses
500-599 Capstone Courses
600-699 Graduate-level Courses

Student Classification

Matriculated students:

These are students who are working on a degree through HSU degree programs. Matriculated students must fulfill all the University requirements for graduation as outlined in this catalog.

Non-matriculated students:

These are students who, for any number of reasons, are not a part of a HSU degree program but wish to complete credit courses. They may take credit courses to meet licensing requirements, to develop an educational background leading to matriculation and a degree, to change careers, or for personal enrichment. Credit accrued as a non-matriculated student may be used to fulfill requirements if the student is later admitted for a degree.

Class Attendance

In online courses, attendance is measured through participation in course discussion forums. All courses require substantial participation on discussion boards for successful completion of the course. Course syllabi detail specific requirements for content and frequency of discussion posts. A course week runs from Saturday through Friday. Absences may result in a grade reduction or a failure of the course. For more specific attendance requirements students should refer to the course syllabus. Should a student need to be absent from class or discussion boards he or she is responsible for notifying the professor and for the material covered.

Transfer of Credit

The Registrar’s Office is responsible for administration of the transfer of credits from other institutions. An evaluation of each student’s college transcript(s) is made to assess the potential transferability of an applicant's prior coursework, taking into account the accreditation status of the institution, the level and content of coursework completed by the student, and the grades received. The transfer of credit evaluation seeks to confirm that students meet the admissions requirement of a minimum of 60 credits of college level work and general education distribution requirements for undergraduate programs. The evaluation also determines the number of credits that can be applied towards the student's Humane Society University degree program. See Transfer of Credit Guidelines.

Online and Classroom Courses

Three credit hours are awarded for successful completion of each online 8-week course.

Courses from accredited higher education institution

University level courses with the grade of C or better that are completed at an accredited college/university will transfer to HSU after an evaluation of the official transcript(s) is made.

Acceptance of Humane Society University credit by other institutions

All institutions have their own evaluation processes for receiving academic credit. HSU courses are uniquely specialized. Students are responsible for communicating with other institutions before they enroll in a course should they expect to apply HSU credits toward a degree at another institution.

For information on the transfer of credits to Humane Society University, contact admissions@humanesocietyuniversity.org.

Grading Policies

Humane Society University utilizes a numerical grading system for credit courses. Instructors may report grades from A to F. Numerical grades may be considered equivalent to letter grades as follows:

A Superior 4.0
A- Excellent 3.7
B+ Very Good 3.3
B Good 3.0
B- Above Average 2.7
C+ Satisfactory 2.3
C Average 2.0
C- Below Average 1.7
D Unsatisfactory 1.0
F Failure 0.0
R Repeated Course
P Pass (P/F)
FA Fail (P/F)
W Withdrawal
WA Withdrawal: Administrative
AU Audited Status; Not for credit

Pass/ Fail /Grade

All HSU students have the option of taking credit courses on a pass/fail (P/F) basis. A course that is taken P/F may not be used to satisfy any department or University requirement, except that the credits may apply to the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation. Thus, only general electives may be taken P/F for degree completion candidates. Students must inform the Registrar of the decision to select this option when they register, or before the end of the second week of the course. P/F courses are not counted in the HSU grade point average.

Final Grades

Final grades will be available via the student information system a week after the end of the course. (Final grades are not mailed.) Students should allow at least three weeks between the completion of the final assignment or exam and the recording of the grade on an official Humane Society University transcript.

Incomplete Grade

Incomplete may be requested if a student is unable to complete the course requirements by the end of the term. A request for an Incomplete must be made to a students’ instructor two weeks before the end of the course. Incompletes are given only if students have satisfactorily completed 80% of the course work. An incomplete will be granted for no more than 3 months. If a student cannot complete the course, her/his grade will be calculated based on completed work, with grades of "F" for uncompleted assignments. This grade will appear on the student's HSU transcript and will affect her/his HSU GPA.