Academics

Academic Integrity

York Collegeʼs mission statement stipulates that strict adherence to principles of academic honesty is expected of all students. Therefore, academic dishonesty will not be tolerated at York College. Academic dishonesty refers to actions such as, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, fabricating research, falsifying academic documents, etc., and includes all situations where students make use of the work of others and claim such work as their own.

When a faculty member believes a student has committed an act of academic dishonesty, the faculty member must inform the student in writing and then has ten business days from that written notification to the student to report the incident to the Provost and Dean of Academic Affairs and the Department Chair.

Documentation related to instances of academic dishonesty will be kept on file in the studentʼs permanent record. If the academic dishonesty is the studentʼs first offense, the faculty member will have the discretion to decide on a suitable sanction up to a grade of “0” for the course. Students are not permitted to withdraw from a course in which they have been accused of academic dishonesty.

Students who believe they have been unjustly charged or sanctioned (in cases involving a first offense) must discuss the situation with the faculty member and have 10 business days thereafter to submit an appeal to Student Welfare Committee through the Provost and Dean of Academic Affairs. If an appeal is filed, the Student Welfare Committee will then conduct a hearing to review the charge and/or sanction. In cases of a first offense, the faculty member may request that the Student Welfare Committee conduct a hearing and decide on the sanction, which can involve academic suspension or dismissal from the College, if the faculty member believes the offense to be of an extremely egregious nature.

If the Provost and Dean of Academic Affairs determines that the academic dishonesty is the studentʼs second offense, the Dean will provide written notification to the student, the faculty member, and the Department Chair. The Student Welfare Committee will automatically conduct a hearing to review the charge and decide on an appropriate sanction, which will involve academic suspension or dismissal from the College. Students who believe the Student Welfare Committee has unjustly sanctioned them may submit a written appeal to the Provost and Dean of Academic Affairs within 72 hours of receiving notification of the Student Welfare Committeeʼs sanction.

Attendance

Most educators feel that attendance at all meetings of scheduled classes is a worthwhile activity. Class attendance policy at York College of Pennsylvania is at the discretion of the instructor. The class will be informed in writing within the syllabus whether attendance is used as a criterion in evaluating student performance.

The student is responsible for all work of the course unless specifically exempted by the instructor. It is recognized that some absences may be necessary or unavoidable. The student should inform the instructor of the reason for the absence and make up any work that is missed. The responsibility for initiating action to make up work missed in the classroom rests with the student.

Academic Advising and Student Responsibility

Academic Advising is an essential process in the college setting. Upon entering York College, every matriculated student is assigned a faculty academic advisor who, through experience, professional background, and example, is qualified to assist the student in planning the coursework for the program of study, in developing strategies for academic success, and in providing guidance and information in preparation for the student’s career and life goals.

Academic advisors for graduate students are available during their regularly scheduled office hours when the College is in session in the fall and spring semesters or by appointment at other times. In addition, other academic support services are offered through the individual Graduate Program Offices, Registrar, Records Office, and Career Development Center.

While academic advising assists students in their academic planning, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to meet the academic requirements for graduation. Each student is expected to meet regularly with his or her advisor to discuss the development and implementation of a plan of short and long-term academic goals. The final responsibility in meeting graduation requirements, however, rests with the student.

Course Scheduling

A schedule of classes for each semester is available online at www.ycp.edu/registrar along with a timetable for scheduling. New students must register for their initial semester in person at the Registrarʼs Office or by email/fax. Returning students may register online.

Students who schedule classes after the first day of classes will be assessed a late registration fee. 

Dropping or Adding a Course

A student may drop and/or add a course anytime during the first week of classes each fall and spring semester. See the Summer Brochure for various summer session drop/add dates.

Checking with the academic advisor about a course schedule change is advisable as is checking with the Registrarʼs Office about the course availability. Returning students may drop and add courses online using the York College website. The procedure for adding or dropping a course for first semester students is to obtain and complete a Records and Registrarʼs Office Change form to officially drop and/or add the appropriate courses in the Registrarʼs Office.

Withdrawing From a Course

The last date to withdraw from a course is the ninth Friday of the fall or spring academic semester in order to avoid a grade penalty. See the Academic Calendar for first and second cohort withdrawal deadlines and various summer session withdrawal dates. To withdraw from a course, students must complete a Records and Registrarʼs Office Change form in the Records Office. Failure to attend class, telephoning, or merely giving notice to the course instructor is not considered an official course withdrawal. No extensions are granted beyond the withdrawal deadline. Students who do not officially withdraw are still responsible for payment of tuition and fees.

Leave of Absence Policy

A graduate student who is unable to register for courses due to the following:

• Serious illness
• Personal/professional reasons
• Extraordinary job requirements
• Military service

May be granted a formal leave of absence from the College without penalty.  The leave of absence is normally limited to one year.  The student must inform the Program Director in writing of his/her intention and the Program Director must approve. 
All academic requirements must be completed within six years (Master’s Degree, 5 years for MSN) and eight years (Doctoral degree) of the initial admission.  Students should be aware that there must be a reasonable expectation that students will return from a LOA.
LOA’s will NOT be approved for students subject to disqualification or dismissal due to academic deficiencies or disciplinary action.  The Dean of the School will determine any conditions that must be met for the students to return to the College.

If a student is enrolled in courses at the time of the LOA request, the Registrar will take the following actions once confirmed by the Program Director.

1. Student will be issued grades of W for each course in the current semester (if applicable)
2. Student will be dropped from all future registered courses

Once the student is ready to return from leave, the student should register for courses.  If a student does not return at the end of the approved leave, the student’s withdrawal date will be the first date of the approved leave.
Students who are absent from the College for one academic year (3 semesters) without taking a formal leave of absence, and those who attempt to extend their LOA beyond one year, must seek readmission.  Readmitted students will be governed by the new department/School guidelines in place at the time of readmission.

Grades

Grades are assigned at the end of each academic session by the individual instructor.  Grades are posted on the student online transcript  and can be viewed via the YCPWeb. The grades and their descriptions are as follows:

4 (Excellent): This grade denotes accomplishment that is truly distinctive and decidedly outstanding. It represents a high degree of attainment and is a grade that demands evidence of originality, independent work, an open and discriminating mind, and completeness and accuracy of knowledge, as well as an effective use of the knowledge.
3.5 (Very Good): This grade denotes mastery of the subject matter. It represents very good achievement in many aspects of the work, such as initiative, serious and determined industry, the ability to organize work, and the ability to comprehend and retain subject matter and to apply it to new problems.
3 (Good): This grade denotes considerable understanding of the subject matter. It represents a strong grasp and clear understanding of the subject matter and the ability to comprehend and retain course content.
2.5 (Above Average): This grade denotes above average understanding of the subject matter. It represents a good grasp of the subject matter and the ability to comprehend and retain course content.
2 (Average): This grade denotes average understanding of the subject matter. It represents the grade that may be expected of a student of normal ability who gives the work a reasonable amount of time and effort.
0 (Failure): This grade denotes inadequate understanding of the subject matter. It signifies an absence of meaningful engagement with the subject matter and that the student is not capable of doing or understanding the work or has made little or no effort to do so.
INC (Incomplete): The student may request permission from the instructor to receive an incomplete prior to the final examination and must present extraordinary reasons for the petition. The instructor should indicate on the Attendance/Final Grade Record the required work the student must do to complete the course. Any grades of “I” not removed within two calendar months after the end of the semester will automatically be changed to “0” in the Records Office. Grades of incomplete should only be provided to students who have completed a substantial portion of all course requirements.
W (Withdrawal): Students are permitted to withdraw from courses without academic penalty up to the ninth Friday of the fall or spring semester. Corresponding deadlines are set for all other semesters (e.g., summer sessions). Withdrawal after that time shall result in a grade of “0.”
AU (Audit): This grade indicates that a student is registered for a course but receives no credit.

All grades, except “AU,” will be applicable to all Graduate students. The grade of “AU” is applicable only to a student who is pursuing courses on a non degree, audit basis.

Grade Point Average

The cumulative grade point average will be calculated by multiplying the credits of each graduate course in which a grade, other than “AU” and “W,” was given times the grade received in that course; this will result in the quality points for that graduate course. The total quality points of all graduate courses in which grades, other than “AU” or “W” were given will be divided by the total credits of those courses; this will yield the studentʼs cumulative graduate grade point average.

A studentʼs cumulative grade point average is reviewed by the graduate program director at the completion of twelve credits of 510-level and above graduate courses and at the completion of each spring semester thereafter. If a studentʼs cumulative grade point average for credits earned in these courses is less than 3.0 at any of these annual reviews, the student may be required to limit his or her course enrollment. (Such students will be notified in writing as to the restrictions.) Courses in which the student received less than a grade of “3” need to be repeated in the earliest semester that the course is scheduled. Full-time students (those enrolled in nine or more credits), must show improvement in their GPA within one semester. Part-time students must show improvement within their completion of their next nine credits (three courses). Failure to bring the GPA up to the 3.0 level within these parameters will cause the student to be suspended from the program. Suspended students have the right to appeal through the graduate program committee. To be awarded a master’s degree, a student must have attained at least a 3.0 cumulative graduate GPA.

Graduation

To apply for graduation, students MUST complete the formal application form online and pay the $65 graduation fee.  This application is required of ALL STUDENTS whether or not the student wishes to participate in commencement ceremonies. Application deadlines are as follows:

• February 5 for May graduation
• July 15 for August graduation, and
• September 15 for December graduation

After the deadline, a late charge of $25 will be assessed, and significant delays will occur in processing.  Graduation regalia is handled through the College Bookstore.

To participate in May commencement, a student must complete the final degree requirements in the spring session. Students completing graduation requirements during summer sessions have several options to choose from. The options are listed on the graduation application.

Awarding of an Additional Concentration, Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing or Post- Baccalaureate Certification

Additional Concentration:

1. A student holding a Masterʼs degree from York College of Pennsylvania may not receive a second Masterʼs degree in the same discipline from the College, but may elect to pursue courses leading toward a second masters-level concentration provided the following conditions are met: The student must submit an additional application for admission to the appropriate Masterʼs program coordinator for the Graham School of Business, Education or Nursing and formally matriculate in the new concentration.
2. The candidate must meet the Departmental Requirements as published in the York College of Pennsylvania Graduate Studies Catalog. The department will review the studentʼs records and indicate any additional courses that will be required to complete the requirements in the additional discipline.
3. The student must complete the Graduate Level Application for Additional Concentration available in the Records Office at the beginning of the semester in which the concentration will be completed. There is no fee for the application. The studentʼs additional concentration will be posted on the transcript at the same time as degree notes are posted. An additional diploma WILL NOT be issued.
4. The student may choose to participate in the appropriate commencement ceremony. The studentʼs name and concentration will be included in the commencement program along with the full list of candidates for degrees.

Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing:

1. The student must submit an application for admission and formally matriculate.
2. The candidate must meet the departmental requirements as published in the York College of Pennsylvania Graduate Studies Catalog. The department will review the studentʼs records and indicate any additional courses that will be required to complete the requirements.
3. The student must complete the Application for the Post-Master Certificate available in the Records Office at the beginning of the semester in which the requirements will be completed. There is a $15 fee for the application. The studentʼs Post Masterʼs certificate will be noted on the transcript at the same time as degree notes are posted and a certificate will be issued. 
4. There is no ceremony participation, but the studentʼs name will be included in the commencement program.

Post-Baccalaureate Certification:

1. The student must submit an application for admission and formally matriculate.
2. The candidate must meet the departmental requirements as published in the York College of Pennsylvania Graduate Studies Catalog. The department will review the studentʼs records and indicate any additional courses that will be required to complete the requirements.
3. The student must complete the Application for the Post-Baccalaureate Certification available in the Records Office at the beginning of the semester in which the requirements will be completed. There is a $15 fee for the application. The studentʼs Post-Baccalaureate certificate will be noted on the transcript at the same time as degree notes are posted and a certificate will be issued.
4. There is no ceremony participation, but the studentʼs name will be included in the commencement program.

Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)  (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches  the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are “eligible students.”

Eligible student have:

• The right to inspect and review the studentʼs education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Director of Records written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Director of Records will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
• The right to request the amendment of the studentʼs education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the studentʼs education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including security personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

Notification of Student Records and College Matters

While federal law restricts the information we can share, we recognize the important role parents and families play in supporting their student’s education. Our mission is to encourage students to become careful, critical and independent thinkers and decision makers. And, like parents and families, we want to guide students toward good decisions. Ultimately, our primary relationship lies directly with the student, as they are responsible for their education, their choices, and for meeting their own graduation requirements.

So that we can be effective partners in guiding the student’s academic journey, York College encourages students to openly and candidly discuss their educational experiences with parents and families. Only with such open, honest dialogue can parents and families fully support their student and help guide them to appropriate resources. While York College will not notify parents or legal guardians of student grades, academic actions, and financial matters or conduct violations, students are encouraged to disclose such issues in a timely manner. Students may opt to issue on-line proxy access to their educational and financial records.

Proxy Access to On-line Records

Students may enable access to important information pertaining to grades, eBills, etc., using the YCPWeb for Parents portal. Once enabled, the student’s designee may develop their own proxy account and thereby access information including warning grades and final grades and access the College’s eBill system for on-line deposit and tuition payments. The student must setup the account using the designee’s email address and a PIN.  The student determines and authorizes what information is available to view by the designee.

Directory Information

Directory information is distributed without prior consent of the student. Directory information is defined as a student’s name, address, email address, telephone number, date of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, class year and degree, and awards received. However, students who do not wish such information to be released or made public may inform the Records Office.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by York College of Pennsylvania to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-4605