Academic Information

Academic Policies and Procedures

Students will be responsible for program requirements and policies in force as published in the Graduate Catalog at the time of admission. The following procedures apply to both the School of Arts and Science and the LaPenta School of Business unless otherwise specified.

Graduate Admissions

The admissions offices for the School of Arts and Science and the LaPenta School of Business are available to provide information about the programs offered by the respective schools, and to assist students who wish to apply for study in any of the graduate programs at Iona University. Prospective students are invited to contact the Graduate Admissions Office in New Rochelle. Applications and other information may be obtained at the addresses listed below. All application materials, including the application, transcripts, test scores, recommendations and other required documents should be sent to the appropriate office for processing.

For programs in the School of Arts and Science at the New Rochelle campus contact:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Iona University
School of Arts and Science
715 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10801
(914) 633-2502
E-mail: gradadmissions@iona.edu
www.iona.edu/ionagrad

For programs in the LaPenta School of Business at the New Rochelle campus contact:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Iona University
LaPenta School of Business
715 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10801
(914) 633-2451
E-mail: LaPentaGrad@iona.edu
https://www.iona.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/mba/school-of-business.aspx

Application Process School of Arts and Science

Students wishing to study in the School of Arts and Science may be admitted in one of the following  ways:

Matriculated Status

All students will be admitted as matriculated unless a student is ineligible. Students who are ineligible may be admitted with conditional status (see below). Matriculation is understood to mean full admission, without limitation, to a specific program at the point of entry to the University. Admission and matriculation are granted when a student meets all departmental entry requirements and has a complete graduate file, with no missing documents or course work.  A complete graduate file for the purpose of matriculation will include:

• a completed application for admission;
• final official transcript(s) from all colleges/universities attended, including evidence of an awarded or pending bachelor degree from an accredited university;
• minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0;
• two letters of professional or academic reference from prior faculty or supervisors when requested;
• specific materials, prerequisites or interviews as required by some departments/majors; and
• a current resumé.

The School of Arts and Science and the graduate departments and programs of the School reserve the right to withhold matriculation under circumstances or conditions which may be noted by either the Dean’s Office or the department of proposed major.

Conditional Status

Students will be admitted as conditional when one or more criteria required for matriculation have not been met. Conditional is understood to mean that a student is fully admitted to a specific program, but has specific conditions or criteria outstanding at the time of entry. These issues must be addressed prior to the removal of restrictions placed on the student. Ordinarily, a conditional student may take or complete no more than 15 credits. Conditional students who successfully meet the terms of the conditions are allowed to continue in their program without limitation. Students who, for whatever reason, fail to meet conditions at the conclusion of their first term or the completion of 15 credits, may be dismissed from the program or held from continuing to take classes until conditions have been satisfied. Further details regarding conditional status can be found under individual graduate department and program information in this catalog. The minimum materials necessary for a person to be considered for conditional status are:

• a completed application for admission; and
• copies of original transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, including evidence of an awarded or pending bachelor degree from an accredited university.

The School of Arts and Science reserves the right to alter requirements and conditions which may be noted by the Dean’s Office in consultation with the department of proposed major.

Visiting Students

Students who wish to take selected courses but not apply for a degree or certificate program may take classes as visiting students. Credits taken in this status may be applied toward a degree or certificate program only at the discretion of the faculty, if the student is admitted to such a program at a later date. A maximum of twelve (12) graduate credits may be taken as a visiting student. Application is made through the Admissions Office.

The School of Arts and Science reserves the right to advance and alter requirements regarding admission, the arrangement of courses, the curriculum, requirements for graduation and degrees, and other regulations affecting the student body. Such regulations will govern both incoming and matriculating students and will be effective as determined by Iona University.

LaPenta School of Business

Qualified holders of a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in any discipline from accredited undergraduate institutions may apply for admission. The admission decision is based on evaluation of a completed application file which must include:

• an official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended;
• one letter of professional or academic reference from prior faculty or supervisor;
• a current resumé; and
• any other requirements specified by the Admissions Committee.

Applications are processed on a continuing basis and decisions on admission are made when the application file is complete. Applications are valid for one year from the day they are received. Students who do not register in the term for which they are accepted may apply in writing for admission to a subsequent term within a one-year limit.

Matriculated Status

Candidates who meet the program admission requirements are accepted with matriculated status and are considered to be matriculating toward the degree. They are expected to maintain an index of 3.0 or be subject to academic probation or dismissal.

Conditional Status

Students will be admitted as conditional when one or more criteria required for matriculation have not been met. Conditional is understood to mean that a student is fully admitted to a specific program, but has specific conditions or criteria outstanding at the time of entry. Conditional students who successfully meet the terms of the conditions are allowed to continue in their program without limitation. Students who, for whatever reason, fail to meet conditions, may be dismissed from the program or held from continuing to take classes until conditions have been satisfied. The minimum materials necessary for a person to be considered for conditional status are:

• A completed application for admission; and

• Copies of original transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, including evidence of an awarded or pending bachelor degree from an accredited university.

The LaPenta School of Business reserves the right to alter requirements and conditions which may be noted by the Dean’s Office in consultation with the department of proposed concentration.

Non-Matriculated Status

A limited number of students may be accepted on a provisional basis and are designated as non-matriculated. These students are evaluated for matriculation after the completion of their first term. They must attain an index of at least 3.0 for matriculation and continuation in the program.

Visiting Student Status

Qualified students may take graduate courses for transfer credit with the approval of the appropriate department chair and dean. They must have a cumulative index of at least 3.0 and an index of 3.0 or higher in their major.
A maximum of six credits may be applied toward a graduate degree with the approval of the dean.

International Students

An international student is neither a US citizen nor permanent resident (“green card holder”) of the United States. The deadline for applications from international students is June 15 for the fall semester, October 1 for the winter trimester, and November 1 for the spring semester. In matters concerning non-immigrant status, credential evaluations, financial issues or other concerns, international students should contact the International Student Advisor in the Admissions Office at (914) 633-2502 or admissions@iona.edu.

1. International students wanting to study at Iona University must complete the Pearson Test of English (PTE). There is no cost associated with the Pearson Test of English
2. Results of an English proficiency examination. Students whose secondary studies were conducted in a language other than English must provide the results of either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (www.ets.org/toefl), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Students who take the TOEFL must achieve a score of 80 on the internet-based test IBT; a score of 213 on the computer-based test; or a score of 550 on the paper-based test. Students who take the IELTS must achieve a score of at least 6.5.
3. Official transcripts, marksheets, examination results (such as “O” or “A” levels), leaving certificates, degree certificates or other academic documents for all colleges/universities attended in the original language and in English translation performed by an official translator or by the institution issuing the document.
4. Graduate students must have college or university level documents evaluated on a course-by-course basis by a NACES-Accredited evaluation service:
5. Results of Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), or other external examinations, if applicable
6. Completed “Iona University Application for Form I-20” if the student will apply for an F-1 visa. Documentation that demonstrates that the student and/or family/sponsor has the financial resources to support the student’s cost of education (including tuition, fees, books, living expenses, health insurance) while enrolled must be provided.  Bank statements must show equivalencies in US dollars.

NOTE: Official documents must be in the original language and be accompanied by a translation into English done by a professional language translation service or the institution originating the document.

Immunization Requirements

New York State Public Health Law, Section 2164, requires certain immunizations for all college/university and other post-secondary students born after January 1, 1957. In order to attend classes, all students must provide proof of immunity against measles, mumps and rubella.  Proof may be from physician records, previous school records, or serological testing.

New York State recently passed a law requiring ALL students attending college to (1) receive the Menoumune (Meningitis) vaccine, (2) provide prior proof of vaccination (must be from health care practitioner), OR (3) sign a waiver to decline the meningitis vaccine. ALL Iona University students must comply with this law.  

If students have any questions regarding these requirements, they should contact Health Services at (914) 633-2548.

Transfer Credit

Upon admission, a student in the School of Arts and Science may request evaluation of up to six hours of graduate credit for possible transfer into the Iona graduate program. The credit must have been awarded at an accredited institution within five years of the date the request was initiated, and have a grade of “B” or better. The evaluation will be completed by the department chair or program director with approval of the dean.  Pass/Fail courses are not eligible for such evaluation. Transfer credit will be granted if the course content is comparable to an appropriate course in the Iona degree program, and the course has not been used to meet the requirements of another degree or certificate. An official transcript and course syllabus must be submitted. Grades of transfer courses will not be included in the computation of the grade point average (GPA) at Iona and will not be listed on the Iona transcript.

After enrollment in the program, permission to take a course in another program at Iona or at an accredited institution must be approved in writing by the department chair or dean of the School of Arts and Science before the course is taken.  A limit of six (6) transfer credits are permitted in a program in the School of Arts and Science, inclusive of credits taken before entering the Iona program and while in the Iona program.

For students enrolled in the LaPenta School of Business, transfer credit is ordinarily awarded only for courses in the core. In exceptional cases, limited credit may be awarded for advanced courses. In the case of required advanced courses, permission may be given to substitute another course in that subject.

A student who wishes to transfer to another graduate program at Iona must notify both graduate programs in writing and file an official application form with the appropriate dean’s office to which the transfer is made. The number of courses to be transferred into the new program will be determined by the department chair and approved by the appropriate dean. Grades from inter-school transfers will be computed in the cumulative grade point average.

Credit Hours

Graduate Semester:

In any semester, 15 periods of instruction of 120 minutes each normally constitutes three credit hours. Variations from this standard are indicated in the descriptions for affected courses. Examinations and quizzes are included within the 15 periods. In addition to the periods of instruction, at least 60 hours of supplementary assignments are also required per credit. 120 minutes per week * 15 weeks = 1800 minutes (30 hours). Additional hours of supplementary work required.

Graduate Trimester:

In any semester, 11 periods of instruction of 195 minutes each normally constitutes three credit hours. Variations from this standard are indicated in the descriptions for affected courses. Examinations and quizzes are included within the 11 periods. In addition to the periods of instruction, at least 72 hours of supplementary assignments are also required per credit. 195 minutes per week * 11 weeks = 2145 minutes (35.75 hours). Additional hours of supplementary work required.

Academic Counseling and Advisement

The School of Arts and Science places strong emphasis on student advisement. Advisement is available for new and continuing students throughout the academic year from the chair or a full-time faculty member who is assigned to the student as academic advisor. Advisement sessions are devoted to assessing students’ progress in the program and providing support and guidance for their professional growth and career goals. However, it is the responsibility of the individual student to seek out such counseling and to be familiar with the course of study and policies and procedures governing his/her progress toward the degree.

The LaPenta School of Business provides academic advising for all graduate business students. However, in the area of program and long-range career planning and certification advice, it is the responsibility of individual students to seek out such counseling and to be familiar with the policies and procedures governing their progress toward the degree. It is imperative that students consult their approved plan of study prior to each registration period. Personal and telephone advisement is available in the Assistant Dean’s Office. All faculty members provide conference hours for students upon request.

Students may call the department of their major in the School of Arts and Science or LaPenta School of Business for information about arranging advisement appointments.

Readmission

Students who have been inactive for one year (two semesters) or more in the School of Arts and Science, or for three trimesters or more in the LaPenta School of Business must file an application for readmission and remit a reapplication fee.  Students should note that requests for readmission will be reviewed under the admission requirements in place at the time that the request is submitted. Admission criteria may change over time due to accreditation or program requirements.

Registration

Continuing students register online using their Peoplesoft self-service accounts. Please check the registrar’s web site for course information, web registration and dates (www.iona.edu/registrar).

Updated course schedules for the School of Arts and Science and the LaPenta School of Business can be found at www.iona.edu.

Students who are interested in maintaining financial aid eligibility should consult Student Financial Services for enrollment/registration requirements. A student who is registered for 9 credits in a semester or trimester will be considered as having full-time status.

Iona University reserves the right to cancel any course for which there is insufficient registration.

School of Arts and Science

New students in the School of Arts and Science must register in person at the New Rochelle campus during the time specified in the academic calendar.

Several departments require students to secure the signature of a departmental advisor on the program card at each registration. Consult registration materials for program applicability. Mailed or emailed registrations for these programs must include a signed program card and registration form.

LaPenta School of Business

New students receive complete registration packets and are invited to attend an orientation/advisement registration session prior to the onset of classes. Students may register for classes without an advisor’s signature. Advisement with an associate or assistant dean, however, is strongly recommended to ensure that concentration and certificate objectives can be met.

Auditing

Students holding a bachelor’s degree and wishing to audit a course must receive approval from the department chair and the Dean’s Office before registering. Permission to audit depends in part on the space available in a class. Auditors are not required to satisfy the requirements for credit or participate in class discussion. Students may transfer from credit to audit before the mid-point of the semester with the written approval of the instructor and the dean. Students may not transfer from audit to credit after the first meeting of the course. Audit students receive grade reports to indicate they have completed the course. A student seeking to audit an MBA course must be an acceptable candidate for the program.

Special Sessions

Graduate students may take courses during two five-week summer sessions (Summer Sessions Il and III), and during the two-week January Intersession. Courses completed during these special sessions will be credited toward the degree in the same manner as courses completed during the academic year. Some programs may restrict the total number of summer session credits applicable to a degree program. See the academic calendar for the dates of registration.

Due to the brevity and intensity of the sessions, some special policies prevail and are noted in the catalogs announcing the special session courses. Students may enroll for a maximum of six credits in each summer session.

Academic Standing

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0. The grade point average is calculated by dividing the number of credit hours attempted into the number of quality points earned. The following quality points are awarded for each credit hour of the corresponding grade: A, 4; A-, 3.67; B+, 3.33; B, 3; B-, 2.67; C+, 2.33; C, 2; F, 0.

Students who fail to meet this standard will be placed on probation automatically. The Dean’s Office will make every effort to inform the student of his/her probationary status. However, it is the responsibility of the student to adhere to the requirements for good academic standing.

A student on probation will meet with the appropriate adviser to discuss the conditions of probation. Ordinarily, students will be limited to three credits in two consecutive semesters in which to raise their grade point average to a 3.0. If a student’s GPA cannot be raised to a 3.0 within six credits of work, the student will be dismissed. Students will be informed of dismissal by the Dean’s Office.

A student who is dismissed for academic reasons may appeal. Appeals must be made in writing to the Department Chair, with a copy to the Dean’s office, within the time frame specified in the notice. Students who wish to have an appeal considered must provide the following:

1. A typewritten explanation of the perceived error made in the initial evaluation warranting the dismissal.
2. Official and supporting documentation of extraordinary circumstances that they wish to be considered as part of the appeal.

Appeals will be considered by the department and the Dean’s office, and students will be notified of the decision rendered.

Fresh Start Policy

Graduate students in the School of Arts and Science or the LaPenta School of Business with a cumulative index below 3.0 who leave lona University, either voluntarily or as a result of academic dismissal, may seek readmission in a different program through the “fresh start” policy after a lapse of one calendar year. A petition, addressed to the dean, must be accompanied by a readmission application and indicate the circumstances leading to the insufficient cumulative index, with relevant supporting material, and demonstrate why the original choice of degree program was not in the student’s best interest. The dean will forward the petition to the department for review.

If the department and the dean approve the request, the registrar will inscribe a double line on the student’s official transcript. Credits above the line will be treated as transfer credits subject to a request by the student and approval of the department. A maximum of six credits may be considered for transfer by the department at the time of matriculation. Credits below the double line will be calculated in the regular manner. The Fresh Start Rule may be applied only once. Students dismissed due to academic dishonesty and/or violations of ethical/professional standards are not eligible for the Fresh Start policy.

Grading

The following letter grades are used in rating academic performance:

Note: Students should understand that grades below B do not constitute satisfactory progress toward graduation.

* Pass (P), High Pass (HP), or Unsatisfactory (U) grades will be granted in supervised clinical field experiences and some seminars and workshops. Students in these courses will be advised of this grading plan at the first class meeting. No course will be offered for both letter grades and Pass/ Unsatisfactory.

Incomplete Grade Policy

If for serious reasons, students are unable to complete one or more requirements of a course, including the final examination, students may wish to apply for an “Incomplete.” Students must submit a written request for review and approval to the course instructor by the last day of classes. If the request is granted, the time for submitting outstanding work is extended one full semester/trimester. The faculty member will notify the student of the missing assignment(s) and examinations with the option to give a due date before the one noted above. An extension of one additional semester/trimester may be granted to students who are making acceptable progress towards completing outstanding work. Extensions must be sought in writing to the instructor. Instructors are responsible to notify their academic dean of the granting of an Incomplete grade and/or the granting of an extension. In all cases of “Incomplete” grades, if the course requirements are not met within the extended period of time, the final grade will be recorded at the discretion of the instructor. 

Grade Appeals

A student who believes that an error has been made in assigning a grade should discuss the basis upon which the grade was determined with the instructor and should put his/her concern in writing. If the student is not satisfied with the assigned grade after this review of the grading criteria for the course and his/her performance in it, an appeal may be made to the department chair. This appeal should be made in writing, stating the basis upon which the grade is questioned. Following the review, if the student is not satisfied with the chairperson’s decision, an appeal may be made, in writing, to the associate dean, and if not satisfied, to the dean. In the School of Arts and Science, an appeal of the chairperson’s decision may be made, in writing, to the dean. All appeals must be filed in writing with the instructor no later than 30 days after the start of the next term excluding the summer sessions.

Repeating Failed Courses

(LaPenta School of Business Only)

Failing grades in at most two courses in a student’s program can be replaced according to this policy.  When a student repeats a course after failing to pass it on the first attempt, the grade received on the second attempt shall replace the initial grade in the calculation of the student’s GPA.  A failed course may be repeated only once.   Both attempts are reflected on the student’s transcript. A course completed with a passing grade may not be repeated. A student who fails an elective has the option of taking the same course again (if offered) and the student’s GPA will be recalculated.  The student may take a different elective but it will not count as a repeated course, and the grade will not replace the grade from the failed course. The program is under no obligation to offer electives to allow a student to repeat the elective course that was not successfully completed. A failing grade received as a sanction for a violation of academic integrity may not be replaced.

Cumulative Index

The cumulative index is computed by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of credits attempted. The number of quality points assigned to each grade is given below:

*Converted to an “F” if a grade change is not filed by the date indicated in the academic calendar.

The cumulative index is computed for each student at the end of each semester and, for those students who attend the summer sessions or intersession, at the end of those sessions.

Attendance Policy

Attendance at class and laboratory sessions is recorded from the first day of the semester/trimester. Students are expected to accept personal responsibility for absences, and are responsible for fulfilling all requirements and completing all assignments made in each course. They will likewise be held responsible for the entire content of each course. Instructors are not required to provide a substitute test or quiz if students are absent from the class session during which the test or quiz is given. If students are absent from laboratory periods, field trips and similar class sessions, they cannot expect that any special arrangements (e.g., setting up laboratory apparatuses) will be made for them to complete work that was missed.

Unless the reasons for absences or the quality of the student’s work justifies an exemption from the rule, a student who has been absent from 20 percent or more of the scheduled class sessions (including examinations) may be assigned the failing grade.  Any absence from class as a matter of principle is undesirable and may preclude the meeting of requirements in certain courses as delineated in individual course syllabi.

Distance Learning

Student Verification for Distance Learning Courses

• The IT Department is responsible for assuring the security of student account on the IT systems as well as ensuring that student computer IDs are passed directly to the student.
• The Office of Campus Safety is responsible for validating student’s identification prior to issuing the students ID and prior to populating the student’s photo into the University’s administrative systems. This photo is used for validating the student’s identity.
• All users of the University’s Blackboard system and any other learning management systems are responsible to comply with the University’s computer use policy. This policy specifically prohibits unauthorized use of an ID belonging to another user, unauthorized reading, use of, or deletion of private files or email belonging to another user, sharing user IDs and passwords with other users or any other person and any attempt to circumvent system protection and security features . Users are responsible for maintaining the security of usernames, passwords and any other access credentials assigned. Access credentials may not be shared or given to anyone other than the user to whom they were assigned to for any reason. Users are responsible for any and all uses of their account. Users are responsible for changing passwords periodically to maintain security. Users are held responsible for knowledge of the information contained within the most recent University catalog as well as the student handbook. Failure to read University guidelines, requirements and regulations will not exempt users from responsibility.
• Faculty teaching courses through distance education methods hold primary responsibility for verifying the student identity and to support academic integrity. CELTIC is available to train faculty on technology available to assist with this process.
• Deans are responsible for ensuring that faculty are aware of the identity verification process as part of academic integrity. Deans are also responsible for ensuring that degree programs within their units comply with these provisions.
• The Office of the Provost is responsible for ensuring that there is university-wide compliance with the identity verification and academic integrity The Office of the Provost working with CELTIC is responsible for publishing university-wide information on how identity verification processes protect student privacy. The Office of the Provost is also responsible for coordinating and ensuring that university level processes (e.g., admissions or registration) also remain in compliance with policy.

Examinations in Distance Learning Courses

Students taking examinations in Distance Learning courses will be monitored by ProctorU live online proctoring service. Students must have computers that meet all system requirements, including webcam and microphone functionality in order to use ProctorU.

Complete details regarding the use of ProctorU are available on the University website.

Compliance

• The Registrar’s office is responsible for notifying students who do not have a valid photo ID on file. Students who do not comply will not be permitted to register in DL courses.
• The Deans are expected to ensure that all faculty within their units remain in compliance with this policy. If necessary, the Provost may address non-compliance through performance reviews or other measures as appropriate.

Withdrawal From a Course

Students may withdraw from a course after obtaining a Course Withdrawal Card, having it signed by both the course professor and an advisor from the appropriate dean’s office and then submitting it to the Registrar’s Office. Consult the academic calendar for each term’s withdrawal deadline. Withdrawals by the deadline will be assigned a “W” grade. Refer to the Iona University refund policy for financial implications and tuition liabilities stemming from course withdrawals.

Withdrawal from all classes in a term is tantamount to a University withdrawal, and will be subject to federal regulations regarding the return of federal aid and/or loan money received. Please consult the University website for more information by accessing the Withdrawals, Drops and Refunds webpage.

Deferred Final Examinations

(LaPenta School of Business)

If illness or other unavoidable circumstances make it necessary for a student to miss a final examination, the student must report this to the Dean’s Office in person or by phone within 24 hours after the scheduled examination. Make-up examinations for those deferred are arranged by the Dean’s Office and are offered within the first three weeks of the following trimester. There is a $25.00 fee for each deferred examination. The date is determined by the Dean’s Office.

Faculty may not give private deferred examinations without the approval of dean, associate dean, or assistant dean of the LaPenta School of Business, except during the week prior to the submission of the grades for the trimester in which the course was taken.

Cheating and Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty

Cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty subvert both the purpose of the University and the experience students derive from being at Iona. They are offenses which harm the offender and the students who do not cheat.

The Iona community, therefore, pledges itself to do all in its power to prevent academic dishonesty, cheating and plagiarism, and to impose impartial sanctions upon those who harm themselves, their fellow students, and the entire community by academic dishonesty.

Faculty members will report all incidents of cheating, plagiarism and academic dishonesty to the dean. Every effort will be made to insure justice in any allegation of intellectual dishonesty. Educational assistance rather than adversarial proceedings may be sought. Sanctions may include failure for the assignment, failure for the course, and in the case of a second offense, dismissal from the University. Any single egregious violation of ethical and professional standards may also lead to dismissal from the University. Students who are given a failing grade as a result of cheating, plagiarism or academic dishonesty are not permitted to withdraw from the class.

Students who have been guilty of plagiarism or academic dishonesty at any point in their Iona academic career do not qualify for degrees with honor. Students dismissed because of academic dishonesty are not eligible for the Fresh Start policy.

If, in conformity with this policy, a sanction is imposed, students may appeal first, to the professor who discovered the offence; second to the department chair; and third to the academic dean of the division involved.  The decision of the academic dean is final.  A student has the right to appeal the academic dean’s decision to the provost if, and only if, the sanction involves a suspension from class or dismissal from the University. In such appeals, the decision of the provost is final.

Many disciplines have ethical and professional standards that guide the behavior of those in the profession. The academic dishonesty/cheating and plagiarism policy outlined here is not meant to replace those standards and students are advised to refer to their respective program handbooks for further details.

Change of Student Data

Students may update their contact information from within their PeopleSoft self-service accounts. Name changes are processed after completing a Name Change form available from the Registrar’s Office.

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence may be requested when a student must interrupt study for at least a year in the LaPenta School of Business or two semesters for the School of Arts and Science. Students shall be eligible for leaves of absence under conditions and with privileges as follows:

• the leave shall be granted for one year and an extension of one year may be requested;
• the time limit for completion of degree shall be extended for one year, and a second year if an extension is granted; and
• students in the LaPenta School of Business shall apply for readmission when the leave expires; students in the School of Arts and Science shall apply for reinstatement.

Time Limit

Students are not required to register for consecutive semesters. However, all graduate Arts and Science programs must be completed within five years of the date of admission; MBA programs must be completed within six years and PMC programs within two years. MBA students are not required to register or maintain matriculation for consecutive trimesters during their course of study.

Under extraordinary circumstances, a student may petition the department chairperson and the appropriate dean, in writing, for an extension.

Thesis

(School of Arts and Science)

The following policies incorporate minimum requirements for those programs that culminate in a thesis. Individual degree programs may have policies that involve further requirements.

Thesis Enrollment

1. Students electing the thesis option must register for the number of hours of thesis prescribed by the program in which they are enrolled. The signature of the department chair or the program coordinator is required for registration in thesis courses. The student should file the “Thesis Topic Approval” form at that time.
2. Thesis credits are not transferable to a non-thesis program.

Thesis Preparation

1. Students shall elect their thesis director from among the regular graduate faculty members of their program. The thesis director must be approved by the department chair. An adjunct faculty member may serve as a thesis director only with the approval of the department chair or the program coordinator.
2. Final approval of the thesis topic rests with the thesis director and the department chair. Students are responsible for filing a signed thesis topic approval form in the department of their major.
3. The thesis must represent a significant contribution to the body of knowledge in a selected field. The scope of the thesis must reflect an accomplishment on the part of the student beyond that normally expected in a graduate course or seminar paper.
4. Thesis format requirements will be developed by individual programs. Each thesis must meet the standards outlined by the department.
5. Students must submit two copies of the thesis to the department after completion of the thesis presentation. The copies must be signed by the student, the adviser, and the department chair or program coordinator. The department will submit one copy to Ryan Library. Acceptance of the thesis is required before clearance for graduation.

Thesis Presentation

1. Students will schedule their thesis presentations through the department and file the appropriate forms. Format of the thesis presentation will be left to individual departments.
2. Thesis presentations will be publicly announced by the individual departments. These will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

Honors

Students graduating with a cumulative index of 3.85 in the School of Arts and Science, or a 3.75 index in the LaPenta School of Business, will be recommended for graduation with honors. In addition, each program reserves the right to award special honors to the outstanding graduate of a particular school year.

Students who have been guilty of plagiarism or academic dishonesty at any point in their Iona academic career do not qualify for degrees with honor.

Graduation

To be eligible for degree conferral, a student must have successfully completed all of the requirements prescribed in the program by the last day of the final semester and must have attained a cumulative index of at least 3.0. Students receiving the grade of “I” (Incomplete) in any course in the final semester will automatically have their degree conferral date postponed.

Degree Candidate Form

A student bears the responsibility of informing the University of their intention to graduate. All degree candidates must file an online Degree Candidate Form available in their PeopleSoft accounts with the Registrar’s Office at least six months prior to the expected date of graduation. Deadlines appear in the academic calendar. Failure to submit this form prior to the time of final registration may result in the postponement of degree conferral.

Degrees are awarded in January, April, June and August. A formal graduation ceremony is conducted only once each year, in May. All questions relating to graduation should be directed to your dean’s office or program coordinator. Diploma availability is posted on the Registrar’s website under the DIPLOMAS section.

Official Transcripts

Iona University is partnered with the National Student Clearinghouse online transcript ordering system. Currently attending students may request a transcript through their PeopleSoft self-service account. Non-enrolled students requiring an official Iona transcript should must visit the National Student Clearinghouse website at www.getmytranscript.org. Only complete official transcripts will be released to requestors; partial, edited or redacted transcripts will not be issued under any circumstances. Transcript release will be withheld for students whose financial accounts are in arrears. Unofficial transcripts are NOT issued by Iona University.

Phi Delta Kappa

The Phi Delta Kappa Club of Iona University is an official chapter of the Phi Delta Kappa International education honorary society. The organization, which includes recognized leaders in education, inducts graduate students selected for academic excellence and service. The society seeks to stimulate the professional growth of members and deals with current problems and issues through its programs, publications, research centers and special projects. Meetings are held six times each year. For information, contact the Education Department, School of Arts and Science, (914) 633-2080.

Beta Gamma Sigma

Beta Gamma Sigma is the honor society for students enrolled in business and management programs accredited by AACSB-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Election to lifetime membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest honor a business student can receive in an undergraduate or master’s program at a school accredited by AACSB. Only students with high academic achievement and tenured business school faculty members are eligible for membership in the Society. The Society’s mission is to encourage and honor academic achievement in the study of business, and personal and professional excellence in the practice of business.