Academic Information

Academic Policies

Course Requirements

At the beginning of each semester, instructors are required to state the objectives of the course, outline all course requirements, indicate criteria to be used in evaluating the performance of students, and announce when a final examination will be given. The schedule of final examinations is published by the Office of the Registrar and can be found on the web at www.iona.edu/offices/registrar.

Attendance Policy

Attendance in class and laboratory sessions is recorded from the first class meeting of the semester. If a student enrolls in a class during the add/drop period, any absences up until that point should not count towards the number of missed class sessions. Students are responsible for fulfilling all requirements and completing all assignments 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 apparatus) will be made for them to complete work that was missed. A student who has been absent from 20% or more of the scheduled class sessions (including examinations) will be dismissed from the class and assigned the failing grade “FA”. It is within the professor’s discretion to determine if the reasons for absences justifies an exemption from the policy. Any absence from class as a matter of principle is undesirable and may preclude the meeting of requirements as delineated in individual course syllabi.

Reporting Absences

When a student is absent from three successive sessions of a course, the instructor may alert the office of the appropriate academic dean and the Office of Student Success. The student will be directed to contact his or her Academic Advisor in order to discuss the reasons for the absences, and to speak with the professor of the course, as appropriate.

Students will also receive an automated notification via email through the PeopleSoft system regarding absenteeism from a class when 15% and 20% of the class meetings in a given term have been missed, and the risk for failure if absenteeism is not addressed.

Credit Hour

In any semester, 15 periods of instruction of 52 minutes each, or 15 laboratory periods of two clock hours each, normally constitute one credit hour. 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 30 hours of supplementary assignments are also required per credit.

Grading

The following symbols are used in rating academic performance:

* Students who receive a grade of “U” in ENG 120 must repeat this course.

** Refer to “Registration” section of this bulletin for details.

*** Failure - Excessive Absences Policy (FA Grade)
Attendance in class and laboratory sessions is recorded from the first day of the semester. Students are expected to accept personal responsibility for absences, and are responsible for fulfilling all requirements and completing all assignments in 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 apparatus) will be made for them to complete work that was missed. Any absence from class as a matter of principle is undesirable and may preclude the meeting of requirements as delineated in individual course syllabi. A student who is absent from 20% or more of scheduled class sessions (including examinations) may be dismissed from the class and assigned the failing grade of FA, at the discretion of the instructor of the course.

Incomplete Grade Policy

In rare cases and after a student has filled out the “Incomplete request” form on Gaels 360, an instructor may grant a student the temporary grade of an “incomplete” for up to 3 weeks for a student who has met all of the following criteria. The student 

1. Is dealing with extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances are usually rare, outside of the student’s control and seriously reduce the amount of time a student can spend on coursework.  

2. Has completed a substantial amount of work, which usually means that the student (a) can be reasonably expected to complete the work within 3 weeks, (b) has completed ~3/4 of the coursework and (c) can reasonably be expected to pass the class based on the average of previously graded work. 

3. Is in good standing for attendance, which usually means that a student has missed less than 20% of scheduled class sessions.  

For each “incomplete” granted, the instructor is required to complete an “Incomplete grade student plan” in Gaels 360 within 48 hours of an “incomplete grade” being submitted. The “Incomplete grade student plan” will be shared with the student, advising, registrar, associate or assistant dean, and department chair. The “Incomplete grade student plan” should include 

1. Information on outstanding assignments, which includes due dates. 

2. Default grade, which is the grade the student would earn if none of the outstanding assignments are completed by the deadline.  

3. Course number and section. 

4. Instructor’s name. 

In all cases of “incomplete” grades, if the course requirements are not met within the extended period of time, the faculty member must change the final grade to the default grade entered in the “Incomplete grade student plan” by following the grade change procedure. 

The student will have up to 3 weeks from the date that grades are due for a semester to complete all outstanding work unless the instructor specifies an earlier date. The instructor is expected to grade all outstanding work and update the student’s course grade within 3 weeks and 3 days from the date that grades are due for the semester in which the “incomplete” grade is granted. 

A student cannot start taking courses in the subsequent term if a student’s grades consist of more than one “incomplete” grade in a given term unless the student is granted approval to take courses. 

Exceptions to these guidelines must be approved by the Dean of the school or director of the institute.  

Appeal of Assigned Grade

Students who believe that an error has been made in the assignment of a grade should discuss with the instructor the basis upon which the grade was determined. If, after this review of the grading criteria for the course and the student’s performance in it, the student is not satisfied with the assigned grade, an appeal may be made to the department chair. Such appeal must be made in writing, stating the basis upon which the grade is questioned and requesting a departmental review. If, following the review, the student is not satisfied with the departmental decision, final appeal may be made to the academic dean of the department involved.

FA excessive absence grades are awarded as a matter of policy and may not be appealed.

A student has until the tenth day of the new semester to have a grade other than “I” changed. If a formal appeal is in progress, the date will be extended until the appeal is duly processed.

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 deadline 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.

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence is a temporary pause in the pursuit of a degree at the University. Students who are in both good academic and disciplinary standing may request to take a leave for up to two consecutive semesters, one year of study, after which they must return to study. While on leave, students may not plan to enroll at other institutions. Students who do not return to study after an approved term on leave will have their standing in pursuit of their degree discontinued, as if they had withdrawn from the University. 

Request for a leave of absence can only be made prior to the start of any fall or spring term and is addressed through the Center for Advising and Academic Services. If approved, student records will be updated to maintaining matriculation status for each term they are absent. This update guarantees that students will be able to return to pursue their degree under the same requirements in place at the time of their previous enrollment. A leave of absence must be authorized for each of the two terms in question.

Maintaining Matriculation

Maintaining matriculation is a change in status with the University that enables a student on a planned/approved leave to access all Iona services as needed and to ensure readiness for a return to study. Access will continue for Iona email, student accounts, and all campus services. Requests for this update of status is addressed by the Center for Advising and Academic Services, prior to the start of the term in question. A nominal fee applies.

Fresh Start Rule

Students with a cumulative index below 2.0 who leave Iona, either voluntarily or as a result of academic suspension, and who seek reinstatement after a lapse of three calendar years, may apply for a “fresh start” by an appropriate appeal accompanying a readmission application. Subsequent to reinstatement, students choosing the “fresh start” option must complete a minimum of 30 credits, 12 of which must be in a major area. All grades from the point of return to study must meet the required 2.0 index in both the major and cumulative grade point average.

The granting of a “fresh start” will be noted on the student’s official transcript. Credits earned before reinstatement shall be treated as transfer credits for the purposes of the calculation of the cumulative index and for the determination of future academic status. No credit will be given for “D” grades. Credits earned after reinstatement will be calculated in the regular cumulative index. All grades, before and after the ‘fresh start’ notation, will be used for calculation toward graduation honors. The “fresh start” policy may be applied only once. Students who were academically dismissed are not eligible for reinstatement, or for this privilege.

In exceptional cases, a similar index amnesty may be applied to students with a cumulative index of less than 2.0 who wish to change from one degree program to another. The following conditions are necessary: permission of the appropriate academic dean; the credits attempted at the time of the request are at least 12, but not more than 48; the original choice of a degree program has been recognized as not being in a student’s best interest; and endorsement has been obtained from appropriate counseling and academic personnel that such a change would be of benefit to the student. The granting of index amnesty for a curriculum change does not remove any sanctions imposed for the last semester prior to the change of curriculum. Such index amnesty is granted only once.

Student Classifications

Matriculated students are those who, having met the requirements for admission to Iona University, are accepted as degree candidates and fall into one of the following categories:

Academic Standards

Iona University is committed to the pursuit of excellence. To that end, it has developed academic standards and policies to recognize those whose academic performance merits praise or to encourage those whose performance holds promise.

Honors Level

is awarded to encourage the pursuit of excellence and to reward academic achievement through public recognition (inclusion in the semesters honors lists and the conferring of degrees with honors), and through the granting of academic privileges. Criterion - a cumulative index of greater than or equal to 3.5 without rounding.

Preferred Level

is granted to encourage the pursuit of excellence and to recognize academic achievement that is above average by allowing students to avail themselves of certain academic privileges. Criterion - a cumulative index of greater than or equal to 2.5 without rounding.

Acceptable Level

is recognized when students are progressing at a level consistent with norms for graduation and warrant a semester course load of 15 credits. Criterion - a semester index and cumulative index of greater than or equal to 2.0 without rounding.

Probationary Level

is granted to students whose performance falls below the norm for graduation but who, in the judgment of the Committee on Academic Standing, give evidence of ability to improve their academic record and to benefit from special academic counseling. Criterion - a semester or cumulative index below 2.0.

Academic Standing For Non-Degree Students

Visiting undergraduate non-degree students must maintain a cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 2.0 without rounding and visiting graduate non-degree students must maintain a cumulative GPA greather than or equal to 3.0 without rounding to maintain eligibility to return for registration in upcoming terms. Iona University reserves the right to deny registration for future semesters if these GPA levels are not met. Visiting non-degree students cannot exceed 30.0 cumulative credits of course work in visiting status. Visitors must then apply to the University to matriculate into a degree program.

Honors Program

The Honors Program at Iona University is a 4-year undergraduate program that educates motivated, intellectually curious students to become skilled, compassionate, and ethical leaders. Grounded in the liberal arts, and following the interdisciplinary spirit of the Christian Brothers, the Honors Program offers a rigorous and innovative curriculum to prepare students for the future as well-informed, perceptive, and conscientious members of a diverse, everchanging world. Iona Honors students will expand their knowledge of intellectual and cultural traditions while honing their abilities to read, think, observe, inquire, and act.  They also experience the value of service for themselves, their communities, and their society. By enabling them to become acutely aware of their shared humanity, the Honors Program expects students to take to heart the fundamental realization that their current and future success calls upon them to stand as stewards for a better world.

Students are invited to join the Honors Program through Iona’s Office of Admissions. High school students are recruited for the Honors Program based on a holistic review of such materials as their application, their high school transcripts, and additional academic and extra-curricular activities. Those who are accepted into the program must maintain a 3.33 cumulative GPA. Honors Program students may major in any discipline in the School of Arts and Science, the LaPenta School of Business, the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and/or the NewYork-Presbyterian School of Health Sciences. Honors Program students achieve their academic goals with the support of the Program Director, creative faculty, and intellectually challenging mentors

Honors students are held to the highest standards of conduct and are considered exemplars of the Iona mission. All Honors students are required to sign a Statement of Intellectual Responsibility, which stipulates that any Honors student found guilty of intellectual dishonesty will be asked to leave the program. Any violation of the University’s Code of Conduct may also result in dismissal from the Honors Degree Program, as well as a loss of Honors scholarships and other program benefits.

Program Requirements

Honors students must complete a specific set of courses in the liberal arts to satisfy the Honors Program curriculum for a total of 45-46 credits.

To begin their academic journey through the Honors Program, Honors students are required to take The Honors Cornerstone (HON 150). HON 150  introduces the purpose and importance of the liberal arts to their personal growth, well-being, belonging, and social justice. Starting with HON 150 and continuing in three subsequent Honors Humanities Inquiry seminars (HON 200 , HON 250 , and HON 300 ), students will develop and hone fundamental skills that are tied to concrete learning outcomes. These student learning outcomes include the following: writing and critical thinking, expansive ways of thinking, oral communication, critical reading and information literacy, multicultural appreciation, and awareness of power constructs/bias. To expand and extend students’ ways of thinking, Honors students will balance the use of cutting edge technological resources with tried and true methods of intellectual and personal inquiry, including active encounters with seminal texts and materials, academic journal writing, and regular seminar discussion.

In the Honors Experience course (HON 350 ), Honors students will select from a variety of service-learning opportunities to experience first-hand the intrinsic value of the humanities and the liberal arts when addressing current, pressing issues facing fellow humans locally, regionally, and internationally.

To fulfill the culminating senior-year Honors requirement, students have an array of options from which to choose, including a thesis project, a colloquium course, a service-leadership course, as well as discipline-specific capstone courses for majors in EDU and NUR.

In addition to Honors-designated courses, students must complete courses in the natural sciences, computer science, mathematics, the social sciences, and in the areas of diversity, cross-cultural and global perspectives (DCCG).

Please note, Honors students in accelerated-degree programs may work with the Honors Program office and the Center for Advising to complete the Honors Program requirements while remaining on their accelerated-program timeline.

Students who successfully complete all requirements of the Honors Program, including presenting their senior research project, are awarded honors medals at the end of senior year. These students receive special recognition during the Spring Honors Convocation, and an Honors seal is affixed to their diplomas. Completion of the program is noted on official transcripts.

Honors Core (18 credits)

Additional Honors Requirements in STEM, the Social Sciences, and DCCG (27-28 credits)

Honors Program Benefits

Honors students in good standing may receive up to six free credits each academic year, which they can use during special sessions, for study abroad tuition-related costs, or for any credits beyond the credit limit that regular tuition covers in a given semester. These free credits are designed to facilitate double majors and minors-they are granted to provide Honors students with the most educational opportunities possible during their four years at Iona University. 

Additionally, Honors students have priority registration, making it easier for students to arrange their complicated schedules. Student representatives serve along with faculty members and administrators on the Honors Council, the policy-making body of the Honors Program.

Honors students can also apply to the American Express Fund, established from a grant received from the American Express Foundation. Honors students can apply for these monies for a variety of undergraduate research purposes. Grant proposals most likely to receive approval are those that make possible academic research, a humanitarian or spiritual experience, or intellectual or artistic pursuit that is outside of the standard curricular and programmatic boundaries of the University.

Honor Societies

Various honor societies at Iona sponsor activities that are specifically designed for students who are striving for academic excellence and who wish to pursue their disciplines beyond the requirements and the exposure of the classroom. Requirements for membership differ according to the constitution of each society, but academic performance as measured by students’ cumulative index is always an important consideration. According to their interests and abilities, students might hold membership in one or more of the following societies:

• Alpha Kappa Delta (International Honor Society in Sociology)
• Alpha Mu Gamma (National University Foreign Language Honor Society)
• Beta Alpha Psi (The International Accounting Honor Society)
• Beta Beta Beta (National Biology Honor Society)
• Beta Gamma Sigma (Honors Society for AACSB accredited business programs)
• Gamma Sigma Epsilon (Chemistry)
• Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice Honor Society)
• Financial Management Association Honor Society
• Golden Key International Honour Society
• Gamma Kappa Alpha (Italian)
• Sigma Delta Pi (National Spanish Honor Society)
• Lambda Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice)
• Kappa Tau Alpha (Mass Communication Honor Society)
• Omicron Delta Epsilon (National Honor Society in Economics)
• Phi Alpha (National Social Work Honor Society)
• Phi Alpha Theta (History Honor Society)
• Pi Lambda Theta (Education Honor Society)
• Pi Mu Epsilon (National Mathematics Honor Society)
• Phi Sigma Tau (Philosophy)
• Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honor Society)
• Psi Chi (National Psychology Honor Society)
• Sigma Iota Rho (International Studies Honor Society)
• Sigma Pi Sigma (National Honor Society in Physics)
• Sigma Tau Delta (National Honor Society in English)
• Speech Communication Honor Society
• Theta Alpha Kappa (National Religious Studies Honor Society)
• Upsilon Pi Epsilon (National Honor Society in Computer Science)
• Delta Epsilon Sigma

Iona also sponsors a chapter of Delta Epsilon Sigma, the National Honor Society of Colleges with a Catholic tradition. Membership is highly selective. Qualifying seniors are inducted annually.

By inviting carefully selected students to its membership, the Cornelian Honor Society recognizes leadership in curricular and non-curricular activities, service to the community, and scholastic achievement.

Academic Privileges

Iona provides a number of academic privileges to encourage excellence not only in the acquisition of knowledge but also in using knowledge in everyday life. These privileges enable students to explore new areas, to put theory into practice, and to give expression to the ideal of service to others. Students with honors-level standing and preferred level standing, with the requisite permission and provided they meet specified criteria may avail themselves of the following privileges:

• admission to honors societies
• admission to honors courses
• credit by examination
• courses beyond degree requirements
• graduate courses
• independent study
• index-free grading

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for graduation, students must:

1. Earn a minimum of 120 credits for a BA, and 120 credits for a BBA. Some BS degrees require more than 120 credits (check the major description for details);
2. Satisfactorily complete all requirements of the degree program in which they are registered, including the capstone experience which may be set by departments and schools; and
3. Maintain a minimum average of “C” (i.e., 2.0) in both their major index and overall cumulative index. The major and cumulative indices will be calculated based on the method indicated in the Academic Information section of this catalog.

To participate in the Spring Commencement ceremony the following requirements must be met:

Baccalaureate Degree Students:

Must have no more than 6 outstanding credits or 2 classes at the end of the spring semester. These final credits must be completed over the summer either at Iona or, with permission from The Center for Advising, in consultation with the Major department, at another college or university. Proof of enrollment for the outstanding credits MUST be presented and verified.

Graduation Application

A student bears the responsibility of informing the University of their intention to graduate. All degree candidates must file an online Application for Graduation 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 application. 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, 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.

Graduation Rate

The University is required to publish the following information concerning graduation rates:

For students entering Fall 2016:

(Source: Iona University Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning )

Retention Rate

One Year Retention Rate

Academic Recognition

Dean’s Honor List

A student who is enrolled full time in a given semester, exclusive of any credits earned with index-free grading, with a scholarship index of at least 3.5, and with no grade less than “C” will be placed on the Dean’s Honor List for the semester.

Dean’s Recognition

Part-time, matriculated, undergraduate students who complete 12 or more credits in the academic year, exclusive of any earned with index-free grading, with a scholarship index of at least 3.5, will be eligible for Dean’s Recognition. This award will be given at the end of the spring semester.

Undergraduate Graduation Latin Honors

Students entering Iona University as new freshmen are awarded Latin Honors status on their undergraduate baccalaureate degrees as follows:

Students entering Iona University as transfers are also awarded Latin Honors status on their undergraduate baccalaureate degrees per the table above, but must complete a minimum of 56 credits in residence.

Transfer students with 30-55 Iona credits in residence and an index of 3.500 or higher will graduate with Distinction.

NOTE: In computing the final index for honors, only courses taken at Iona will be included. Credits granted for prior learning (life experience) or CLEP are not included in the residency credits.

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

Commencement Awards

At the end of each academic year, a number of awards are given to recognize outstanding academic achievement. In addition to departmental awards, a number of special awards are given to acknowledge meritorious performance, not only in scholarship but also in those leadership and community service activities toward which a liberal arts education is directed. These include:

The Cardinal’s Award for Proficiency in Studies

Criteria for award:

The winner of the Cardinal’s Award for Proficiency in Studies must show excellence as relates to the spirit of Catholic Higher Education and must fulfil the following criteria:

• Completed a minimum of 50% of credits at Iona University
• A cumulative and major/minor GPA greater than or equal to 3.25 without rounding
• Participation in scholarly activities in religious studies or theology (or relevant topics in Philosophy, English, or History) in the form of research papers, projects, or presentations, conference or workshop participation, internships or volunteering in applied areas of these disciplines, or a research assistantship for a member of the Religious Studies (or other relevant) faculty. 
• All other criteria being equal, the breadth of coursework completed by the student across various disciplines, service to the College or community, or leadership roles taken on by the student on campus or in the community can be taken into consideration.
• Nominations for this award may come from all schools on campus, as well as offices with knowledge of students who may be appropriately nominated for this award.

Procedure and timeline:

• The Registrar’s Office should provide the list of eligible students to the Religious Studies Department and the Chair of the Steering Committee for the Catholic Intellectual Tradition Series program. 

• Chairs of the relevant departments/committee should convene and submit their nomination(s) to the relevant Dean’s Office by March 1.
• Deans should forward their final decision to the Provost’s Office by March 7^th or 15^th (or two months prior to commencement).

The Rice Memorial Medal for Excellence

Criteria for medal:

The winner of the Rice Memorial Medal for Excellence must demonstrate an appreciation for, understanding of, and capabilities tied to the liberal arts. The award winner will also demonstrate the aforementioned in concert with activities, projects, and work that most closely reflects the values of Blessed Edmund Rice: service, overcoming hardship, and being an example to those around them. This medal is presented by the Dean and faculty of the school of Arts & Science.

• Completed a minimum of 50% of credits at Iona University.
• A cumulative and major/minor GPA greater than or equal to 3.5 without rounding
• Student must have a major in the School of Arts & Science
• All things being equal, the medal is weighted towards students with more credits at Iona

Procedure and timeline for nomination:

• The registrar’s office should provide the list of eligible students to the office of the Dean of Arts & Science by February 1.
• The Dean will then forward the list to the relevant Department Chairs.
• Chairs of relevant departments should submit their nominations to their Dean’s Office by March 1.
• Deans should forward their final decisions to the Provost’s Office by March 7^th or 15^th (or two months prior to commencement).

The Henry L. Logan Medal for Excellence in the Sciences

The winner of the Dr. Henry L. Logan Medal for Excellence in Science must be a declared major in one of the STEM disciplines and must demonstrate the following criteria:

• Completed a minimum of 50% credits at Iona University.
• A cumulative and major GPA greater than or equal to 3.5 without rounding with consideration for the breadth, depth, and load of coursework completed.
• Participation in academic and scholarly activities in STEM, such as research projects, STEM teaching or tutoring, and internships in STEM fields.
• If a winner is not clearly defined by the first two criteria, the students’ leadership and service to the STEM departments, and then service to the college and community at large, will be taken into consideration.

A committee of STEM faculty will participate in the selection of the awardee and make a recommendation to the Dean.

Procedure and timeline:

• The Registrar’s Office should provide the list of eligible students to the Office of the Dean of Arts & Science by February 1. 
• The Dean will then forward the list to the relevant department Chairs (Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science and Mathematics).
• Chairs of the relevant departments should submit their nominations to the Dean’s Office by March 1. 
• The Dean should forward their final decisions to the Provost’s Office by March 7^th or 15^th (or two months prior to commencement).

The Roth Memorial Medal for Excellence in Business

Criteria for medal:

The Roth Memorial Medal for Excellence in Business is presented to a student with a declared major within the LaPenta School of Business and who meets the following criteria:

• Completed a minimum of 50% of credits at Iona University.
•  A cumulative and major GPA greater than or equal to 3.5 without rounding
• Participation in scholarly activities within LaPenta School of Business. This includes involvement in research or entrepreneurship projects, or internship activities.  
• If the criteria above are equal, more weight will be given to the students’ leadership and service to the departments, the University, and community.

The Dean of LaPenta School of Business and department chairs will nominate deserving students and make the final decision.

Procedure and timeline:

• The Registrar’s Office should provide the list of eligible students to the Office of the Dean of LaPenta School of Business by February 1. 
• The Dean will then forward the list to the relevant Department Chairs.
• Chairs of the relevant departments should submit their nominations to the Dean’s Office by March 1. 
• The Dean should forward their final decisions to the Provost’s Office by March 7^th or 15^th (or two months prior to commencement).

The Iona Medal for Excellence in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Criteria for medal:

The winner of the Iona Medal for Excellence in the Social & Behavioral Sciences must be a major or a minor in one of the Social or Behavioral Sciences (Psychology, Criminal Justice & Sociology, Economics, or Political Science) and must fulfil the following criteria:

• Completed a minimum of 50% of credits at Iona University
• A cumulative and major/minor GPA greater than or equal to 3.5 without rounding
• Participation in scholarly activities in the social or behavioral sciences such as research papers, projects, or presentations, conference or workshop participation, internships or volunteering in applied areas of these disciplines, or a research assistantship for a member of the social/behavioral sciences faculty. 
• All other criteria being equal, the breadth of coursework completed by the student across various disciplines, service to the University or community, or leadership roles taken on by the student on campus or in the community can be taken into consideration. 

Procedure and timeline:

• The Registrar’s Office should provide the list of eligible students to the Office of the Dean of Arts & Science by February 1. 
• The Dean will then forward the list to the relevant Department Chairs (Psychology, Criminal Justice & Sociology, Economics, or Political Science).
• Chairs of the relevant departments should submit their nominations to the Dean’s Office by March 1. 
• The Dean should forward their final decisions to the Provost’s Office by March 7^th or 15^th (or two months prior to commencement).

The Iona Medal for Excellence in Business Administration

Criteria for medal:

The winner of the Iona Medal for Excellence in Business Administration must be a major in a business field and meet at least the following criteria:

• Completed a minimum of 50% of credits at Iona University.
• A cumulative and major/minor GPA greater than or equal to 3.5 without rounding
• Breadth of courses completed across the curriculum
• A distinguished collegiate academic record in business with excellence in scholarship and overall accomplishments.
• If candidates are similar in the above criteria, greater consideration will be given to students with more credits completed at Iona University.

The LaPenta School of Business departments and the Dean’s office may nominate students for this medal. A committee of representative faculty members (normally the academic department chairs) in coordination with the Dean’s Office will select the medalist from among the students nominated.

Procedure and timeline for nomination:

• The registrar’s office should provide the list of eligible students to the relevant Deans’ Offices by February 1.
• The Deans will then forward the list to the relevant Department Chairs.
• Chairs of relevant departments should submit their nominations to their Dean’s Office by March 1.
• Deans should forward their final decisions to the Provost’s Office by March 7^th or 15^th (or two months prior to commencement).

Other commencement awards include:

• The Sullivan Award for Demonstration of the Concepts of Loyalty and Scholarship;
• The Joseph E. Powell Award for High Qualities of Spirit, Dedication and Generosity;
• The Julia Friedman Memorial Award for the graduate whose daily life and activities have shown great love and capacity for truth in dealing with others; and
• The Robert Schoenherr Memorial Award for the accounting graduate who has demonstrated academic achievement and humanitarian concerns.

Information on the standards for departmental awards is available in the office of the appropriate department chair.

Academic Scholarships

To encourage students to develop their academic abilities, Iona offers a number of scholarships on the basis of academic merit. These are described in the “Financial Aid” section of this bulletin.

Enrichment Program

A full education should involve more than the completion of certain academic courses. It should include an involvement with the arts, participation in societies which pursue an academic discipline in depth, and attendance at lectures which involve faculty and students from many disciplines in discussion. Iona University encourages all students to involve themselves in enrichment activities. The following are key activities which are open to members of the student body.

Iona hosts honor societies for most academic disciplines. These encourage students to pursue their academic interests beyond the classroom through study projects, lectures and general interchange among the members.

Information about campus-wide clubs, fraternities and sororities, and other opportunities for campus involvement is available in the Office of Student Development. Students who are interested in community service will find many opportunities available through Campus Ministries. Information about Iona’s vibrant intramural athletics programs is available in the Athletics Department.

There are a number of co-curricular activities which also contribute to the intellectual, social and cultural development of the student. These include the Iona Pipers, several publications, the Dance Ensemble, The Players, and The Singers. Iona encourages students to involve themselves in such activities.

AI Use Policy 

Courses at Iona University may allow the use of generative artificial intelligence tools (such as ChatGPT/GPT-4, Gemini etc) at the discretion of the professor. Professors who allow the use of generative AI tools in their courses must state it explicitly in their syllabus and indicate the following: which AI tools students may use; which assignments they may be used for; and how students may use them.   

Students may not use generative AI tools towards the completion of any course assignment unless its use is permitted in the course syllabus. Unauthorized uses of generative AI tools will be treated as instances of academic dishonesty. Students who use generative AI in courses where it is permitted are responsible for their submission and should be aware of the following issues with generative AI tools:  

• AI generated materials may infringe on materials that have copyright protection and/or are the intellectual property of others.   

• Students may not enter any confidential, identifiable, or sensitive materials into an AI tool as this not only violates confidentiality rules but, in some cases, particularly in the Health Sciences, may also violate HIPAA rules.   

• Students should be aware that generative AI often provides inaccurate information. Students are expected to check AI output for factual errors and incorrect information.  

Cheating and Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty

Cheating and plagiarism 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 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 and plagiarism 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 instance or an egregious violation of ethical and professional standards, dismissal from the University.

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

If, in conformity with this policy, a sanction is imposed, students may appeal first, to the professor who discovered the offense; 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.

Academic Standing and Recovery

Academic standing examines a student’s grades and credits attempted versus earned, as a means of tracking academic progress toward degree completion.  The goal of this review is to ensure that students are aware of their standing and of the support that may be needed to successfully complete their degree.  Students who do not earn the minimum grades, or do not make progress toward degree completion may be placed on a recovery plan, may be suspended, or may be dismissed from the University, as outlined below. 

Academic Standing

Academic standing is defined by a student’s grade point average (GPA). Students with a GPA greater than or equal to 2.0 are considered to be in good academic standing while students with a GPA less than 2.0 are considered to be in a probationary level. Iona University provides a variety of academic supports to students whose GPA is below 2.0 and offers professional academic counseling and resources to assist students to realize their full potential and to deal appropriately with obstacles to their academic success.

Academic Review

The following are review processes to determine a student’s academic standing and degree progress.

Progress Grades

All first semester students, including freshmen and transfer students, as well as designated special populations, will receive progress grades at the end of the 6^th week of a fall or spring term.  This is a discussion grade for students, faculty, and their advisors and is not part of the permanent record.  Freshmen will receive progress grades in both the first and second term.

Students who receive grades less than C as a part of these grades will be contacted by specific student support offices inviting one-on-one meetings to assess student risk and need for support services.  Students are encouraged to act promptly on these matters for the best possible outcome and grade.  Students needing further academic review or assistance are guided to meet with an Advisor in the Center for Advising.

Academic Recovery

Students will be placed on academic recovery whenever their semester, major, or cumulative index falls below 2.0, necessary for graduation. Students in academic recovery have their progress reviewed at the end of each semester to assure evidence of sufficient improvement to warrant continued matriculation. Students in academic recovery will be required to meet defined expectations as a condition of continued enrollment.

Requirements include:

• Achieve a term/cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 2.0,
• Earn major GPA of 2.0 or higher as specified for your major
• Attend all course meetings,
• Use academic support services,
• Register for CDS 1201.

Additional requirements may include:

• Limited course enrollment

Academic suspension may result when students fail to meet the conditions set for academic recovery.

Termination of Matriculation

Termination of matriculation may take the following forms:

1. Academic Suspension - Failure to meet the conditions set for academic recovery, or failure to successfully complete any enrolled courses may result in a temporary separation from the University. A suspension is usually a minimum of one full term before reinstatement would be considered. When applying to return to study, suspended students must present evidence of their ability to continue successfully. A letter of appeal must accompany a completed application for readmission.  
2. Academic Dismissal - It is a permanent separation from the University. It is automatically imposed in cases of suspended students who were reinstated and failed to meet the conditions of readmission, fresh start rule, or academic recovery.

Appeals

Students are notified of a change in academic standing within two weeks of the conclusion of each full term. Students may appeal any decision rendered, in writing and with appropriate supporting documentation, to the Academic Standing Committee convened by the Provost’s Office.  The Academic Standing Committee reviews all documentation provided by the student in order to render a decision. Decisions of the Academic Standing Committee are final.

Academic Planning

Iona makes every effort to provide the resources necessary for students to pursue a baccalaureate degree; however, it recognizes the ultimate responsibility for earning that degree rests solely with the individual degree candidates. It is, therefore, expected that students will make every effort to acquaint themselves with the rules and regulations governing academic life at Iona. Administrators, faculty, and staff, assist students, but success at Iona will depend on the extent to which students exercise responsibility for their academic careers.

Students are all advised each semester through the Center for Advising and Academic Services, where students discuss their planned major/minor/degree plan, are informed about degree requirements, policies that may impact their progress, and given a clear outline of their standing with regard to degree completion, as a means of empowering each student to move forward successfully to earn their chosen degree.

For students interested in making the most of their education, going beyond a major or degree, the University offers options on many levels:  Second Bachelor Degrees (e.g. BA/BS); Double Majors within the same degree (i.e., BA, BS, BBA); and Secondary Majors for an additional area of study taken from different degree programs, and finally, 5-year Dual degree programs at the Bachelor/Master level across a variety of degrees and majors.

Earning a Second Bachelor Degree

A student may complete two degree programs, e.g., a BA or BS and a BBA, by applying the University core to both degrees and by using electives from one program to satisfy the requirements of the other program. All specific requirements of both degrees , ordinarily a minimum of 150 credits, must be satisfied at the time of degree conferral. While in some instances, individual courses may be used to fulfill both degrees, the number of courses/credits applied in this manner is limited by the University’s double dip policy (see below). Upon completion of all requirements, the student will be awarded both degrees and the student’s diploma will reflect the two bachelors’ degrees.

Double Major

Students may complete a double major in the same degree program (e.g., BA, BBA, BS). Students pursuing two majors must complete all requirements of both majors. While in some instances, individual courses may be used to fulfill both majors, the number of courses/credits applied in this manner is limited by the University’s double dip policy (see below).

Secondary Major

Secondary majors offer students the opportunity to earn one baccalaureate degree in one program supplemented by a rich intellectual experience in a second field of specialization from another degree program without the requirement of earning a second bachelor degree in the secondary major. While in some instances, individual courses may be used to fulfill both majors, the number of courses/credits applied in this manner is limited by the University’s double dip policy (see below).

All majors approved to be a secondary major in a different degree program can be found on the Secondary Majors List  in the Academic Programs section of this catalog.

Through the secondary major option, upon graduation a student earns one baccalaureate degree from Iona (through the fulfillment of all requirements from the student’s primary degree program). Although that student will not be awarded a second degree, the student’s transcript will reflect that he or she earned a secondary major in the secondary area of study.

5-Year Bachelor’s and Master’s Dual Degree Programs

Dual degree programs ordinarily allow students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in 5 years by completing some graduate credits as upperclassmen and in special sessions. The number of allowable graduate credits taken as an undergraduate varies by program. Available dual degree programs and credit information can be found under the Academic Programs section of this catalog. Under this option, students are required to complete the University Core Curriculum (45 credits) and all programmatic requirements.

Double Dip Policy

Students may use up to 12 shared credits to complete a double major, second bachelor degree, secondary major, minor or dual degree. This is the maximum number of shared credits allowed by New York State unless otherwise specified as in select 5-year dual degree programs. Credits may not be shared within the 45 required credits of the University core curriculum. University core curriculum credits may be used to fulfill major or minor requirements, unless otherwise specified. No more than half the coursework toward any program of study (major or minor) may be fulfilled using shared credits. Departments may restrict shared credits within their majors and minors but must seek approval through undergraduate curriculum committees and governance process. No credits may ever be triple-counted among any combination of majors and/or minors.

Declaration of and Changes to Majors, Minors, Secondary Majors, Second Bachelor Degrees and Dual Degrees

Upon admission to Iona, students are enrolled in one of the schools of the University and advised through the Center for Advising and Academic Services. Students will be advised toward the major of their interest, and declared as students are eligible, when meeting with an Academic Advisor.

Students must select one major before pursuing other degrees, majors and minors. Those seeking to pursue a double major, second bachelor degree, secondary major, minor, or 5-year dual degree* do so in consultation with their academic advisor and in consultation with faculty as appropriate. The option to select a double major, second bachelor degree, secondary major, minor, or dual degree* ordinarily requires that a student maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and individual majors may have higher GPA requirements, or course grade requirements. 

*NOTE: 5-Year Dual Degree programs require a separate application to be filed, and a 3.0 or higher cumulative and major grade point average to be in place at the time of application.

Changes to majors, minors, secondary majors, and degree programs will require the student to meet with an Academic Advisor to discuss the change(s) before filing the update, and a new outline for degree completion will be prepared.  The Academic Advisor will then move forward with the filing of the updated plan of study.

Academic Advising

Students are expected to learn and use the applications and tools available to them to effectively participate in planning for their path to earning a degree, as detailed in the University catalog. Students are supported in this endeavor every step of the way, working with the professional Advisors of the Center for Advising and Academic Services, and further guided with faculty mentoring from the department of the major, as questions arise.  

Iona University uses a professional advisement and faculty mentorship model for academic planning and success. Each student, from the point of entry to Iona, will work with a professional academic advisor throughout their time at Iona. Each term, students are required to meet with an Advisor, who will review their standing, their degree plan, their progress toward degree completion, and guide students on how to move forward successfully with recommendations and requirements clearly outlined on an electronic Program Card. The Center for Advising and Academic Services is the primary office for student academic progress, and degree completion review. Faculty Mentors are the next key support to students as they progress in a major and as they seek to better understand the fields their major may prepare them for, as well as how research and practical experiences may be incorporated into a student’s career portfolio.

In order to ensure timely progress toward degree completion, students are expected to declare a major before enrolling in the second semester of the sophomore year, or when they have accumulated 45 credits or more. Students may opt to declare their major as they enter Iona, only if the major does not otherwise have prerequisite criteria to be fulfilled. Students will be granted an exception to this timeline as the need arises and after counsel between the student, the academic advisor and, where needed, the department of the planned major. The goal is to make sure that students may effectively earn a degree in the four years they planned to be at Iona University. When a major will require additional terms of study, further counsel may be offered. Transfer students, at all levels, are advised through the Center, and are guided to declare a major if they have achieved the necessary benchmarks or prerequisites, and if they have earned 45 credits or more in transfer.

Academic Support Services

Center for Advising and Academic Services

The Center serves as the first stop for any student at the University as they begin their academic journey at Iona, as either a new freshman or a transfer student.  All new students will be counseled by an advisor, and be guided in course options, general Core requirements and paths to our numerous available majors, before a student actually declares a major. Advisors will also act as a processing point for a variety of academic actions, including: Program Change, Course Withdrawal, First-Year Amnesty, and Permission to Study at Another College.  Advisors will help students identify and achieve academic goals, identify realistic majors, and engage in the process of career planning and pursue intellectual discovery.

Freshman Orientation Program

Entering freshmen are required to take part in an orientation program administered by the Offices of Student Development and Student Success. The program is designed to provide students with information about themselves and Iona University so that they may begin to evaluate realistically their educational objectives and personal concerns before beginning their studies.

Office of Student Success

The Office of Student Success, located on the second floor of LaPenta Student Union, provides an environment of care and concern where staff members help students navigate the system. Students receive guidance, assistance or information on issues such as time management, program change, financial aid, registration and advisement. The staff practices an open-door policy and invites students to stop by the office.

The Pre-Legal Advisory Committee

This interdisciplinary advisory body of faculty members counsels students intending to apply for admission to law school. The committee sponsors group meetings to provide information on requirements for admission to law schools, the availability of scholarships and other assistance, and the schedule for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Members of the committee also conduct personal interviews to advise students and evaluate their qualifications for the legal profession. The Pre-Legal Advisory Committee can act as the liaison between the Iona University student and the law school to which admission is sought. Students interested in entering a law school should contact the pre-law advisor as early as possible.

The Health Professions Recommendation Committee

This advisory body of faculty members counsels students interested in preparing for a professional career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or allied fields (e.g., chiropractic, optometry, osteopathy). Working with the health professions advisor, the committee provides interested students with information regarding the personal and academic requirements for admission to professional schools and assists them in evaluating their qualifications for admission. The committee is the liaison between the student and the professional schools. It formulates the appraisal of the student which the professional schools require. Interested students should contact the health professions advisor.

Pre-Engineering Advisor

Students interested in planning an academic program which will lead to a career in chemical, civil, electrical or mechanical engineering should contact the pre-engineering advisor as early as possible in their course of studies. The advisor’s function is to aid students in preparing to transfer to an accredited engineering program. The chair of the Physics Department serves as the advisor.

Academic Support Centers

The Samuel Rudin Academic Resource Center

The Samuel Rudin Academic Resource Center (ARC), located on the lower level of Amend Hall, is available to students who wish to improve their learning skills or who want academic support. Working one-on-one or in small groups, professional staff, graduate assistants and undergraduate tutors help students acquire, improve or refresh skills. The ARC stresses areas related to the University core: reading, composition, mathematics, and computer and information science. The ARC also provides reasonable auxiliary aids and services to students with disabilities. There is no charge for any of the ARC’s services. Incoming freshmen are placed in mathematics and English courses, based on SAT scores and high school records. Students may be assigned to special sections of required mathematics courses and required English courses. Students placed in these classes are encouraged to make use of tutorial assistance provided by the ARC.

Comprehensive Assistance Program

The Comprehensive Assistance Program (CAP) of Iona University offers comprehensive support and services for students with documented learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders. CAP is designed to encourage success by providing instruction tailored to individual strengths and needs. Students take the standard full-time course requirements for baccalaureate degree programs. Postgraduate degrees are held by the entire CAP professional staff. This team of learning specialists is devoted to the support and guidance of CAP students. Tutors teach individually appropriate skill-based strategies that cross the disciplines. These skills are designed not merely to facilitate the completion of assignments, but also to generate eventual academic independence.

CAP services include: summer university transition program, supplementary academic advising, program planning, two hours per week of scheduled individual tutoring with a professional learning specialist, small group tutoring and workshops, testing accommodations, alternative testing procedures, special equipment, and personal and career counseling services.

Speakers’ Center

The Speaker Center, located in the office of the Department of Speech Communication Studies, is designed to help students achieve competence in oral communication. Students who need individual help with articulation, voice quality, public speaking skills, and communication apprehension are scheduled at their convenience. In addition, any faculty member may refer a student (or students may refer themselves) at any time for one-on-one assistance. Special help is given to students for whom English is a second language. The goal of the center is to help students achieve a style of speaking that is clear, easy to understand, and confident.

Academic Support for Athletes

The Department of Athletics provides an academic advisor for student athletes. Since participating in a varsity sport does not release student-athletes from academic responsibilities, their academic progress is closely monitored so that they may achieve maximum performance in all areas. Academic guidance and support services, including tutoring, counseling and a mentorship program, are provided when necessary to ensure proper academic achievement.

Registration and Academic Procedures

The undergraduate day semester program is organized into two semesters. In addition to fall and spring semesters, Iona University offers an intensive 2-week January intersession and Summer Session-I (late May) during which students may take only one course. There are also summer sessions that run from May through August. Students may take a maximum of two courses in Summer Session II and III. For detailed information on registration and course offerings, consult the registrar’s website: www.iona.edu/registrar.

Course Program Changes

Student enrollment is guided by the Academic advisors, and the use of the electronic Program Card provided subsequent to all advising appointments. Students who enroll in courses not vetted with an Academic advisor, risk enrolling in courses that may not be useful in the degree plan. Students may make changes in their term course schedule on PeopleSoft, self-service, at any time prior to the first day of class and during the Add/Drop period indicated in the academic calendar. Students should also plan to use the official Degree Audit application to ensure usefulness toward degree completion.

Cancellation of Scheduled Courses

Iona University reserves the right to cancel scheduled courses in an upcoming semester for insufficient registration or other reasons. Students will be notified of the cancellation by the appropriate Dean’s office prior to the course being dropped from their schedule. Should a cancelled course be one that is required for degree completion in the same term, the student may appeal to the Dean’s office of the school in which the course is taught, to take the course as an independent study. The option for an independent study will be at the discretion of the Dean, in consultation with the subject department.

Course Offerings

The schedule of course offerings is prepared and approved by the academic deans. Information about all course offerings and terms is available online through the Iona University website.

Registration/Enrollment

Students must first be advised by a professional Advisor, in the Center for Advisement and Academic Services, before they will be able to enroll in any term. A registration hold will be lifted by the Academic Advisor for each enrollment term. After the advisement appointment, students will be provided with a detailed electronic Program Card, with appropriate course recommendations, requirements, and notes on academic standing.

Students are assigned an open enrollment date for each semester when they may begin enrolling in courses. Students should plan to be advised before their assigned date, but may be advised at any point before or after this date, and they may enroll up until the start or term, or until the noted drop/add deadline for the term, so long as no other holds are on record to prevent enrollment. Consult the academic calendar on the registrar’s website for term deadlines.

Registration generally begins in March for the fall semester and in October for the spring semester. Those who register but fail to finalize the process by arranging for payment of tuition and fees by the payment due date will risk cancellation of their registration.

Late Registration

There is a limited late registration period at the beginning of each term during which students may make changes to their course enrollment. Please refer to the Academic Calendar, on the Registrar’s webpage, for dates for all terms. Late registration is only possible with open classes that have available seating. Note: Any student who enrolls late is accountable for both missed class time and work, per the University Attendance policy. 

Index-Free Grading

The University permits full-time juniors and seniors, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher, the option of taking an elective course each semester on an index-free basis. This privilege does not apply to courses required by the University Core, the degree core, major or minor requirements, nor does it apply to courses taken during special sessions. Students who file requests for index-free grading in the Registrar’s Office by the dates set forth in the academic calendar will be assigned grades of “P” (Passing) or “U” (Unsatisfactory) upon completion of the course.

Repeating a Course

Students may repeat a course when advised to do so as a means by which to improve their academic standing, or to meet the required threshold of a grade for a departmental requirement. Repeating a course more than twice should be an exceptional circumstance, and may have implications for degree completion planning.

Students must be authorized to repeat a course and must request authorization from an Academic Advisor in the Center for Advising and Academic Services. The Advisor will review the request and, if authorized, will confirm with the Registrar, how the course will be counted in the student record. If appropriate, the Advisor will discuss whether or not the course may be useful for First Year Amnesty. The student must identify both the course and section planned for the repeat, when making the request of the Academic Advisor, who will then process the request with the Registrar’s office on the student’s behalf.  

If a student repeats a course, both grades are shown on the transcript and are included in both the semester and cumulative indices.The course is credited only once toward the total credits earned. In the instance of a grade of F being earned, a second or third “F” being earned in any course, the “F” is included in the semester and cumulative index for all attempts.

First-Year Amnesty

Any undergraduate student may seek to repeat a course previously taken in their first year at Iona University. In consultation with their Academic Advisor, if the grade for the first attempt at the course is D or F, and it makes sense for the student’s academic plan, the student may be offered the option of using the Amnesty policy to improve their grade point average. This option allows a student a single attempt to repeat the same exact course in a later semester, usually recommended as soon as possible. If the grade in the second attempt at the course is C or higher, First-Year Amnesty will be applied. If a grade of C- or less is earned, Amnesty will not be applied, both grades will count in the index, and no further Amnesty will be considered.

Amnesty means that both course grades will appear on the academic record, however, only the higher second grade will be calculated into the cumulative grade point average. The course will be credited only once toward the total credits earned. The repeated course must be taken at Iona University.

Auditing a Course

Matriculated degree students: Student pursuing a degree may audit a course that is not required for a degree. Approval from an academic advisor is required. Full-time students may carry an audited course as their fifth course; if the course is a sixth course, or the total credits on record exceeds 18, appropriate tuition policy applies. Consult the “Tuition and Fees” section of the catalog or Iona website.

Non-matriculated visiting students: Visiting students may audit a course. The student submits a Special Sessions & Visiting Student Registration Form. Appropriate tuition & fees apply. Consult the “Tuition and Fees” section of the catalog or Iona website.

Withdrawing from a Course

Students may withdraw from a course by emailing the Center for Advising and Academic Services. The Center for Advising will alert the Registrar’s Office of the approved course withdrawal and the Registrar’s Office will process the course withdrawal within the student’s record. Consult the academic calendar for each term’s withdrawal deadline. Withdrawals by the deadline will be assigned a “W” grade. Withdrawals during Summer and Winter sessions do not require instructor or advisor approval. 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.

Dismissal from a Course

Faculty may dismiss a student from a course and assign a grade of “FA” if a student has missed 20 percent of the scheduled classes and has not given evidence of satisfying the course requirements.

Final Examinations

A special period is set aside at the end of each semester for final examinations. All final examinations must take place during that period according to the schedule prepared by the registrar. While testing is prohibited seven calendar days before final examinations, the academic dean may authorize testing for special subjects during that period on the recommendation of the department chair.

Deferred Examinations

Students who have time period conflicts and/or three examinations in the same day as a result of the published examination schedule are entitled to a make-up examination. Students must make arrangements with the instructor for make-up exams.

Online Examinations

Iona University has engaged the services of ProctorU to monitor online testing in Distance Learning courses. Students taking online examinations in Distance Learning courses will be proctored in real time by trained employees of this vendor. Students taking Distance Learning courses should review the University website for additional details about ProctorU: http://guides.iona.edu/proctoru/students.

Alternate Ways of Earning Credit

In addition to taking regular Iona courses, there are several ways to earn credit.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Students entering the University who have taken examinations in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board will receive credit for scores of three or better, unless otherwise noted.

International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)

Students entering the University who have taken High Level (HL) examinations in an IBO program will receive credit for scores of five or better.

High School Bridge Programs

Some high schools have cooperating programs with local colleges and universities which allow students to take university-level courses. Iona accepts those credits on a course- by-course basis. A final official transcript must be submitted during the first term of enrollment if credit is to be assessed for use on the student record.  No credit will be assessed after the first term of enrollment at Iona.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Prospective freshmen and transfer students who have taken CLEP proficiency tests must submit score report(s) at the time they apply for admission. A final official score report must be submitted during the first term of enrollment if credit is to be assessed for use on the student record. No credit will be assessed after the first term of enrollment at Iona. Credit will be granted according to ACE recommendations and Departmental assessment. Current Iona students must obtain prior authorization from the Center for Advising and Academic Services for the use of the CLEP exam for potential transfer credit.

Independent Study

Some departments offer students the opportunity to pursue a topic within the discipline not covered by regular course offerings. With the consent of the department chair and the approval of the academic dean, students may arrange to pursue a course independently under the guidance of a faculty mentor. In general, courses offered through special arrangement involve more student initiative and more written work than regular course offerings. In general, students must have a GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for independent study.

Arrangement for independent study must be made at the time of registration, and the requirements established must be completed by the end of the semester.

Credit for Study at Other Colleges and Universities

For students fully matriculated at Iona University, credit for courses taken at institutions other than Iona will be evaluated under the following conditions:

Student…

• is a matriculated undergraduate in good academic standing (GPA 2.0 or above)
• is limited to not more than two courses, or six credits in transfer *^
• must be in good financial standing at the time of application
• must complete at least 50% of major(s) and minor requirements at Iona University
• must complete at least 25% of the total number of credits required for the degree in residence.
• must complete the final 30 cr. of coursework toward the degree at Iona University
• may not study at another school while concurrently enrolled at Iona University
• must obtain Authorization to Study at Another Institution from the Center for Advising and Academic Services, PRIOR to enrollment elsewhere
• must see Major Department Chair for vetting of Major-level courses, prior to authorization request. The Major department, in consultation with the Dean, will approve or deny as appropriate. Courses not preapproved will not be accepted for transfer credit.
• must submit official transcripts of completed authorized courses to lona University not later than and before the end of the next full term after completion.

Grades…

• Only course credits transfer to Iona for the student record, never grades.
• Grades of C- or higher are eligible for transfer to Iona, outside of Major courses or Major related courses, so long as the grade is equivalent to or higher than the value of C- at Iona University. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Dean, in consultation with the Provost’s office.

* Study Abroad and other approved off-campus programs are excepted from this limitation.
^ In the event that a compelling case can be made, an exception may be granted by the Center for Advising, in consultation with the Dean of the appropriate School and the Provost’s office.

Credit for Graduate Courses

Qualified seniors may take up to six (6) credits of graduate courses with the approval of the appropriate department chair and/or Dean’s office and as authorized by the Center for Advising and Academic Services. Students typically must have a cumulative index of at least 3.0, and a major index of at least 3.0. Such courses may be applied to the undergraduate degree. In consultation with the appropriate Graduate Program Director, the student may seek to have these courses applied to requirements for graduate degree programs. However, these courses may not also be used to fulfill required undergraduate Major, Minor, or Core requirements. 

Graduate course credits taken during the undergraduate degree will be computed into total credits passed for the graduate degree, however, grades for such courses will only count as a part of the undergraduate degree index. 

Students enrolled in a five-year dual degree program may begin taking graduate courses as early as their junior year, as advised by the Graduate Program Director.  Students pursuing dual degrees must maintain a cumulative index of at least 3.0 as well as a major index of at least 3.0.  Students in a five-year program are limited to two graduate courses per term. 

Transfer to Another Degree Program or School

All students are matriculated into one of four designated schools/programs upon admission to Iona University: School of Arts & Science, LaPenta School of Business, NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, or the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Students wishing to change their school of matriculation, may do so when meeting with an Academic Advisor in the Center for Advising and Academic Services. During the meeting with an Advisor, the students’ academic record and plan of study will be reviewed, and the Advisor will submit a Change of School form with the Registrar to update the academic record as appropriate.

Withdrawing from the University

Students wishing to withdraw from the University must arrange for an exit interview with the Center for Advising and Academic Services. For more detailed information on the process and implications of withdrawing, please visit the Iona University website and navigate as follows: Student Financial Services >> Student Accounts >> Withdrawals, Drops, and Refunds.

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.

Official Transcripts

Iona University is partnered with the Parchment 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 website here to begin the ordering process: https://www.iona.edu/offices/registrar/transcripts-enrollment-verification. 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.

Releasing Documents From Another Agency or Institution

Iona University does not release documents that have become the property of the University through a legal release to a third party from another agency or institution. Examples of such documents are official transcripts sent to Iona for review of transfer credit, high school transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, AP/IB scores, etc. We are not the official legal custodian of record for any documents that did not originate at Iona University and therefore do not have the legal authority to release them. These records are the property of the University and are for internal University purposes only. Please contact the originating agency, organization or institution that provided the original records to obtain new documents.

Returning to Study at Iona/Readmission

Procedures for returning to Iona vary, according to the conditions under which a student discontinued studies. Students who are readmitted to the University are accountable for the degree that exists at the point of return to study, inclusive of the Core, Degree and Major requirements. Every effort will be made to use previous coursework in fulfillment of current degree requirements, but there is no guarantee of usefulness when a student has been out of standing and not matriculated for two full terms or more. Usefulness of courses in fulfillment of the major will be reviewed with the Major department, and the appropriate academic dean shall be the final arbiter.