University of Massachusetts Amherst

ACADEMIC
REGULATIONS
2022-2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Academic Regulations is an annual publication of the Office of the Provost.

All undergraduate students are responsible for complying with the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
contained in this publication as well as those in other official University publications and announcements which
may be issued from time to time.

Students are also expected to familiarize themselves with other important documentation including, but not
limited to, the Guide to Undergraduate Programs.

The University reserves the right to change policies and regulation whenever such action is deemed appropriate
or necessary.

This publication is compiled by the Office of the University Registrar and published on the Registrar’s website at
www.umass.edu/registrar. It is issued annually at or near the beginning of the fall semester.
 Table of Contents
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Academic Regulations 4
Academic Honesty 5
Enrollment Categories 6
Academic Status 8
Graduation Requirements 12
Course Registration and Withdrawal 18
Withdrawal from the University 23
Administrative Withdrawal 24
Grading System and Credit Guidelines 27
Pass/Fail Option 32
Attendance 33
Absences Due to Religious Observance 34
Examinations 35
Majors, Minors, and Related Programs 36
Major Declaration and Major Change policy 39
Honors 39

Enrollment Regulations for University Without Walls (formerly Continuing and Professional Education) 41
Enrollment in Courses by Non-Matriculated Students 41
Enrollment in Courses offered by University Without Walls 42
Enrollment in Regular University Course Offerings through University Without Walls 43
Evaluation of the Pre-Matriculation Record 44

Academic Grievance Procedure 45

Introduction 45
Definitions and Formal Procedure 45

Course Management Guidelines for Instructors 52

Student Absence Guidelines for Instructors 54

Excuses of Absence for Health Reasons 57

Tuition Classification 58
Definitions 58
Classification 59
Determination of Residency 59
Appeals 61
Penalties 61

Miscellaneous Regulations 62
Grooming 62
Housing 62
Board 62
Sales and Solicitations 63
Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures 63

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Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) 64
Guidelines for the Release and Disclosure of Information from
Student Records 64
Directory Information 65
Types of Records 66
Other Rights and Requirements of this Legislation 67

Dispute Resolution 68
Ombuds Office 68

Academic Referrals 69
Student Majors & Undeclared Exploratory Tracks in the following
Schools, College and Unaffiliated Programs 69
Other Key Contacts 71

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 ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

PREFACE

Just as any society needs laws to govern the relationships among its citizens, a university, too, needs
regulations to define the relationships among its citizens, in this case students and faculty. Accordingly,
academic regulations should both stipulate the faculty's requirements for a degree and provide students
with guidelines for achieving their personal academic goals; they should provide a means for students to
evaluate their own progress and for faculty to evaluate the relative performance of various students;
and should identify as soon as possible students whose performance suggests either that the probability
of their achieving a degree is slight or that they are eligible for special privileges and honors.

Moreover, a university faces a responsibility not only to its own citizens but to the larger society as well,
and thus its academic regulations must satisfy both internal and external needs. Thus, academic
regulations should provide assurances both for students currently enrolled and those who seek
admission that as many spaces as possible will be available within the University and within individual
courses; and should not only clarify procedures and guarantee rights for students, but should also
provide assurances to accrediting agencies, professional bodies, and society in general that standards
are being maintained.

The following academic regulations represent the official position of the University of Massachusetts
Amherst and apply to all undergraduates. It is incumbent upon students and faculty to familiarize
themselves with these regulations and adhere to them, keeping in mind that students are held
responsible for satisfying the regulations established by their major department and by their college as
well as by the University.

Students have a right to pursue clarifications, interpretations, and appeals to these regulations,
especially when they feel that extenuating circumstances warrant an exception to any of the rules that
follow. The procedure for exercising this right begins with the student's Undergraduate Dean, who is the
administrator in the dean's office in each school or college who holds the authority delegated from the
faculty for either making or recommending exceptions to these academic regulations. Students should
also consult the Undergraduate Academic Grievance Procedure available in this document.

A note on the University transcript: A student's transcript represents the official record of his or her
course registration and completion and academic status within the policies outlined below. Any request
by a student to alter his or her official record in any way (except as provided for by approved policies)
must be presented to the student's undergraduate dean. The undergraduate dean will either act under
the authority of the Faculty Senate Committee on Admissions and Records, or forward the request to
said Committee. If a dean acting under authority of the Committee on Admissions and Records denies
the request, the dean's decision may be appealed to the Committee on Admissions and Records, which
represents the final course of appeal on such matters. All appeals should be made in a timely manner by
the student, and should be commenced prior to graduation. After the start of the semester following a
student's graduation, the student's academic record cannot be altered, except for instances of
documented institutional error.

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I. ACADEMIC HONESTY

All members of the University community must participate in the development of a climate conducive to
academic honesty. While the faculty, because of their unique role in the educational process, have the
responsibility for defining, encouraging, fostering, and upholding the ethic of academic honesty,
students have the responsibility of conforming in all respects to that ethic.

Intellectual honesty requires that students demonstrate their own learning during examinations and
other academic exercises, and that other sources of information or knowledge be appropriately
credited. Scholarship depends upon the reliability of information and reference in the work of others.
Student work at the University may be analyzed for originality of content. Such analysis may be done
electronically or by other means. Student work may also be included in a database for the purpose of
checking for possible plagiarized content in future student submissions. No form of cheating, plagiarism,
fabrication, or facilitating of dishonesty will be condoned in the University community.

Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to:

Cheating - intentional use, and/or attempted use of trickery, artifice, deception, breach of
confidence, fraud and/or misrepresentation of one's academic work.

Fabrication - intentional and unauthorized falsification and/or invention of any information or

citation in any academic exercise.

Plagiarism - knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one's own work in any
academic exercise. This includes submitting without citation, in whole or in part, prewritten term
papers of another or the research of another, including but not limited to commercial vendors
who sell or distribute such materials.

Facilitating dishonesty - knowingly helping or attempting to help another commit an act of

academic dishonesty, including substituting for another in an examination, or allowing others to
represent as their own one's papers, reports, or academic works.

Sanctions may be imposed on any student who has committed an act of academic dishonesty. Any
person who has reason to believe that a student has committed academic dishonesty should bring such
information to the attention of the appropriate course instructor as soon as possible.

Formal definitions of academic dishonesty, examples of various forms of dishonesty, and the procedures
which faculty must follow to penalize dishonesty are detailed on the Academic Honesty website. Appeals
must be filed within ten days of notification by the Academic Honesty Office that a formal charge has
been filed by an instructor that s/he suspects dishonesty. Contact the Academic Honesty Office for more
information on the process. The Ombuds Office is also available to support individuals engaging with
the Academic Honesty process. The Provost’s Office is where appeals are processed and filed.

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II. ENROLLMENT CATEGORIES

Enrollment is an official relationship between students and the University. In order to be considered
officially enrolled, students must pay all financial obligations to the University and register for courses.
Failure to meet either of these conditions means the student is not enrolled for the current semester.

A. Full-Time Students.
Full-time students are required to carry the minimum load of 12 credits (also known as “units”)
each semester.

There are cases in which critical health or personal problems cause a student to find, after the
Add/Drop period, that he or she must carry fewer than 12 credits. In these cases, the student
cannot be certified as full-time, but all University benefits, fees, and obligations applying to full-
time students still apply, as do the requirements for academic good standing. The semester will
count as one of the ten allowed for graduation. Students with these extenuating circumstances,
who find that their lack of full-time status is denying them an important student benefit may, if
supported by their academic deans, ask the Registrar to produce a letter citing the extenuating
circumstances that have led to the drop from full-time status. Such letters may or may not be
instrumental in convincing an off-campus entity to grant the student the benefits of a full-time
student.

Students in approved cooperative education programs, administered through the University's

Field Experience Office, in which the amount of work performed is equivalent to the academic
workload of a full-time student, will also be considered full-time students. In these cases,
however, the usual University benefits, fees, and obligations applying to full-time students do not
still apply.

B. Part-Time Degree-Seeking Students.

Part-time is an original admissions category for students who are admitted as candidates for a
degree, but who cannot devote their full time to the pursuit of a degree. In addition, full-time
students may become part-time. A change in status may be requested during the registration or
Add/Drop periods for the semester in which the change of status is sought. Full-time students in
good academic standing may elect part-time status without Dean's approval. In all instances, the
Registrar's Office must be notified on the appropriate forms available from that office. Part-time
students are subject to all academic regulations and standards. (See Section III Academic Status)

C. Special Students (Non-Degree-Seeking Students).

Special student status is a limited non-degree admission category for those who wish to enroll in
regular University courses and who are not presently pursuing a degree.

1. If a Special Student is later admitted to a University degree program, the pre-

matriculation record will be evaluated in accordance with provisions stated in Enrollment
Regulations for University Without Walls (see Enrollment Regulations for University
Without Walls).

2. Students who withdraw in good standing from an undergraduate degree program and
who wish to enroll on a non-degree basis must notify the Registrar of their desire to
change their status (see Enrollment Regulations for University Without Walls).
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 3. Students who have been suspended or dismissed from an undergraduate degree program
may not be admitted to Special Student status.

D. University Without Walls Students.

Anyone with a high school degree or its equivalent may register for undergraduate courses in
University Without Walls, except as restricted by academic status (see Section III Academic
Status). Students may apply to a degree program within University Without Walls, or enroll in
courses offered by University Without Walls as non-degree students. The satisfaction of
undergraduate degree program requirements with courses offered by University Without Walls
is restricted by other policies (see Enrollment Regulations for University Without Walls).

1. Degree Seeking Students: Students admitted to degree programs in University Without

Walls are normally those who need to do their coursework via evening study or via on-
line learning. Most are part-time students. These students must meet general University
admission standards in order to matriculate. Students may select the Bachelor of General
Studies (BGS) program available only through University Without Walls, which requires an
individual concentration in lieu of a traditional major, or an academic program sponsored
by a School or College within the University and approved for such enrollment by the
Provost's Office. Students may also select the BGS as a second bachelor's degree.

2. Concurrent Enrollments. Students who have been admitted to a degree program in the
University are normally expected to complete their degree requirements after
matriculation by enrollment in regular University courses. However, in some
circumstances, detailed in Enrollment Regulations for University Without Walls, students
may enroll in courses offered by University Without Walls, and in regular University
courses. In this case, the two enrollments will be merged on the students' official records
and transcripts for that semester. University Without Walls course registration fees must
be paid in addition to regular University tuition and fees.

3. Non-Degree-Seeking Students. Those students registering for courses offered by

University Without Walls who are not classified in numbers 1 and 2 above are considered
non-degree students. If a non-degree student is accepted to a regular University degree
program, the application to that degree program of the courses completed while a non-
degree University Without Walls student is governed by regulations detailed in
Enrollment Regulations for University Without Walls. Once a student has been enrolled in
an undergraduate degree program at the University, a student may not be classified as a
University Without Walls non-degree student, except a student who has been suspended
or dismissed and has permission from his or her undergraduate dean to enroll in courses
offered by the Division will be classified as a non-degree University Without Walls
student.

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III. ACADEMIC STATUS

Students' academic status is determined by their cumulative grade point averages. Effective with the Fall
1993 semester the number of units (credits) completed toward the degree for students enrolled after
1993 will not be a criterion for academic good standing. However, see paragraph A. Good Standing,
below, for restrictions. Academic Suspension, Academic Dismissal, and Immediate Reinstatement will be
permanently recorded on students' official transcripts. An Academic Warning will not appear on the
official transcript. However, all Academic Warnings, Academic Probations and Probations Continued, as
well as all Academic Suspensions, Academic Dismissals and Immediate Reinstatements will be
permanently recorded on internal academic records.

A. Good Standing.
Students are in good academic standing when their cumulative grade point average is 2.000 or
above. This requirement applies to full-time and part-time students, and applies equally to those
who were admitted as first year and as transfer students.

The average number of units earned per semester is not used in the determination of good
academic standing. However, the Registrar's Office will issue a credit alert service indicator to all
students who have earned less than an average of 12 graduation credits per semester (e.g., a
student who has completed fewer than 48 credits after four semesters, fewer than 60 credits
after five semesters). The Registrar's Office will continue to issue this service indicator every
semester in which a student continue to fall below the 12-credit per semester minimum average.

In addition, if a student does not complete at least 48 degree credits by the end of four
semesters, the student will be required to obtain approval of an academic plan for graduation by
the departmental chief undergraduate adviser or college/school academic dean. The student will
not be allowed to enroll in courses at the University until an academic plan is approved. Students
who fail to fulfill the conditions of their academic plan in subsequent semesters may be
prevented from registering for courses by their academic deans.

B. Academic Warning.
Students whose cumulative average is 2.000 or above, but whose semester average is less than
2.000, will be sent a warning indicating that they should consult with their academic dean.

C. Academic Probation.
Students whose cumulative average falls below 2.000 will be placed on Academic Probation.
Students who have been placed on Academic Probation or who have received a second
consecutive Academic Warning should contact their academic dean (NOTE: these are students
with acceptable CUM GPA that repeatedly do not meet minimum term GPA requirements.)

D. Academic Suspension.
Students on Probation who fail to achieve or maintain good standing in any subsequent semester
will be placed on Academic Suspension unless an appeal is granted. Suspended students may not
enroll in the succeeding Fall or Spring semester (see paragraph G. Appeals Process). Suspension is
a one semester separation from the University including University Without Walls. Following one
semester on Academic Suspension, students who file an Application for Re-enrollment with the
Registrar’s Office (by March 15 for the Fall semester or October 15 for the Spring semester) are
entitled to re-enroll.
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 Upon re-enrollment, students returning from suspension shall confer with their academic deans
prior to re-enrollment.

1. Probation Continued: Students who are subject to Academic Suspension, yet whose
semester's work shows substantial improvement, may be placed on Probation Continued
at the discretion of their Academic Dean.

2. Immediate Reinstatement. Students who are suspended may be granted an Immediate

Reinstatement by an academic dean or the Committee on Admission and Records.
Immediate reinstatement status grants the student an additional semester to achieve
good standing. Students on Immediate Reinstatement status who fail to achieve good
standing will be dismissed.

E. Academic Dismissal.
Academic Dismissal is a permanent separation from the University. Students who are readmitted
after any Academic Suspension and fail to achieve or maintain good standing in any subsequent
semester will be placed on Academic Dismissal unless an appeal is granted (see paragraph G.
Appeals Process).

F. Academic Status and Grade Changes.

The academic status earned by a student shall remain in effect even if he/she receives a
retroactive grade change that positively affects the cumulative and term GPA.

1. The following are exceptions to this policy:

(a) the original grade was a mistake and is corrected by the professor, or
(b) the original grade was an INC which is converted to a grade within 4 weeks of the
start of the subsequent semester.

2. Suspended or Dismissed students are not eligible to enroll in University Without Walls.

Although academic standing is determined on the basis of prior coursework, due to the timing of
registration and academic discipline matters, students may complete a course for which they
registered before suspension or dismissal occurred that is offered during the immediately
subsequent University Without Walls session (Winter or Summer Session I only).

However, such a course would not be considered as supporting evidence in an appeal of a

suspension or dismissal unless both of the following are true: first, a passing grade in the course
would allow a student to reach a cumulative grade point average of 2.000 or higher (Good
Standing); and second, the course has been identified by the academic dean as an appropriate
choice toward achieving academic progress (e.g. coursework that satisfies general education or
major requirements).

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 G. Appeals Process.
Students have the right to appeal their academic status. Authority for determining students'
academic status resides with the Committee on Admissions and Records. Students must consult
with their dean about petitions and appeals procedures.

1. All such appeals must be initiated in writing through the academic dean in the school or
college in which the student is enrolled. Decisions made by the deans may be appealed
to the Committee on Admissions and Records.

2. Appeals of Suspension or Dismissal may be made on the following grounds:

(a) Substantial academic progress.
(b) Course work completed after the initial decision.
(c) Financial difficulties.
(d) Health problems.
(e) Extenuating personal circumstances.
(f) Other academic reasons.

All cases will be reviewed individually. Ordinarily documentation will be required.

H. Academic Status and Financial Aid Eligibility.

Federal and state regulations require that recipients of financial aid maintain satisfactory
academic progress (SAP) toward a degree or eligible certificate program of study. There are
"qualitative" and "quantitative" standards that must be met to maintain eligibility for federal and
state financial aid programs. These standards include maintaining a minimum grade point
average (GPA) of 2.000 after four terms and the completion of the undergraduate degree within
ten semesters (see paragraph J. Semester Count (Total Terms) for more information on how total
terms, including transferred credits, are calculated). Students who fail to satisfy SAP
requirements will be notified that their state and federal aid eligibility may be revoked and
advised of a financial aid conditional probation or an appeals process. This policy is reviewed and
revised periodically to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Additional information is
available at the Financial Aid Office.

I. Academic Status and Student Athletes.

NCAA legislation requires satisfactory academic progress in order for an athlete to remain
eligible. For guidelines, contact the Athletic Department.

J. Semester Count (Total Terms).

For the purpose of determining the ten semester statute of limitations for the completion of
degree requirements, a semester count is determined as follows:

1. Each semester of enrollment as a full-time student at the University (see Section II

Enrollment Categories, paragraph A. Full-Time Students) is counted as one semester,
independent of the number of credits (units) taken or passed. However, students who
enroll in fewer than 12 credits in a semester will not be certified by the University as full-
time during that semester for financial aid or any other purpose.

2. For students engaged in part-time study (see Section II Enrollment Categories, paragraph
B. Part-Time Degree-Seeking Students), twelve (12) credits will be considered the
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 equivalent of one semester. Students involved in part-time study must complete their
last sixty (60) credits within five years.

3. Any credits earned prior to matriculation as an undergraduate student on the UMass

Amherst campus and accepted as credits for transfer to the University transcript are
converted to semester hours, totaled, and divided by 15 to determine an initial semester
count. Zero to 14 credits will not count, but will be added to any credits transferred after
matriculation for calculation according to number 4 of this section, below. If the number
of credits beyond an integer multiple of 15 is 9 or more, they constitute another
semester. (Fifteen through 23 transferred credits constitute one semester; 24 through 38
constitute two semesters; 39 through 53 constitute three semesters; 54 through 68
constitute four semesters; 69 through 83 constitute five semesters.)

4. Any other credits transferred to the University transcript after matriculation are
converted, totaled, and divided by twelve to determine additional equivalent semesters.
(For example, 24 through 35 credits constitute two semesters; 36 through 47 constitute
three semesters). In this calculation credits remaining beyond an integer multiple of
twelve do not count as an additional semester. However, they will be added to
subsequent transfer or part-time credits to determine semester count.

5. The sum of the semesters calculated in each of the categories above is the semester
count, generally referred to in these regulations as semesters of enrollment or as Total
Terms.

6. In determining semesters at the University, enrollment in courses after matriculation

during summer sessions or January intersession on this campus does not affect the
calculation of total terms.

K. Special Provisions for Reinstatement after Extended Absence from the University. (Fresh Start).
Students who return to the University after an absence of at least three years may have their
prior work not included in their cumulative grade point average subject to the following
conditions:

1. Re-enrollment to the University must follow normal procedures (e.g., a student who left
the University on academic dismissal must petition the Committee on Admissions and
Records and justify re-enrollment on the usual grounds).

2. A minimum of 45 credits must be taken in residence on the UMass Amherst campus after
re-enrollment and before graduation. These credits may include online courses taken at
UMass Amherst.

3. Courses taken and grades achieved in the first admission will appear on the transcript
along with a notation that they are not included in the cumulative average.

4. General Education and free elective credits passed with a grade of C- or better in the first
admission will be counted toward graduation credit upon re-enrollment but will not be
included in the cumulative average.

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 5. Major program courses taken in the first admission must be approved as part of the
major program for graduation by the major department. Courses accepted to the major
will not be included in the calculation of the major grade point average.

6. Those who had left the University in Good Standing or on Probation will have Academic
Standing calculations begin at the start of the progression upon their return. Students
who, upon departure, had a suspension or dismissal in that final term will continue
through the usual academic Standing progression after their return.

7. Students who qualify for and wish to choose this option must notify the Registrar as part
of the Re-enrollment application. Students may not change the option after they have
been readmitted. If students choose this option, it will apply to all prior work at the
University. Students may not choose the option retroactively after re-enrollment.

8. For the purpose of this policy, an "absence of at least three years" is defined as not having
been enrolled in any courses on the Amherst campus for six successive fall and spring
semesters or any of the intervening intercessions or summer sessions. Students may not
have been enrolled in any regular University courses or any courses offered by University
Without Walls during this period.

IV. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students must assume responsibility for monitoring their progress toward graduation and the fulfillment
of requirements. In order to be graduated, students must be cleared by: (1) their Department, (2) their
School or College, and (3) the University. In addition, students must provide the Registrar's Office with
accurate information regarding their projected graduation date and degree. If a graduating senior is
administratively withdrawn, his/her graduation date will be determined by the date of resolution which
clears the outstanding obligation.

Students are subject to University graduation requirements published in the Guide to Undergraduate
Programs (formerly, the Undergraduate Catalog) in effect when they enter the University, and are
subject to the major requirements published in the Guide to Undergraduate Programs in effect when
they enter the major. Students who withdraw from and later re-enter the University may be subject to
graduation requirements defined in the Guide to Undergraduate Programs in effect at the time they re-
enter.

The University's graduation requirements are as follows:

A. Credit Requirements.
Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits, at least 45 of which must be completed in
residence (see paragraph H. Residence Requirements). For exclusions and restrictions, see
Section VI Grading System and Credit Guidelines, below. Individual colleges, schools, and
departments may require more than 120 credits.

B. Grade Point Averages.

All students must achieve an overall average of at least C (2.000). All students must also achieve
a cumulative average of at least C (2.000) in their major.
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 C. General Education Requirements for Students Entering the University in Fall 2018 or Later.
Students must complete a set of course requirements in several different areas. Courses offered
by the University that satisfy these requirements are identified by letter designations (except for
the Junior Year Writing and Integrative Experience requirements). These areas and requirements
are as follows.

1. The University Writing Requirement consists of two courses. The Freshman Writing
requirement is satisfied by ENGLWRIT 112 or ENGLWRIT 113, College Writing (CW),
taken during the freshman year, or by exemption from the requirement through the
Placement Exam, SAT/Achievement Test scores, or Advanced Placement test score.
The Junior Year Writing requirement (which does not carry a letter designation) is part
of the requirements for each student's major.

2. Students must take four courses (16 credits) in the Social World curriculum area: four
credits in Literature (AL) or the Arts (AT); four credits in Historical Studies (HS); four
credits in the Social and Behavioral Sciences (SB); and an additional four credits in a
course holding an AL, AT, or SB designation, or an Interdisciplinary (I) or Science
Interdisciplinary (SI) course.

Social and Cultural Diversity: Within the four courses listed above students must take
one course focusing on UNITED STATES diversity (DU) and one course focusing on
GLOBAL diversity (DG). Either a DU or DG course must be taken during the student’s
first year on campus.

3. Biological and Physical World: Eight credits are required, with at least four credits in a
Biological Science (BS) and at least four credits in a Physical Science (PS).

4. One Basic Math Skills course (R1) and one Analytic Reasoning course (R2) are required.
A student may be exempted from the Basic Math Skills requirement by achieving a
sufficiently high score on the Basic Math Skills exemption exams (offered twice each
semester). Students not exempted by examination score must take one Basic Math
Skills (R1) course. This requirement can also be satisfied with some higher level
courses that presuppose knowledge of basic math skills. A student who takes an R2
course listed on the Gen Ed List (available at
http:/www.umass.edu/registrar/students/general-educationacademic-
requirements/r1r2-gen-ed-requirements) can satisfy both the R1 and R2 requirements
with the same course. All students must take one course in Analytic Reasoning (R2).

5. Upper-Division Integrative Experience: The Integrative Experience requirement is part

of the requirements of each student’s major, as well as a General Education
requirement. Academic departments will provide a list of Integrative Experiences that
fulfill the requirement for each major. There is no designation for this requirement.

6. In addition to the requirements listed above, transfer students must take two
additional 4-unit General Education courses selected from the following categories:
Basic Math Skills, Analytical Reasoning, Biological and Physical World, or Social World
and Diversity.

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 NOTE: Only one course from a student’s major department may be applied to General
Education requirements.

Students should not elect the Pass/Fail option for courses that they wish to count toward
their General Education requirements. Courses taken on a pass/fail basis will not satisfy
General Education, regardless of whether a P (Pass) grade or a letter grade is earned. If a
student took a course on a pass/fail basis and wishes to count the course toward a General
Education requirement, the student must revoke the pass/fail option through the Registrar’s
Office prior to graduation.

Students will not be allowed to use a single course to satisfy more than one General
Education requirement, with the following exceptions: 1) all courses holding a Social and
Cultural Diversity designation also hold a second designation in the Social World area (AL, AT,
HS, SB, I or SI); 2) an R2 course from the R1/R2 list (see
http:/www.umass.edu/registrar/students/general-educationacademic-requirements/r1r2-
gen-ed-requirements) may satisfy both the Basic Math and Analytical Reasoning
Requirements.

Students admitted as freshmen who bring in 9 or more course credits (not test credits) taken
prior to their enrollment at UMass Amherst may change to transfer requirements by filing a
Change to Transfer General Education Requirements form in the Registrar’s Office (213
Whitmore) by the end of their first spring semester.

Students admitted as freshman who later go on a UMass Amherst-approved exchange or

study abroad program may change to transfer requirements by filing a Change to Transfer
General Education Requirements form in the Registrar’s Office (213 Whitmore.) It is
recommended that students file the form as soon as possible following the exchange, but no
later than the beginning of their last semester at UMass Amherst.

Students seeking exception to any of the requirements or restrictions of General Education

should consult their undergraduate deans. General Education requirements are very strictly
enforced, but students with sufficient grounds (e.g., documented misadvising) may submit a
written petition with appropriate documentation through their undergraduate academic
dean to the General Education Variance Committee, a Subcommittee of the General
Education Council.

D. General Education Requirements for Students Entering the University prior in Fall 2010 or
Later (and prior to Fall 18).
Students must complete a set of course requirements in several different areas. Courses offered
by the University that satisfy these requirements are identified by letter designations (except for
the Junior Year Writing and Integrative Experience requirements). These areas and requirements
are as follows.

1. The University Writing Requirement consists of two courses. The Freshman Writing
requirement is satisfied by ENGLWRIT 112 or ENGLWRIT 113, College Writing (CW), taken
during the freshman year, or by exemption from the requirement through the Placement
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 Exam, SAT/Achievement Test scores, or Advanced Placement test score. The Junior Year
Writing requirement (which does not carry a letter designation) is part of the requirements
for each student's major.

2. Social World courses:

(a) Four courses distributed as follows: one course in Literature (AL) or the Arts (AT); one
course in Historical Studies (HS); one course in the Social and Behavioral Sciences
(SB); and one additional course in any of the following areas within the Social World
(AL, AT, I, SI, or SB). Students who enter as freshmen can satisfy each of these
requirements with one 4-unit course or two 3-unit courses with the appropriate
designation. Transfers can satisfy each of these requirements with one 3- or 4-unit
course.

(b) Interdisciplinary courses: While no student is required to take an Interdisciplinary

course, a freshman may elect to take a 4-unit interdisciplinary Gen Ed course (I or SI)
or two 3-unit interdisciplinary Gen Ed courses (I or SI) as the fourth Social World
course. Transfers may elect to take a 3-unit or a 4-unit interdisciplinary Gen Ed course
(I or SI) as the fourth Social World course. No more than three Interdisciplinary Gen Ed
courses (I and/or SI) may be applied to Gen Ed and Diversity requirements.

3. Two courses in the Biological and Physical World, with one course in a Biological
Science (BS) and one course in a Physical Science (PS). Students who enter as freshmen
can satisfy each of these requirements with one 4-unit course or two 3-unit courses
with the appropriate designation. Transfers can satisfy each of these requirements
with one 3- or 4-unit course.

4. One Basic Math Skills course and one Analytic Reasoning course. A student may be
exempted from the Basic Math Skills requirement by achieving a sufficiently high score
on the Basic Math Skills exemption exams (offered twice each semester). Students not
exempted by examination score must take one Basic Math Skills (R1) course. This
requirement can also be satisfied with some higher level courses that presuppose
knowledge of basic math skills. A student who takes an R2 course listed on the Gen Ed
List (available at www.umass.edu/registrar/students/general-educationacademic-
requirements/r1r2-gen-ed-requirements can satisfy both the R1 and R2 requirements
with the same course. All students must take one course in Analytic Reasoning (R2).

5. Two courses designated as having a Social and Cultural Diversity component. One of
these courses must focus on Diversity in the United States (U), and the other must
focus on Diversity in Global Perspective (G). These may be courses that also fulfill other
General Education designations and so bear both letter designations (ALU, ATU, HSU,
SBU, IU, SIU, ALG, ATG, HSG, SBG, or IG), or one or both Diversity courses may have
only a Diversity designation (U or G).

6. Upper-Division Integrative Experience: The Integrative Experience requirement is part of

the requirements of each student’s major, as well as a General Education requirement.
Academic departments will provide a list of Integrative Experiences that fulfill the
requirement for each major. There is no designation for this requirement.

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 7. In addition to the requirements listed above, transfer students must take two
additional 3- or 4-unit General Education courses selected from the following
categories: Basic Math Skills, Analytical Reasoning, Biological and Physical World, or
Social World.

NOTE: Only one course from a student’s major department may be applied to General
Education requirements and one course applied to Diversity requirements.

Students should not elect the Pass/Fail option for courses that they wish to count toward
their General Education requirements. Courses taken on a pass/fail basis will not satisfy
General Education, regardless of whether a P (Pass) grade or a letter grade is earned. If a
student took a course on a pass/fail basis and wishes to count the course toward a General
Education requirement, the student must revoke the pass/fail option through the Registrar’s
Office prior to graduation.

Students will not be allowed to use a single course to satisfy more than one General
Education requirement, with the following exceptions: 1) a course which carries a Social and
Cultural Diversity designation and is also designated as a Social World or Interdisciplinary
course may be applied to another General Education requirement (as appropriate) in
addition to one of the Social and Cultural Diversity requirements; 2) an R2 course from the
R1/R2 list (see www.umass.edu/registrar/students/general-educationacademic-
requirements/r1r2-gen-ed-requirements may satisfy both the Basic Math and Analytical
Reasoning Requirements.)

Students admitted as freshmen who bring in 9 or more course credits (not test credits) taken
prior to their enrollment at UMass Amherst may change to transfer requirements by filing a
Change to Transfer General Education Requirements form in the Registrar’s Office (213
Whitmore) by the end of their first spring semester.

Students admitted as freshman who later go on a UMass Amherst-approved exchange or

study abroad program may change to transfer requirements by filing a Change to Transfer
General Education Requirements form in the Registrar’s Office (213 Whitmore.) It is
recommended that students file the form as soon as possible following the exchange, but no
later than the beginning of their last semester at UMass Amherst.

Students seeking exception to any of the requirements or restrictions of General Education

should consult their undergraduate deans. General Education requirements are very strictly
enforced, but students with sufficient grounds (e.g., documented misadvising) may submit a
written petition with appropriate documentation through their undergraduate academic
dean to the General Education Variance Committee, a Subcommittee of the General
Education Council.

F. College and/or School requirements, where applicable.

G. An Approved Major.
A major consists of intensive or specialized work in a particular department or program, requiring
a minimum of at least 30 credits in a coherent and extensive set of courses with a particular
discipline or focus. Most majors require more than 30 credits.
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 H. Residence Requirements: A student must successfully complete a minimum of 45 credits in
residence.

For this purpose residence credits are defined as being credits earned for work done while
registered on the Amherst campus of the University of Massachusetts or while enrolled in one of
the University's formal exchange programs. Residence credits thus include UMASS 298 or
departmental practicum (a maximum of 15 credits), University Without Walls, student teaching,
credits generated through special examinations administered by an Amherst campus academic
department, Stockbridge School courses, Five College Interchange courses, and courses in
University Without Walls (when these courses and the faculty teaching them have been
approved by the normal University procedures). The applicability of any of these toward the
residence requirement is contingent on students' enrollment being consistent with policies
detailed elsewhere in these regulations. In contrast, the following will not be counted toward
residency requirements: transfer credits, AP credits (based on the College Board's high school
Advanced Placement tests), CLEP credits (based on the College Board's College Level Examination
Program of credits by exam), and military service credits.

In addition, students must complete their final 30 credits in residence, residence in this sense
meaning continuous enrollment in a degree-granting major program and registration in
University of Massachusetts Amherst courses. Petitions for permission to take any of the final 30
credits in absentia must be submitted on the Senior Year in Absentia form, available from the
Registrar's Office, prior to enrollment in the course(s), and require authorization from the
student's major department and undergraduate dean. Students may complete their senior year
in absentia in University Without Walls with the approval of the Registrar’s office. Approvals are
only granted for a limited number of credits.

I. Statute of Limitations: Students shall be allowed no more than ten semesters as defined under
Section III, Academic Status, paragraph J, to complete all graduation requirements.

1. For students engaged in part-time study, twelve (12) credits will be considered the
equivalent of one semester. Students involved in part-time study must complete their
last sixty (60) credits in five years.

2. Continuation at the University beyond these limits is contingent upon approval by the
student's undergraduate dean, with recommendation from the department, which is
granted only for pressing academic and/or personal reasons.

3. Although there is no limit on the number of years allowed between beginning and
completing a degree, a student's undergraduate dean, in consultation with the
Department, has authority to rule that certain courses taken more than five years prior
to the completion of a degree may not apply to major or college requirements.
Students admitted under former sets of university-wide degree requirements, such as
the Core or General Education requirements, may also be required to fulfill current
university-wide degree requirements.

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 J. Administrative withdrawal. Students with an administrative withdrawal on their records cannot
be cleared for graduation until the withdrawal is resolved. The graduation date will reflect the
date the withdrawal is resolved.

V. COURSE REGISTRATION AND WITHDRAWAL

Registration is one of the conditions required to maintain enrollment at the University. To register is to
become an official member on a class roster. (Refer to II, Enrollment Categories.) To be officially
enrolled, students must clear their fee bills and be registered in at least one course by the end of the
add/drop period. Students who fail to do this are not eligible for University services or use of facilities.

Enrollment in regular University courses is available through the regular University registration
procedures, administered by the Registrar, to full-time and part-time degree-seeking students, and to
non-degree-seeking students. Non-degree students who have previously enrolled in but not completed
an undergraduate degree program in the University must register for regular University courses as non-
degree students through the regular University registration procedures.

Enrollment in regular University courses through University Without Walls is available on a space-
available basis only to BGS students; students enrolled in special academic programs identified and
approved for such registration by the Provost's Office; non-degree-seeking students who have not
previously been enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at the University, and students who are
studying their senior year in absentia.

A. Course Registration.
Courses will be recorded and credits awarded on the permanent records of the University only if
students have registered for such courses in accordance with procedures established by the
Registrar. Course enrollments should be recorded in the term in which the work is performed.

1. Students who register for University and Five College courses must do so in the
designated period.

2. Students on Academic Probation, returning after Academic Suspension or late

withdrawal, or upon reinstatement after Academic Dismissal, must consult with their
Undergraduate Dean. Students who wish to attend part-time during the next semester
must declare their intent to the Registrar during the registration period. (see Section II
Enrollment Categories, paragraph B. Part-Time Degree-Seeking Students, for
restrictions.)

3. The Registrar's Office will issue a credit alert to all students who have earned less than
an average of 12 graduation credits per semester. Additionally, students who average
fewer than 12 credits per semester in the fourth or later semester will be sent an alert
prior to the registration period for the following semester. This alert will be based on
students' current degree credits (including the semester in progress at the time
students are pre-registering). Students who average fewer than 12 credits per
semester in the fourth or later semester will not be permitted to register until they
have obtained approval of an academic plan by the departmental chief undergraduate
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 adviser or college/school undergraduate dean. Students who fail to fulfill the
conditions of their academic plan in subsequent semesters may be prevented from
registering for courses by their undergraduate deans.

4. The course registrations of students who are administratively withdrawn will be

deleted.

5. Students who fail to satisfy an overdue financial obligation or to comply with certain
administrative requirements may have a hold placed on their ability to register for the
following semester. Students will be unable to register for courses until the hold is
cleared. Students who do not clear such registration holds prior to the beginning of the
following semester will be subject to the administrative withdrawal process.

B. Five College Interchange Registration.

1. With the exception of first semester freshmen, any full time or part time student in
good academic standing who is enrolled in at least one three-credit course at the
University may enroll in courses through the Five College Interchange Program. Special
Students and University Without Walls Students are not eligible. Students who are not
registered in at least one three-credit University course at the end of the Add/Drop
period will be withdrawn from the Five College course.

2. There are no additional costs except for laboratory or lesson fees where applicable.
Credits count as University residence credits, and grades earned are recorded on the
University transcript and factored into the University grade point average. (A separate
transcript does not exist at the other institution.)

3. No Five College course will be recorded on the permanent record of the University or
University Without Walls transcript, nor will students receive credit for any classes
attended, unless they have registered in accordance with the established Five College
Interchange Registration procedure and University Registration guidelines as
presented in this section. Students are advised to consult with the Five College
Interchange Office in 512 Goodell.

C. Registration Clearance.
Students who have registered in accordance with Section A above and have paid their bills by the
due date are considered fully cleared for the semester. After the due date, all bills will be subject
to an additional fee for late payment, and students may be prevented from accessing the
registration system to change their schedules. Matriculated undergraduate students who do not
clear their bills with the Bursar's Office prior the first week of add/drop will be withdrawn from
the University. Such students' enrollment will be cancelled for that semester and all courses will
be dropped from their schedules. This will make them ineligible for all University services,
including financial aid, during that semester.

D. Late Enrollment.
As stated in the above paragraph, failure to clear registration in timely fashion will result in
withdrawal from the University. The Registrar may grant a student permission to enroll late (to
be readmitted) if there are extenuating circumstances. If the Registrar denies permission, the
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 student may appeal for re-enrollment to the Committee on Admissions and Records, a process
initiated through the student's undergraduate dean.

E. Removal from Roster by Instructor Due to Non-Attendance, etc.

An instructor may not unilaterally cancel the registration of a student who has officially
registered for a course, unless the student fails to appear for the first two meetings of the class
following the official registration or unless the student lacks the prerequisites stated in the Guide
to Undergraduate Programs, the online Course Catalog, or the online Schedule of Classes. To
cancel a student's registration because of lack of prerequisite, the instructor must notify the
student of his or her intentions. In either case, as early as possible during the Add/Drop period,
the department must drop the student's registration in the course. Drops for these reasons must
be completed by the end of the Add/Drop period.

An instructor who wishes to dis-enroll a student for any other reason, including disruptive
behavior, shall notify the student in writing of his or her intentions, with one copy to the
Registrar and a second copy to the Dean of Students, to whom the student may appeal.

F. Course Withdrawals
Students who wish to drop a course must do so officially according to the regulations governing
the procedure at the particular time. Failure to do this will result in a grade of F for the course.

1. Fall and Spring Semesters:

(a) Add/Drop Period: Students may add or drop a course through seventh calendar day
of the semester (counting from the first day of classes). A course dropped during
this period will not be recorded on the student's transcript.

Students cannot be penalized for activity missed before their official enrollment
begins in the class (i.e., an instructor cannot take off attendance points for missed
classes or deduct graded points for missed/late assignments prior to the student's
official enrollment in the class). Instructors must provide the student an opportunity
to start the class on their first official day of enrollment with 100% graded work,
attendance, participation points available and provide reasonable accommodations
for the student to make up missed assignments without penalty that were due prior
to the student's official enrollment day in the class.

(c) Withdrawal Period: Students may withdraw from a course, with the instructor's
signature, from the eighth calendar day of the semester through the W drop
deadline published in the academic calendar. Courses dropped during this period will
be recorded as "W" (withdrawn) on the student's transcript. Students may drop the
course in SPIRE, and instructors are notified when that drop occurs.

(d) Late Withdrawal: After the W drop deadline, the student is responsible for
completion of the course unless the student's undergraduate dean grants a late
withdrawal for extenuating circumstances.

(e) Course Transfers: With the approval of the course instructor, the course coordinator
for multiple section courses, and the student, an academic department may transfer
a student from a course in which the student is currently enrolled to a lower or

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 higher level course in the same sequence, if the instructor or course coordinator
determines that the student was either not adequately prepared or more than
adequately prepared for the course in which the student is currently enrolled.
Students may be transferred to a lower level course provided the student has not
previously received credit for that course. Course transfers can be made by an
academic department at any time during the semester, but should normally be done
prior to the W drop date. Departments using the course transfer policy are
encouraged to give early and frequent testing to ensure that an adequate evaluation
of each student's ability is made prior to the middle of the semester. Determination
of appropriate course sequences and designation of an appropriate approval
authority shall be determined by the academic department offering the courses.
Departments must notify the Registrar's Office of all course transfers made under
this policy.

(f) Course Withdrawals for Medical Reasons: Students may request a course
withdrawal for reasons related to a medical concern which, in the opinion of the
student’s treating physician or mental health professional, significantly impacts their
ability to function in their role as a student. Before submitting a course withdrawal
request, students are encouraged to first consult with their Undergraduate
Academic Dean or Advisor about how withdrawing from the course may affect their
academic status.

2. UWW Summer Session and Winter Session

(a) Add/Drop Period: Students may add or drop a course, with the instructor's or
authorized departmental officials' signature, through the Add/Drop period
designated in the current University Academic Calendar. Courses dropped during
this period will not be recorded on the students' transcripts.

Students cannot be penalized for activity missed before their official enrollment
begins in the class (i.e., an instructor cannot take off attendance points for missed
classes or deduct graded points for missed/late assignments prior to the student's
official enrollment in the class). Instructors must provide the student an opportunity
to start the class on their first official day of enrollment with 100% graded work,
attendance, participation points available and provide reasonable accommodations
for the student to make up missed assignments without penalty that were due prior
to the student's official enrollment day in the class.

(b) Withdrawal Period: Students may withdraw from a course by using the online ‘drop
form’ on the University Without Walls website during the period designated in the
University academic calendar. Courses dropped during this period will be recorded
as "W" (withdrawn) on the students' transcripts.

(c) Late Withdrawal: After the end of the designated withdrawal period, the student is
responsible for the completion of the course unless the student's Undergraduate
Dean grants a late withdrawal for extenuating circumstances. The UWW academic
advisor acts as academic dean for non-degree students.

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 G. Course Loads.

1. The minimum credit load for a full-time student is 12 credits per semester. The usual
credit load is 15 credits per semester. The maximum credit load for a semester is
established by each school or college and usually varies from 17 to 19. Students
wishing to register for more than the maximum or fewer than the minimum number of
credits permitted in their school or college (see Section II Enrollment Categories,
paragraph A. Full-Time Students) may do so only if they obtain the approval of their
adviser and/or their Undergraduate Dean, depending on the overload.

2. A part-time student may enroll in one to eleven credits per semester. The usual credit
load for a part-time student is six credits per semester. Students involved in part-time
study must complete their last sixty credits in five years, which means an average of six
credits per semester.

3. Students who will be registering for fewer than twelve credits during their last
semester may apply for reduced billing. Applications must be received by the
Registrar's Office no later than the end of the Add/Drop period (the first fourteen
calendar days beginning with the first day of classes). No reduced billing will occur
after that time. These students are considered part-time, which may affect their
financial aid and insurance coverage.

H. Auditing.
A registered undergraduate student may audit a course and have that audit recorded on the
official transcript (as a zero in the Units Earned column and in the grade column as "AUD")
provided that:

1. The student officially elects the class as an audit within the add/drop period by
processing an official course registration change form on which "Audit" is clearly
indicated and which the course instructor has signed.

2. The instructor can accommodate the auditor in a class, and the student satisfies the
instructor regarding his or her preparation and motivation for auditing the class.

3. The student pays all special fees associated with the course.

4. The student satisfies all criteria for a successful audit as stipulated in advance by the
instructor. In the event that that the instructor reports than an audit was not
completed successfully, the course will be expunged from the student's record.

The student may not switch from audit to credit after the end of the add/drop period. The
reverse is also true.

I. Graduate Level Courses Taken by an Undergraduate.

Undergraduates may register for graduate courses in the 600, 700 or 800 series with the
permission of their advisor and the course instructor. Students register for these courses through
the Registrar’s Office.

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VI. WITHDRAWAL FROM THE UNIVERSITY

A. Withdrawal from the University.

Students may at any time terminate their affiliation with the University for personal, academic,
financial, military, or medical reasons by submitting the appropriate University Withdrawal Form.
The effective date of the withdrawal is based on the student’s last date of attendance and
confirmed by the student’s Undergraduate Academic Dean for a personal, academic, financial, or
military withdrawal or by the Medical Director of University Health Services for a medical
withdrawal. Students who withdraw pursuant to this subsection are entitled to re-enrollment
pursuant to the conditions of Section B.

Voluntary Withdrawal from the University:

1. Voluntary Personal, Academic, Financial, or Military Withdrawal from the University:
(a) Students who decide to leave the University without finishing the semester for
which they are currently enrolled may request to withdraw from the University for
personal, academic, financial, or military reasons through their Undergraduate
Academic Dean, whose approval is required.
(b) The Undergraduate Academic Dean will establish the effective date of the
withdrawal based on the student’s last date of attendance.
(c) If the effective date of withdrawal is on or before the last day to drop with ‘W’ as
defined by the Academic Calendar, the semester will not count as one of the ten
semesters permitted for completion of graduation requirements. If the effective
date of withdrawal is after the last day to drop with ‘W’ as defined by the Academic
Calendar, the semester will count as one of the ten semesters.
(d) Both the official transcript and the internal record will list each course with a ‘W’,
unless the effective date of withdrawal is the end of the semester date as defined
by the Academic Calendar, in which case grades will appear.
(e) If a student initiates a request to withdraw within the final three weeks of classes,
the student's Undergraduate Academic Dean may set the effective date of
withdrawal as the end of the semester as defined by the Academic Calendar. In this
instance, grades earned at that time will appear on the transcript and the semester
will count toward the ten semesters permitted for completion of graduation
requirements. These actions may affect the student's academic status and eligibility
to return in a subsequent semester.
(f) In order to re-enroll following a voluntary personal, academic, financial, or military
withdrawal, students must complete the application for re-enrollment pursuant to
the conditions of Section B.

2. Voluntary Medical Withdrawal from the University:

(a) Students who decide to leave the University without finishing the semester for
which they are currently enrolled may request to withdraw from the University for
reasons related to a medical concern which, in the opinion of the student’s treating
physician or mental health professional, significantly impacts their ability to function
in their role as a student. The Medical Director of University Health Services (UHS)
will review and make determinations on all such withdrawal requests.

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 (b) The effective date of the withdrawal is based on the student’s last date of
attendance. The student's Undergraduate Academic Dean or Advisor can provide
advising to the student for the academic effect of the withdrawal.
(c) Both the official transcript and the internal record will list each course with a ‘W’,
unless the effective date of withdrawal is the end of the semester date as defined
by the Academic Calendar, in which case grades will appear.
(d) The length of voluntary medical withdrawals and any conditions for return will be
based on an individualized assessment of each student and the best available
medical evidence, with careful consideration given to the opinions and
recommendations of the student’s treating physician or mental health professional,
if available.
(e) In order to re-enroll following a voluntary medical withdrawal, a student must
present satisfactory evidence to the UHS Medical Director from the student’s
treating physician or mental health professional that the medical concern which
previously rendered the student eligible for voluntary medical withdrawal has been
sufficiently addressed. Students must also complete the application for re-
enrollment pursuant to the conditions of Section B.
(f) Any student who takes a voluntary medical withdrawal for a set length of time or
with set conditions for return may seek early return from, or an extension of, the set
length of time, or a change in the conditions for return. This request will be
considered after an individualized assessment of the student and appropriate
medical evidence.
(g) Any student whose request to return from a voluntary medical withdrawal is denied
(1) will receive a detailed written explanation of the University’s decision not to
allow the student to return, and (2) may appeal the denial of return.

3. End of Semester Withdrawal:

A student who is not currently on academic suspension or dismissal may choose to
withdraw from the University after the end of the semester date as defined by the
Academic Calendar of enrollment and prior to the beginning of the following semester,
by notifying the Registrar via SPIRE. The effective date of withdrawal will be the last
date of the semester during which the student was enrolled. Students who withdraw
pursuant to this subsection are entitled to re-enrollment pursuant to the conditions of
Section B.

Administrative Withdrawal:
A student may be administratively withdrawn from the University if, after due notice, the
student fails to satisfy an overdue financial obligation to the University or to comply with
certain administrative requirements. This means the student’s registration, housing, and
financial aid for the current semester will be canceled. The student will be unable to register
or pre-register for any subsequent semester until the administrative withdrawal is resolved.
All matters must be resolved by the late registration or late enrollment deadline outlined on
the Registrar’s website in order for the student to be considered enrolled. If the
Administrative Withdrawal occurs during a semester in which the student is enrolled, they
may continue to attend classes for that semester, while resolving the obligation which led to

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 the withdrawal. If a graduating senior is administratively withdrawn their graduation date will
be determined by the date of resolution which clears the outstanding obligation.

Conditions Warranting Administrative Withdrawal:

1. Failure to comply with administrative requirements; specifically, failure by a
student to satisfy an overdue financial obligation to the University, consisting of
tuition, loans, board, room fees, library charges, or other student charges,
including orientation, student activities, health services, Child Care and other such
fees as may be established from time to time, or other University obligations.
2. Forgery, fraud, or falsification of information on any official University form or
document, such as a grade report, recommendations, transcripts, etc.

Effects of Administrative Withdrawal:

1. If administratively withdrawn, a student's record will indicate the withdrawn date
and the reason code for administrative withdrawal. All courses for which a student
is registered at time of withdrawal will be suppressed on the official transcript
until the resolution of the outstanding obligation.
2. The student shall not be allowed to pre-register or register for future semesters. If
a student has already pre-registered at the time of withdrawal, all course
enrollments will be canceled.
3. The student shall receive no further material or notification from the Registrar
concerning University affairs.

Note: If a graduating senior is administratively withdrawn, his/her graduation date will

be determined by the date of resolution which clears the outstanding obligation.

Procedures for Implementing Administrative Withdrawal:

1. An appropriate administrative official may recommend to the Registrar that a
student be administratively withdrawn from the University.
2. The administrative official shall make his/her recommendation in writing, detailing
his/her compliance with the following requirements:
(a) The recommendation must be based on one of the grounds set forth in the
Conditions Warranting Administrative Withdrawal.
(b) The facts upon which the recommendation is based must be ascertained and
stated precisely and accurately.
(c) An attempt to resolve the matter must have been made by the
administrative official by mailing to the student at his/her last known
address a written notice of the proposed recommendation for withdrawal
and the reasons therefore, such matter not having been successfully
resolved within fourteen calendar days of the mailing of said notice.
(d) If the matter has not been successfully resolved, the administrative unit shall
send a certified letter to the student at his/her last known address setting
forth the recommendation for withdrawal and the reasons therefore.
3. If the Registrar is satisfied that the conditions specified in number 2 of this section
have been satisfied, the Registrar shall administratively withdraw the student
from the University no sooner than the fifteenth calendar day following the
mailing of the notice provided for in said paragraph.

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 Reinstatement from Administrative Withdrawal:
Any student who has been administratively withdrawn may at any time during the
semester in which the withdrawal was made make arrangements with the
Registrar for the resolution of the matter. Upon such a resolution satisfactory to
the Registrar, the Registrar shall forthwith reinstate the student to active
enrollment status. Any student who fails to resolve the outstanding obligation
during the semester will be ineligible to enroll for the following semester unless
the student is able to make the payment prior to the first day of the semester. In
this situation, the student must also be able to clear the tuition and fee bill
immediately. Otherwise, upon resolution, the student must file a re-enrollment
application by the stated deadline for enrollment in the next available semester.

Involuntary Withdrawal from the University

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is committed to the safety, health, and
well-being of the campus community. The University recognizes that students may
experience situations that significantly impacts their ability to function in their role
as a student. In rare circumstances, the University may require a student to take
an involuntary withdrawal, pursuant to the standards and procedures articulated
in the complete Involuntary Withdrawal Policy, found on the Dean of Students
Office website. In such circumstances, students will be given the option to take a
voluntary withdrawal before a decision is made with respect to an involuntary
withdrawal.

B. Re-enrollment after Withdrawal.

Students in good academic standing at the end of their most recent semester of enrollment
are eligible to reenter the University after withdrawal. If the student's academic status after
their last semester of enrollment is academic suspension or dismissal, the student's eligibility
for re-enrollment is described under Section III., “Academic Status.”

Students seeking re-enrollment following a voluntary medical withdrawal must present

satisfactory evidence to the UHS Medical Director from the student’s treating physician or
mental health professional that the medical concern which previously rendered the student
eligible for voluntary medical withdrawal has been sufficiently addressed.

To re-enroll, students must complete the application for re-enrollment by the deadlines
outlined on the Registrar’s website, and meet all bill payment deadlines.

Table of Contents Page 26

VII. GRADING SYSTEM AND CREDIT GUIDELINES

The aims of the grading system are to measure as fairly as possible the quality of students' work and to
assess their overall performance. The system of letter grading is used to encourage evaluation on the
basis of total performance. This philosophy recognizes that the measurement of performance is a
relatively inexact art.

A. Grading Notations.
Effective Fall 2004, the University’s official grading system for undergraduates in undergraduate
courses is: A (4.000), A- (3.700), B+ (3.300), B (3.000), B- (2.700), C+ (2.300), C (2.000), C- (1.700),
D+ (1.300), D (1.000), F (0), Inc (Incomplete: 0), NR (No grades submitted by the instructor for the
entire class: No effect on cumulative average), P (Pass: No effect on cumulative average), Y (Year-
long course in progress: No effect on cumulative average. Will be replaced by a permanent
grade notation at the conclusion of the second half of the two-semester course sequence.), and
Aud (Audit: No effect on the cumulative average or on credit toward graduation). A blank grade
(annotated as __), will be counted as 0 in the calculation of the cumulative average. An IF is
recorded when an Incomplete is not resolved within the timeframe detailed in section D below.
The designation W (withdrawn) is not a grade; it is an administrative notation, which has no
effect on cumulative average.

Undergraduates enrolling in graduate-level courses numbered 500 - 599 follow the regular
undergraduate grading rules and are allowed to register for most courses under the elective
pass/fail option.

Undergraduates enrolling in graduate-level courses numbered 600 or above follow the graduate
grading rules in which, for most courses, an SAT (satisfactory) grade is available instead of the
elective pass/fail option available at the undergraduate level and in which C-, D+ and D are not
valid grades. If a student wishes to receive a SAT grade instead of a letter grade, they make
arrangements with the instructor prior to the end of the course.

Five College plus and minus grades factor as follows: A- (3.75), B+ (3.25), B- (2.75), C+ (2.25), C-
(1.75), D+ (1.25), D- (0.75).

Prior to Fall 2004, the preceding grading system for undergraduates in undergraduate courses
employed the following letter grades: A (4.0), AB (3.5), B (3.0), BC (2.5), C (2.000), CD (1.5), D
(1.0), and F (0). The preceding grading system did not employ the IF grade.

B. Courses Which Do Not Earn Graduation Credit.

No course marked F, IF, INC, W, Y, NR, blank (annotated as __) or AUD earns graduation credit.
Courses numbered below the 100-level (e.g., MATH 011) earn semester credit (i.e., they act to
maintain status as a full-time student) but not degree credit; grades in these courses are factored
into the semester and the cumulative grade point averages (see paragraph E. Repeated Courses).

C. Grade Changes.
Grades may not be changed if a proposed change is based upon the additional or re-evaluated
work of a single student. (This restriction does not apply to grade changes resulting from appeals
or other means of dispute resolution under established procedures.) Grades may, however, be
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 changed if they are based on routine correction of a clerical error. Such grades may be changed
only when requested by the instructor of the course and approved by the Undergraduate Dean
of the college in which the course is offered.

Note: After the start of the semester following a student's graduation, the student's academic
record cannot be altered, except for instances of documented institutional error. For more
information, see the "Preface" at the start of these academic regulations.

D. Incompletes.
Students who are unable to complete course requirements within the allotted time because of
severe medical or personal problems may request a grade of Incomplete from the instructor of
the course. Normally, incomplete grades are warranted only if a student is passing the course at
the time of the request and if the course requirements can be completed by the end of the
following semester. Instructors who turn in a grade of "INC" are required to leave a written
record of the following information with the departmental office of the academic department
under which the course is offered: (1) the percentage of work completed, (2) the grade earned
by the student on the completed work, (3) a description of the work that remains to be
completed, (4) a description of the method by which the student is to complete the unfinished
work, and (5) the date by which the work is to be completed. In the case of an independent study
where the entire grade is determined by one paper or project, the instructor should leave with
the department information pertaining to the paper or project, which will complete the course.
To avoid subsequent misunderstanding it is recommended that the student also be provided
with a copy of this information.

Grades of Incomplete will be counted as F's until resolved. If not resolved by the end of the
following semester, they will automatically be converted to an F if taken before Fall 2004, to an
IF if taken thereafter. Faculty wishing to extend this deadline must write to the Registrar's Office
stipulating a specific date by which the incomplete will be completed.

Grades of Incomplete recorded prior to Fall 1987 are not subject to the above policy.

Students are not permitted to re-register for a course in order to clear an Incomplete.

Requests for grade changes from INC to Y, from INC to a grade, from NR to a grade, or from a
blank (__) to a grade require a request from the instructor only. In situations where an instructor
has permanently left the employ of the University, the department chair or head (or designee)
may change an "INC" to a final course grade after reviewing the information on student
performance originally provided by the instructor at the time the "INC" was submitted and
completing an evaluation of the makeup work of the student. Changes of an "INC" grade by the
chair or head (or designee) require the approval of the Undergraduate Dean in the school or
college in which the course is offered. This procedure would be normally used only in cases
where the original course instructor cannot be contacted or the instructor refuses to evaluate
the makeup work of the student or to provide an opportunity for the student to make up the
missing work.

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 E. Repeated Courses & Course Substitutions.

No course for which a grade of C or higher was earned may be repeated. A course for which a
grade of C-, D+, D or F (or CD before 2004) was earned may be repeated one time without
permission. A course may be repeated a second time, for a total of three times, only with prior
permission of the undergraduate dean of the school or college in which the student is enrolled.
Under no circumstances may a student take a course more than three times. Successful
registration for a course does not constitute permission.

All enrollments and all grades will appear on the transcript, but the last grade will be calculated
in the GPA unless the dean files an appeal with the Registrar.

Repeating a UMass Amherst course at another of the Five Colleges, at another campus of the
University of Massachusetts, or at any other institution will not result in grade substitution.

If an academic honesty sanction has been imposed, the grade specified in the sanction will
always be calculated in the GPA.

NOTE: Repeating a course can have negative consequences. For example, if a passing grade of C-
, D+ or D (or CD before 2004) was received in the first enrollment, but a failing grade is received
when the course is repeated, no credit would be earned for either attempt. Repeating a
previously passed course may also have an effect on financial aid eligibility. Students considering
repeating previously passed courses should consult their academic advisors and Financial Aid
staff.

Course Substitution Policy

A student may propose a substitution for a required course. The course content of the proposed
substitute must be substantially similar to that of the original required course. A proposal for
substitution must be endorsed by the undergraduate dean of the school or college in which the
student is enrolled and is subject to final approval by the Registrar.

F. Practica and Residential Colloquia Courses.

Students are limited to a maximum of 18 credits in practica courses (numbered 298 or 398 or
498) that are not required for the major.

Students are limited to two residential colloquium credits in any given semester and a maximum
of 12 residential colloquium credits during their undergraduate careers.

G. Courses and Prerequisites.

Students who have successfully completed a course may not subsequently take its prerequisite
for credit.

H. Credit by Special Examination.

Matriculated students may attempt to satisfy the requirements of a course by taking a
departmentally approved examination. Forms governing the administration of such tests may be
obtained in the Registrar's Office. A per credit fee will be charged. A student may earn no more
than 15 credits in this manner. Grades, including Fs, and credits for courses taken by examination
are included in the cumulative average. Credit by examination may not be obtained in courses
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 for which a different examination mechanism exists, such as in Math, Freshman Writing, or
foreign languages. Earned credits will be considered residence credits.

I. University Exemption Tests.

Students may earn exemption from certain requirements through tests administered (1) by the
New Students Program during the Freshman and Transfer Orientations, (2) during registration
periods. Where applicable, credits earned will be considered residence credit. In addition,
students may be exempted from the foreign language requirements of the Colleges of Arts &
Sciences through tests administered in various departments or by faculty members in accordance
with the procedures established by the applicable College. Only these tests of foreign language
yield credit.

J. Advanced Placement Credit.

Those students who are awarded advanced placement credit on the basis of a College Level
Examination Program (CLEP) or an Advanced Placement (AP) examination administered by the
College Board, or on the basis of a local exam, will be granted no grade for these credits. These
credits, if appropriate, may be counted toward satisfaction of the University's requirements.
CLEP and AP are transfer credits.

K. University Without Walls Courses.

Enrollment in courses offered by University Without Walls during the fall or spring semester
requires the payment of University Without Walls course registration fees in addition to the
applicable regular University tuition and fees. The use of courses offered by the UWW during the
fall or spring semester to fulfill regular University degree requirements is restricted by the
Regulations Concerning Enrollment in University Without Walls, listed elsewhere in Academic
Regulations.

1. Regular University degree students not subject to suspension or dismissal may enroll in
courses offered by University Without Walls during a summer session or intersession.
Courses taken during these sessions will be merged into the student's official
undergraduate record and transcript.

2. Students who have been admitted to a degree program at the University are normally
expected to complete their course requirements through enrollment in regular course
offerings and courses offered during summer and intersession. After matriculation,
enrollment in courses offered by University Without Walls during the fall or spring
semester is normally restricted to six credits. Exceptions to these general restrictions
are detailed in the Regulations Concerning Enrollment in University Without Walls. If a
student enrolls in courses offered by University Without Walls during the fall or spring
semester, the credits attempted and grades received in those courses will be merged
into the student's official undergraduate record and transcript.

3. Students who are on suspension or who have been dismissed may not enroll in courses
offered by University Without Walls except with the permission of their undergraduate
dean. If permission is granted (not done automatically), students will be classified as
non-degree University Without Walls students. Credits attempted and grades earned
during this period of enrollment will be factored into the students' undergraduate
records and any subsequent re-enrollment decisions.
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 L. Stockbridge Courses.
For students who have previously been matriculated in the Stockbridge School, Stockbridge
courses are treated as residence credit with both credits and grades factored into the
undergraduate record.

M. Five College Courses.

Credits and grades attempted and earned through the Five College Interchange program will be
factored into the student's undergraduate record exactly as they are sent to the Registrar's Office
(i.e., plus and minus grades will be used). Credits completed are considered residence credits.

N. University of Massachusetts Boston Courses.

Effective with the Fall 1995 semester, credits from the University's Boston campus have been
regarded as transfer credits according to paragraphs "O" and "P," below. Neither credits
attempted nor grades earned factor into the grade point average. Credits attempted and grades
earned at the Boston campus prior to Fall 1995 became part of a student's undergraduate
records on the Amherst campus only for those students admitted to an Amherst campus degree
program in Fall 1995 or earlier.

O. Transfer Courses Taken Prior to First Enrollment at the University.

When a student transfers to the University, credit for courses that are accepted by the
Registrar’s office will appear on the student's official transcript. Grades for these courses will
appear, but they will not be factored into the student's grade point average. Students who have
been awarded transfer credit for courses equivalent to those offered by the University of
Massachusetts Amherst may not repeat those courses on campus either for credit or for quality
points affecting the cumulative average. Students may, however, officially audit courses for
which transfer credits have been granted, or in unusual circumstances may, with the approval of
an Undergraduate Dean, re-elect the course for a grade but no graduation credit. Credits
completed are not considered residence credits.

P. Transfer Courses Taken After Initial Enrollment at the University.

Students may decide to take courses at another institution during the summer or while on leave
from the University. In this instance, students must file a prior approval form to determine which
University and/or major requirements will be fulfilled upon completion of the course. Failure to
do so may result in the denial of the transferring of the credits. Credits will be factored into the
student's undergraduate record and may affect the semester count. Grades will not be factored
in to the student’s GPA. Credits completed are not considered residence credits.

Q. Reports and Transcripts.

At the end of the Fall, Winter, Spring, and final Summer term, final grades are available to
students for their online review.

Questions concerning the cost (if applicable) of official or unofficial transcripts should be directed
to the University Registrar’s Office. No transcript may be sent outside the University without a
student's written or online request.

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VIII. PASS/FAIL OPTION

The purpose of the Pass/Fail option is to encourage students to be venturesome in the choice of their
courses. Any undergraduate shall be eligible to exercise a Pass/Fail option in one course each term.
Winter and each summer session count as individual terms. Students electing courses offered on a
mandatory Pass/Fail basis (e.g., UMASS 298Y) shall also be allowed to take one additional, normally
graded course that semester on a Pass/Fail basis.

A. Pass/Fail Limits.

1. Students should not elect the Pass/Fail option for courses that they wish to count
toward their General Education requirements. Courses taken on a pass/fail basis will
not satisfy General Education, regardless of whether a P (Pass) grade or a letter grade
is earned. If a student took a course on a pass/fail basis and wishes to count the
course toward a General Education requirement, the student must revoke the pass/fail
option through the Registrar’s Office prior to graduation.

2. The University's writing requirements may not be elected Pass/Fail.

3. Some majors prohibit using the Pass/Fail option to fulfill their requirements.

4. Students wishing to exercise the Pass/Fail option must do so by the W Drop date.

B. Recording the Pass/Fail Option.

When students choose to take a course with the Pass/Fail option, the instructor will not be
informed. At the end of the semester the instructor will turn in the letter grade earned. If the
grade is F, it is factored into the GPA. If the student receives a passing grade, an initial
computation of the cumulative average will be made. This average will include all graded courses
from prior semesters as well as graded courses from the current semester. If the course elected
Pass/Fail during the current semester carries a grade higher than the initially computed
cumulative average, the reported grade will be recorded and the cumulative average
recomputed; otherwise the P or F will be recorded. (A grade of P is not assigned any quality
points and does not enter into the computation of the cumulative average; the grade of F is
always assigned 0.0 quality points and is used in computing the cumulative average.) A student
may opt for the grade, even if it lowers his or her cumulative average, or a student may opt for a
pass, even after the Registrar has changed a pass to a grade because it raised the student's
average. Students may request this change in SPIRE. Once the student is graduated, no further
changes can be made to the transcript.

Special adjustments to Elective Pass/Fail grading in Spring 2020, Fall 2020 and Spring 2021:

Adjustment to Elective Pass/Fail grading in Spring 2020

Adjustment to Elective Pass/Fail grading in Fall 2020
Adjustment to Elective Pass/Fail grading in Spring 2021

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IX. ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled classes at the University for which they are
registered. In cases of illness, students are to explain their absences directly to their instructors. The
grades of students who have met the requirements of the instructor in making up their work shall not be
reduced for absence because of illness. Students are not to be penalized for official off-campus trips.

During the Add/Drop period, faculty members are allowed to drop students who are absent from the
first two class meetings and have failed to make special arrangements with the instructor. However,
students should be aware that non-attendance is not a means of automatically dropping a course.
Students who intend to drop a course should do so during the Add/Drop period. Students who do not
drop or withdraw from a course through normal procedures may receive a grade of F for the course.

However, students cannot be penalized for activity missed before their official enrollment begins in the
class (i.e., an instructor cannot take off attendance points for missed classes or deduct graded points for
missed/late assignments prior to the student's official enrollment in the class). Instructors must provide
the student an opportunity to start the class on their first official day of enrollment with 100% graded
work, attendance, participation points available and provide reasonable accommodations for the
student to make up missed assignments without penalty that were due prior to the student's official
enrollment day in the class.

Thereafter, although an instructor may not unilaterally drop a student from a course for poor
attendance, an instructor teaching a course where grading criteria are spelled out may lower a grade or
even fail a student for poor attendance (see Course Management Guidelines For Instructors). Faculty
may, however, drop from the roster a student who is disruptive in the classroom (see Section V.
Registration in Courses and Withdrawal, paragraph E. Removal from Roster by Instructor Due to Non-
Attendance, etc.).

Students absent due to extenuating circumstances-including jury duty, military obligations, scheduled
activities for other classes, the death of a family member, or verifiable health-related incapacity-remain
responsible for meeting all class requirements and contacting the faculty member in a timely fashion
about making up missed work. Faculty shall offer such students reasonable assistance in making up
missed classes (i.e., making arrangements for attendance at labs or discussion sections which meet at
other times; providing makeup exams or labs where feasible or offer mutually agreeable alternatives to
make up work).

When scheduled events, such as athletic events, conflict with more than 20 percent of the scheduled
meeting times of a course, the student is required to drop one or the other. When the overlap is less
than 20 percent, the student may engage in both activities, but remains responsible for meeting all
requirements of the course.

In considering whether to grant an excuse for an absence caused by illness or other extenuating non-
academic reasons, faculty have the right to require formal, written documentation, within the limits of
the health care provider's policy (see Excuses of Absence for Health Reasons).

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X. ABSENCES DUE TO RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE

The University of Massachusetts Amherst requires that the University excuse any student who is unable
to attend classes or participate in any examination, study, or work requirement because of religious
observance, as noted:

Chapter 151C of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Law states:

“Any student in an educational or vocational training institution, other than a religious or
denominational educational or vocational training institution, who is unable, because of his religious
beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study or work requirement on a particular
day shall be excused from any such examination or study or work requirement, and shall be provided
with an opportunity to make up such examination, study, or work requirement which he may have
missed because of such absence on any particular day; provided, however, that such makeup
examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon such school. No fees of any kind
shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said student such opportunity. No adverse
or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his availing himself of the provisions of this
section.”

Instructors must accept a student’s assertion of the need to be absent from class for religious reasons,
but students are required to notify instructors in advance that they will miss class in order to observe a
religious holiday. University policy and Massachusetts state law require faculty to offer make-up
assignments or exams to students who are absent for religious observance.

Students and instructors can ascertain the dates of many religious holidays by consulting an interfaith
calendar such as: https://www.diversityresources.com/interfaith-calendar-2022/

See also other online calendars posted on the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life website at
https://www.umass.edu/orsl/interfaith/calendars.

Note, however, that none of these calendars is exhaustive.

Students planning to be absent from classes due to religious observance must notify their instructors in
writing as early in the semester as possible, but no later than one week in advance of the absence with
the exception of holidays falling during the first week of the academic year. In the event of a dispute
between a student and a faculty member, either party should contact the department head or the
Ombuds Office at (413) 545-0867.

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XI. EXAMINATIONS

A. General
If students miss a quiz, test, or examination for extenuating personal circumstances, the policy
stated under Attendance will apply.

Students have a right to examine, though not necessarily to retain, all materials - such as
homework, lab reports, quizzes, tests, and examinations - that they have submitted to an
instructor for evaluation. Students who wish to exercise this right but cannot easily do so
because of absence, illness, etc., must inform their instructor in writing before the end of the
succeeding semester. Instructors are therefore required to retain these materials through the
succeeding semester. Instructors are required to protect student s' confidentiality in handling all
evaluations.

B. Evening Examinations
Evening exams should be scheduled from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays.
In a situation where an evening exam is scheduled the same time as a once-a-week class meets,
the class takes precedence over the evening exam provided that the class (lecture section only)
meets on Mondays or Tuesday evenings. The students are entitled to a reasonable
accommodation for a makeup exam.

In addition, it is University policy that if a student is scheduled to take two evening examinations
at the same time, the faculty member teaching the course with the higher final digit (or digits) in
its class number (the unique 5-digit number which represents a particular section in the Schedule
of Classes) is required to offer a make-up examination.* Proof of the conflict must be provided
by the student (for evening examinations, this may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office). If
any student is scheduled to take three or more examinations on the same day, the faculty
member(s) running the chronologically middle examination(s) is required to offer a make- up
examination if the student notifies the instructor of the conflict at least two weeks prior to the
time the examination is scheduled.

C. Final Examinations
It is University policy that all final examinations be given during the scheduled final examination
period. In courses in which no final examination or other class activity is scheduled during the
final examination period, no examination should be scheduled during the final week of classes
nor during the Reading Period. Non-cumulative exams must be scheduled during the final
examination period if there is no cumulative final for the course.

Non-cumulative exams may be scheduled during the last week of classes only in classes in which
an additional final exam is scheduled during the final examination period. This policy applies to
both undergraduate and graduate courses. Complaints of violation of the formal policy on
examinations in the final week of classes should be directed to the Department Head/Chair. If a
faculty member is then found to have violated this policy, the Head/Chair will be responsible for
ensuring that a make-up or alternative examination, similar in content and structure, is
scheduled during the appropriate final examination period, and that all students in the course
are notified of this option prior to the administration of the examination during the final week of
classes.

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 Further, it is University policy not to require students to take more than two final examinations in
one day of the final examination period. If any student is scheduled to take three examinations
on the same day, the faculty member running the chronologically middle examination is required
to offer a make- up examination if the student notifies the instructor of the conflict at least two
weeks prior to the time the examination is scheduled. The student must provide proof of the
conflict. This may be obtained from the Registrar's Office, 213 Whitmore.

In addition, it is University policy that if a student is scheduled to take two final examinations at
the same time, the faculty member teaching the course with the higher final digit (or digits) in its
class number (the unique 5-digit number which represents a particular section in the Schedule of
Classes) is required to offer a make-up examination.* Proof of the conflict must be provided by
the student (for final examinations, this may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office). If any
student is scheduled to take three or more examinations on the same day, the faculty member(s)
running the chronologically middle examination(s) is required to offer a make- up examination if
the student notifies the instructor of the conflict at least two weeks prior to the time the
examination is scheduled.

All make-up final examinations caused by schedule conflicts must be given during the calendar
period of the final examination schedule. Make-up examinations may be scheduled during hours
that fall outside the normal examination time periods.

*For example, if examinations for ENGLISH 172 (class #71123) and MATH 132 (class #27514) are
scheduled at the same time, a student enrolled in both courses will have a make-up examination
provided by the instructor in Math.

XII. MAJORS, MINORS AND RELATED PROGRAMS

Each college and school has academic programs from which students may choose a particular area of
study. This is the major, a prescribed number of courses and credits in a specific academic subject. There
are nearly 100 majors at the University, some with special areas of concentration. Some majors have
specific areas of specialization (tracks) which must be determined at some point early in the student's
academic career. Some departments or programs may specify Continuation Requirements in order for
the student to progress successfully through and/or remain in the major. Please consult the Chief
Undergraduate Adviser in each department for all of the above. .

Students who wish to have a primary major in one discipline may also choose to have a second area of
concentration in another. This can be done through a double major (second major), a double degree, a
minor, or a certificate.

A. Change of Major.
Students who wish to change their major should go to the department of the new major to
initiate the process.

Any undergraduate student enrolled in the University is permitted to change majors. No college,
school, department, or program may refuse to accept a student's change of major unless that
unit has received from the Provost and/or the Faculty Senate authorization to restrict admission.

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 Students whose change of major might result in a plan of study requiring more than ten
semesters should consult with their Undergraduate Dean.

B. Double Major.
A student may earn a second major and have it recorded on the official transcript provided that:

1. Both majors are completed within the ten semesters allowed for the completion of all
graduation requirements.

2. A student declares a primary and secondary major by going to the appropriate

departments to initiate the process. Both majors will appear on the student's
transcript. Once the primary major is determined, the student may use courses from
the second major to satisfy University and College/School requirements.

3. The second major lies in the same school or college as the primary major. If the second
major lies in a school or college other than that of the primary major, the student must
obtain clearance from the Undergraduate Dean of the college of the second major to
verify that all requirements for graduation from that college have been satisfied.

4. Prior to graduation, an authorized representative of the second major files a formal

certification with the Registrar to confirm that all requirements for that second major
have been completed.

5. The student has not yet graduated. Students once graduated may not retroactively
seek a double major, but may re-apply for a Post Graduate Second Bachelor's Degree
(see paragraph C. Second Bachelor’s Degree, number 2).

C. Second Bachelor's Degree.

Students may be considered for Second-Bachelor's Degree status in one of two categories. (Note
that Second Bachelor's Degrees are not available in all majors).

1. Simultaneous Second Bachelor's Degree

(a) Enrolled students of this University may earn a second bachelor's degree by
completing a minimum of 30 additional credits beyond those normally
required for graduation, all of which must be in residence. Students need not
complete one degree and then start the other. Both degrees must be
completed within ten semesters and both degrees must be awarded
simultaneously. Students once graduated may not retroactively seek a second
simultaneous degree, but may apply for Post-Graduate degree status. (Credits
earned under the first degree then, even if they are in excess of the required
120, are not applicable toward the Post-Graduate Second Bachelor's Degree.
Individual departments may waive certain requirements based on work from
the first degree.)
(b) Students are urged to declare their second major early in their academic
career, preferably by the end of the sophomore year. In their senior year,
students pursuing a simultaneous second bachelor’s degree must submit to
the Registrar’s Office a certification confirming completion of all

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 requirements for the second degree. This must be submitted before their
scheduled graduation date.

2. Post-Graduate Second Bachelor's Degree

(a) Graduates of other institutions who wish to earn a second bachelor's degree
at this University must complete a minimum of 45 credits in residence at the
University.
(b) Students who attended this University will have their residency requirements
handled on an individual basis; usually only 30 additional credits in residence
are required.
(c) The department, in conjunction with the undergraduate dean, will establish a
semester-by-semester Plan of Study including minimally acceptable grades
and any additional school or college requirements. Students who fail to meet
the exact terms of this contract will be subject to Administrative Withdrawal.
Changes to the original Plan of Study for the admitted Program may be made
only with the approval of the students' undergraduate dean. Students who
wish to change their major must reapply for the new major through the
Admissions Office and withdraw from the current admitted program.
(d) Clearance for the Post-Graduate Second Bachelor's Degree requires
certification from the major and college that all graduation requirements
have been met.

D. Minors.

A minor is a limited number of prescribed credits, 15 credits minimum, and courses in an

academic department. Not all departments offer approved minors. Students interested in having
a minor should consult the Guide to Undergraduate Programs to determine whether a minor in
that field has been approved, and the requirements for its completion. The minor must be
completed within the 10 semesters allowed for the completion of all graduation requirements,
including the major. Prior to graduation, an authorized representative of the minor files a formal
certification with the Registrar to confirm that all requirements for that minor have been
completed. These requirements include the completion of all courses/credit hour requirements
in the minor and the attainment of at least a 2.000 average in the program courses with no more
than one of these courses having a grade of less than 2.000. Students are eligible for Minors only
if currently enrolled in an approved major leading to a baccalaureate degree at the University.

E. Certificates.

A certificate program is a coherent set of courses representing a defined body of knowledge and
skills Certificates may represent a subset of the requirements for existing degree programs; may
reflect a multidisciplinary perspective drawing coursework from more than one existing program;
or may constitute a relatively free-standing area of focus with little formal connection to existing
academic programs. A certificate program must consist of at least fifteen credits of coursework.
Certificates are open to all students, undergraduate and graduate, matriculating or non-
matriculating, subject to availability of courses and unless otherwise restricted.
A student who has completed the requirements for a certificate should contact the sponsoring
department or program, which will notify the Registrar that the requirements have been met.
These requirements include the completion of all courses/credit hour requirements in the
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 certificate program and the attainment of at least a 2.000 average in the program courses with
no more than one of these courses having a grade of less than 2.000.

F. Application of courses towards multiple credentials.

No more than two courses used to fulfill the requirements of any one credential may be applied towards
the fulfillment of another credential, wherein “credential” is defined as an academic degree program:
major, minor, or certificate. One course may only be applied to two credentials. See University Registrar
website for full text of policy:
http://www.umass.edu/registrar/sites/default/files/UsingCoursesMultipleCredentials.pdf

XIII. MAJOR DECLARATION AND CHANGE OF MAJOR POLICY

1. Students must declare a primary major (one that leads to degree completion) no later
than the registration period during their third full-time term, after two graded full-time
fall or spring semesters, at UMass Amherst. Their Academic Dean may approve an
exception for extenuating circumstances, to allow additional time to declare the
major.
2. The same policy, to declare a major, applies to transfer students approved to enroll in
an Exploratory Track.
3. Students who change their primary major to another major should be aware that the
university requires successful academic progress in the major and compliance with the
university’s rule to graduate in 10 semesters or fewer (see section I. in Graduation
Requirements). Note that if the student changes majors after the enrollment
add/drop period, assessed school/college fees are not refundable.

XIV. HONORS

The University provides three routes for obtaining Honors recognition.

A. Dean's List.
Students will be appointed to an official Dean's List at the end of a semester in which they
complete a minimum of 12 graded credits with a grade point average of 3.500 or better. Dean's
List is not a graduation honor. Questions about the Dean’s List should be referred to the
Registrar's Office.

B. For All Students.

All graduating seniors are eligible for Latin honors designations on diplomas and transcripts if
his/her complete academic record shows at least 45 calculable credits at the University of
Massachusetts Amherst and meets one or more of the following criteria:

1. If a student’s GPA places him/her among the top 5% of the graduating class of his/her
school or college, then he/she will receive the degree summa cum laude.

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 2. If a student’s GPA places him/her among the top 10% of the graduating class of his/her
school or college, but not among the top 5%, then he/she will receive the degree magna cum
laude.

3. If a student’s GPA places him/her among the top 25% of the graduating class of his/her
school or college, but not among the top 10%, then he/she will receive the degree cum laude.

The Registrar will annually post on their website the GPA needed to secure a place in the top 5%,
10%, and 25% in each school or college for the current year, based on the average of the
previous three years’ graduating classes.

NOTE: For all students admitted Spring 2009 or earlier and who graduate within 5 years, cum
laude will be based on a 3.200 GPA and 45 calculable credits. Students admitted after Spring
2009, cum laude will change to the top 25% GPA as stated above.

C. For Commonwealth Honors College Students.

The Commonwealth Honors College Curriculum Committee and Dean, using criteria that they
shall determine, may recommend a student who has completed the requirements of the
Commonwealth Honors College for any one of the following designations upon graduation:

1. Commonwealth College Honors with greatest distinction.

2. Commonwealth College Honors with great distinction.

3. Commonwealth College Honors with distinction.

4. Commonwealth College Honors.

A student who meets both criteria for Commonwealth College honors and Latin honors will
receive the degree with honors of both types—for example, “B.A. magna cum laude,
Commonwealth College Scholar with the greatest distinction.”

NOTE: For Commonwealth Honors College students, admitted Spring 2009 or earlier and who
graduate within 5 years, cum laude will be based on a 3.200 GPA and 45 calculable credits,
magna cum laude will be based on a 3.500 GPA and summa cum laude will be based on a 3.800
GPA. Students admitted after Spring 2009, will be subject to the new Latin honors as stated
above.

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 ENROLLMENT REGULATIONS FOR UNIVERSITY WITHOUT WALLS (UWW)
Formerly Continuing & Professional Education (CPE)

There are three categories of credit-bearing courses offered on the Amherst campus of the University:

A. Regular University Course Offerings.

During the fall and spring semesters, the Registrar's Office schedules the regular course offerings
of academic departments and programs. These are published through the online student
information system, SPIRE, by the Registrar’s Office. In these regulations, these courses are
referred to as "regular University course offerings." Matriculated students are expected to enroll
in these courses through the Registrar's standard procedures, and to pay regular University
tuition and fees appropriate to the enrollment status. Registration in regular University course
offerings through University Without Walls is restricted by the regulations detailed below.

B. University Without Walls Course Offerings.

During the fall and spring semesters, University Without Walls offers courses that have been
authorized by academic departments and programs. These are listed in schedules issued by
University Without Walls. In these regulations, these courses are referred to as "courses offered
by University Without Walls." Students who enroll in these courses pay tuition and fees to
University Without Walls, in addition to any tuition and fees paid as a result of enrollment in
regular University course offerings.

C. Winter and Summer Sessions Course Offerings.

During the January winter session and the summer sessions, University Without Walls offers
courses that have been authorized by academic departments and programs. Only University
Without Walls offers courses during the winter session and summer session; there are no regular
University course offerings during these periods.

Students who have been admitted to a degree program at the University are normally expected to
complete their course requirements through enrollment in regular course offerings and courses offered
during summer and winter session. Such students are not normally permitted to enroll solely in courses
offered by University Without Walls. Exceptions to these general restrictions are detailed below.
Requests for exceptions other than those detailed below require a petition to the University Registrar.

I. ENROLLMENT IN COURSES BY NON-MATRICULATED STUDENTS

Students who have never matriculated in a baccalaureate degree program at the University may register
through University Without Walls for both regular University courses and courses offered by University
Without Walls. They are classified as non-degree University Without Walls students. Enrollment is on a
space-available basis (no pre-registration is allowed; access may be restricted by departments or
programs). Students pay University Without Walls registration and fees. Students who have never
matriculated in a baccalaureate degree program at the University are not subject to any of the following
regulations.

Students who have already received a baccalaureate degree from the University, and who are not
currently matriculated in a second baccalaureate program, are not subject to any of the following
regulations.
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Students who matriculated in a baccalaureate degree program at the University, but subsequently
transferred to a degree program at another University or campus, are not subject to any of the following
regulations. However, acceptance by another institution of courses completed on this campus is subject
to the regulations of that campus.

All of the above students are regarded as non-matriculated students. The Committee on Admissions and
Records will not be asked to rule on any issues involving non-matriculated students. This includes
admission to courses, withdrawal from courses, or academic standing. Non-matriculated students are
not held to the standards for academic status applicable to students pursuing a degree program.

II. ENROLLMENT IN COURSES OFFERED BY UNIVERSITY WITHOUT WALLS

The availability of courses offered by University Without Walls is governed by the policies of UWW. In all
cases, University Without Walls course registration fees must be paid in addition to regular University
tuition and fees.

Students who are enrolled as undergraduate students in the University during a fall or spring semester
may register for up to eight credits of courses offered by University Without Walls providing they are
concurrently enrolled in 6 credits of regular university courses. Permission of a student's undergraduate
dean is needed, if the combined enrollment in regular University courses and courses offered by
University Without Walls exceeds the maximum credit load of the student's school/college. Students
concurrently enrolled will still be matriculated students in the University, and will be considered full-
time if their total credit load is at least twelve credits.

Students whose work schedules prohibit their enrollment in regular University course offerings may
obtain an exception to the credit limit in the above policy. This exception may be obtained from the
University Registrar. Students receiving this exception will only be permitted to use this exception to
register for courses offered by University Without Walls. They will not be permitted to register in any
regular University course offerings through University Without Walls.

Students are responsible for taking any steps necessary to ensure that their enrollments are merged,
that the Registrar's Office has their correct enrollment status (full-time or part-time), and that any
payment/credit adjustments necessary are made by the Bursar's Office and Financial Aid Services. Non-
matriculated students may be removed from UWW classes if they fail to attend or participate in classes
before the end of add/drop for the class.

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III. ENROLLMENT IN REGULAR UNIVERSITY COURSE OFFERINGS THROUGH
UNIVERSITY WITHOUT WALLS

Students who have matriculated in a baccalaureate degree program are not permitted to register for
regular University course offerings through University Without Walls.

An exception to this policy is allowed for some students who have been withdrawn from a degree
program for two years or more, and who wish to explore the possibility of a course of study different
from that in which they were previously enrolled. Such students may request permission to enroll in a
limited number of regular University courses through University Without Walls, subject to the following:

A. The purpose of this policy is to allow students to explore fields of study different from those
covered by their degree program during their previous period of enrollment at the University,
prior to making a decision whether they want to enroll in a new degree program. It is not
intended as a means by which students may continue the same degree program in which they
were originally enrolled.

B. Students may request registration in regular University courses through University Without
Walls, and permission to apply courses offered by UWW to their degree requirements, for a
period not normally to exceed two semesters.

C. All students must submit an educational plan, describing the courses in which they wish to
enroll during the period covered by the plan, and explaining whether they intend to (l) apply
those courses to a degree program to be pursued at the University, or (2) use the courses for a
purpose other than pursuing a degree program at the University.

D. Registration in courses does not imply acceptance into a major or degree program.

E. Students who intend to apply courses taken during the period covered by the plan to a degree
program at the University should apply for re-enrollment to the University, and for acceptance
into the intended major (if application to the major is needed) prior to the end of the term
covered by the plan. (Application for re-enrollment is governed by the regulations published in
Academic Regulations. The deadlines for re-enrollment applications are set by the Registrar's
Office.)

F. Students who were suspended from the University for academic deficiency at the end of their
last semester of enrollment, and who intend to apply courses taken during the period covered by
the plan to a degree program at the University, may enroll in courses only with the permission of
the undergraduate dean of the school or college in which they intend to enroll upon re-
enrollment.

G. Students who were dismissed from the University for academic deficiency may not enroll in
any regular University courses.

Requests to be considered under the above policy must be made to the University Registrar.

The University provisions for re-enrollment following an absence of three or more years from the
University are described in Section III Academic Status, paragraph
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K. Special Provisions for Reinstatement after Extended Absence from the University. (Fresh Start).
Students should be aware that, under that policy, "an absence of three or more years from the
University" is defined as non-enrollment in any courses on the Amherst campus, whether regular
University course offerings or courses offered by University Without Walls.

IV. EVALUATION OF THE PRE-MATRICULATION RECORD

The following regulations apply to the evaluation of a student's record as a non-matriculated student,
once the student has been admitted to and is matriculated in a baccalaureate program at the University.

A. A maximum of 15 credits completed through University Without Walls prior to the student's
matriculation will be accepted as residence credit (will be applied toward the minimum 45
credits required in residence), but the grades earned in these courses will not be included in the
calculation of the cumulative grade point average.

B. For students who matriculated into a degree program prior to the Spring 1993 semester, all
enrollments through University Without Walls prior to matriculation will count, both toward
residence credit and in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average.

C. Students who matriculated during or after the Spring 1993 semester will have their pre-
matriculation credits earned in University Without Walls evaluated by Transfer Admissions at the
time of admission. However, the student may elect to have pre-matriculation coursework
completed prior to Spring 1993 accepted according to the provisions of (B), above.

If a student has enrolled in regular University courses as a Special Student (an enrollment category
defined in the academic regulations), and subsequently matriculates in a baccalaureate program at the
University, the provisions stated in (A), (B) and (C) above apply to that student's pre-matriculation
record as well.

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 ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

I. INTRODUCTION

The students, faculty and administration of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst recognize the
need to provide an orderly process for the resolution of academic grievances. The following Grievance
Procedure has therefore been created to meet this need. This procedure applies to all undergraduate
and graduate degree programs, and all courses offered by the Amherst campus, including courses
offered by the Division of Continuing Education and online courses.

NOTE: The policy is limited to academic coursework. An additional Graduate School Academic
Grievance Procedure relating to issues surrounding graduate academic dismissal, involuntary transfer
from a doctoral to a master’s program, extensions of the Statute of Limitations, comprehensive
examinations, theses and dissertations, and other aspects of graduate students’ academic experience is
detailed on the Graduate School website.

This procedure is the only official procedure for resolving academic grievances. No school, college,
department or office on the Amherst campus may require any student to pursue an academic grievance
through any other procedure.

Grievances which have been brought to a hearing under another campus grievance procedure shall not
be brought to a hearing under this procedure. Students who file a written grievance under this
procedure shall be expected to abide by the final disposition of the grievance, and shall be precluded
from seeking review of the matter under any other procedure within the University.

The Provost’s Office shall be responsible for the distribution of this document. Copies shall be kept on
file by all deans, department heads and chairs, undergraduate program directors and all other centers
responsible for undergraduate academic advising. Additional copies shall be available upon request from
the Provost’s Office, the Faculty Senate Office and the Academic Honesty and Grievance Office. Both the
existence of the procedure and the role of the Academic Honesty and Grievance Office shall be
summarized in the Undergraduate Catalog and the Graduate School Bulletin, and the entire procedure
shall be published in Undergraduate Rights and Responsibilities and the Graduate School Handbook.

II. DEFINITIONS AND FORMAL PROCEDURE

A. Academic Honesty and Grievance Office

The Academic Honesty and Grievance Office, located in Room 613 Goodell Building is the process
manager for grievances brought under this procedure. As such, the Academic Honesty and Grievance
Office is responsible for ensuring that only those matters properly defined as academic grievances are
pursued through this procedure, for advising all concerned parties of their rights and obligations under
this procedure, for convening hearing panels, and for scheduling hearings. The Academic Honesty and
Grievance Office has discretion to extend timelines. For each formal grievance which proceeds to a
hearing, the Academic Honesty and Grievance Office shall maintain a confidential file open only to the
student, the instructor, the Provost or designee, and the Hearing Panel.

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The Ombuds Office, located in Room 823 Campus Center, is a confidential and neutral place where
students and instructors can receive help weighing their options, understanding relevant policies and
available resources, and receiving referrals for more formal measures when circumstances warrant. It is
sometimes the case that the issue of concern can be resolved through informal mediation and the
Ombuds Office can provide informal mediation services.

B. Definitions

Student – The student or students bringing a complaint under this procedure. This includes matriculated
and non-matriculated students registered for classes during the fall or spring semester through the
undergraduate registrar’s office, the graduate registrar’s office, or the Division of Continuing Education;
matriculated and non-matriculated students enrolled in classes offered during the winter session or a
summer session; and matriculated graduate students on program fee.

Respondent – An employee of the university who has made an official determination with respect to the
academic performance or academic record of the student. Graduate students who serve as teaching
assistants or course instructors may also be names as respondents. If the grievance results from a policy
which a graduate student was instructed to carry out by a faculty supervisor, then the graduate student
and the faculty supervisor should be names as co-respondents. Hereafter called “instructor.”

Academic grievance – A complaint by the student alleging that the instructor has caused the student to
suffer some specific harm related to the academic matter within the authority of the Provost’s Office.
However, complaints that concern (1) matters of academic judgment, or (2) the substance (as opposed
to the administration) of University, campus, Faculty Senate or school and College policies and
regulations shall NOT be considered grievances under this procedure.

Academic Judgment – The evaluation of a student’s academic performance and the assignment of a
grade as a result of that evaluation shall be considered a matter of academic judgment, and therefore
not subject to a grievance except where the grade has been determined in an arbitrary and capricious
manner or where the procedure used in the evaluation is found to be in violation of University policy or
state or federal statute.

University policy – Any policy which has been approved by the Provost, the Chancellor, the Board of
Trustees, or the Board of Higher Education or any successor board.

Arbitrary and capricious grading – (1) The assignment of a course grade to a student on some basis other
than performance in the course, or (2) the assignment of a course grade to a student by resorting to
unreasonable standards different from those which were applied by the same instructor to other
students in that course, or (3) the assignment of a course grade by a substantial, unreasonable and
unannounced departure from the instructor’s previously articulated standards.

Written notification – When notification in writing is required, this may occur by way of a suitable record
of e-mail transmissions in any situation where privacy rights are not infringed by the use of e-mail
according to written University policy, and where the recipient has previously provided the sender with
his or her e-mail address. The word “confidential” should be inserted in the subject line of the message.
Hard copies of all e-mail transmissions should be maintained by the sender. Written correspondence not
done by e-mail will be sent to instructors at their departmental address, and to students at their current
address as recorded at the University.
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For the purpose of determining deadlines, the event which gives rise to the grievance shall be deemed
to have occurred when the student may reasonably be assumed to have become aware of its existence.

C. Attempting Informal Resolution Prior to Instituting a Grievance

Students should attempt informal resolution prior to instituting a formal grievance. Assistance or advice
in doing this is available from the Academic Honesty and Grievance Office.

C-1 Communication with Instructor

1. Students wanting to contest a grade that they find arbitrary or capricious must offer the
instructor the opportunity to discuss the situation prior to taking any action. After
receiving a grade that the student wishes to contest, he/she must notify the instructor in
writing within ten business days. The instructor then has no fewer than five business days
to respond.

2. The instructor does not respond. If the instructor does not respond in these five days, the
student should communicate with the department head or designee for assistance in
resolving the matter. The student may then decide to file a formal grievance and has
fifteen business days to do so (see D. below). At this point, the Academic Honesty and
Grievance Office will begin the process to organize the hearing panel and schedule the
hearing.

3. As process manager, the Office has the discretion to extend timelines; if warranted, the
Office may contract timelines (with the agreement of the parties) during sessions outside
the regular academic year.

C-2 Informal Process

The instructor and student may agree on an informal means of resolving the matter. In the event that
the instructor has left the University or is on leave, the student should bring the matter to the attention
of the appropriate department head or chair or designee.

C-3 Formal Process

If no informal agreement is reached and a student wishes to file a grievance, the student must file a
formal grievance by notifying the Academic Honesty and Grievance Office within 15 days of any of the
following:

a) the student sends a written request to contest the grade to the instructor, the instructor does
not respond within five business days, and subsequent efforts to communicate with the
department head or designee were not successful.

b) the student and instructor (even after notifying the department head or designee) are unable to
reach an informal resolution

c) the instructor denies the allegation, but the student continues to believe that arbitrary or
capricious grading has occurred

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D. Procedures for Initiating a Formal Grievance
If attempts at informal resolution are not successful, the student may initiate a formal grievance.

1. The student formally notifies the Academic Honesty and Grievance Office of the grievance
in writing and requests a hearing. The student fills out the official Hearing Request Form
(also obtainable at the Academic Honesty and Grievance Office. On the form, the student
identifies: the instructor the grade that they wish to contest and the harm alleged to have
been caused as a result of the instructor’s action(s). The student should describe the
substance of the grievance, any steps that have been taken to try to resolve it, any
evidence that might be introduced at a hearing, and the relief that the student would find
acceptable. From this point on, in the absence of credible and relevant new evidence, the
student’s pursuit of the academic grievance must remain consistent in content and scope
with this claim, and instructors will be expected to respond only to the issues raised in
this grievance.

Hearing Request Procedure:

The request for hearing must be submitted in writing to the Academic Honesty and Grievance Office on
an official Hearing Request Form (also obtainable from the Office). The request must clearly and
concisely state a description of the grade being contested; it may also indicate any remedy sought by
informal resolution. The form must be signed and dated by the student.

2. The Academic Honesty and Grievance Office notifies the instructor of the grievance.
Within two business days of receiving the student’s formal grievance, the Academic
Honesty and Grievance Office sends a copy of it to the instructor, along with a notice
specifying the deadlines involved. The Academic Honesty and Grievance Office begins the
process of scheduling a date for the hearing, not to exceed 15 business days after the
student submits the formal grievance.

3. A hearing on the grievance will be held within 15 business days of the student filing the
formal grievance letter. If the grievance is filed with fewer than 15 business days
remaining in the semester, the hearing may be delayed as long as 15 business days from
the beginning of the following semester. The process may go forward during intersession
or the summer if the student so requests and the instructor can be present. The student’s
and instructor’s rights and obligations in the hearing process are described below. The
Academic Honesty and Grievance Office will schedule the hearing, and will give the
student and instructor at least ten days’ notice. The student and instructor will be
responsible for notifying their respective advisers and witnesses, and shall provide the
Academic Honesty and Grievance Office with their names and roles.

The student and instructor have five business days to submit any additional information he/she wants
the panel to review and the Office distributes these materials to the panel three business days in
advance of the hearing.

E. Hearing Panels

The Academic Honesty and Grievance Office will convene a panel to hear the grievance. Each Hearing
Panel will be composed of five disinterested persons. Three will be members of the University faculty,
and two will be students (of the same graduate or undergraduate constituency as the student in the
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case). If the instructor is a graduate student, he or she may choose to have one of the faculty members
on the Panel be replaced by a graduate student who is or has been a teaching assistant or teaching
associate on the Amherst campus. The members of the panel are to be appointed by the Academic
Honesty and Grievance Office in consultation with the Secretary of the Faculty Senate, the President of
the Student government Association, and the President of the Graduate Student Senate. One of the
faculty members on the Panel shall serve as chair.

All five members of the Panel must be present at a hearing. The Hearing Panel will evaluate all evidence
and arguments presented to it by the student and the instructor. The chair of the Hearing Panel will
ensure that the Panel will disregard any arguments or evidence that have not been presented in the
student’s formal grievance statement.

The Hearing Panel will keep in confidence all matters which come before it. Its members will not
communicate with each other about the nature of the grievance or the response prior to the hearing.

F. Rules of Hearing

The Academic Honesty and Grievance Office is responsible for the reasonable implementation of these
rules.

1. Materials available to participants: At least five business days prior to the hearing, the
student and the instructor must submit to the Academic Honesty and Grievance Office
copies of any materials they wish the Hearing Panel to consider, so that the Academic
Honesty and Grievance Office may distribute them to the other party and the Hearing
Panel for review three days prior to the hearing. Any new material submitted at the
hearing will be accepted only at the discretion of the hearing panel. The party submitting
the materials should provide enough copies for all parties and all members of the Hearing
Panel, as well as a copy to be retained by the Academic Honesty and Grievance Office.
Any materials submitted in connection with the grievance process are considered
confidential.

2. Persons present at the hearing: Attendance throughout the hearing is limited to: the
student, the instructor, a representative of the Academic Honesty and Grievance Office
who will serve as staff person during the hearing, members of the Hearing Panel, and an
advisor for each of the parties. Witnesses may be present at the hearing only when they
are presenting evidence. An advisor may confer with and advise the student or instructor
during the course of the hearing, bur may not directly address the Hearing Panel except
with the consent of the Hearing Panel and the other party. This advisor may not be an
attorney or an employee of an attorney, unless the opposing party is himself or herself an
attorney.

3. Failure of a person to appear: The Hearing Panel may proceed with the hearing and make
it findings and decision even in the absence of any party, witness, or advisor who fails to
appear. However, the Hearing Panel may not base its findings of fact or decision on the
fact that a person has failed to appear.

4. Evidence: the Hearing Panel need not follow technical rules of evidence, but evidence
shall be admitted only if it is the kind of evidence upon which reasonable persons would
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 rely in the conduct of serious affairs. The Hearing Panel may consider evidence presented
by affidavit, giving it such weight as it deems proper. All evidence shall be taken in the
presence of all members of the panel and of all of the parties, except where any party is
absent by default or has waived the right to be present. The burden of proof shall be
placed on the student, who must demonstrate, by a preponderance of evidence, that one
or more of the specified forms of arbitrary and capricious grading has occurred and that
its occurrence has adversely affected her or him.

5. Presentation of the case: the representative of the Academic Honesty and Grievance
Office will make a recording of the hearing. Statements from the parties will be addressed
to the Hearing Panel, not to each other. The chair will ensure that the hearing does not
become a debate or engagement between the two parties. The time limits noted below
are considered norms; the chair has the discretion to allow extensions of time. The case
will be presented in the order noted below.

The student and then the instructor will each present his or her documentary evidence and witness
testimony. Panel members and opposing parties may question witnesses, through the chair. If either
party wishes to put questions to the other party, he or she will submit the questions to the chair, who
shall decide if any of the questions submitted would be useful to the panel’s determination, and then
ask the questions of the other party. Each party will then summarize his or her position.

The hearing is considered concluded following the parties’ summaries. Recording will end when the
chair asks all persons present except Panel members to leave the room while the Panel discusses the
evidence and formulates its decision. If necessary, the Panel may reconvene at a later time to complete
its deliberations, and the chair may be empowered by the Panel to obtain answers to questions from
one or both of the parties that occur to the Panel during its deliberations.

The chair of the Hearing Panel has the authority to modify procedures during the course of the hearing
to accommodate unforeseen circumstances or needs of the parties or the Hearing Panel. If the chair is
unable to exercise this authority, the representative of the Academic Honesty and Grievance Office will
appoint another faculty member to act as substitute chair if necessary.

The recording of the hearing will be placed in the grievance file of the Academic Honesty and Grievance
Office. Either the student or the instructor may request a copy of the tape, to be made at the party’s
expense. Any transcription of the recording shall be at the private arrangement and expense of the party
who desires the transcript. Additional recordings of the hearing may be made by either party.

G. The Decision of the Hearing Panel

The report will state the Panel’s findings on the questions(s) in dispute, and the Panel’s decision. Both
the findings and the decision shall be arrived at by a majority vote of the Panel. The chair will issue the
written report of the Hearing Panel within three business days of the conclusion of the hearing. The
report shall be addressed to the Provost or designee. The chair will also send a copy to the Academic
Honesty and Grievance Office for dissemination to the student and the instructor within five business
days.

If an instructor has been found to (1) to have engaged in arbitrary and capricious grading, or (2) to be in
violation of the University policy or state or federal statue, the hearing Panel will determine an
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appropriate method for redressing the situation. The Academic Honesty and Grievance Office will also
send the report to the appropriate administrative offices within five business days after receiving the
written report of the Hearing Panel.

The Hearing Panel’s findings are final and binding on all parties.

H. Appeals

The Hearing Panel’s findings are final, and may not be appealed, except on the basis of a violation of due
process.

Due Process Appeal: “A violation of due process” is defined as a failure to comply with the Rules of
hearing such that the failure reasonably may have affected the decision of the Hearing Panel to the
harm of the party who has appealed. If either party believes that he or she was denied due process by
the Hearing Panel, he or she may appeal in writing to the Provost or designee. This appeal must be made
in writing within ten business days of the release of the Hearing Panel’s report. The Provost or designee
will rule on the appeal within ten business days of its submission. This procedure shall be deemed to
have been exhausted once the ruling of the Provost or designee has been rendered.

I. Records of Academic Grievances

The Academic Honesty and Grievance Office (or any successor agency designated as process manager of
this procedure) shall maintain the record of an academic grievance for a period of two years following
the awarding of a degree to the student. If no degree is awarded to the student, the record shall be
maintained indefinitely.

No record that an academic grievance has been filed may be made part of a student’s official file in a
department or school or college office, except as necessary to document a grade change (if relevant).

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 COURSE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR INSTRUCTORS

I. INTRODUCTION

In January of 1985, the Faculty Senate adopted the following guidelines as a means by which instructors
could minimize confusion and misunderstanding in their courses which might lead to grievances by
students (Sen. Doc. No. 85-021).

A. Make available to each student an up-to-date syllabus that will provide the following
information:

1. your course objectives;

2. your expectations and any special requirements for papers, projects, lab reports or
exams;

3. your attendance policies;

4. your grading criteria and the approximate weight of each course requirement in the final
grade;

5. your examination schedule and any make-up or rescheduling policies;

6. your policies on academic honesty (e.g., attribution and collaboration between students);

7. the location of your office and mailbox, and your office phone.

Try to avoid major changes as the semester progresses.

B. Since grading policies often tend to be a focus of confusion or misunderstanding, take special
care to articulate your grading criteria and invite students to discuss related questions with you
early in the course. Extra credit may be included in course grading policies at the discretion of
the instructor. If opportunities for extra credit are offered, they should be equally available to all
students, taking into account scheduling, economic, or other obstacles to participation.
Reasonable alternatives for extra credit should be considered in cases when such obstacles are
likely.

C. Avoid further misunderstandings by reminding students of their responsibilities in your course.

For instance, remind them that it is their responsibility to take exams at the scheduled times and
to know the location of their exams, to make alternative arrangements in advance if they have a
legitimate reason for not being able to take an exam, and to provide appropriate explanation and
documentation if they miss an exam without making prior arrangements. Remind students also
of your policies and official University policy on makeup exams.

D. Announce field trips and other special meetings, preferably in class and in writing. If these
require activity on holidays and/or weekends, state this clearly.
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 E. Unless it is your custom to return exams, lab reports, papers, and projects, retain all your
grading materials for timely review with students both during the semester and after final
grades. Students have the right to discuss their grades with faculty. They should be apprised of
your grading policies, see their work, and hear your evaluation of their work directly.

If dis-enrolled, a student may appeal to the Dean of Students Office within 5 business days. If the
student appeals, the Dean of Students Office staff will keep the instructor, the department chair or
supervising faculty and the student informed of the status of any action to be taken.

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 STUDENT ABSENCE GUIDELINES FOR INSTRUCTORS
The Office of the Provost and the Dean of Students Office regularly receive inquiries concerning
University policy on student absence from classes. The campus’s policy on attendance can be found in
the Academic Regulations section of this publication; it applies to classes and examinations.

Below is a summary of the policies governing excused absences, and recommendations for some simple
procedures that faculty can use to verify the reason for a student’s absence. Department heads/chairs
and faculty should pass this information on to all graduate teaching assistants.

A. Basic Rules.
Apply to all excused absences, whether excused because of a University policy or at the
instructor’s discretion.

1. Students must still meet all class requirements.

2. Instructors must offer reasonable assistance in making up missed work (e.g., making
arrangements for attendance at labs or discussion sessions which meet at other times;
providing makeup exams or labs where feasible).

3. Instructors may not require students to take a make-up exam in a format substantially
different from that of the original exam.

B. Religious Observances.
An instructor must excuse any student who is unable to attend classes or participate in a class-
related activity or examination because of religious observance.

Students must inform their course instructors, in writing, of the days on which they will be
absent for religious reasons, and should do so as early in the semester as possible and always
prior to the day(s) they will be absent. Instructors have the right to require students to provide a
written list of such days within one full calendar week of a student’s enrollment in the course,
provided that the requirement and deadline are stated in the course outline or other handouts.

In the event of a dispute between an instructor and a student in any course, either party should
contact the department head or the Ombuds Office. A calendar of major holidays is published
through the University’s web site and the faculty and staff telephone directory. The Religious and
Spiritual Life website also publishes an extensive list of holidays.

C. Athletic Events.
Required participation in athletic events that conflict with scheduled classes can be verified by
the Athletic Department (545-4379). Students should inform instructors as soon as possible of an
event for which they will be absent from class.

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 D. Field Trips, Performances.
Field trips and performances can be verified by the department requiring a student to
participate. Other scheduled activities for students are usually verified by the office or
department scheduling the activity. Students should inform instructors of pending absences as
soon as they are aware of the schedule conflict.

E. Health Reasons.
For students treated by medical providers, instructors may require written verification, within
the limits of the health care provider’s policy, from the health provider. Where possible, students
should notify faculty in advance if they will miss a class because of illness, injury or medical
treatment.

Students should be made aware that they can leave a message at a department office or on an
instructor’s voice mail to explain an absence the day it occurs, if possible.

For students who are treated off-campus, instructors may require written verification, within the
limits of the health care provider’s policy, from the attending physician. Where possible, students
should notify faculty in advance if they will miss a class because of illness, injury or medical
treatment.

Students should be made aware that they can leave a message at a department office or on an
instructor’s voice mail to explain an absence the day it occurs, if possible.

F. Family Illness.
In recent years, the number of students who are caring for dependent family members at home
has markedly increased. On occasion, single parents must stay home to care for sick children;
students may miss class due to the medical needs of brothers, sisters, older parents, etc.
Instructors are encouraged to allow students in these kinds of situations fair and adequate
opportunity to make up any missed academic work. Students who have family obligations that
may cause them to miss class are urged to inform their professors at the beginning of the
semester, or as soon as the likelihood of such an absence becomes known.

G. Other Extenuating Non-Academic Reasons.

This category includes other valid excuses for missing class, including family illness or death,
personal problems or unforeseen circumstances (e.g., automobile accident). While the policy
states that instructors have the right to require written verification of students’ absences for
such reasons, this is difficult to achieve in many circumstances. We offer several suggestions to
cover a number of potential excuses.

For court appearances, jury duty, or other activity related to the legal system, a copy of the
appropriate legal document should be provided. If an absence is attributed to the death of a
person close to the student, an instructor can request a copy of the obituary or death notice, and
some evidence of the student’s relationship to the deceased. (Instructors should be aware,
however, that in a situation of genuine grief and loss, this request is usually perceived as quite
callous, or even outrageous, though this is not the instructor’s intent.)

Many extenuating non-academic reasons for absence are not documentable, and instructors
have to use their best judgment in evaluating student absences.
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When students or family members notify the Dean of Students Office of extended absences, the Dean of
Students Office will notify instructors. If instructors have concerns about a particular case and need
advice on how to handle it, they may telephone the Dean of Students Office (545-6284) or the Provost’s
Office (545-2554) for advice.

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Excuses of Absence for Health Reasons
POLICY MEMORANDUM FROM UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES.

It is the policy of the University that students explain absences directly to their instructors without
automatic intervention of a third party. Should it become necessary for the instructor to request
verification of a health condition, it must be sought through the student as intermediary. It is
important that any communication with instructors, administrators, or other members of the
University community conform strictly with the standards concerning confidentiality.

A. Procedure.

1. Requests for judgment concerning the need or justification for a specific

absence, etc., will be conveyed to the medical provider by the student, and
provided in writing. In responding to these requests, special care will be taken
to respect carefully the confidential physician-patient relationship which is of
primary importance as a basis for our service

2. If any instructor has additional needs for support of a medical absence, the
matter should be referred to the head of the academic department or the
Director of the Health Services.

3. All requests for mental health information will be referred to the Director of
Mental Health.

B. Course Withdrawals for Health Reasons.

Some students request assistance from the Medical or Mental Health staff to document reasons
for course withdrawals, especially in courses where the student is failing. In general, course
withdrawals for medical reasons will be recommended by the treating physician or nurse
clinician. Course withdrawals for mental health reasons will only be authorized for students who
have been in direct contact with one of the therapists in the Mental Health Division. Even in
those cases, students will be encouraged to use other avenues to reduce their course load before
needing documentation from the Mental Health Service in order to obtain a course withdrawal.

Whenever a course withdrawal is indicated, either for a client who has been seen regularly at
Mental Health or for a person who has had a tragedy in the family where the reason for the
withdrawal is obvious, these cases will be brought to the attention of the Director of Mental
Health and will generally be referred through the Medical Director for the Medical Director's
signature in order to preserve confidentiality. In addition, a telephone arrangement has also
been developed between the MH Director and academic deans whereby our support or non-
support for special consideration can be indicated without revealing any specific information. In
all cases, such withdrawals will be noted in the Medical or Mental Health record.

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 TUITION CLASSIFICATION
(Rules and Regulations Governing the Residency Status of Students
for Tuition Purposes)

These rules and regulations, passed by the University's Board of Trustees, 2/1/95, revised 12/6/95, and
current as of publication, apply to the classification of students at the University of Massachusetts as
Massachusetts or non-Massachusetts students for tuition and fee purposes.

I. Definitions

A. "Academic period" shall mean a term or semester in an academic year or a summer session, as
prescribed by the Board of Trustees or under their authority.

B. "Continuous attendance" shall mean enrollment at the University for the normal academic
year in each calendar year, or the appropriate portion or portions of such academic year as
prescribed by the Board of Trustees or under their authority.

C. "Emancipated person," for the purposes of residency classification for tuition, shall mean a
person who has attained the age of 18 years and is financially independent of his or her parents,
or if under 18 years of age, (a) whose parents have entirely surrendered the right to the care,
custody, and earnings of such person and who no longer are under any legal obligation to
support or maintain such person; or (b) a person who is legally married; or (c) a person who has
no parent. If none of the aforesaid definitions apply, said person shall be deemed an
"unemancipated person."

D. "Parent" shall mean

1. the person's father and mother, jointly;

2. if the person's father is deceased, the person's mother; if the person's mother is
deceased, the person's father;

3. if a legal guardian has been appointed by a court having jurisdiction, the legal
guardian;

4. if neither the father nor mother is living and no legal guardian has been appointed,
the person who then stands in loco parentis to the person;

5. if the father and mother are divorced, separated or unmarried, the parent who has
been awarded legal custody of the person; or if legal custody has not been awarded,
the parent with whom the person lives. With respect to any adopted student, the
word "adoptive" should be inserted before the words "father" and "mother"
wherever used.

E. "Reside," "residency" or "resident" shall mean "domicile," i.e., a person's true, fixed and
permanent home or place of habitation, where he or she intends to remain permanently.

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II. Classification

For the purpose of assessing tuition and fees, each student shall be classified as a "Massachusetts
resident" or a "non-Massachusetts resident." A person shall be classified as a Massachusetts resident if
he or she (or the parent of an unemancipated student) shall have resided in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts for purposes other than attending an educational institution for twelve months
immediately preceding the student's entry or reentry as a student.

Physical presence for this entire twelve-month period need not be required as long as the conduct of the
individual, taken in total, manifests an intention to make Massachusetts his or her permanent dwelling
place.

III. Determination of Residency

A. Proof of Residency.
Each case will be decided on the basis of all facts submitted with qualitative rather than
quantitative emphasis. A number of factors is required for residency to determine the intention
of the person to maintain permanent residence in Massachusetts. No single index is decisive. The
burden of proof rests on the student seeking classification as a Massachusetts resident.

1. The following shall be primary indicia of residency:

(a) For unemancipated persons, the residency of parents, having custody, within
Massachusetts;
(b) Certified copies of federal and state income tax returns;
(c) Permanent employment in a position not normally filled by a student;
(d) Reliance on Massachusetts sources for financial support;
(e) Former residency in Massachusetts and maintenance of significant connections
there while absent.

2. The following shall be secondary indicia of residency, to be considered of less

weight than the indicia listed above in subsection b.:
(a) Continuous physical presence in Massachusetts during periods when not an
enrolled student;
(b) Military home of record;
(c) All other material of whatever kind or source which may have a bearing on
determining residency.

B. Proof of Emancipation.
A student asserting that he or she is an emancipated person shall furnish evidence to support
such assertion. Such evidence may include:

1. Birth certificate or any other legal document that shows place and date of birth;

2. Legal guardianship papers - court appointment and termination must be submitted;

3. Statements of the person, his or her parent(s), guardian(s), or others certifying no

financial support;
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 4. Certified copies of federal and state income tax returns filed by the person and his
or her parent(s);

5. Where none of the foregoing can be provided, an affidavit of the emancipated

person in explanation thereof and stating fully the grounds supporting the claim of
emancipation.

C. Presumptions, etc.

1. Residency is not acquired by mere physical presence in Massachusetts while the

person is enrolled in an institution of higher education. (See Section 2.1)

2. A person having his or her residency elsewhere than in Massachusetts shall not be
eligible for classification as a Massachusetts resident for tuition purposes, except as
herein provided.
(a) Any person who is registered at the University as a Massachusetts resident shall
be eligible for continued classification as a Massachusetts resident for tuition
purposes (until attainment of the degree for which he or she is enrolled) during
continuous attendance at the institution.
(b) The spouse of any person who is classified or is eligible for classification as a
"Massachusetts resident" is likewise eligible for classification as a
"Massachusetts resident." This provision will not apply in the case of a spouse in
the United States on a nonimmigrant visa.
(c) A person who is an immigrant/permanent resident of the United States (or has
applied for such status) is eligible to be considered for Massachusetts residency
for tuition purposes provided that he/she meets the same requirements for
establishing residency in Massachusetts as are required of a United States
citizen. Non-citizens who are in (or who have applied for) refugee/asylum status
are likewise eligible to be considered for Massachusetts residency for tuition
purposes provided that he/she meets the same requirements for establishing
residency in Massachusetts as are required of a United States citizen. All non-
citizens must provide appropriate documentation to verify their status with the
United States Immigration and Naturalization Service.
(d) Those students whose higher educational pursuits are funded by the
Department of Welfare, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Department, or any of
the other Commonwealth of Massachusetts public assistance programs.

3. A person does not gain or lose in-state status solely by reason of his or her presence
in any state or country while a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.

4. For the purposes of this policy the following persons shall be presumed to be
Massachusetts residents:
(a) A member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is stationed in
Massachusetts on active duty pursuant to military orders, his or her spouse and
dependent students.
(b) Full-time faculty, professional staff, and classified staff employees of the
University of Massachusetts system and their spouses and dependent students.
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IV. Appeals

Any student or applicant who is unwilling to accept the initial ruling relative to his or her residency
classification, or who wishes to seek reclassification, may file a "Residency Reclassification Form."
Residency reclassification forms are available from the Dean of Students Office.

Any student or applicant who is unwilling to accept the ruling related to his or her residency
classification may submit an appeal through the appeals process established by the campus at which
that student or applicant seeks reclassification. The decision on appeal is final and may not be appealed
further. Information on appeals is available from the Dean of Students Office.

In any case in which the Admissions Office is unable to make an initial determination based on the
evidence submitted, the applicant may be required to submit a "Residency Reclassification Form" to the
Admissions Office for their review before being finally classified as a resident or a nonresident.

V. Penalties

Misrepresentation in or omission from any evidence submitted with respect to any fact, which if
correctly or completely stated would be grounds to deny classification as a Massachusetts resident, shall
be cause for exclusion or expulsion from or other disciplinary action by the University.

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 MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS

I. Grooming

No student shall be denied admission to a University class because of personal grooming or attire unless
such restrictions are clearly related to legitimate purposes of health and safety.

II. Housing

The University requires that all full-time undergraduate students (enrolled for 12 semester credits or
more) shall be required to live on-campus in the residence halls during their freshman year. Exemption
from this requirement may be granted to the following: married students; veterans; students living in
and commuting from the home of their parent(s) or court-appointed (legal) guardian(s).

In addition, the University reserves the right to deny housing in any residence hall or apartment unit to
any individual who has been convicted of a felony involving bodily harm to persons, damage to property,
or the sale or distribution of illegal drugs. Specific cases will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the
Dean of Students who will make the final decision.

Students required or granted permission to live off campus are required to keep the Registrar's Office
informed of their current local address.

As students are automatically billed for room and board per University policy, any student in non-
conformance will still have to pay his/her University room and board bill if living off campus without
proper authorization. Non-payment will prohibit the student from registering at the University, or will
result in Administrative Withdrawal.

III. Board

The University requires that all undergraduate students living in the non-apartment residence halls
subscribe to a meal plan. First and second year students must choose from the Residential Meal plans
(DC Basic, Unlimited and Unlimited Plus). Third and fourth year students (those with 57+ completed
academic credits) can choose from the Residential Meal plans or the YCMP Residential plans (Gold and
Platinum). The YCMP Commuter Plans (Commuter 65, Commuter 155, YCMP on the Go!) are available
to off-campus and meal plan exempt students only.

Students living off-campus or non-first year residential students living in an apartment-style residence
hall are able to purchase any Residential or Commuter meal plan, however it is not mandatory as they
are exempt from the Meal plan requirement.

Students can change their meal plans on SPIRE through Add-Drop period. If a student runs low on
meals, meal plans may be upgraded at any point during the semester or Additional Meals may be
purchased on SPIRE.

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To receive an exemption for medical reasons, documentation must be supplied to, verified and
authorized by the Dining Services’ Dietitian.

If a student withdraws from the residence halls or the University, Dining Services follows the Registrar’s
Office refund schedule. Students who are removed from the meal plan due to a judicial sanction are not
eligible for a refund.

Dining Services’ main office is located on the third floor of Worcester Dining Commons. Dining Services
can also be reached by calling 413-545-5380 or by visiting their website at www.UMassDining.com .

IV. Sales and Solicitations

Students' living facilities and other University property may not be used for a business office, soliciting
headquarters, etc. Exceptions are made in the Campus Center complex following approval by the
Campus Center Director and Campus Center Governing Board.

V. Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is committed to providing students, faculty, and staff with an
environment where they may pursue their careers or studies without being sexually harassed. Sexual
harassment of or by any member of the University community is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
It is illegal and constitutes a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, and Massachusetts G.L.c.151B and 151C. For the purposes of this policy, it is
defined as follows:

A. Unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct
of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:

1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition

of an individual's employment or academic work; or

2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for

employment or academic decisions affecting such individual; or

3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an

individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or sexually
offensive working or academic environment.

The University’s Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures are summarized in The Code of Student
Conduct a publication of the Dean of Student Affairs. Copies of the complete document are available
from the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office, 243 Lederle Lowrise GRC, telephone 545-3464 or at
www.umass.edu/eod.

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 FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

I. GUIDELINES FOR THE RELEASE AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION FROM

STUDENT RECORDS

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (Part 99 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations)
allows present or former students at educational institutions access to educational records kept on
them, as well as basic protections of privacy of their records. The University’s policy regarding
communication with parents applies equally to students who are minors. Upon a student’s
matriculation into an undergraduate program at a college or university, regardless of the student’s age,
rights under FERPA transfer to the student. The law does not apply to applicants seeking admission to
the University. The law applies to educational records, which are defined as those records that are
directly related to a student and maintained by an educational agency or institution.

The law exempts from the definition of "education records," generally, records of instructional,
supervisory, and administrative personnel which are kept in the sole possession of the person who made
the record and are not accessible or revealed to any other person except a substitute for the maker of
the record; records of a law enforcement unit of the University which are maintained solely for law
enforcement purposes; records of employees of the University; records which are created or maintained
by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional acting in
his or her professional capacity or assisting in a paraprofessional capacity which are made, maintained
or used only in connection with treatment of the student; and records that only contain information
about an individual after that individual is no longer a student at the University.

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, you have the right to know what types of records
relating to students are kept by the University, and to inspect and review any of those records which
apply to you. You also have the right to a response to a reasonable request for explanation and
interpretation of records which apply to you.

The University will provide the student with a copy of his/her transcript upon written request and
payment of a fee as applicable. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act does not give you the right
to a copy of your records unless failure to receive a copy would make it impossible for you to exercise
your right to inspect and review your records. You can also receive a copy, upon written request, of
information from your record which you have instructed the University to disclose to another party. If
the University transfers records which apply to you to another educational institution, you can receive a
copy of those records if you request it in writing.

The University Registrar’s Office, 213 Whitmore Administration Building, keeps a list of types of
educational records maintained by the University, where they are kept, and who is responsible for them.
The University Registrar’s Office also has available a description of your rights under the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and procedures to be followed in exercising those rights.

If you wish to see any of the educational records which apply to you, go to the office which keeps the
records during regular working hours. Make your request in writing, following the procedures
established by the office. If possible, you will have immediate access to your record. In no case will you

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have to wait more than 45 days. If you are required to wait, the office will tell you when your record will
be available. You will have to identify yourself with a picture ID to see your record.

If confidential letters and confidential statements of recommendation were placed in your record before
January 1, 1975, they will be removed before you have access to the record provided the letters or
statements are used only for the purpose for which they were intended. If you have waived your right to
see confidential letters or statements concerning admission to the University, applications for
employment, or receipt of an honor, these letters or statements will also be removed before you see
your record. If you believe your record contains information which is inaccurate, misleading, or
otherwise in violation of your privacy rights, you have the right to challenge the content of the record.
While you cannot challenge the correctness of a grade, you may challenge the accuracy with which the
grade was recorded.

If you wish to challenge the content of your record, first try to work the problem out with the person
responsible for the record. If this proves unsuccessful, you may request in writing a hearing at which you
may present your challenge. Complete information on hearing and appeal procedures is available from
the University Registrar’s Office, 213 Whitmore Administration building.

II. DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The University defines "directory information" as a student's name, hometown, dates of attendance,
major, school/college, acknowledgement of a student's participation in officially recognized activities
and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, degrees, certificates, awards received, and
the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. The University will
make public some or all of this information, unless you specifically request in writing that your prior
consent be obtained. REQUESTS BY INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS TO SUPPRESS FROM PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
THE ABOVE-MENTIONED INFORMATION ARE TO BE MADE TO THE UNIVERSITY REGISTRAR’S OFFICE,
ROOM 213 WHITMORE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.

The University will not permit access to or release of a student's educational records, or personally
identifiable information contained therein (other than directory and public information), to third parties,
without the student's written consent, except to the following:

A. Other University officials who have a legitimate educational interest in a student's record. The
University defines "University officials" as any professional employee who is head of an office,
department, school, college, division, or Public Safety or their specified designee(s). A
“legitimate educational interest” is defined as an academic status check or evaluation, research,
curriculum evaluation or development, institutional or statistical evaluation and analysis, student
placement, and admission evaluation. The University may disclose, to teachers and school
officials in other schools who have legitimate educational interests in your behavior, disciplinary
action taken against you for certain kinds of conduct.

B. Authorized representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States, the Secretary of
the U.S. Department of Education, authorized representatives of the Attorney General of the
United States for law enforcement purposes, and state and local educational authorities.

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 C. In connection with a student's application for, or receipt of, financial aid, provided that
personally identifiable information from the education records of the student may be disclosed
only as may be necessary for such purposes as:

1. to determine the eligibility of the student for financial aid;

2. to determine the amount of financial aid;

3. to determine the conditions which will be imposed regarding the financial aid;

4. to enforce the terms or conditions of the financial aid.

D. State and local officials or authorities to whom such information is specifically allowed to be
reported or disclosed under state statutes adopted before November 19, 1974 if the allowed
reporting or disclosure concerns the juvenile justice system and the system's ability to effectively
serve the student whose records are released. Such information may be reported or disclosed
under state statutes adopted after November 19, 1974 on the same basis as prior to that date if
the report or disclosure will assist the juvenile justice system to serve the student prior to any
adjudication.

E. Organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, educational institutions for the purposes
of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, student aid programs, and improving
instruction, provided that the identity of students is not revealed to other than representatives
of such organizations.

F. Recognized accrediting organizations carrying out their accrediting functions.

G. In compliance with a judicial order, or pursuant to any lawfully issued subpoena, provided that
the University makes a reasonable effort to notify the student of the order or subpoena in
advance of compliance therewith. A court or other agency which issues a subpoena for law
enforcement purposes may order the University and its officials not to disclose the existence or
contents of the subpoena to any person.

H. In connection with an emergency situation, if the knowledge of such information is necessary

to protect the health or safety of a student or other persons.

I. Where the disclosure is to parents of a dependent student, as defined in section 152 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1954.

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III. TYPES OF RECORDS

The University develops and maintains several types and varieties of educational records on students. A
list of what types of records are maintained by the University, where they are kept, what University
official has major responsibility for those records, who has access to those records and why, and what it
will cost you to obtain a copy of those records, has been developed. A copy of the complete list is
available for your inspection in the following locations:

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Office 319 Whitmore Administration Building
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Office 371 Whitmore Administration Building

Faculty should retain all coursework for one calendar year following course completion. Grade books
(electronic or paper) should be kept for five years after course completion.

Legal questions concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be addressed to Associate
University Counsel, 300 Whitmore Administration Building.

IV. OTHER RIGHTS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THIS LEGISLATION

In addition to the above, the law sets forth other rights and requirements regarding educational records
maintained on students:

A. The University cannot require nor attempt to influence you to waive any rights granted under
this legislation, as a condition of admission, receipt of financial aid, or receipt of any other
services or benefits.

B. Parents' financial records and related parental financial information shall not be released to
students unless authorized by the parents. Any institutional office maintaining such records shall
either store such records in a file separate from records subject to review or conspicuously stamp
such records "CONFIDENTIAL - NOT TO BE RELEASED TO STUDENT."

Confidential letters and confidential statements of recommendation placed in the education

records of the student before January 1, 1975, need not be released to the student as long as the
statements are used only for the purposes for which they were specifically intended.

Confidential letters and confidential statements of recommendation placed in the student's

education records after January 1, 1975 need not be released to the student if the student has
waived in writing his or her right to inspect and review those letters and statements, and those
letters and statements are related to the student's admission to an educational institution,
application for employment, or receipt of an honor or honorary recognition. If the waiving
student requests, the University will give the student the names of the individuals who provided
the letters and statements of recommendations.

C. The University must maintain a record, to be kept with the educational records of each
student, which will indicate all parties who have requested or obtained access to a student's
records, and the legitimate interest that such parties have in obtaining such information. This
record will be available only to the student, the University personnel responsible for the
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 maintenance of the records, and those within the University who have legitimate educational
interests and as otherwise specifically authorized by the Act.

D. The University must make public notice of the categories of data which it determines to be
"directory information" and give a period of time for a student to inform the University that any
or all information designated as "directory information" should not be released without his or
her consent. Public notice is given by publication in the Daily Collegian at the beginning of each
semester.

E. Complaints regarding violations of this act, or its regulations, may be submitted in writing to
the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION
In addition to the Code of Student Conduct detailed in a separate publication of the Office of Student
Affairs, undergraduates, as well as staff and faculty, have recourse to a number of processes and
administrative agencies when attempting to resolve grievances. Several such options are noted below.
For general information about other resources contact the Dean of Students Office (545-2684). For
academic issues or problems, contact the office of your academic dean.

Ombuds Office

The Ombuds Office is available to all members of the University community to help resolve University-
related conflicts impartially, informally, and confidentially. The two exceptions to confidentiality are if
there is an imminent risk of serious harm or if required by law to report. Depending on the problem, the
Ombuds Office supports resolution by collaboratively developing options, and providing referrals,
conflict coaching, mediation, and facilitated conversations.

Some of the problems for which the Ombuds Office can offer assistance to students include:
course/degree requirements; grade disputes; grading policy and practice; allegations of academic
dishonesty; delays in services or decisions; conflicts with instructors, employers, or administrative
offices; roommate/coworker/classroom conflicts; and other interpersonal disputes.

The Ombuds Office is located in 823 Campus Center, tel. 413-545-0867. Although not required, it is best
to call to arrange a convenient time for an appointment.

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 ACADEMIC REFERRALS
(Sources of academic advice, assistance or redress)
Below are indicated the appropriate referrals for students who seek academic advice, assistance or
redress. Normally, most issues or concerns can be resolved at the level of faculty or academic advisor or
undergraduate dean (or a person of similar title). This list is indicated to facilitate resolution of academic
difficulties.

In most cases, students in a declared major are urged to consult first with their faculty or academic
advisor. If that individual is unable to assist, the student may seek assistance from the following offices.
Referrals beyond the last listed person in a sequence will be made to the board or person appropriate
for the type of problem. Decisions made by the undergraduate deans concerning a student's academic
status or record may be appealed to the Faculty Senate Committee on Admissions and Records, but such
appeals must be routed through students' undergraduate dean.

I. STUDENT MAJORS & UNDECLARED EXPLORATORY TRACKS IN THE FOLLOWING

SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNAFFILIATED PROGRAMS

A. Majors in the COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

1. Departmental Undergraduate Program Director

2. Engineering Office of Student Affairs (coeadvising@umass.edu), 126 Marston Hall, 5-2035

3. Julia Hoke (jhoke@umass.edu), Director of Advising, 126 Marston Hall, 5-2035

4. Prof. James Rinderle (rinderle@umass.edu), Associate Dean, 119 Marston Hall, 5-2035

B. Majors in the COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND FINE ARTS

1. Undergraduate Program Director or Department Head

2. Assistant Dean/Director of Advising Kara Eich-Richardson, E202 South College,

ker@umass.edu, 5-6152

3. Associate Dean Nancy Noble, E202 South College, nnoble@arthist.umass.edu, 5-6152

C. Majors in the SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SCIENCES

1. Undergraduate Program Director in the student’s major department

2. Megan Griffin acaddean@umass.edu, Assistant Dean for Student Success, 121 Arnold
House, 5-6883

3. Laura Vandenberg acaddean@umass.edu, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs, 121

Arnold House, 5-6883

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 D. Majors in the COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES

1. Undergraduate Program Director in the student’s major department

2. Assistant Dean Brenda Barlow, 220 Morrill II Science Center, 5-1969

3. Assistant Dean Leo Hwang, 220 Morrill II Science Center, 5-1969

4. Associate Dean Elizabeth Connor, 220 Morrill II Science Center, 5-1969

D. Majors in the COLLEGE OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

1. Undergraduate Program Director or Department Head

2. Assistant Dean Jackie Brousseau-Pereira, 128 Thompson Hall, 7-1057

3. Assistant Dean Kelly Gray, 128 Thompson Hall, 7-1057

4. Academic Dean Vanessa Blais, 128 Thompson Hall, 7-1057

E. Majors in the MANNING COLLEGE OF INFORMATION AND COMPUTER SCIENCES

1. Associate Dean Jack Wileden, A 114 Lederle Graduate Research Center, 5-4822

2. Director of Advising and Student Success Alicia Clemente, A 114 Lederle Graduate
Research Center, 5-4822

F. Majors in the ISENBERG SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

1. Assistant Dean Melvin Rodriguez, 206 ISOM, 5-5610

G. Majors in the ELAINE MARIEB COLLEGE OF NURSING

1. Undergraduate Academic Advisor Reggie Lamothe, rllamothe@nursing.umass.edu or 5-

5179
2. Dr. Mary Ann Hogan maryannhogan@nursing.umass.edu, Undergraduate Track Director

3. Dr. Kate Green kgreen@nursing.umass.edu, ABSN Track Director

I. Majors in the COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

1. Associate Dean for Student Success Shane Hammond, College of Education, Furcolo Hall,
5-7125

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 J. Majors in the BACHELOR’S DEGREE with INDIVIDUAL CONCENTRATION (BDIC) program

1. Assistant Director Rebecca Schwartz, Room 353, 350 Campus Center Way, 7-1143

K. Majors in the BACHELOR’S DEGREE program in UNIVERSITY WITHOUT WALLS (UWW)

1. Department Chair Jacqueline Castledine, Room 333, 350 Campus Center Way, 5-1102

2. Chief Undergraduate Advisor Abigail Dallmann, Room 353, 350 Campus Center Way, 5-
1197

II. OTHER KEY CONTACTS

Commonwealth Honors College 5-2483

Dean of Students 5-2684

Equal Opportunity and Access Office 5-3464

Ombuds Office 5-0867

Provost's Office 5-2554

University Health Services 7-5000

University Registrar’s Office 5-0555

University Switchboard 5-0111

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