Academic Life

Degree Programs

St. Joseph’s College offers the following graduate degree programs, which are registered with the New York State Education Department.

THE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES administers the following graduate programs:

MASTER OF ARTS in Infant/Toddler Early Childhood Special Education The program is designed for those interested in obtaining a Master of Arts degree with certification in Early Childhood Special Education. The graduate program consists of 36 credits. Students must complete the 36 credits, which includes one semester or summer session in a full time fieldwork placement, and a Master’s thesis.

MASTER OF ARTS in Literacy and Cognition (B-6, Grades 5-12, and B-12) The Master of Arts in Literacy and Cognition addresses the literacy challenges of students in the Birth through Grade Six, as well as secondary students in the Grades 5 through 12. For those graduate students who want to understand the full range of literacy challenges, a Birth through Grade 12 certification is also available. The B-6 and Grades 5-12 programs consist of 36 credits, 12 credits of core courses and 24 credits that link literacy instruction to the New York State Learning Standards. The Birth through Grade 12 is composed of 45 credits. These part-time programs lead to three New York State certifications (B-6, Grade 5-12, and B-12).

MASTER OF ARTS in Childhood or Adolescence Special Education with an Annotation in Severe and Multiple Disabilities (Birth to age 21) was designed to fulfill the need for highly qualified New York State teachers. The program consists of 36 credits, divided into 4 leadership core courses and 8 courses in special education. By the program’s end, the candidate will be eligible for the following certifications, depending upon his/her initial certification: Childhood Special Education, the New Adolescence Generalist in Special Education with extensions available in Biology, Earth Science, English, Math, Social Studies and/or Spanish.

Dual Degree Program: Secondary Education in the following subject areas:  BA Chemistry, BA English, BA/BS Math, BA History, or BA Spanish with a Master’s Degree in Special Education with an Annotation in Severe and Multiple Disabilities is offered on the Long Island campus.

The Dual Degree in Secondary Education and Special Education is a 152-credit degree that can be earned in five years. The graduate curriculum builds on the undergraduate education and provides the students with NYS Secondary teaching certificates in their major, and NYS teaching certificates as a Students with Disabilities Generalist (7-12), Students with Disabilities in their major (7-12), and an Annotation in Severe and Multiple Disabilities (Prek-12, all grades).  Students in the dual degree program must take 6 credits in English, math, science, and social science during their undergraduate program. 

Applications for the dual degree are accepted in the second semester of the sophomore year.  The students will take one graduate course in each of the fall and spring semesters of their junior and senior years.

MASTER OF ARTS in Mathematics Education
This part-time program is designed for those who possess initial certification in Mathematics. The goal of this program is to instill in teaching professionals dedication to the discipline, as well as the desire and ability to become lifelong learners. The graduate program consists of 30 credits and fulfills the degree requirement for professional certification in Mathematics.

MASTER OF FINE ARTS in Creative Writing.

For all Graduate degrees and certificates, a cumulative index of 3.0 is required.

SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL AND GRADUATE STUDIES administers the following graduate programs:

The following 152-credit dual degree programs allow qualified undergraduate students who have been conditionally accepted to the graduate program to enroll in four graduate courses:

• DUAL BACHELOR OF SCIENCE in Accounting and MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Accounting. This program satisfies the education requirements for C.P.A. licensure in New York State and is registered as a licensure-qualifying program with the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions.
• DUAL BACHELOR OF SCIENCE in Health Administration and MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Health Care Management.
• DUAL BACHELOR OF SCIENCE in Organizational Management and MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
• DUAL BACHELOR OF SCIENCE in Organizational Management and MASTER OF SCIENCE in Management with a concentration in Human Resources Management.

EXECUTIVE MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION. This 36-credit program allows students with acceptable work experience to apply graduate-level management and financial theory to workplace issues and problems. This degree is also offered in the distance education format.

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Accounting. This 36-credit program stresses both the study of graduate accounting topics and the development of managerial effectiveness. This program satisfies the education requirements for C.P.A. licensure in New York State and is registered as a licensure-qualifying program with the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions.

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Health Care Management. This 36-credit program is designed to provide health care professionals with a comprehensive management education that focuses on current issues in the healthcare field.

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINSTRATION in Health Care Management with a Concentration in Health Information Systems. This 36-credit program is designed to develop students’ expertise in the planning, development, and implementation of health information systems. The concentration focuses on how Health Information Systems can improve the delivery of health care with the latest methods and technologies for the collection, organization, use, and evaluation of health care information.

MASTER OF SCIENCE in Human Services Leadership. This 30-credit program provides professionals with a comprehensive experiential learning education that focuses on developing leadership competencies relevant to the human services field.

MASTER OF SCIENCE in Management. This 36-credit curriculum is designed for students who desire a concentration in a specialized area of study. It consists of a 24-credit business core plus a 12-credit concentration in Organizational Management, or Health Care Management, or Human Resources Management.

MASTER OF SCIENCE with a Major in Nursing.
This is a part-time, cohort-based program that can be completed in seven semesters of study. The program offers a choice of two concentrations: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health (38 credits) or Nursing Education (37 credits). All students will also be required to successfully complete a comprehensive examination with a grade of B or higher to graduate. The program is registered with the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions.

Graduate Advanced Certificates

The following advanced certificates are registered with New York State Education Department and are offered by the Office of Graduate Management Studies:

• Health Care Management (15 credits)
• Human Resources Management (15 credits) Also available in the distance education format.
• Management of Health Information Systems (15 credits)

For all Graduate degrees and certificates, a cumulative index of 3.0 is required.

Academic Policies

Repeated Courses

A student who receives an unsatisfactory grade in a course specifically required for the degree, for the major, or for the certificate program may request departmental approval to repeat the course.

In such cases, the Chairperson or Director may permit the student to repeat a course in order to demonstrate mastery of the subject. Both the original grade and the repeated grade will appear on the transcript. Credit will be given only once for the course, and only the most recent grade will be calculated in the index. The student is liable for the tuition incurred for repeated courses. (See Curricular Offerings Section.)

Attendance

Students are expected to attend regularly and punctually all classes in which they are registered. Students who must be absent for an extended period of time, are urged, therefore, to contact the individual instructor or the academic advisor concerning class work, assignments, and announced quizzes.  Any student who fails to attend a single class meeting in one of their registered courses will be dropped from that class by the Registrar’s Office by the third week of the term.

At the same time, the faculty recognizes that on occasion students cannot be present. Because faculty members have confidence in the maturity of the student body and recognize the personal growth, which comes through responsible freedom, the faculty has vested all members of the student body with personal responsibility for their attendance.

The faculty wishes to emphasize that students are equally responsible with them for creating a climate of inquiry and sharing. True education results only from active involvement in the learning process. (See Curricular Offerings Section for additional information.)

Students will not be permitted to register for a class after the first class session has met.

Withdrawing from Courses

A student who wishes to withdraw from a course in which he or she is registered, should obtain the official form from the Registrar and follow the procedure outlined. Ordinarily, withdrawal may take place up to the midpoint of the term or session; thereafter, only for a most unusual reason and with the approval of the Academic Dean. A fee of $20 for each form is charged beginning the first day of class. Students are advised to investigate the implications of withdrawing from courses on their eligibility for financial aid.

A student who does not withdraw officially from a course continues on the class register and must satisfy the requirements of the course. A student who ceases to attend a course before the midpoint of the semester will be withdrawn at the end of the semester and will receive a grade of WU. A student who ceases to attend a course after the midpoint will receive a grade of FN (Failure for non-attendance). A student who is failing a course and wishes to withdraw after the midpoint will receive a grade of WF (Withdrew failing).

The time of the withdrawal is considered when calculating refunds. Tuition liability is based on the date the change of program form is received by the Registrar. (See Curricular Offerings Section.)

Courses at Other Colleges

Students who have reason to take courses for credit at other colleges should consult with an academic advisor and file the appropriate form in the Registrar’s office. The decision to allow a student to take such courses is made by the Dean in consultation with the Department Chairperson or Director. The College reserves the right to refuse permission or to limit the number of such courses.

When the courses have been completed, students are responsible for having an official transcript sent to the Registrar. Although the grades are not entered on the transcript nor included in the cumulative index, no credit will be allowed for a course with a grade below B. (See Curricular Offerings Section.)

Academic Standing

At the end of each semester the Registrar reviews the record of every student and refers to the individual departments, those who have failed to maintain an index of 3.0 and/or who have failed to complete successfully the minimum number of credits for their enrollment status. The faculty members endeavor to determine the causes of the academic difficulty and may require adjustments to the program. A cumulative index of 3.0 is required in order to remain in good academic standing and to graduate.

Students who continue to achieve below the requisite index of 3.0 and/or who have failed to complete successfully the minimum number of credits for their enrollment status may be dismissed at any point in their program at the discretion of the Academic Development Committee. Students who have been dismissed may represent to the Dean, in person or in writing, any relevant circumstances.

Changes in Concentration, Degrees, and Certificates.

(See Curricular Offerings Section.)

Change of Program

(See Curricular Offerings Section.)

Grades and Reports

Transcripts of courses and grades are issued at the end of each term. The final grade in each course is based on the class mark, weighted as 60-75% of the total, and the final exam mark, weighted as 25-40%. Grades are interpreted as follows:

Grade Designation

*see Academic Life: Withdrawing from Courses

Examinations

Final examinations are held at the end of each semester. Exceptions to this procedure require the approval of the Dean.

Genuine emergency such as illness is the only excuse for absence from an examination. Documentation of the emergency may be required. A student who is absent from a final examination must call the Registrar on the day of the exam, giving the reason for the absence. Within one week, the student must write to the Dean, stating the reason for the absence and requesting a make-up exam. A fee of $25 is required for each make-up examination. The date, and time, of the examination will be determined by the department. Students must take the make-up exam at the time specified. A student who is absent from a make-up exam will receive a grade of zero for the exam.

Incomplete Coursework

The following procedures regarding incomplete coursework will be strictly enforced. An extension of time to complete coursework will be granted only when unusual, extenuating circumstances exist, and only after consultation with the instructor. It is the responsibility of each student to keep his or her instructor informed of reasons for late submission of coursework. After the instructor approves the student’s written request for an extension of time, the instructor will sign and submit the required form to the academic department for Director or Chair approval and processing. Proof of the extenuating circumstances may be required before final approval by the Dean is granted. (See Curricular Offerings section for incomplete coursework dates.)

It is the responsibility of the student for whom such an exception has been granted to submit all missing coursework to the Instructor and Director, or Associate Director, on or before the dates listed in the Curricular Offerings section.

NOTE: The dates that are included in the Curricular Offerings section will pertain regardless of whether or not Incomplete Forms have been submitted, mailed, or returned.
All coursework must be completed prior to the day of graduation.

The instructor reserves the right to reduce the grade on incomplete coursework in addition to any other reduction in grade already imposed for late submission of coursework. Failure to comply with the above procedures and timelines listed in the Curricular Offerings section will result in a student receiving a zero for the missing coursework.

Registration for the following semester will typically be restricted as follows:

• Registration will be restricted to six credits (or fewer credits depending upon other grades) for students in good academic standing with one incomplete grade in the prior semester.
• Students with more than one incomplete grade in a prior semester and students with an overall G.P.A. less than 3.0 in the preceding semester will not be permitted to register for the following semester.
• Students with incomplete grades in more than one semester will not be permitted to register in subsequent semesters without approval of the Chair or Director, and Dean. Students with a pattern of incomplete coursework (and absences from finals) may be dismissed from the program.

Conversion of Incomplete and Absence Grades.

All grades submitted to the Registrar’s Office with a value of I (Incomplete) or AB (Absence from final exam) or blank grades that have not been changed to a final academic grade by the instructor of the course will automatically be converted to a final grade of F one semester after the conclusion of the semester for which the grade was submitted. If the instructor has submitted a grade to be awarded without the missing course work that grade will then be entered on the student’s transcript.

Withdrawal from the College

Students who plan to withdraw from the College should consult an advisor and then submit written notification of withdrawal. All financial obligations to the College must be fully paid before students may withdraw or graduate in good standing. In addition, students who have received a scholarship or loan must have an exit interview with the Financial Aid Officer. (See Financial Aid). It is important for financial aid purposes that the last date of attendance be officially recorded. The Administration of the College may require the withdrawal of students whose academic record or conduct is judged unsatisfactory.

Students who have been inactive for two semesters or more should consider themselves withdrawn. If they wish to later re-enroll at the College, they will be required to be readmitted and will be subject to all the requirements and procedures in force upon their subsequent readmission.

St. Joseph’s College is under no obligation to readmit students who have withdrawn from the College or who have been asked to withdraw.

Procedure for Appealing Grades

1. For final grade appeals, students must initiate the process within thirty, (30) calendar days from the time that student grades are posted.
2. If a student wishes to appeal a grade, the appeal should be directed to the Director or Chair. The student will be encouraged to meet with the instructor, with the arrangements made by personnel of the department.
3. In the event that the student and the instructor do not confer, or the matter cannot be resolved through discussion, the student will contact the Director or Chair.
4. Students must submit the complaint in writing to the Director or Chair. All relevant materials should be submitted at this time.
5. The Director or Chair, in cooperation with the Registrar, will secure all tests, papers, attendance records, grade breakdowns and outlines.
6. If the challenge is straightforward, i.e., a mathematical discrepancy or a question of mathematical computation, the matter will be handled by the Director or Chair, who will inform the instructor of the need to correct the grade.
7. If the question is a qualitative one, the appropriate Director or Chair will review the matter with the faculty member. If the Director or Chair and the faculty member are in agreement about the appropriate grade, the faculty member will either change or retain the grade, and the student will be contacted.
8. If, however, the matter cannot be settled by agreement between the instructor and the Director or Chair, or if the student disagrees with the decision reached in step 7 above, the decision may be appealed to the appropriate Dean, who will seek consultation with objective parties as needed. The student may submit a copy of the written complaint to the appropriate Dean, who will meet with him/her within fifteen (15) school days or receipt of the complaint. The Dean will render a decision in writing, usually within ten (10) school days after the meeting with the student.

See Curricular Offerings for Grade Appeal Procedures for Graduate Management Studies and Nursing.

Students Right to Privacy and Access to Records

Public Law 93-380, usually titled “Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act,” or more often known simply as the Buckley Amendment, prohibits release of any material in a student’s file without the written consent of the college student. This law also affords students the right to review the contents of their official academic folders, except for those documents excluded by Law 93-380, as amended.

Students who wish to inspect their folders are required to complete the REQUEST FOR DISCLOSURE OF STUDENT FILE INFORMATION. These forms are available in the Registrar’s Office and in the Office of the Academic Dean. Students, who wish to challenge the contents of their folders as inaccurate, misleading, or inappropriate, should follow the informal and formal proceedings outlined in the current Student Handbook.

Academic Integrity

In common with all colleges and universities engaged in the search for knowledge, St. Joseph’s College is committed to high standards of academic honesty. Moreover, as a college whose motto is “Esse non videri” To be, not to seem,” St. Joseph’s has a longstanding tradition of considering integrity as a primary value. The College expects students to observe academic integrity in all aspects of their academic life, including the conduct of their examinations, assignments, and research. All members of the college community share the responsibility for creating a climate of academic integrity, based on fairness to others and respect for oneself. Violations of academic integrity are treated very seriously. Policies and procedures for violations of academic honesty are explained in detail in the Student Handbook.

Student Complaints

A student who has a complaint about an academic matter should know the procedures set forth in the Student Handbook under Student Grievance Procedures in Academic Matters. No adverse action will be taken against any student who files a complaint.

Bias Related Crimes

In compliance with Section 6436 of the Education Law, St. Joseph’s College adopts the following policies and procedures:

All actions against persons or property, which may be considered bias crimes are unequivocally prohibited at all times in any college owned or operated property, or at any college sponsored activities.

Bias crimes may be defined as any form of unlawful harassment or other harmful behavior such as assault which is based on an individual’s sex, race, national origin, disability, veteran status, or on any individual’s status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

The penalties for committing such crimes will include reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities so that an independent investigation can be conducted. The College will also undertake an investigation of the incident, in keeping with the guidelines published in the Student Handbook. The procedures for dealing with bias related crimes will be the same as those outlined for grievances relating to allegations of sexual harassment and all other forms of unlawful harassment and discrimination.

The Office of Counseling will provide support services for victims of bias related crime, and will make appropriate referrals to outside agencies.

Bias related crime on college campuses occur when a lack of familiarity with people who are different, or who belong to groups that others are uncomfortable with, evolves into a hostile environment. In a college setting many young people come together and encounter people of different cultures and backgrounds for the first time. Because the students bring biases and attitudes from their past experiences, the possibility of bias related crimes must be recognized and every effort must be made to provide opportunities for open and honest dialogue and sharing.

The College provides information about security procedures through a brochure that is distributed to all incoming students and new employees, as well as frequent updates in campus newsletters and publications.

Campus Safety Statistics

The Advisory Committee on Campus Safety will provide upon request all campus crime statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education. The US Department of Education web site address for campus crime statistics is: http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/campus.html

The College has designated campus contacts that are authorized to provide campus crime statistics.

Long Island Contact Person:
Carmine Abbatiello, Acting Director of Security, (631) 687-2692

Brooklyn Contact Person:
Michael McGrann, Director of Security, (718) 940-5741

The College shall provide a hard copy mailed to the individual within 10 days of the request and that information will include all of the statistics that the campus is required to ascertain under Title 20 of the U.S. Code Section 1092 (f).