Academic Regulations and Procedures

Statement on Outside Work

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is committed to delivering the highest quality education to all of its students. In this context, we believe that for each credit, students should expect at least three hours of related academic work outside of class. While the campus is appreciative of the necessity of students having outside employment, full-time students should think carefully about the number of hours they spend in outside employment. Faculty members offer students a workload that challenges students to get the most out of their educational experience. Each student at the University registered for 15 credits should expect at least 60 hours of academic work per week.

Full-Time Load

The catalogue states specific polices regarding requirements for maintaining a full-time load of studies.

Repeating Courses

Students may repeat courses, but there are specific regulations for this. Only the appropriate UMass Dartmouth course may be used; no course taken at another institution, even within UMass, can replace a UMass Dartmouth course’s grade.

Withdrawal from Courses

Students may withdraw from a course only through the end of the tenth week of classes of the semester. A grade of W will be recorded. More than 24 credits of W makes the student subject to dismissal from the University through the action of the Dean of the student’s College. Grades of W do not affect a student’s GPA. A student who withdraws from all courses shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the university.

Class Attendance and Absence for Religious Observance

The General Catalogue states specific polices regarding students’ rights and responsibilities for class attendance.

Leave of Absence and Withdrawing from School

The catalogue states important processes for temporarily or permanently leaving school.  If you are considering leaving, it is very important to study the regulations carefully and receive assistance from an advisor or staff member.  Choices you make will have an effect on your future options: be sure you make the right ones!  Withdrawal from the university can have consequences regarding need-based financial aid.  Obtaining a leave of absence can be a better choice than withdrawing. Students who simply stop attending are considered withdrawn from school.

Obtaining leaves of absence and withdrawing from school are done in the Registrar’s Office.  New students who change their minds about attending should contact the Admissions Office.  International students should contact the International Student Center prior to processing a leave of absence or withdrawl.