Policies and Practices

Academic Grievance Policy

The policy guides students through the process of contesting a grade that may be arbitrary or capricious. For information on what constitutes an Academic Grievance, informal assistance in resolving disputes, and referrals to appropriate channels for related complaints students may contact the Ombuds Office.

Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures

Click here for the Academic Honesty Policy procedures, definitions and resources

Academic Regulations

All undergraduate students are responsible for complying with the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures contained in this publication.

Class Absence Policy

Read more about the University policy on class absence.

Days of Religious Observance

For complete information and the policy on class absence for religious observance, consult the Campus Policy on Class Absence for Religious Observances web page.

FERPA

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.

Fresh Start

Students who return to the University after an absence of at least three years may have their prior work excluded from the calculation of their cumulative grade point average subject to certain conditions.

Grading and GPA Calculation

As of Fall 2004, this grading system is in effect.
These grades carry the following interpretation and quality point values per semester hour.

Loan Deferment

Read here to learn more about deferring loan payments.

Major Declaration and Major Change Policy

Students entering in Fall 17 and later are subject to this policy relating to declaring a major.

New England Regional Student Program (NERSP)

Read more about the approved NERSP programs available at UMass.

Repeated Courses

Students may repeat a course for which they have received grades of C-, CD, D+, D or F. The grades received in both the original course and the repeated enrollment will remain on the student’s record. Students may not enroll in a course more than twice without the approval of their Undergraduate Dean.  Any repeats taken before the Fall of 1993 are not subject to the repeat policy.

To read more about the Repeat Policy, go to the Academic Regulations handbook

Using Courses for 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.