麻豆原创 may grant academic credit to students who have acquired knowledge and skills outside of traditional credit-bearing courses. To earn credit, students complete an approved assessment and demonstrate that they have met or exceeded NSU鈥檚 established standards.

35.1 External Requirements

The NWCCU requires that 鈥淭ransfer credit and credit for prior learning is accepted according to clearly defined, widely published, and easily accessible policies that provide adequate safeguards to ensure academic quality. In accepting transfer credit, the receiving institution ensures that such credit accepted is appropriate for its programs and comparable in nature, content, academic rigor, and quality.鈥�

The NSHE Handbook (Title 4, Chapter 14) provides guidelines for credit by examination (Section 21) and directs institutions to evaluate three types of military transcripts for appropriate credit (Section 22):

• Joint Services Transcript (JST);
• Air University transcripts;
• Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcripts.

35.2 Earning Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

35.2.1 Credit by Standardized Exam

The NSHE Handbook allows NSU to use scores on external exams to award college credit. NSU accepts the following exams:

• Advanced Placement (AP);
• College-Level Examination Program (CLEP);
• DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST).
• International Baccalaureate (IB).

Minimum scores on each exam and their course equivalencies comply with NSHE minimums (Handbook Title 4 Chapter 14) and are published in the NSU academic catalog.

35.2.2 Credit by Internal Exam

Students may earn credit by completing a comprehensive examination and earning a score that demonstrates mastery of a course鈥檚 learning outcomes. Guidelines for credit by internal exam are published in the NSU academic catalog.

35.2.3 Non-traditional Credit

Students may request an evaluation of non-college training, including courses offered by employers or the military. Academic faculty with subject matter expertise and the Office of the Registrar evaluate these requests based on the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning鈥檚 (CAEL) Standards for Assessing Prior Learning.

Military Transcripts

Academic faculty with subject matter expertise review Joint Services Transcripts (JSTs) and determine course equivalencies based on established outcomes and the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations. The Office of the Registrar may recommend granting lower-division elective credit instead of credit for a specific course. The Office of the Registrar evaluates transcripts from Air University and the Community College of the Air Force for course equivalencies.

A list of pre-approved course equivalencies is available in the NSU catalog and posted on the NS website; the list is reviewed each term and updated as needed.

35.2.4 Military Service Elective Credits

Veterans who served at least 12 months on active duty in the United States Armed Forces and who were honorably discharged may request to be granted a maximum of 4 lower-division general elective credits. When applying for admission, a copy of the Report of Separation (DD-214) must be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

35.2.5 Other Non-traditional Learning

NSU will consider requests for evaluation of forms of non-traditional learning that are not specified in this policy on a case-by-case basis, using recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning鈥檚 (CAEL) Standards for Assessing Prior Learning.

35.3 Limitations

35.3.1 Maximum Credits

The number of credits earned for prior learning applied toward a NSU degree cannot exceed 50% of the minimum number of credits required for the degree.

35.3.2 GPA and Transcripts

CPL does not affect a student鈥檚 GPA. The student鈥檚 transcript will identify any CPL credit with the type, number of credits granted, and a grade of Satisfactory (S).

35.3.3 CPL and Enrollment

CPL does not count toward a student鈥檚 semester enrollment and does not affect financial aid calculations.

35.3.4 Content Duplication

NSU will not award credit that duplicates previously earned course credit or other credit awarded through CPL. This prevents students from receiving credit twice for the same learning.

35.3.5 NSU Residency

Students pursuing an undergraduate degree must complete 30 upper-division credits at NSU. CPL does not count toward this requirement.

35.3.6 Transferring CPL

NSU must evaluate CPL transferred from another institution unless those courses are already included in the CPL Crosswalk. CPL accepted at NSU may not transfer to other institutions; students should verify transfer acceptance directly with the receiving institution, particularly those outside of NSHE.

35.4 Related Information

• NWCCU 2020 Standard 1.C.8
• NSHE

35.4.1 Revision History

• Approved by Dr. Raul Tapia, Chair of Academic Faculty Senate Academic Affairs Committee, February 2026; Deans Council (6 vote for approval, 0 against), 3/13/2026; Berna Rhodes-Ford, General Counsel, 7/15/2026; Dr. Gwen Sharp, Interim Provost, 7/15/2026; Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater, Acting President, 7/29/2026.

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32.1 Overview

麻豆原创 State鈥檚 academic calendar lists official academic dates and events relevant to students and employees. It identifies start and end dates for each term, key dates for students (such as drop/withdraw deadlines), and holidays and breaks.

NS operates on a semester system, with approximately equal length fall and spring semesters, as well as a winter intersession, summer terms, and accelerated terms within the fall and spring semesters. Courses must meet the required instructional contact time for the number of credits earned, regardless of the length of the term. Refer to the policy on Credit Hours for details.

32.2 Review and Approval Process

The academic calendar goes through these stages of approval:

1. Office of the Registrar drafts the academic calendar and submits it to the appropriate Academic Faculty Senate committee. The draft considers the following items:
   1. Review of previous academic calendars to ensure continuity and identify best practices.
   2. Holidays and officially observed institutional closures are incorporated.
   3. Federal financial aid regulations are considered.
   4. The Office of the Registrar may consult with academic leadership and other relevant campus offices, as appropriate.
   5. The Office of the Registrar reviews and considers published 麻豆原创 System of Higher Education (NSHE) and Clark County School District (CCSD) breaks; however, the final calendar is established according to NSU鈥檚 academic priorities and institutional interests.
2. Academic Faculty Senate committee reviews the draft calendar and may propose changes. Following its review, the committee chair forwards a recommendation to the Provost.
3. The Provost considers the committee recommendation, consults with Deans Council and relevant administrative office, and either:
   1. Approves the calendar and notifies the Registrar [skip to step 6]; or
   2. Returns the draft with feedback and rationale to the Registrar for further revisions [proceed to step 4].
4. Office of the Registrar addresses and/or integrates feedback and returns the revised calendar with any rationale to the Provost.
5. Provost approves the academic calendar and notifies the Registrar.
6. Registrar publishes approved calendar.

32.2.1 Posting the Academic Calendar

The approved academic calendar is published on the NS website at least 6 months prior to the start of the academic year. Draft academic calendars for the next three academic years are published each spring on the NS website, following approval of the upcoming academic year鈥檚 final calendar, and are clearly labeled as tentative and subject to change until formally approved.

32.2.2 Calendar Revisions

Any member of the NSU community may submit proposed revisions to draft calendars directly to the Registrar. The Registrar emails proposed revisions, along with a recommendation in favor or against them, to the Academic Faculty Senate Executive Committee (FSEC). The FSEC reviews proposed revisions and submits a recommendation to approve or deny them to the Provost, who makes a final decision to approve or deny a revision.

32.2.3 Mandated Changes and Extenuating Circumstances

Academic calendar changes that are mandated by federal or state law, NSHE policy or directives, or executive orders will be integrated into the calendar by the Office of the Registrar promptly and will be communicated to campus without the standard review process.

If unexpected, extenuating circumstances affect the academic calendar, the Provost will approve emergency revisions. If possible, the Provost will consult with the Registrar, the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, and the Deans Council before approving or communicating changes.

32.3 Required Academic Calendar Elements

NS is closed and classes are cancelled for official holidays recognized by the State of 麻豆原创. All semesters and terms end on a Saturday. Final grades are due by noon the Wednesday following the last day of classes.

For 9-month academic faculty, the fall and spring semesters combined consist of 175 academic working days.

32.3.1 Fall and Spring Semesters

1. The full semester runs for 16 weeks. There is no separate final exams week.
2. The week before classes start is prep week for academic faculty.
3. A week-long spring break is scheduled during the spring semester. Spring break dates for the School of Nursing are adjusted from the University-wide dates, beginning on a Wednesday and ending the following Tuesday.
4. The degree conferral date is the last day of the 16-week semester.
5. The School of Nursing pre-licensure BSN program operates on 15-week sessions in fall and spring; classes start on the same day as the regular term but end a week early. RN-BSN and MSN programs are offered in 7- and 8-week sessions and follow due dates specified for their accelerated terms.

32.3.2 Winter Intersession

Winter intersessions are four weeks long. They begin the Monday immediately after the fall semester ends. Registration for the winter intersession begins at the same time as registration for the spring semester.

Courses taken in the winter intersession count toward a student鈥檚 spring semester courseload/credits and financial aid package, if applicable.

32.3.3 Summer Terms

1. Summer includes 6-, 7-, 12-, and 14-week sessions; start dates for each are included in the calendar.
2. Registration for summer term begins at the same time as registration for the fall semester.
3. The degree conferral date is the last day of the 14-week term.
4. School of Nursing operates on a 14-week session, which starts 1 week before the 12-week summer term and ends 1 week after the 12-week summer term.
   • RN-BSN and MSN programs are offered in two 7-week sessions.

32.4 Related Information

1. Credit Hours Policy (Academic Operations)

32.4.1 Revision History

• Approved by Dr. Raul Tapia, Chair of Academic Faculty Senate Faculty Affairs Committee, 5/4/2026; Deans Council, 5/27/2026; Berna Rhodes-Ford, General Counsel, 7/22/2026; Dr. Gwen Sharp, Interim Provost, 7/22/2026; Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater, Acting President, 7/29/2026.

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Students who have previously earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree may wish to enroll as a post-baccalaureate student to enhance their GPA before applying to graduate or professional schools, to pursue additional degrees, or to develop skills and knowledge for their professional growth. Many students use post-baccalaureate coursework as a bridge to pursue graduate or professional study in a field different from their original bachelor鈥檚 degree. Post-baccalaureate coursework may be used to complete prerequisites, gain foundational knowledge, and strengthen applications for master鈥檚 or doctoral programs in new disciplines. Students are encouraged to consult with academic advisors to design a course plan that aligns with their educational and career goals.

Federal financial aid may not be available for post-baccalaureate studies. Post-baccalaureate students should meet with a financial aid advisor to discuss whether they are eligible for any financial aid programs.

26.1 Post-baccalaureate Study as a Bridge to Graduate Programs

Students who have earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in one discipline and wish to pursue a graduate or professional degree in a different field (at NSU or another institution) may use post-baccalaureate study as a bridge to prepare for this transition. Post-baccalaureate programs can provide foundational coursework, prerequisite knowledge, and skill development necessary for admission to master鈥檚 or professional programs outside their original field of study. Students interested in this pathway are strongly encouraged to consult with academic advisors and graduate program representatives to design an appropriate course plan tailored to their goals.

26.2 Additional Baccalaureate Degrees

26.2.1 General Requirements

1. The degree must have at least 18 unique credits that differentiate it from any other bachelor鈥檚 degree previously earned.
2. The degree must be within a major discipline that the student did not complete as a major for any previous baccalaureate degree. Students may pursue an additional degree within a discipline that they previously completed an academic minor in, provided they fulfill all other requirements for the major and additional baccalaureate degree.
3. Students are not eligible to enroll as undecided students.
4. Aside from the requirements established in this chapter, students must adhere to NS policies on degree requirements, catalog years, pre-requisites, academic recognition (honors), and other academic requirements.
5. Post-baccalaureate students may enroll in a degree or as non-degree-seeking students. They must meet all pre-requisites for courses they wish to take.

26.2.2 Enrollment After a Previous NS or Other NSHE Degree

1. The student must apply for admission to the University.
2. The student will be held to all school, major, and graduation requirements for the catalog year in which they are admitted for post-baccalaureate study
3. Core Curriculum courses completed for previous degrees will satisfy Core Curriculum requirements for the additional degree, except for any new or additional Core Curriculum requirements effective in the catalog year of readmission.
4. The student must complete 30 upper-division credits in residence at NS. Credits applied to earlier degrees earned at NS, even those above the 120 credits required for graduation, will not be applied toward the residency requirement for an additional baccalaureate degree. Specific courses required for the additional degree that were completed for an earlier degree will be waived; however, the credits toward residency must be made up through upper-division electives.
5. The student must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all credits taken since the awarding of the previous degree.
6. The student will receive an additional diploma listing the new degree and major earned.
7. The student鈥檚 cumulative GPA will include all NSU coursework as well as any transferable coursework from other institutions. Degree-specific GPAs are calculated only using courses completed at NSU.
   1. The degree-specific GPA for an additional NSU degree includes coursework applied to the student鈥檚 first NSU degree and courses taken specifically for the additional degree at NSU.

26.2.3 Enrollment After Previous Degree from Outside NSHE

A student who has earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution must meet these requirements:

1. Complete all school and major requirements for the additional degree.
2. Fulfill all Core Curriculum requirements that are not fulfilled by the previous degree.
3. Complete the 麻豆原创 Constitution Core Curriculum requirement, either by taking an applicable course at an NSHE institution or through credit by exam.
4. Complete 30 upper-division credits in residence at NS.

26.4 Structured Post-baccalaureate Programs and Certificates

Some academic units offer structured post-baccalaureate certificate programs or formalized curricula designed to prepare students for graduate study or career changes in a new discipline. These programs provide targeted coursework and advising to meet prerequisites or foundational knowledge required by master鈥檚 or professional programs. Students interested in such options should consult their academic department or school for available programs and admission requirements.

26.5 Related Information and History

• Replaces language on additional degrees in Multiple Majors policy. This policy recognizes the value of post-baccalaureate study not only for earning additional undergraduate degrees but also as a pathway to master鈥檚, doctoral, or professional programs in fields distinct from the student鈥檚 prior academic background.

26.5.2 Revision History

• Approved by Dr. Raul Tapia (Academic Senate), 12/16/2025; Deans Council, 11/21/2025; Berna Rhodes-Ford, General Counsel, 7/15/2026; Dr. Gwen Sharp, Interim Provost, 7/15/2026; Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater, Acting President, 7/29/2026.

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5.1 Federal and Accreditation Regulations

NS measures student learning in alignment with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) Credit Hour Policy, which relies on federal regulations on the definition and assignment of credit hours.

Federal regulations mandate that accredited institutions comply with the definition of the credit hour in 34 CFR Section 600.2, which defines the credit hour as:

鈥n amount of student work鈥s approved by the institution鈥檚 accrediting agency鈥hat is consistent with commonly accepted practice in postsecondary education and that:

1. Reasonably approximates not less than:

• One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks for one semester鈥our of credit鈥r the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
• At least an equivalent amount of work as required in [1 above]鈥� for other academic activities鈥ncluding laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours; and

2. Permits an institution, in determining the amount of work associated with a credit hour, to account for a variety of delivery methods, measurements of student work, academic calendars, disciplines, and degree levels.

Credit value for courses is governed by the Academic Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee and the NSHE Common Course Numbering system. Course approval requests should include a justification of the credit value. Periodic review of course credit values will be incorporated into each school鈥檚 curriculum review schedule to ensure they accurately reflect the amount of work required in the course. Course schedules for all classes are adjusted as needed to ensure contact time for instruction is equivalent to the federal guidelines noted above.

Instructional time per credit is defined to provide a consistent minimum expectation for students and faculty. For lecture, seminar, lab, or equivalent courses, students are expected to spend at least two hours outside of the classroom each week for each credit of classroom learning. For example, if weekly instructional time is 50 minutes, then students should engage in approximately two hours of work outside the classroom. For courses scheduled during shorter terms (such as summer or 8-week sessions), hours per week should be adjusted proportionately. For SON, 1 credit hour for a full-length term would equal 3 hours in lab or clinical settings.

5.2 Course Formats/Modalities

In-person courses meet at a predetermined and designated physical location. Online courses meet entirely over the internet as either a self-paced class (asynchronous) or with scheduled meeting times (synchronous). A hybrid course melds in-person and online components; at least 25% of total contact time must be met online. Syllabi for hybrid courses must clearly articulate expectations for when students must meet in person and when they must meet or complete work online. Students pay a distance education fee for hybrid and online courses.

Instructors cannot change the modality of a course (from in-person to online, etc.) after students begin enrolling for the term without dean approval. Approved changes must be communicated to students, the Office of the Registrar, and the Cashier鈥檚 Office as soon as possible so any changes to student fees can be posted to students鈥� accounts. Modality changes are not made after the first day of a term except in an emergency.

5.3 Clinical Hours, Supervised Field Experience, or Student Teaching

Clinical experiences allow for observation, participation, studies of individual students or clients, individual field work, and practicums, both on and off campus. Credit for clinical experiences is determined based on recommendations of relevant accrediting bodies or state regulations.

To earn credits, the amount of time must be reasonably equivalent to the federal standard in 5.1 above.

5.4 Meeting Contact Time

The Office of the Registrar audits the course schedule to ensure that the meeting times for each course meet the minimum contact time for the credits earned. Faculty members retain primary responsibility and discretion for meeting the required instructional contact time for their course.

In the event of instructor absence, faculty members shall determine appropriate alternative instructional activities or make-up arrangements in a manner consistent with course learning outcomes and credit-hour requirements. Such alternatives may include, but are not limited to, recorded lectures, alternative assignments, online instructional activities, or rescheduled class meetings. Online activities may be substituted for up to one week of 15-week in-person course meetings (or the equivalent in shorter terms); this is not considered a modality change. Longer shifts to online work may impact federal definitions of a course and must be reviewed by the Dean and the Registrar to confirm any impacts for federal course designation thresholds before approval.

5.5 Related Information

• NWCCU
• 34 CFR 600.2

5.5.1 Revision History

• Approved by Dr. Raul Tapia, Chair of Academic Faculty Senate Faculty Affairs Committee, 3/09/2026; Deans Council (6 for, 0 against), 3/28/2026; Berna Rhodes-Ford, General Counsel, 7/22/2026; Dr. Gwen Sharp, Interim Provost, 7/22/2026; and Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater, Acting President, 7/29/2026.

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1.1: Incomplete Grades

1.1.1 Faculty Discretion

The decision to issue an incomplete grade to a student who meets minimum requirements is at the discretion of the instructor. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee that an Incomplete will be assigned.

1.1.2 Minimum Requirements

A student must meet the criteria established by the school that offers the course. Incomplete grades are for situations in which documented uncontrollable and unforeseen circumstances (such as a medical or family emergency) prevent a student from completing the course requirements before the end of the term.

The schools have set specific criteria for Incompletes.

School of Liberal Arts, Sciences, & Business (LASB) and School of Education (SOE)

The student must be passing the course with a grade of 70% or higher based on the coursework completed (not counting the remaining work).

School of Nursing (SON)

The student must be passing the course with a grade of 75% or higher based on work completed (not counting the remaining work) and must have completed enough of the course that they can finish the remaining coursework (such as a final paper or exam) before the beginning of the next term. A student with an Incomplete in a required nursing course cannot move forward in the BSN program until the Incomplete is resolved; in some cases, students may be unable to enroll for the next semester until the Incomplete is resolved. Students cannot retake a course if an Incomplete for that course remains on their record.

1.1.3 Ineligible Circumstances

Failing to attend class, poor performance in a course, a failing grade, or other reasons that are not verified unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances are not acceptable reasons for assigning an Incomplete.

1.1.4 Requesting an Incomplete

Students must request an Incomplete by following the process of the school that offers the course.

LASB and SON

Students must email their instructor no later than the last class day of the term to request an Incomplete.听

SOE

Students complete the SOE Incomplete Grade Request Form and submit it to their instructor before final grades for the term are due; final grade due dates are published in the academic calendar. The instructor and the student must agree on the timeline and activities needed to finish the course.

1.1.5 Assigning an Incomplete

LASB and SON

An instructor who approves a request for an Incomplete fills out the Request to Assign an Incomplete Grade form, found in the NS portal, by the date grades are due for the term. The instructor must list the student鈥檚 remaining work for the course.

SOE

Instructors submit the SOE Incomplete Grade Request form to the administrative assistant (AA); the AA submits the campus Request to Assign an Incomplete Grade form, attaching a copy of the SOE form.

1.1.6 Deadlines for Finishing Coursework

The instructor or academic unit may set deadlines for the student to complete remaining work as long as the deadlines and expectations are sent by email to the student when the instructor assigns the Incomplete. The deadlines should also be included on the Request to Assign an Incomplete Grade form or SOE Incomplete Grade Request form. If no deadline is set by the instructor or unit, students have until the end of the next semester to complete the work. Incomplete grades are automatically changed to an F (or, in the School of Education, to the grade listed on the SOE Incomplete Grade Request form) if the student does not complete the coursework and the instructor does not submit a Grade Change Form by the last day of the next semester. Specific dates are published in the academic calendar. If the student does not meet a deadline set by the instructor or academic unit, the instructor may submit a Grade Change Form to assign the appropriate grade at that time, or may do nothing and allow the system to automatically assign an F.

In the School of Nursing, students must complete all work before the beginning of the next term so they can move to the next course sequence as scheduled.

1.1.7 Extensions

Students whose majors are housed within the School of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Business or the School of Education may request to have an Incomplete extended for one semester. The extension must be approved by the instructor and dean. The instructor must submit the Incomplete Grade Extension Form before the Incomplete expires and converts to an F. The form is available from the Office of the Registrar.

1.1.8 Changing an Incomplete Grade

The student must contact the instructor about completing the remaining coursework. If the student needs access to Canvas, the instructor will contact the Office of Information and Technology Services and request access for the student after the end of the course. Once the student submits the remaining work, the instructor is responsible for grading it, calculating the final grade, and submitting a Grade Change Form. If the instructor is unavailable or does not respond to emails about completing the course, the department chair or dean will develop a plan for the student to complete remaining work, for having the work graded and the final grade calculated, and for submitting the Grade Change Form. Another grader may evaluate the student鈥檚 submitted work.

1.1.9 Medical Withdrawals after an Incomplete

A student may petition for a medical withdrawal while they have an Incomplete in a course. If a medical withdrawal is approved, the Incomplete will convert to a W.

1.2 NR Grades

The Office of the Registrar assigns an NR grade when an instructor does not submit a final grade. Faculty cannot assign a grade of NR; it is for Registrar use.

1.2.1 Correcting an NR Grade

The Office of the Registrar will contact instructors about NR grades after final grades are posted each term. Faculty must submit the missing grade immediately by completing a Grade Change Form. If the instructor does not respond within 5 business days, the department chair or dean (or designee) will determine the student鈥檚 final grade and submit a Grade Change Form.

1.3 Graduation

Students cannot graduate with an Incomplete or NR grade on their record.

1.4 Related Information

– Grade Change Form (in the NS portal)

– Assign an Incomplete Grade Form (in the NS portal)

– SOE Incomplete Grade Request Form (available from SOE instructor)

– Incomplete Grade Extension Form (available from the Office of the Registrar)

– Grades and Examinations & Final Grades sections

– Academic calendar

– Medical Withdraw Policy

1.4.1 Steps and Responsibilities

听

1.4.2 Revision History

– Approved by Dr. Lesley DiMare on 7/21/2008 and President Fred Maryanski on 7/29/2008.

– Revisions approved by Dr. Samantha Jewell on 3/03/2022; Dr. Vickie Shields on 3/08/2022; Dr. DeRionne Pollard on 4/24/2023.

– Revisions approved by Dr. David Cooper on 12/03/2024; Dr. Sarah Frey on 12/30/2024; Berna Rhodes-Ford on 2/25/2025; and President DeRionne Pollard on 4/02/2025.

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Posthumous degrees extend sympathy and compassion to the families of students who pass away close to the completion of their degree and recognize the academic achievement of those students while maintaining the academic integrity of University programs.

3.1 Eligibility

A deceased student who was enrolled at NS at the time of their death may be awarded a posthumous degree provided these conditions are met:

1. The student was degree-seeking and had declared a major.

2. The student was in good academic and disciplinary standing.

3. The student completed 75% of degree requirements.

4. The student completed at least 15 upper-division credits at NS.

5. The dean of the school that houses the student鈥檚 primary or first major recommends awarding a posthumous degree.

In some cases NS may wish to recognize the attendance and/or contributions of a deceased student who did not meet the conditions for a degree by awarding a posthumous certificate of attendance, participation, or completion of some core element of the student鈥檚 program.

3.2 Procedures

A formal request may be made by a family member, faculty member, or another student. The request process varies depending on who submits the request:

– Family member or student: Submit to department chair or dean

– Faculty member: Submit to department chair or dean

If the request is not made by a family member, the family will only be informed if the request is approved. The process should be kept confidential until and unless approved at all levels.

1. The dean will review the student鈥檚 academic record, confirm with the Registrar whether the criteria for a posthumous degree are met, and forward the request and a recommendation to the Provost.

2. If the Provost supports the request, the Provost will submit a recommendation to the President for approval.

3. If the president approves the request, the Provost will notify the Registrar to begin the process for posting the degree and for Commencement proceedings (if applicable).

4. The President will inform the immediate family of the decision and the University鈥檚 wish to recognize their student with this honor. If the family wants to represent the student and receive the diploma at a commencement ceremony, this must be relayed to the Registrar for planning.

5. The degree is noted as posthumous on the commencement program. 鈥淎warded posthumously鈥� will be printed on the diploma or certificate. The transcript will also note that it is a posthumous degree. If the commencement program has been sent to print before approval of a posthumous degree, the name of the student will be printed on the following year鈥檚 program.

6. If the family chooses not to participate in Commencement, the award may still be read during the ceremony, unless explicitly requested otherwise by the family. The student鈥檚 diploma or certificate will be released or mailed to the person legally authorized to manage their affairs.

7. Any fees associated with the posthumous degree or certificate will be waived.

3.2 Related Information and Revision History

– Approved by Dr. Joanna Shearer on 4/28/2015; Dr. Erika Beck on 5/05/2015; and President Bart Patterson on 5/12/2015.

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4.1: Dean’s List

To be placed on the dean鈥檚 list for the school that offers their major or degree, students must meet these requirements:

1. Be an undergraduate degree-seeking student.

2. Complete 6 or more letter-graded credits in a semester (not counting any non-credit-bearing courses). Students who complete 6-11 credits will be noted as 鈥減art-time鈥�.

3. Earn a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher.

A note is added to students鈥� transcripts indicating their status on the dean鈥檚 list. The lists are generated at the end of each semester after final grades are posted and retaken courses are processed. Lists are not recalculated based on grade changes or the removal of Incompletes.

4.2 President鈥檚 List

To be placed on the President鈥檚 list, students must meet these requirements:

1. Be an undergraduate degree-seeking student.

2. Complete 6 or more letter-graded credits in a semester (not counting any non-credit-bearing courses). Students who complete 6-11 credits will be noted as 鈥減art-time鈥�.

3. Earn a semester GPA of 4.0.

A note is added to students鈥� transcripts indicating their status on the President鈥檚 list. The list is generated at the end of each semester after final grades are posted and retaken courses are processed. It is not recalculated based on grade changes or the removal of Incompletes.

4.3 Latin Honors

Undergraduates earn Latin honors or a Distinction designation when they graduate if:

1. At least half of their required degree credits are letter graded (A-F).

2. The student鈥檚 cumulative GPA, as calculated by the Office of the Registrar, places the student in the appropriate range within the school that houses their major.

3. Summa cum laude: Top 5.00% of their graduating class

4. Magna cum laude: Top 5.01% to 10.00% of their graduating class

5. Cum laude: Top 10.01% to 20.00% of their graduating class

6. Distinction: Cumulative GPA of 3.7 up to 10.0% of their graduating class.

Each fall and spring semester, the Office of the Registrar prepares a rank order of students graduating from each school;听those students make up a 鈥渃lass鈥� for the purposes of honors calculations. Cumulative GPAs are not rounded when calculating recognition or honors eligibility.

Students graduating with multiple majors have their Latin honors or Distinction eligibility calculated based on their first (primary) degree and receive a single designation, if eligible. Students graduating with multiple degrees have their eligibility calculated separately for each degree. Students returning for an additional degree after earning a previous baccalaureate degree are awarded Latin honors or Distinguished Scorpion status based on the same procedures outlined above.

4.4 Related Information and History

– NSHE Handbook Title 4, Chapter 16, Section 34: State College Grades & Examinations

4.4.1 Revision History

– Academic Recognition policy approved September 2008; updated 1/25/2013.

– Updated May 2022 to clarify policy applies to undergraduates.

– Revisions approved by Dr. Raul Tapia, 11/14/2025; Deans Council, 11/21/2025; Ms. Berna Rhodes-Ford, General Counsel, 12/29/2025; Interim Provost Gwen Sharp, 12/29/2025; and Acting President Amber Lopez Lasater, 1/08/2026.

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8.1: Retaking Undergraduate Courses for a Grade

1. A student may retake a course twice without requiring approval. After two retakes, students must submit a petition to retake a course again.

2. A course must be retaken for a letter grade unless the course is offered only on an S/U basis.

3. If a course is retaken at NS, the grade and credits earned replace those from the earlier attempt when calculating GPA, total credits, and Latin honors eligibility. For instance, if a student earned a D and retakes the course at NS and earns a B, the B and the credits earned in the retake will be included in their GPA and total credits toward graduation but the original grade and credits will not. If the student receives an F on the retake, only the F will be included in their GPA and they will lose the credits for the course.

a. If a student retakes a course from NS at another institution and transfers the course to NS, the most recent grade earned at NS will be calculated into the NS GPA but the student will lose any credits for the course that counted toward their total credits taken at NS. For example, if a student took ENG 101 and earned a C- and 3 credits at NS, then retakes the course at CSN and earns a B, the B from CSN will not replace the C- in the student鈥檚 NS GPA; however, 3 credits will be removed from their total credits taken at NS.

4. Students who earned a C- or lower in a transfer course may retake it if there is an equivalent at NS. Students who retake a transfer course receive the NS course credits regardless of the number of credits the course carried at the transfer institution. For example, a student retaking a 4-credit transfer course as a 3-credit equivalent NS course will receive 3 credits for the retake. If it is unclear whether a transfer course has an NS equivalent, faculty in the appropriate discipline will decide.

5. If the number of credits for a course has changed, a retake earns the current number of credits. For example, if a 5-credit course was reduced to 4 credits, the 5-credit original grade would be replaced by 4 credits of the retake grade.

6. If a student drops, withdraws, or is administratively dropped for non-attendance from a retake attempt, the most recent completed grade and earned credits remain in the student鈥檚 GPA and total credits. A retaken course from which a student withdraws (with a grade of W) is counted as a retake attempt.

7. All retakes, including grades earned, appear on the student鈥檚 academic record and transcript.

8. Once a student graduates and their degree is posted, they cannot retake a course to be applied to that degree or their graduating GPA.

9. A student鈥檚 current academic status or standing (such as being on academic notice or warning) does not change if the student enrolls to retake a course.

8.2 Considerations Regarding Retaking Courses

Graduate and professional programs and other educational institutions may not accept course retakes or may include grades from all attempts when calculating GPAs for admissions decisions.

Students receiving financial aid or veterans benefits should meet with staff from those offices before retaking a course, since it may affect their eligibility or benefits.

8.3 Petitioning for an Additional Undergraduate Course Retake

After their two allowed retake attempts, students must complete the Additional Course Retake Petition Form, available from the Registrar, for additional retakes. They should submit at least two weeks before the first day of the term in which they wish to retake the course; the deadline will not be extended.

Students must explain the extenuating circumstances that require another retake attempt, why the course is essential to their academic program or goals, and what plans or changes they have made to improve their performance in the course if their petition is approved.

The petition is routed to the dean (or designee) of the school that houses the course. Within 5 calendar days, the dean (or designee) will approve or deny it; they may include specific requirements (for example, meeting with a success coach, advisor, or the course instructor). If approved, the Office of the Registrar will notify the student by NS email of the decision and of any requirements that must be completed. Once any required documentation is submitted, the Registrar鈥檚 Office will authorize an additional retake for the approved term and notify the student that they may add the course in their Student Center. The student must add the course by the deadline to add classes for the term, published in the academic calendar.

8.4 Retaking Graduate Courses

A graduate student who earns a grade that does not meet program requirements must retake the course. One retake attempt is allowed. Credit for the course will only be granted once unless the course is repeatable (see 8.5 below). The retaken grade replaces the original grade in the student鈥檚 graduate cumulative GPA, even if the retaken grade is lower than the original grade.

Graduate students cannot retake a class if they have earned a grade that meets their program鈥檚 minimum requirements.

Graduate programs may publish their own policies on retaking courses; graduate students should refer to the policies or handbook for their program. If a graduate program has no specific policies on retaking courses, then the provisions in this section apply.

8.5 Repeatable Courses

A repeatable course is one that students can take more than once while receiving separate grades and credits each time, up to the stated maximum. The academic catalog indicates which courses are repeatable and for how many total credits. For instance, the catalog states that BIOL 399: Internship 鈥渕ay be repeated to a maximum of six credits.鈥� Grades earned in repeatable courses do not replace earlier grades in the course; the grades and credits from all attempts are calculated into the student鈥檚 GPA and total credits, up to the maximum credits allowed.

Some academic programs limit the number of repeatable course credits that can be applied to major requirements. Students should refer to the academic catalog and speak to their advisor to clarify any limitations.

8.6 Related Information and History

– Additional Course Retake Petition Form (available from the Office of the Registrar)

8.6.1 Revisions History

– Approved by Dr. David Cooper on 2/4/2025; Berna Rhodes-Ford, 8/21/2025; Dr. Gwen Sharp, 10/20/2025; and Acting President Amber Lopez Lasater on 10/20/2025.

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Students may identify by a name other than their legal name. To foster an inclusive campus environment, any current student may use a preferred name at NS. We strive to use preferred names whenever a legal name is not required.

9.1 Using Preferred Names

Students will be referred to by their preferred name whenever possible within the campus community. When it does not constrain NS鈥檚 ability to comply with federal or state regulation or law or the ability to enter into a contract, a designated preferred name will be used in place of, or in addition to, the legal name in University-controlled systems and documents. This includes, but is not limited to:

– Class and attendance rosters.

– Grade rosters.

– Student services/success/support applications.

– Canvas.

– Student ID cards.

– Internal, NS-funded scholarships.

– Student email accounts.

9.2 Designating a Preferred Name

Students may use their Student Center account to designate a preferred name. To request use of their preferred name in a NS-controlled system that does not allow self-service name changes, students should contact the Office of the Registrar.

In some systems, the preferred name will appear immediately. Some systems require manual changes or have fixed synching schedules; there may be delays in displaying the preferred name in these systems.

Creating or changing a preferred name will update a student鈥檚 NS email address; the previous email address will no longer exist. The student is responsible for updating any individuals, accounts, or organizations that use the old email address to ensure that their email messages are delivered.

9.3 Limits and Exceptions

While NS will use preferred names wherever possible, we will be unable to do so in some situations.

9.3.1 External Systems

Legal names will be used in all University-related systems and documents that require a verified legal name or that must be matched to external systems or databases that use legal names. This includes, but is not limited to:

– Academic transcripts.

– Financial aid and Veterans Administration (VA) documentation.

– Student employment paperwork, including payroll and tax documents.

– Applications for in-state residency.

– Student account statements.

– Immigration documents.

– Standardized and/or proctored testing services.

– External scholarships.

9.3.2 Inappropriate Names

The University reserves the right to refuse to implement:

– A preferred name that would lead to misrepresentation.

– A preferred name used for illegal purposes or to avoid a legal responsibility.

– Multiple preferred names simultaneously for the same individual.

– Preferred names that contain threats of violence or violations of copyright or other legal claims.

– Preferred names that include non-alphabetical (a-z) characters.

– A preferred name that NS deems inappropriate (vulgar, obscene, offensive, fictional, or that creates confusion with another person).

9.3.2.1 Identifying Inappropriate Names and Appeals Process

The Office of the Registrar will regularly identify newly submitted preferred names that are or may be inappropriate.

1. Flagged preferred names that clearly violate any condition above will be denied by the Registrar.

2. Preferred names that potentially violate those conditions, or where the Registrar is uncertain whether it violates them, will be reviewed by a three-person committee consisting of the President鈥檚 Chief of Staff, the Director of Community Engagement and Diversity Initiatives, and the Director of Academic Advising. The Registrar will summarize the reasons each name is potentially inappropriate. The committee may consult with NS legal counsel or others with relevant expertise, as needed.

3. The committee will vote on each flagged name. A simple majority is required for approval.

4. If a preferred name is denied, the Office of the Registrar will remove the name and notify the student.

5. A student whose preferred name is denied may appeal by contacting the Registrar for the appropriate form.

6. Appeals will be reviewed by the Vice President of College and Community Engagement. Their decision is final and cannot be appealed.

9.4 Student Responsibilities

A student who designates a preferred name accepts any financial obligations at NS under either the legal or preferred name.

Students should always be prepared to reference their legal name and provide corresponding identification when legal identification or official information is necessary. A student ID card with a preferred name cannot be used as a form of identification in some situations where a student ID card is normally accepted, such as when completing employment paperwork. Students using a preferred name on their student ID card are encouraged to get a legal state ID card, driver鈥檚 license, or passport for identity verification purposes.

The use of a preferred name may lead to more intensive scrutiny when seeking certain federal or state security clearances or background checks (such as applications for employment in law enforcement, education, or other positions that require background checks). Students are encouraged to disclose this information to the investigating authorities in advance to avoid unexpected discrepancies and delays in processing their job applications.

9.5 Related Information

– Appeal form available from the Office of the Registrar

– NSHE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council

9.5.1 Revision History

– Approved by Dr. Laura Naumann on 10/06/2020; Dr. Vickie Shields on 10/08/2020; and President Bart Patterson on 2/18/2021.

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10.1 Introduction

NS recognizes that students actively serving in the Armed Forces, including the reserves or National Guard, may have military obligations that require them to miss classes, occasionally with little notice.

Military students will not be penalized for military service. Students will be given the opportunity to earn credit for missed assignments, assessments, or participation in the event of a short-term military absence. For extended military leaves, students may choose between several options.

10.2 Documentation

A student requesting course adjustments for a short-term military absence or extended military leave must provide the Academic Advising Center (AAC) with a copy of military orders outlining the dates of deployment and any travel days. If orders are not available, or the location of a deployment is classified by the Department of Defense, a verifiable letter on unit letterhead with information outlining the dates on which the student will be on active duty and travel days, signed by an appropriate officer, will be accepted.

In the case of medical treatment, documentation of a Veteran鈥檚 Administration (VA) or other military duty-related medical appointment may be requested.

10.3 Notification of Short-term Military Absences

The student is responsible for notifying the AAC as well as the student鈥檚 instructors of any absences that will occur due to military-ordered obligations as soon as the student becomes aware of them.

The student should inform all instructors of the scheduled leave, verbally or via email, as soon as the dates are known. When proper documentation is received, the AAC will formally notify the instructors via email that the student qualifies for a short-term military absence, as well as the dates that are approved for the absence.

10.3.1 Required Adjustments for Absences up to 14 Days

During regular semesters, instructors must make alternative arrangements, without any grade penalty, for students who miss class due to a military absence of no more than 14 consecutive days. During accelerated terms, a short-term military absence will be granted for no more than 15% of the total number of class meetings (or contact hour equivalent) for the courses in which the student is enrolled at the beginning of the absence. The AAC will calculate the allowable period and notify the student and instructors.

Upon their return, students must make up any missed work within 20 business days. If both the instructor and student agree, coursework may be completed before a military leave instead of afterward.

If all students have the right to drop a test, quiz, or assignment grade, coursework missed during a short-term military absence will not constitute the dropped grade unless the student chooses this option.

Reasonable alternative arrangements for coursework may include, but are not limited to:

– Rescheduled or alternative assignments, exams, and quizzes.

– Alternative dates or times for presentations.

– Opportunities to make up missed participation points.

– Moving the student to an independent study section of the course.

– Offering online alternatives for in-person content.

10.3.2 Limits and Exclusions

A student who qualifies for a short-term military absence may instead request an extended military leave. This may be preferable during accelerated sessions and/or when the length of absence make it unreasonable for the student to make up missed work and successfully complete one or more courses.

Absences of 15+ Days

Students whose short-term military absence will last 15 consecutive days or longer are not guaranteed alternative arrangements in the course. Faculty are not required to provide alternative arrangements for work missed beyond 14 consecutive days. If the structure of the course permits, an instructor may voluntarily work with a service member beyond this required period. However, some courses are designed such that success in the course 鈥� for the individual student or for teams of students 鈥� is compromised by longer absences. In such cases, the student should request an extended military leave.

Safety Concerns

Some courses include class meetings covering important safety information and procedures; examples include science laboratory classes in which students use sensitive or potentially dangerous materials or equipment. In such courses, faculty should take reasonable measures to make alternative arrangements for students on a short-term military absence. However, if a make-up session would cause an undue burden, faculty are not compelled to provide the alternative arrangement. The student should request an extended military leave.

Academic Performance

Students must be making satisfactory academic progress and have a passing grade in the specific course for which alternative arrangements are requested at the time the absence would begin.

10.4 Extended Military Leave

When military-related obligations require a student to miss 30 or more days, or an absence falls under one of the categories listed in 10.02.02, the student should request to withdraw from courses through an extended military leave. The student may request to withdraw only from some courses or to withdraw completely for the term. Their transcript will note all such withdrawals as due to military leave.

As soon as a student receives military orders that extend 30 days or longer, the student should fill out an Extended Military Leave Form and submit it to the AAC. The student must follow procedures described here to qualify for an extended military leave. If a student withdraws through other means, such as withdrawing through their Student Center account, they may not be eligible for refunds and other arrangements described here.

Students may retroactively request an extended military leave. Retroactive requests should be submitted in a timely manner, preferably within one calendar year of the last day of activity duty; however, timeliness will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

10.4.1 Tuition Refunds

If a student requests extended military leave before the deadline to withdraw from classes for the term, the student will receive a full refund of tuition and fees. If a request is received after the last day to withdraw from classes for the term, the student has the following options for each course:

1. A full refund of tuition and fees, with no credit awarded for the work completed in the course;

2. A grade of Incomplete in the course (if approved by the instructor), with the right to complete remaining coursework without penalty;

3. Receive a grade in the course, if the instructor believes enough work has been completed to warrant assigning a final letter grade.

10.4.2 Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Students receiving aid must meet with a financial aid advisor to discuss the implications for their awards. The Office of Financial Aid will review the student鈥檚 eligibility for financial aid received before the date of withdrawal and inform the student about the status of awards and actions needed to defer loan repayments based on military obligations.

10.4.3 Housing and Meal Plan Refunds

Students will receive prorated refunds based on the percentage of the term completed, beginning with the first day of class and ending with the last day of the term.

10.4.4 Other NS Property

Students must return any NS property (such as computers, keys, course equipment) before their departure. A family member or other designated party may accomplish this on the student鈥檚 behalf.

10.4.5 University Accounts

All accounts must be paid in full before the extended military leave begins.

10.5 Re-enrolling after Extended Military Leave

To resume studies, a student must notify the University by submitting the Intent to Re-Enroll after Extended Military Leave Form to the AAC within three calendar years of the last date of active military duty. If the form is submitted within this timeframe, the student is entitled to re-enroll in the same academic program or major with the same enrollment status, number of credits, catalog year rights, and academic standing as when their leave began, without paying re-admission fees. The student will be granted re-enrollment in the immediately following term or, if the student chooses, starting the next fall semester. At the student鈥檚 request, the Division of Student Affairs will make reasonable efforts to assist the student in acquiring on-campus housing for the term when re-enrollment begins.

If a student does not submit a notice of intent within three calendar years of the end of the approved extended military leave, the student will be classified as a new student and will not be entitled to the rights described in this section.

10.5.1 Tuition and Fees

During the student鈥檚 first year of re-enrollment in the same program, they will be charged tuition and fees at the level they would have been charged during the academic year the student left NS, unless veterans鈥� education benefits cover the full cost of tuition and fees for the year the student re-enrolls.

10.5.2 Re-enrollment Limits and Exclusions

1. Re-enrollment in degree programs where courses are offered on a rigid schedule may require a student to wait until the beginning of the term when the student鈥檚 remaining classes are offered again.

2. If a notice of intent to re-enroll and/or any supporting documentation, including financial aid applications, are submitted without sufficient time to process them in time to enroll in the upcoming term, the student鈥檚 re-enrollment may be delayed to the subsequent term.

3. If the academic program determines that the student is not prepared to resume the program at the point they left off, program directors, deans, and faculty must make reasonable efforts to enable the student to resume and complete the program, at no extra cost to the student. Reasonable efforts include, but are not limited to, providing a refresher course or allowing a student to retake a pretest or placement exam. Reasonable efforts may not place an undue burden on the program or University. If reasonable efforts are unsuccessful or the program determines there are no reasonable efforts that it can take, the program is not required to re-enroll the student at the same point the student left off.

4. If the program to which the student was originally admitted is no longer offered, the student must be admitted to the program that is most similar, unless the student requests admission to a different program. The student must meet all requirements for admission to the alternate program; additional prerequisites may be required.

5. Periodic revisions to degree requirements are made due to advances in knowledge, changes in occupational qualifications, or the expectations of accrediting agencies. If revisions occur while a student is on extended military leave and following the student鈥檚 original degree requirements would place an undue burden on the University, the student may be required to adhere to reasonable degree requirements in a more recent catalog.

6. The cumulative length of the student鈥檚 extended military leave and all previous military-related leave from NS cannot exceed five years, including only the time the student spent actually performing military service.

7. All NS policies that affect re-enrollment eligibility, including those related to past-due accounts, registration holds, and disciplinary actions, apply to students re-enrolling after military leave.

8. NS is not required to provide the rights to re-enrollment stated above to students who receive a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge from any branch of the military, who are dismissed via court-martial or Order of the President, or who are dropped from military rolls due to a criminal conviction or unauthorized absence.

10.6 Exceptions

Circumstances or requests that cannot be addressed by this policy will be forwarded to the appropriate dean and/or the Division of Student Affairs for a decision.

10.7 Record Security and Retention

Military orders contain sensitive information. Copies of all documentation related to military duty will be stored by the Office of the Registrar according to campus confidentiality and privacy procedures. NS will follow a 鈥淔Y + 3 years鈥� retention schedule. Documentation will be kept for three years past the student鈥檚 graduation or last term of attendance. After that time, all documents will be deleted or securely destroyed. =

10.8 Related Information

– Extended Military Leave Request Form

– Notification of Intent to Re-Enroll after Extended Military Leave

– Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008

– : Student Military Mobilization/Activation

–

– , Establishing Principles of Excellence for Educational Institutions Serving Service Members, Veterans, Spouses, and Other Family Members (April 27, 2012)

10.8.1 Revision History

– Approved by Dr. Abbey Peters on 3/12/2019; Dr. Vickie Shields on 3/19/2019; and President Bart Patterson on 6/03/2019.

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