Academic Information

Full-Time Student

To be classified as full time in fall or spring semesters, a student must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours. To be classified as full time in the summer sessions, a student must enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours. Students taking fewer than the required hours for full-time enrollment are part-time students.

Course Load

The normal course load for undergraduate students varies from 15-18 hours. In rare cases, a student will need to carry an additional hour to complete the requirements as outlined in School or Program areas of study. See, “Guidelines for Enrolling in More Than 18 Hours ” in the Registration Section of this catalog.

Students on probation, reduced load and/or suspension (and students returning with either status) can register for no more than 12-14 hours, must register with Student Support Services by the second week of classes; and attend tutorial and academic study sessions for a minimum of one hour each week for each “D” and “F” grade. After earning a 2.0 cumulative GPA, the student will be removed from the status and can register for a full load of coursework.

To complete a degree within eight semesters (four years not including any summer sessions) a student must take 15 to 17 hours of course instruction per semester.

First year students who present high school grade point averages (GPAs) and ACT or SAT scores indicating that they should not begin their studies with a full college load are limited to no more than 14 hours of course instruction in the first semester. This reduced load schedule allows students to build the academic competency needed for college level work and to adjust to their new responsibilities gradually. Once the student demonstrates his/her ability to meet the criteria of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Scale, s(he) may enroll in a full load of courses.

The Satisfactory Academic Progress Scale in the catalog indicates the number of credit hours, the required GPA and the number of semesters of satisfactory academic performance for continuance at the university. Failure to meet the stated criteria may lead to academic warning, probation or suspension status.

Classification of Students

Academic classification of students is based upon the number of credit hours satisfactorily earned as follows:

First-Year Students:       0-29 semester hours (Freshpersons)
Second-Year Students:  30-60 semester hours (Sophomores)
Third-Year Students:      61-89 semester hours (Juniors)
Fourth-Year Students:    90 + semester hours (Seniors)

Distance Education for Authentic Learning (D.E.A.L.)

Dillard University offers select courses through D.E.A.L. Courses in D.E.A.L. are designed for an Authentic Learning experience. Authentic teaching and learning are not constrained to brick and mortar classrooms; rather, authentic teaching and learning is technology-driven and on demand. It is dynamic; real-world relevant; project-based; transferable and mobile. Authentic learners use critical thinking and 21st century skills to connect course content with real-world issues, problems and applications. Dillard University’s D.E.A.L. program includes both hybrid and fully online courses.

Degree Programs

The University offers three degree programs: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The minimum number of hours for graduation is 120 hours; however, each program determines its own requirements not to exceed 130 hours.

Major Fields of Study

Upon consultation with their academic advisors, students are expected to identify a major by the end of the first year and to complete a Declaration of Major form for recording in the Registrar’s office. A major consists of the number of course credit hours determined by the program. No grade below “C” is allowed in any course in the major.

Students who have demonstrated the ability and commitment to study in two disciplines may petition, through their academic advisors in each major, for permission to double major. The petition must be approved by the deans for each department and by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The double major calls for completion of requirements, cognate and major, in each discipline. Students who complete the second major within the same degree program (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing) will have both majors recorded on the transcript; however, only one diploma will be issued.

Students who enter as conditionally admitted and those who are on reduced load may not declare a major until all non-graduation credit courses such as ENG 110  and MAT 109 , if required, are completed.

Listed below by colleges are the majors offered by the university. Prescribed curricula are described in program sections.

College of Arts and Sciences

School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM): Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, and Mathematics and Actuarial Science
School of Health and Wellness: Health Science and Public Health 
School of Humanities: English, Film, Mass Communication, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts World Language courses are offered through this School as well as Philosophy and Religion courses listed among the Humanities/Fine Arts Menu offerings
School of Social Sciences: Criminal Justice, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, Urban Studies and Public Policy

College of Business

School of Accounting and Financial Economics: Accounting and Financial Economics
School of Business Administration: Business Administration

College of Nursing

Change of Major

Students who wish to change a major must consult with an academic advisor, complete the “Declaration of Major” form, obtain the appropriate signatures, and submit the form to the Office of Records and Registration.

Enrollment with Collaboration Institutions

The dual major program is a specially designed academic program that entails three years of study at Dillard University, followed by two or three years at a collaborating college or university, which may result in degrees from both institutions. Students who wish to pursue this program must consult with their faculty advisors and their School Chair or Program Coordinator to develop a plan of study. Students who are accepted into these programs are exempt from the last 30 hours at Dillard.

Minors

Although not required for graduation, students may wish to take a cluster of 18-21 hours of course credit in an area of study specifically designated by a program as a minor. No grade below “C” is allowed in any course in the minor. A minor may not be completed by itself, independent of a major program. This means you cannot earn a minor after you have already earned your bachelor’s degree(s). You need at least one active major in order to pursue a minor. See individual programs offering a minor for requirements.

Concentration

A concentration allows students to engage in study of a particular area in the major field. A concentration is a cluster of courses at the 200 level and above. No grade below “C” is allowed in any course in the concentration.

Academic Advising

Academic advising is a shared responsibility between the advisor and student. The advising process stimulates and supports students in their quest for an enriched quality of life. It is a systematic process based on a close student-advisor relationship intended to aid students in achieving educational and personal goals by using the full range of the university’s resources. Although generally occurring outside the classroom, academic advising is a special form of teaching that uses instructional methodologies in a disciplined way, as done in classroom settings, to help students enroll in the proper courses, make and execute plans to achieve their educational and life goals. Faculty advisors help students continually clarify their values about the nature of their education, their lifestyles, and their careers.

Class Attendance

Class attendance is regarded as an obligation as well as a privilege. All students are expected to regularly and punctually attend all classes in which they are enrolled and participate in assigned instructional activities as outlined in course syllabi. Dillard instructors will be responsible to regulate the class attendance in consultation with their respective college. Instructors will be responsible for publishing the attendance requirement in their course syllabi. Implicit in these regulations is the notion that students must assume primary responsibility for informing instructors of reasons for absences. A student who is not present when attendance is checked in a class is considered absent. A course will be dropped for any student who is submitted to the Office of Records and Registration as a “no show”. Students are considered a “no show” if they fail to attend class during the first two weeks of the semester (one week for summer terms). The “no show” student will not be charged tuition for the dropped course. However, there may be serious financial aid consequences for students who are receiving financial aid, since this will reduce the number of enrolled credit hours. If students believe their instructor reported them as a “no show” in error, they must obtain a reinstatement form from the Office of Records and Registration within three (3) days of receiving notice of their course being dropped to resolve the issue.

Student Absences

The university recognizes that a student may miss a class for legitimate reasons. The University allows no more than three (3) excused or unexcused absences per course. The student has to obtain an approved excuse from the Office of Academic Affairs within five (5) business days of the event to provide to the instructor. A student may incur an excused absence under the following documented circumstances: 1) illness/hospitalization; 2) death of a parent, sibling or grandparent; and 3) legal matter. Students on official university business (i.e., choir, varsity team, debate, etc.) should provide documented travel schedules to the faculty by the Faculty Athletic Representative or program director. Official contracted absences are excused and all missed work should be given a reasonable time for make-up.

When the absence is excused, a student is allowed to make up all missed assignments. The assignments and the completion dates must be contractually arranged with the instructor, the date no later than the end of the semester. If the instructor determines that the class work cannot be successfully completed prior to the end of the semester, the student should withdraw from the class or the student may risk failing the course. Below is a list of allowable absences from a course per semester:

5 semester credit hour course equals to 5 excused/unexcused absences
4 semester credit hour course equals to 4 excused/unexcused absences
3 semester credit hour course equals to 3 excused/unexcused absences
2 semester credit hour course equals to 2 excused/unexcused absences
1 semester credit hour course equals to 1 excused/unexcused absences

The course syllabus indicates the manner in which student absences affects grades in the course. Students who are absent for a sustained period of time should consult with their advisors to determine whether or not they should continue enrollment in the course. Failure to adhere to the attendance policy can result in a grade of “FA”, failure for absences.

Inclement Weather Policy

As a residential campus community in New Orleans, LA, Dillard University operates 24 hours/7 days a week.  Business operations continue according to schedule except in extreme or unusual circumstances.  In these instances, the campus will be alerted to schedule adjustments via the e2Campus alert system and email. 

In general, inclement weather will not cause an adjustment to the schedule.  The University expects all students to make every reasonable effort to come to class on occasions when the University is open during inclement weather. This general expectation is subject to each individual’s exercise of his or her personal judgment and common sense regarding his or her personal safety under the circumstances and weather conditions.  Unless alerted by e2Campus or email from Campus Police or the Office of Communications & Marketing, any absences due to inclement weather will be unexcused for students.  

Course Substitutions

A student is expected to satisfy all university degree requirements under the catalog in effect when the student is first admitted or, if there has been more than a year’s lack of enrollment, the catalog in effect at the time of the most recent admission. In rare instances, a student may need to make a course substitution for a required course listed in the catalog. Permission to substitute a course by the academic advisor must be granted prior to the student’s enrollment in the course. Failure to secure appropriate approval will result in the course not counting toward degree requirements.

University Advanced Placement

The mathematics and world languages areas offer credit for introductory-level courses where, by examination or sub-scores on the SAT/ACT, the student demonstrates ability to succeed in an intermediate level course. Credit for the introductory level course(s) will be awarded only after the student enrolls in and successfully completes the intermediate level course. Up to twelve (12) hours of course credit may be earned in this way and only course credit (no grades) for introductory level course(s) will be recorded on the transcript.

Transfer Credit (First-Time Admission)

Students who have attended colleges/universities with articulation agreements with Dillard University or who have attended other accredited universities may transfer up to 60 hours of credit. These students will not be permitted to transfer any additional credits earned external to Dillard unless Dillard has a 2+2 agreement with the institution. To transfer a course, the student must have earned a grade of “C” or higher. To graduate from Dillard, a student must earn at least 60 hours at Dillard.

Academic Make-Up Day Policy

Whenever the administration of the University determines that it is in the interest of students, faculty, and staff to close the University and therefore cancel classes, the cancelled classes must be made up on another day during the semester. The make-up day(s) will be determined by the University, and the class schedule for the day(s) when classes were cancelled will take place on the make-up day which may be a Saturday. Students and faculty are expected to attend the classes as they are scheduled on the designated make-up day.

Academic Integrity

Dillard University acknowledges the need to preserve an orderly process with regard to teaching, research, and public service, as well as the need to preserve and monitor students’ academic rights and responsibilities. Since the primary goal of education is to increase one’s own knowledge, academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Acts of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to: plagiarism (including materials from the internet), forgery, collusion, procuring copies of examinations or other materials which should not be in student possession, and credential misrepresentation.

Student Competencies

Writing Proficiency Examination: Students with sophomore status who have successfully completed ENG 111  and ENG 112  must register for ENG 199 , the Writing Proficiency Examination. The examination is administered each spring semester. Students who fail to attend or who do not pass the examination must take a three-hour writing course, ENG 200 - Review of Writing Strategies . Passing ENG 200  will satisfy the proficiency requirement. All students must satisfy, by examination or ENG 200 , the requirement before graduation. 

World Language Proficiency: In addition to their native language, students must demonstrate a basic understanding of a world language as appropriate for their field of study.

Information Literacy: The student must demonstrate computer competency in the use of software, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and database development.

Critical Thinking: In all core courses students are taught to think critically about the subject matter and to demonstrate critical thinking in assigned projects and papers.

Grades and the Grading System

Dillard University keeps students informed of their academic progress at all times. While the grading system at the University requires that all grades be calculated at the end of each semester, students are provided a mid-semester report reflecting their progress to that point. At the end of each semester, a final course grade is given in each subject. The grade is based on the student’s work during the semester and is entered on the student’s transcript.

Quality points and the University Grading Scale for each semester hour of credit earned at Dillard are assigned as follows:

*Every student should receive a final grade of either A, B, C, D, P, F, FA, NC or I (incomplete).

All zero credit non-laboratory courses are issued a grade of “P” for pass and “NC” for failure (an example of zero credit non-laboratory courses are MUS 104 , UCO 101 , etc.).

The School of Nursing adheres to the following grading scale for all nursing courses:

Incomplete Grades

If a student’s work is of passing quality but cannot be completed during the regular semester due to circumstances beyond the student’s control, the instructor issues a grade of “I” (Incomplete). The student should initiate the Removal of Incomplete/Change of Grade form by contacting the professor in whose course the student received an “Incomplete.” The student must arrange with the professor to complete the work in a timely manner so that the “I” may be removed from the student’s record before the last day of registration in the semester following the one in which the “I” was given. See University Calendar for dates. If the appropriate coursework is not completed and the Removal of Incomplete/Change of Grade form not submitted within the time frame for change, the “I” becomes an “F”.

Challenging a Grade

A student may challenge a grade under the following conditions: 1) lack of clarity regarding the grading policies in the syllabus or 2) evidence of grade miscalculation.

The student must submit a Grade Challenge Form (also available in the program, school, dean, and academic affairs offices and myDU) within thirty (30) days of the start of the semester that proceeds the semester in which the grade was earned. For summer sessions, the students are held to the same time period for the following semester.

The faculty must set up a meeting with the student within five (5) business days after the receipt of the challenge form. If the student is not pleased with the results, then he/she can appeal to the next administrative level (program coordinator) within seven (7) business days. This process may be repeated (school chair, college dean, Dean of Faculty and Student Academic Support Services) to the Academic Affairs level at which any decision is final.

Students are not allowed to submit additional work to change a grade during a grade challenge.

Miscalculation of a Student’s Grade

A faculty member may not change a grade except in cases of documented clerical or mathematical error. Documentation must accompany the Change of Grade Form and be approved by the School Chair, the College Dean and the Dean of Faculty and Student Academic Services. Requests for a change of grade must be made for the previous semester in which the grade was posted within thirty (30) days of the start of the proceeding semester.

Prerequisites and Corequisites

A prerequisite is a condition of enrollment that a student is required to meet in order to demonstrate readiness for enrollment in a course or program.  Students are required to earn a “C” or better in the specific course to satisfy a prerequisite.  Corequisites are courses that are required to be taken the same semester/term as another course.

Academic Complaints

A student who wishes to raise a concern about an academic issue must initiate the process. The process requires the student to complete an “Academic Grievance” form and submit it to the person, instructor, staff, or administrator against whom the complaint is being made. If the grievance is resolved at that time, no further action is needed but both student and respondent should keep a record of the complaint with copies forwarded to the offices of the Program Coordinator, School Chair, College Dean, and Dean of Faculty and Student Academic Support Services, and Vice President for Academic Affairs within five business days.

If the grievance is not resolved, the student should appeal to the supervisor of the person, against whom the complaint is being made, (for example: if the unresolved grievance is against a faculty member, the student should appeal to the program coordinator). If the grievance is resolved with this person, no further action is needed but, as above, a record of the grievance and its resolution should be sent to the next lines of authority.

If the grievance is still not resolved, the same procedure may be used to appeal to the school chair, college Dean, and the Dean of Faculty and Student Academic Support Services, respectively.  If the matter remains unresolved, the grievance may be appealed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, whose decision is final. At each line of authority, the Academic Grievance form is completed and moved to the next level by all involved in the grievance process.

Prohibitions on Recording and Transmitting Lessons

     A.   Recording Instructional Sessions

Dillard University faculty have worked hard to develop educational material using a wide variety of platforms ranging from in-person lectures aided by technology to fully virtual laboratory settings.  In order to protect the intellectual property rights of the faculty and the University, as well as the privacy interests of students, Dillard University prohibits the unauthorized recording of any activities that occur in an instructional setting within the University’s physical or virtual infrastructure.  This includes both in-person classes as well as fully online instruction.  For the purposes of this policy, “recording” constitutes any means through which a student captures an audio and/or visual element(s) of a lesson or instructional session. 

A student wishing to record all or part of a lesson must first secure express, written authorization from the Office of Academic Affairs.  In doing so, the student must articulate a clear need for such a recording.  Students seeking authorization to record a lesson due to a disability must first contact the Office of Disability Services (“ODS”).  ODS personnel shall determine if an audio and/or visual recording constitutes a “reasonable accommodation” under applicable state and federal law.  In the event that a student receives written authorization to record a lesson, the ODS shall notify the applicable faculty member(s). 

Any student who receives authorization to record all or part of a lesson must not share the recording with anyone else. If the faculty member is responsible for recording and posting the lesson, the recording will be made available for a period of two weeks after the post date and will be available as a view only recording.  Students must maintain all recordings in a safe and secure location (i.e., password protected file).  Upon completion of the course (end of the semester), the student must either return the recording(s) or verify the recording’s destruction.

    B. Transmission of Instructional Material

Under no circumstances may a student transmit audio and/or visual recordings of a lesson or any part of a lesson.  For the purposes of this policy, a “transmission” shall mean any method through which a student provides access to a recording to another individual.  Transmission includes the recording and posting of a lesson or any portion of a lesson on a website or social media platform.  For example, if a student uses his cell phone to make a video recording of a faculty member delivering instruction and then posts the video on YouTube, that student has not only violated the prohibition regarding the unauthorized recording of a lesson, but also the prohibition on transmitting such material.

In most instances, materials delivered in a classroom setting represent the intellectual property of the University and its faculty.  The above policies protect intellectual property from unauthorized disclosure.  Additionally, transmitting audio and/or video of fellow students while such students are engaged in learning may constitute a violation of state and federal privacy laws.

Failure to adhere to the University’s policy regarding recording and transmitting instructional materials and/or sessions may result in disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion. 

Non Academic Complaints

A student who wishes to raise a concern about a non-academic issue must initiate the process. The process requires the student to complete an “Non Academic Grievance” form and submit it to the person, instructor, staff, or administrator against whom the complaint is being made. If the grievance is resolved at that time, no further action is needed but both student and respondent should keep a record of the complaint with copies forwarded to the offices of area/office director, and divisional Vice President within five business days.

If the grievance is not resolved, the student should appeal to the supervisor of the person, against whom the complaint is being made.  If the grievance is resolved with this person, no further action is needed but, as above, a record of the grievance and its resolution should be sent to the next lines of authority.

If the grievance is still not resolved, the same procedure may be used to appeal to the next line of authority.  If the matter remains unresolved, the grievance may be appealed to divisional vice president, whose decision is final. At each line of authority, the Non-Academic Grievance form is completed and moved to the next level by all involved in the grievance process.

Good Standing

All students are expected to progress toward a degree while in attendance at the University. In many cases, students are capable of completing their degree requirements within a 4-year period by earning an average of 16 credit hours per semester. However, depending upon academic major or other factors, students may require longer than 4 years for completion. The Satisfactory Academic Progress Scale sets forth the minimum requirements for progress toward a degree. Any student who meets these requirements will be in good academic standing. At the end of each fall and spring semester, students’ academic status will be reviewed for action by the Office of Academic Affairs.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Dillard University’s primary purpose is to create and support an educational environment in which students may develop their intellectual potential. While the University is committed to extending its fiscal and human resources in pursuit of this goal, students must take some responsibility for their own education, and must pursue and complete academic coursework that will permit them to meet baccalaureate degree requirements within a reasonable time frame. Accordingly, and in compliance with appropriate and applicable federal regulations and requirements, Dillard University shall adhere to the definitions of and policies for the determination of “Satisfactory Academic Progress.” The Satisfactory Academic Progress Scale displays how the process is regulated. Any petitions for exemptions to the requirements set forth herewith may be examined by the University’s Admissions Review Committee (see “Appeals Process”).Each student is entitled to due process when academic sanctions are given. Therefore, all students will proceed through the sanctions in the following order:  Warning, Probation, Suspension, and Dismissal. Any petitions for exemptions to the requirements set forth herewith may be examined by the University’s Admissions Review Committee (see “Appeals Process”).

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Academic Sanctions and Appeals Processes

Academic Sanctions serve to alert students of their failure to progress toward graduation in a satisfactory and timely manner. Students who do not meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress Scale (SAP) as outlined are subject to the sanctions listed below. Copies of these sanctions will be sent to the appropriate academic advisor.

• Warning. Students enrolled for the first time during a fall/spring semester who fail to meet the requirements of the Satisfactory Academic Progress scale will receive a “Warning” letter. The letter will remind the student of his/her academic obligations and serve as an official response to the student’s academic status. There will be no notation on the student’s transcript.

• Probation. Any continuing student who for the second time in a subsequent semester fails to meet the requirements of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Scale, (following the warning status) will be placed on academic probation. It is mandatory that these students register with Student Support Services during the first two weeks of the Probationary semester and attend tutorial and academic study sessions for a minimum of one hour each week for each “D” and “F” grade. The student’s transcript will be noted “Academic Probation for a term” and will become a permanent mark on the student’s academic record. Students in this status can register for no more than 12-14 hours until they meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress Scale requirements.

• Suspension. Any student (including continuing freshmen), who for the third time fails to meet the requirements of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Scale (following probationary status) will be suspended for one full semester (i.e., fall or spring) from the University. A student may appeal that status (see “Appeals Process”). It is mandatory that these students register with Student Support Services during the first two weeks of the probationary semester and attend tutorial and academic study sessions for a minimum of two hours each week for each “D” and “F” grade. The student’s transcript will be noted “Academic Suspension” for a minimum of one (1) semester and will become a permanent mark on the student’s record.

• Dismissal. Any student who, fails to meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress Scale (following suspension status) will be dismissed for two (2) semesters (i.e., spring/fall). A student may appeal that status in writing to the Admissions Review Committee. Otherwise, the student is suspended for one year and must petition for re-enrollment (see “Appeals Process” below). Any student with dismissal status is not eligible to attend another postsecondary institution to acquire transfer credits. The student’s transcript will be noted “Academic Dismissal” for a minimum of one (1) year and will become a permanent mark on the student’s record.

• Readmits. Students who drop out / withdraw for any reason and would like to re-enrolle Dillard University must submit an application for re-admission, if they have not been enrolled for two or more consecutive semesters, those students who have not been enrolled for only one semester are excluded from this process and must see their academic advisor. If a re-admit applicant has enrolled at any other institution since their last attendance at Dillard, the student must submit all official transcripts to the Office of Recruitment, Admissions and Programming. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the readmit process by submitting the following documents to the Office of Recruitment, Admissions and Programming.  The process below (excluding the re-admission application) only pertains to those students who left Dillard University with a grade point average below a 2.00 or were on academic probation or suspension. If the applicant has attained a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or above and have no academic suspension or probation holds on their account, readmission will be granted by the Office of Recruitment, Admission and Programming.

  Re-admit applicants are considered as those students who have been previously enrolled, not students who have previously applied.  Those students should complete either a first-year or transfer student application.

       1. A completed Readmission application with $25.00 application fee

       2. Letter of appeal. 3-5 paragraphs explaining any hardships or challenges that might have hindered academic success while at Dillard University.

• Appeals. Suspended or dismissed students can appeal their status. Students suspended or dismissed in the spring must submit materials thirty (30) calendar days before the fall semester’s first day of registration. Appeals from students suspended/dismissed in the fall must arrive in the Office of Academic Affairs the first business day in January. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the appeals process by submitting the following documents to the Office of Academic Affairs:
  1. A letter of appeal explaining the previous poor academic performance and goals for achieving optimum success, if readmitted;
  2. Two sealed letters of recommendation from professors in the major (professors can also send letters from their Dillard email account); and
  3. A letter from the academic dean.

The petitions must be submitted 30 calendar days before the beginning of the semester the student wishes to resume studies and must be specific as to the nature of the unusual circumstances for which an exemption is sought. Upon finding an appropriate cause of action, the Admissions Review Committee may grant exception to the standards here set forth on an individual case basis, with the understanding that such exceptions will not undermine either the intent of this policy or governing federal regulations for Title IV Student Financial Assistance. Students on suspension/dismissal who are allowed to return can register for no more than 12-14 hours until they meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress Scale requirements. Students who regain compliance with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Scale prior to the beginning of the suspension period are eligible for immediate readmission to the University and can register for a full course load.

Any student absent from the University for more than one academic year will be required to follow a new catalog upon successful readmission to the University.

Honor Roll and Academic Achievement Roster

Dillard University recognizes full-time students who demonstrate academic excellence during a given academic year. Such students may be placed on the Honor Roll or the Dean’s List depending on the level of achievement. The level of academic achievement needed for the Honor Roll is 3.20-3.49; the level of academic achievement needed for the Deans’ List is 3.5-4.0.

Leave of Absence

If choosing to take a leave of absence from study at the University, the student must submit a letter of intent to return to the Office of Admissions prior to leaving. The leave of absence may not exceed one year. The letter of intent to return to the University must state the semester(s) the student is requesting leave and the semester the student intends to return. The student who is permitted a leave of absence will return under his/her entering catalog.

Academic Amnesty

After an absence of four (4) or more semesters, a student who left the University without achieving a 2.0 or better GPA but who has been readmitted to the University may apply for academic amnesty in the Office of Academic Affairs at the end of the first semester of his/her return. Academic amnesty is the process for forgiving all of the grades, including passing grades, received in the last semester the student was enrolled in the University.

To be eligible for amnesty, the student must have achieved a 2.0 or better GPA during the first semester of his/her return. Amnesty is only granted for the courses taken during the last semester before the four-semester absence. All grades, including passing ones, earned during the semester will be waived in calculating the GPA. Courses taken in prior semesters before the last semester of attendance prior to the four-semester absence will continue to be used in calculating the GPA.

All of the courses the student passed with “C” or better taken in the last semester before the four-semester absence will not be included in the ones completed in the student’s curriculum for graduation purposes. All successfully passed and not successfully completed courses taken in that semester must be repeated. The recording of the courses and the grades earned during that semester will continue to be designated on the historical transcript.

Summer School

Dillard University offers one five (5) week summer school session during the academic year. Students may take a maximum of 9 hours (usually 3 semester credit hours courses). Students may progress toward graduation by taking summer classes. Students are permitted to transfer up to 9 hours of summer school credit from accredited institutions each summer of their matriculation.

Those students who desire to take approved coursework at other institutions must adhere to the following procedures.

Procedures for Taking Summer School Classes or Transfer Courses at Universities Other than Dillard University

Dillard students who desire to take courses at other universities must meet the following guidelines in order to transfer credit from another university to Dillard.

1. A student who has failed a required general education course (the Core) will not be permitted to take that course at another institution. The student will not be able to transfer the credit. Exceptions may only be approved by the Office of Academic Affairs.
2. A student who wants to take a course in the major or an elective course must present a copy of the other university’s 1) catalog or bulletin describing the course to be taken and 2) syllabus describing the student learning outcomes in the course. The Dillard University course and the other university course must be comparable. No substitutions will be allowed.
3. The student’s advisor and school chair of the course must agree that the two courses are equivalent and sign the appropriate request form. The student’s Dean must also sign the form.
4. Only credit hours, not grades, are transferable. A student may only transfer nine (9) hours each summer.
5. Study abroad, three plus two, or dual degree students will follow the same policies, and must communicate with the school chair to seek prior approval before starting a course.

Exceptions to these rules may be granted by the Office of Academic Affairs only.

Graduation

Students must complete a minimum of 60 hours of the total hours required for graduation at Dillard University. Students must be registered at Dillard University for their senior year.  In certain cases, students may request a waiver of the senior year registration requirement as long as the waiver does not result in them not meeting the requirement of completing a minimum of 60 hours of the total hours required for graduation at Dillard University.  The request should be submitted to the academic affairs office for review and approval.

Students who are of junior standing must meet with their Advisor to:

• Confirm an accurate review of academic record.
• Complete the graduation checklist that must be signed by the advisor, College Dean and Registrar on the Certification for Degree form.

Candidate for Graduation

Candidates for graduation must:

• Complete the requirements of the curriculum, including General Education Core.
• Must be enrolled in ALL remaining required courses by the last day of the add/drop period of the spring semester.
• Attain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better as defined by the degree.
• Complete requirements for senior comprehensive and all proficiency examinations including writing proficiency.
• Complete 30 hours of Service Learning and 90 hours of approved Community Service.
• Pay all financial indebtedness, including graduation fees.
• Participate in all honors and graduation ceremonies.

Application for Graduation

An Application for Graduation, with appropriate signatures, must be submitted within the deadline period designated in the University Academic Calendar.

Participating in Spring Commencement

• Students must fulfill all requirements for graduation by the published deadlines.
• Students who do not fulfill requirements by the published deadline will be removed from the graduation list and must submit a new application for graduation.
• Students enrolled in all required classes in the spring commencement semester, but who fail only one required course during the spring semester will be allowed to participate in the commencement exercise.
• Withdrawal from any required course will prevent the student from participating in the commencement exercise.
• Failed course must be completed by December of the year the student participates in the commencement exercise.
• Degree conferred date will reflect the semester in which all coursework is completed; May, July, December.

Graduation with Honors

Dillard University candidates for graduation who have demonstrated superior academic excellence are recognized with the following honors:

• Candidates are eligible to graduate Cum Laude if they have attained a 3.5 to 3.75 cumulative GPA.
• Candidates are eligible to graduate Magna Cum Laude if they have attained a 3.76 to 3.87 cumulative GPA.
• Candidates are eligible to graduate Summa Cum Laude if they have attained a 3.88 to 4.0 cumulative GPA.

To graduate with Honors, all grades must be “C” or better, and no course may have been repeated. The two students with the highest cumulative grade point average are selected as valedictorian and salutatorian. The title of valedictorian is conferred upon the individual student who has achieved the highest academic excellence. The major consideration for selection of the University valedictorian should be the factor that establishes the student with the highest level of academic performance. All students achieving in the upper three (3) percent of their college graduating class will be evaluated. The overall grade point average should be used for comparison of academic performance. Students considered for this position should not have earned a grade below “C”, have repeated courses, and have a judicial record. The following criteria should be used to identify the student who will be considered for the valedictorian at Dillard University:

• Highest cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA).
• Minimum of 60 semester credits for which letter grades were earned at DU.
• Continuous enrollment as a full-time student for each fall and spring semester beginning with the first semester of enrollment at DU.

In the event of a tie, both persons will be identified as valedictorian.

Dillard University Honor Societies

Alpha Chi, the National College Honor Scholarship Society, is a general honor society that admits students from all academic disciplines. Its purpose is to promote academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students, and to honor those who achieve such distinction.

Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) National Biological Society is a society for students, particularly undergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.

Alpha Kappa Mu is a General Scholarship Honor Society open to junior and senior men and women in all academic disciplines.

Beta Kappa Chi is a Scientific Honor Society. The letters BKX, which appear on the key, symbolize election to membership in the Society and mean “Science holds the golden key to the Royal Palace of Knowledge.” This society was founded by men who believed in this slogan and who emphasized quality of training and performance in their efforts to interpret the place of science in a liberal education. This legacy has been passed on “to encourage and advance scientific education through original investigation, the dissemination of scientific knowledge, and the stimulation of high scholarship in pure and applied science.”

Psi Chi, The National Honor Society in Psychology, was founded in 1929 for the purposes of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship, and advancing the science of psychology.

The Omicron Delta Kappa Society, The National Leadership Honor Society, is a society for college students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni that recognizes and encourages superior scholarship, leadership, and exemplary character.

Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing, recognizes high achieving nurses and nursing students. It seeks to influence and change the health of people by engaging the intellectual capital of nurses around the globe.

International Students

Services are available from the Study Abroad Office to assist international students in easily assimilating to student life at Dillard. Information on education programs, financial, immigration, personal and social issues is available in the Offices of Study Abroad and Enrollment Management.