Academic Policies

Students with disabilities who wish to receive accommodations must contact the Student Services office. Students with disabilities are eligible for support services when they are enrolled in courses and they have disclosed their disability and requested related accommodations during enrollment before the start of each semester.

Visit Accessibility Services for more information, including the Request for Accommodations form.

Refer to the Student Handbook for a full description of HIU's policies and procedures related to accessibility services.
Visit the Student Services page for additional information related to mental health resources, housing, and student life.

The Dean will assign a faculty advisor to the student upon acceptance to the program. Students may change academic advisors with the permission of both the old and new advisor and the Academic Dean. Students are expected to initiate contact with her/his faculty advisor each semester during the advising week, to discuss the student’s course selections. When faculty advisors are on sabbatical, students may meet with the Registrar or Dean during the registration period to discuss course options for the next semester.

The Academic Policy Committee serves students as they move through university degrees and graduate certificate programs. It has decision-making authority over individual student educational issues, such as student petitions for curricular exceptions. The Academic Policy Committee meets monthly during the school year and includes the Dean, as Chair, two Regular Faculty members selected by the Faculty Council and, with voice but not vote, the Registrar. The Academic Policy Committee makes policy recommendations to the Faculty Council for approval.

At the end of each fall and spring semester student academic progress is evaluated. Students who fail to maintain a 2.75 Grade Point Average with respect to their cumulative work are placed on academic probation. Students are notified of this in writing. As a condition of academic probation, students will be required to meet with their advisor to put a plan in place to address their probation status. The program of a student who continues on academic probation for two consecutive semesters will be terminated. Students who are recipients of federal financial aid should refer to the Financial Aid section of this Catalogue for the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
 

Doctor of Ministry
In addition to maintaining a 2.75 minimum grade point average, students in the Doctor of Ministry program who receive two “Low Pass” grades or below will be evaluated by the Academic Policy Committee to determine their suitability for continuing in the program. The enrollment of any Doctor of Ministry student receiving two “Fail” grades shall be terminated

Students may add a course through the first week of the semester by completing an Add/Drop form and submitting it to the Registrar’s Office. After the first week of the Add/Drop period, students may only add a course with the approval of the instructor.

The total credit awarded for Advanced Standing and transfer credit combined may not exceed the maximum transfer credit for the specific degree program.

MA in Interreligious Studies- Up to six “Advanced Standing” credits may be awarded toward the MAIRS degree after the completion of at least one semester as an enrolled student at Hartford International University. The purpose of granting this credit is to acknowledge significant learning outside the context of a traditional graduate degree program. Credit is awarded by the Academic Policy Committee upon petition by the student. The petition must include a detailed record of the work or learning experiences for which credit is sought, accompanied by supporting documentation, and articulate how these experiences have increased the student’s level of understanding and ability to meet a personal, career, or ministry goal. Experiences must be within 10 years of the date of petition in order to be eligible for credit. Students who have completed the eight course curriculum required for Hartford International University’s Black Ministries Program or Hispanic Ministries Programa certificate programs may submit a single petition for six credits under the Advanced Standing provision. Students seeking to apply for Advanced Standing credit should obtain the Guidelines for Requesting Advanced Standing Credit and consult with their faculty advisor, who must provide a letter of support for the petition.

MA in Chaplaincy - Up to six “Advanced Standing” credits may be awarded toward the MAC degree. Students with an extensive background in religious leadership may apply to the Academic Policy Committee to be granted Advanced Standing for previous religious leadership experiences relevant to their intended field within Chaplaincy (ex. military, university, correctional facility, hospital, etc.). Students who completed CPE prior to admission may request that the University (via a letter with documentation to the Academic Policy Committee) apply for 3 credits of advanced for one unit of CPE at level II or higher. Students must complete at least one unit of CPE at the University.

Petitions for Advanced Standing need to be made in accordance with the “Advanced Standing Guidelines of Hartford International University” and will be acted on by the Academic Policy Committee in consultation with the Director of the Chaplaincy Program

MA in International Peacebuilding – In select cases, students who have undertaken significant learning outside the context of a traditional graduate degree program that is specific to peacebuilding may be eligible for 3 credits of advanced standing to count toward the elective requirement.

The University will make announcements about closings or delayed openings as soon as possible, and usually no later than 6:30 am for employees, or no less than 2 hours before class start times. When conditions change rapidly or unexpectedly, however, the University may need to make or update decisions about classes and business operations on short notice.

The University website, hartfordinternational.edu, is the definitive source of information about the University’s operating status. All announcements regarding changes to the University’s operating schedule will be posted as soon as decisions are made and will display as a yellow or red banner across the top of the site.

In addition to the website, email and text messages may be issued regarding closings, cancellations, or delays. Details about the closure will also typically be recorded on the University’s main phone line at 860-509-9500.

If an event is postponed or canceled, the University will make every effort to inform expected attendees using available contact information.

Changing from Audit to Credit
With the instructor’s permission an auditor who has fully participated in a class may switch from audit to credit at any time up to the 50% mark of the term. To make the change, the student must already be matriculated in a Hartford International University degree or Graduate Certificate program, or be eligible for “Special Student” status at the graduate level. In addition, the student must pay the full course tuition and must submit a completed “Audit to Credit Change Form.” No changes will be permitted after a course ends.

Changing from Credit to Audit
Students may change from Credit to Audit only if their work has been satisfactory. Students switching from Credit to Audit after the term’s add-drop period will not be granted any refund in tuition. (Refer to the Academic Calendar for specific add-drop dates each term.)  

Students may change a course from Credit to Audit up to and including the occurrence of 50% of the class sessions. For MA courses meeting weekly during a standard term, this typically means prior to the eighth class session. Students may not change a course from Credit to Audit after 50% of the term has passed. 

For students to be successful in their programs, they should have access to computer technology that affords them email capability and access to the internet, so that they might engage with Canvas (the learning management system), and Populi (the student access portal). Students taking online courses (synchronous or a-synchronous) should also have access to a computer with a camera, microphone, and sufficient bandwidth to ensure engaged participation in the class. Students who have questions or concerns about computer access and literacy should contact their advisor, or the Dean’s office.

Hartford International University is committed to providing computing services to support the needs of students, faculty, and staff of the University. The policies are in place to ensure: 1) the security and integrity of computer resources available on campus; 2) that users have reasonable access to the facilities; and, 3) that the action of any one user will not adversely affect any aspect of the work of another. The University reserves the right to control, evaluate and monitor all student computer and electronic telecommunications except as may be prohibited by Federal or State Laws. Please see the Student Handbook for the full Computer Use policy.

Hartford International University reserves the right to cancel any course.

All students are required to complete course evaluations. All responses are anonymous and course evaluations are not shared with course instructors until after the grade submission deadline.

For fall and spring students:

• Full-time enrollment (9 credits per term) is standard. Enrollment in more than nine (9) credits requires approval from a student’s academic advisor. 

For summer students:

• Six (6) credits is the maximum allowable course load. Exceptions are possible on a case-by-case basis, with the approval of the academic advisor.

For students on academic probation:

• Students on academic probation will be limited to no more than half-time enrollment (6 credits) until their academic standing improves. Exceptions to this policy are possible with the approval of the academic advisor and the Dean, provided there is documentation addressing and remediating the factors contributing to the student’s poor academic standing. 

• This policy may be invoked, too, as a supportive intervention for students that encounter difficulty in a single term, even if their cumulative rate of course completion or GPA (the factors that define Satisfactory Academic Progress at HIU) would not otherwise compel probation, officially. 

  
   

Students may repeat a course in which they have earned a grade of F. The grade for the second attempt of the course, and the associated credits, are recorded on the student’s transcript and are calculated into the GPA. When the new grade is added to the academic record, the old grade is replaced with the letter R, indicating that the course was retaken in a later term. R grades do not affect grade point calculations and do not carry credit toward graduation. Only the grade in the repeated course receives credit and applies to the grade point average.

• Withdrawn courses cannot be covered with an R if the course is retaken.
• Grades may not be absolved by repeating a course after graduation.
• Grades assigned due to an academic ethics violation may not be removed from the academic record by repeating the course. Both the new grade and the assigned grade will be shown (no R will cover the original attempt).
• A course originally taken for a letter grade must be repeated for a letter grade.

To absolve a grade, the same course must be taken. In situations where the same course is no longer offered students may be able to absolve a grade in one of two ways:

• By repeating a course of comparable content and level
• As an independent study

Both of these options require approval of the Academic Policy Committee. Students wishing to pursue one of the above avenues must submit a petition to the Academic Policy Committee.

Projects, reports, or any work required in any course offered within the limits of a semester must be completed according to the due dates announced by the faculty member teaching the course. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm that the faculty member has received the work by the due date. This is particularly important if the work is submitted electronically.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after a request for access.  Students should submit to the registrar written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
    
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
   
   A student who wishes to ask the school to amend a record should write the registrar, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.
   
   If the University decides not to amend the record as requested, the University will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing re¬garding the request for amendment.  Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
    
3. The right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.  
   
   One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position; a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; a person serving on an official committee, such as disciplinary or grievance committee; or a person assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
   
   At its discretion, Hartford International University may also provide “directory information” without consent in accordance with the provisions of the Act. “Directory information” is defined as including a student’s name, address, Hartford International University e-mail address, telephone number, date of birth, photograph, degree or non-degree program which enrolled, dates of attendance, degrees or awards earned (with dates received) from Hartford International University.
   
   A student may withhold directory information by indicating this preference in writing to the Office of the Registrar within the first two weeks of any semester.  Please note that such withholding requests are binding for all information to all parties other than for educational purposes.  Students should consider all aspects of a directory hold prior to filing such a request.  Requests for non-disclosure will be honored by Hartford International University as long as the student is enrolled.  
    
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
   
   Family Policy Compliance Office
   U.S. Department of Education
   400 Maryland Avenue, SW
   Washington, DC  20202

Master of Arts and Graduate Certificate
The Hartford International University Grading Guidelines approved by the faculty in April 1996 stipulate the following:

•  +/- indicates strength or weakness within a letter grade. Grades range from A to C and F; A+’s and C-’s are not part of the grading system.
• A(4.00), A-(3.66), B+(3.33), B(3.00), B-(2.66), C+(2.33), C(2.00) and F(0.00).
• A grade point average of no less than B- (2.66) is required to maintain good standing.
• The minimum G.P.A. required for graduation is 2.75.

A faculty member, with the approval of the Dean, may determine that a specific course be graded on a Pass-Fail basis. Courses graded on a Pass-Fail basis do not figure into the grade point average.

Master of Arts in Peacebuilding
Students in the MAP degree program are graded as follows:

• High Pass (4.00), Pass (3.00), and Fail (0.00)
• A grade point average of no less than 2.66 is required to maintain good standing

Doctor of Ministry
Students in the Doctor of Ministry degree program are graded as follows:

• High Pass(4.00), Pass (3.00), Low Pass(2.00), and Fail(0.00)
• A grade point average of no less than 2.66 is required to maintain good standing

Students who receive two “Low Pass” grades or below will be evaluated by the Academic Policy Committee to determine their suitability for continuing in the program. The enrollment of any Doctor of Ministry student receiving two “Fail” grades shall be terminated.

Faculty members are required to submit course grades according to the following schedule: Fall Semester: January 3; Intersession and Spring Semester: May 20; and Summer Session: August 15. Students can view their grades through the Student Access portal after the submission date if they have completed their online course evaluation. It is the policy of Hartford International University not to allow grade changes after grades are submitted. Should a student dispute a grade received for a course, they must contact the Dean immediately and no later than 60 days after the grade submission date. (If the disputed grade was for an incomplete course then the student must be in contact with the Dean within 60 days after the grade was entered into the computer system.) Students who need grades earlier than the stated deadlines should be in contact with the faculty member before the end of the semester to negotiate an early submission.

Master of Arts degrees and Graduate Certificates are conferred twice a year: in December and May. Hartford International University holds one graduation ceremony in late spring.

It is expected that all persons who conduct research under the auspices of Hartford International University will treat everyone involved in the research with respect and care. Please see the full text of our guidelines in the Student Handbook.

Because the programs offered by the University are primarily designed for non-residential students, the University does not guarantee on campus accommodations for students. However, limited space may be available for rent to full-time students in the University’s Edith Mason Howard Ecumenical House and in other University residences. International students are given priority for University residential space. Any student living on-campus must receive the meningococcal vaccination (meningitis) and provide documentation to the Registrar’s Office. Students who do not comply with this requirement within one month of moving on campus will be asked to leave student housing.

Hartford International University does not generally have short-term housing on campus for commuting students.  Students are expected to make their own accommodation arrangements. However, occasionally there is a vacancy in our full-time student housing that might be made available to commuting students.  Please contact the Director of Administration and Facilities for more information.

Hartford International University is committed to a policy of inclusion in its academic life and mission. All members of the community are expected to communicate in language that reflects the equality of genders, openness to diverse cultural and theological perspectives, and sensitivity to one another’s images of God.

Connecticut state law requires that students born after December 31, 1956 and enrolled in a graduate program or pursuing studies on a full-time basis as a special student be protected against measles, rubella, mumps and varicella. Additionally, students living on-campus must receive the meningococcal (meningitis) vaccination. To assist students with complying with this requirement, Hartford International University has developed an Immunization Verification form. This form is included with the letter of admission and must be completed by a medical professional before you begin classes.

The immunization requirements are: two doses of each vaccine, the first to be given on or after the first birthday; and the second dose given at least 30 days after the first. (Only one dose of the meningitis vaccine is required.) The following exemptions may apply:

• Students who were born before January 1, 1980 are not required to provide proof of immunization for varicella unless they were born outside the United States. However they must provide proof of the other immunizations.
   
• Students who believe they have a valid medical or religious reason for being exempt from the immunization requirements should contact the Registrar’s Office for more information.

While some students are able to provide the required documentation, others find it is easier to undergo a blood test, which may show that they are immune. If they are not immune, then they must receive all of the required vaccinations.

Students enrolled in classes who are not in compliance will be notified that they will be removed from classes if they fail to fully comply with this requirement. Students removed from courses may be subject to academic penalties. No financial refunds will be issued if a student is removed from classes for failure to comply with the immunization requirement. For additional information or questions, contact the Registrar.

• A student may request an incomplete grade by filling out an Incomplete Grade Form. This form must be signed by the course instructor prior to the last day of class for that semester and submitted to the Registrar’s Office and the Financial Aid Office.
• When an “Incomplete” is granted, the instructor and student must agree upon a date for completion of all coursework. This date must be within 4 weeks of the last day of the Fall or Spring Semesters, and 8 weeks after the end of Summer Session, as listed on the Academic Calendar in which the course was given.
• The faculty instructor will also include on the Incomplete Grade Form the grade the student will earn if they do not submit their remaining work by the agreed upon date.
• The outstanding coursework must be submitted by the agreed upon date. If the work is not submitted by the due date, the earned grade indicated on the Incomplete Course Form will be automatically recorded by the Registrar. If the grade to be awarded field on the form is left blank the final grade will be converted to an “F”
• The instructor shall determine the penalty for late work.
• Only the Academic Policy Committee may grant an extension beyond the original limit and will do so only under rare mitigating circumstances such as medical or military related issues with provided documentation. Any requests for extensions beyond the original limit must be submitted in writing to the Registrar prior to the expiration of the original period. A marker of “I” will be listed on the transcript until the official grade is submitted.
• A student who has two or more incomplete courses will not be permitted to register for the next semester.

A student who wishes to study a topic related to their program of study, but not regularly offered in the University’s curriculum, may choose to enroll in an Independent Study. Typically, a three-credit independent study will include significant reading and written work and on-going contact with the faculty member.  Normally an Independent Study may only be negotiated with any resident member of the University faculty (core faculty or faculty associate) for any semester of the academic year. The student must register for an Independent Study during the scheduled registration period for that semester by completing an Independent Study Contract. Independent Study Contracts include the following elements: (1) project overview, (2) learning objectives, (3) methods for completion, (4) forms of accountability/assessment, (5) resources and bibliography, and (6) schedule for completion.

Students may not take more than three credits of Independent Study coursework. Independent Study courses may not be used to fulfill core requirements. Independent Study courses are subject to all academic and course policies and procedures as outlined in the Catalogue.

Students being awarded a degree from Hartford International University must demonstrate a degree of information literacy that includes research ability (both traditional and electronic) and communication skills (both oral and written) commensurate with graduate level academic standards as specified by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

A limited number of intensive courses are offered during January. The course instructors require students to complete reading and writing assignments throughout the spring semester and to submit final course assignments by the end of the semester. However, the course instructor is responsible for setting his/her coursework deadline as she/he deems appropriate for completion of the course.

Students who find it necessary to interrupt their planned program of study due to serious life difficulties (medical, family, employment, etc.) may request a leave of absence by submitting a petition through their faculty advisor to the Academic Policy Committee. This petition should include reasons for seeking a leave and a schedule for resuming study. When the Committee has made a decision, the student will receive a letter informing them of the decision. Approved leaves of absence are limited to two semesters.  Note that all requirements for a Master of Arts degrees must be completed within four years.

HIU's leave of absence policy is strictly an academic policy. It does not supersede HIU's obligation to monitor enrollment and regularly report enrollment statuses to external stakeholders and government agencies. Students that have been approved for an academic leave of absence must still be reported to the National Student Loan Database (NSLDS) as no longer enrolled, for example, and will thus be subject to regulations governing student loan repayment terms and other policies. Thus, students on an approved leave of absence may be required to make payment arrangements for any outstanding federal student loans while on leave. HIU's Associate Director of Financial Aid can help further clarify the distinction between academic policies and the federal reporting requirements of institutions participating in federal Title IV aid programs. 

Students who have not received an approved leave of absence or have not registered for a course for two consecutive academic semesters will be removed from the program with notification. A student who has been inactive within this period may reactivate by petitioning the Academic Policy Committee and paying any unpaid tuition or fees within 30 days. Thereafter, students will be required to reapply for admission to HIU.

Active Duty Military Students

Students who are service members and cannot attend school due to military service obligations should provide notification of their military service to the Registrar’s office as far in advance as is reasonable. Service members may be readmitted to the university within three years after the completion of their period of service, without penalty, however the cumulative length of absence and of all previous absences from the school for military service may not exceed five years. Please contact the Registrar’s office and HIU's School Certifying Official (SCO) for more information.

With the exception of the Master of Arts in International Peacebuilding, there are no residency requirements for the Masters degrees.

However, students enrolled in the Cooperative M.Div. program who plan to transfer to Yale Divinity School should plan to take all of the courses that make up the Hartford International University segment of their degrees in the classroom on the Hartford International University campus.

Once admission has been granted by Hartford International University and accepted by the student, all students must register for at least one course or program component each semester until all degree requirements are completed. Students needing to discontinue course registration for one semester may do so by applying to the Academic Policy Committee for a leave of absence. Students who are continuing to work on their final project and have already registered for the component in a prior semester or semesters must pay the program extension fee (see Program Extension Fee). The Academic Policy Committee may terminate the program of any student who has not requested a Leave of Absence and failed to enroll in a course for two or more consecutive semesters.

Students, in consultation with course faculty and the student’s academic advisor, may elect to take a course as pass/fail, rather than for a letter grade. Passing grades do not factor in a student’s GPA, but do count toward credit accumulation.  This decision can be made up to the midpoint of the course term (consistent with HIU’s withdrawal deadline), and the student should be in good standing in the course. Throughout the term, regular and substantive engagement is expected of all students regardless of whether the student is pass/fail or receiving a letter grade. Core courses cannot be taken pass/fail. There is a limit of 2 courses taken as pass/fail per degree. Students should be advised that pass/fail courses may or may not satisfy requirements of external stakeholders (i.e., COOP MDiv requirements, etc.).

Plagiarism, the failure to give proper credit for the words and ideas of another person, whether published or unpublished, is strictly prohibited. All written material submitted by students must be their own original work; where the words and ideas of others are used they must be acknowledged. Additionally, if students receive editorial help with their writing they should also acknowledge it appropriately.

Credit will not be given for work containing plagiarism, and plagiarism can lead to failure of a course. Faculty will report all instances of plagiarism to the Academic Dean. The Academic Dean will then collect documented details of the case and advance any recommendations for further action to the Academic Policy Committee. Through this process the situation will be reviewed and any additional penalties that may be warranted (up to and including expulsion from the school) will be determined.

For clarity as to what constitutes plagiarism, the following description is provided:

1. Word for word plagiarism: (a) the submission of another person’s work as one’s own; (b) the submission of a commercially prepared paper; (c) the submission of work from a source which is not acknowledged by a footnote or other specific reference in the paper itself; (d) the submission of any part of another person’s work without proper use of quotation marks.

2. Plagiarism by paraphrase: (a) mere re-arrangement of another person’s works and phrases does not make them your own and also constitutes plagiarism; (b) paraphrasing another person’s words, ideas, and information without acknowledging the original source from which you took them is also plagiarism.

See Part II of Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses and Dissertations, (7th Edition, University of Chicago Press, 2007) for an explanation of the proper ways to acknowledge the work of others and to avoid plagiarism.

3. Reuse of your own work: Coursework submitted for credit in one course cannot be submitted for credit in another course. While technically not plagiarism, this type of infraction will be treated in the same manner as plagiarism and will be subject to the same penalties. If you are using small amounts of material from a previous submitted work, that work should be referenced appropriately. When a student is writing their final program requirement (paper, project or thesis) it may be appropriate, with their advisor’s permission, to include portions of previously submitted materials if properly referenced.

Students who have taken all of their coursework and are not currently registered for their final requirement (paper, project or thesis) will be charged a per semester program extension fee. This fee will be charged for each semester (or fraction thereof), not including summer terms, necessary to complete the degree.

Students who have previously been admitted to a graduate level program at Hartford International University who have decided to return to the program after initially withdrawing, may apply for readmission. Students wishing to be readmitted must complete a new application and personal statement. The personal statement should address the reasons the student withdrew and why they feel they are able to return at this time. If the student has been away from the University for an extended period, an interview may also be required. Assuming the student is seeking readmission to the same graduate level program, previously earned credits from Hartford International University will be allowed to count toward the degree or certificate, but only if they were taken within the last 10 years. Readmitted students will be required to fulfill program requirements as listed in the Hartford International University Catalogue at the time of readmission.

Matriculated Students: Registration for courses and program components must be completed by the registration deadlines indicated in the Academic Calendar. Students are encouraged to register early in the registration cycle.  Late registration is possible during the add-drop period, as outlined above.

All matriculated graduate program students are required to meet with their faculty advisor to determine their course selections. Registration deadlines and advising periods for each semester may be found in the Academic Calendar. Students may confirm that their registrations have been processed by viewing their schedule through their student Populi portal.

When faculty advisors are on sabbatical, students may meet with the Registrar or Dean during the registration period to discuss course options for the next semester.

Special Students: Special students may register for courses up to and including the first day the course begins without penalty. Special students seeking assistance with course selection may meet with the Registrar. Special students may take 6 credits prior to applying to a degree program.

Registration and Financial Holds: 
Before registering for subsequent terms, students are expected to complete payment of any outstanding balances due to the University for the current or prior terms. If a student has a past-due balance owed, there may be a financial lock on their account restricting registration. Students can work with the Business Office to address the outstanding balance through a payment plan in order to have the hold removed and ongoing registration permitted. In other instances, a registration lock may be used by the Registrar or the Dean to require a student to complete a certain task or meet a requirement before proceeding with registration (for example, in the case of a student requiring advising before registration, or other academic concerns).

It is the policy of Hartford International University to conduct an impartial investigation of the facts, an impartial hearing and review of those facts and to make recommendations as to what action should be taken with regard to any issue concerning student conduct brought to the attention of the Dean in writing. Details of the Student Discipline Policy and Procedure are provided in the Student Handbook

It is the intention of this policy to encourage and facilitate resolution of a grievance that a student may have with a faculty member, supervisor, administrator, member of the staff, or another student. The desire is to resolve the grievance in the early stages of the procedure. However, the procedure does provide for full mediation in a fair, equitable and timely manner. Please see the in the Student Handbook.

A limited number of intensive courses are offered during Summer session. The course instructors require students to complete reading and writing assignments throughout the summer and to submit final course assignments by dates set in the course syllabus.

A student’s degree program may be terminated on the written request of the student, or by action of the Academic Policy Committee, if the student’s performance is deemed unsatisfactory or if tuition and fee payments are not made as required. The termination of a student’s program by the Academic Policy Committee does not cancel financial obligations the student incurred at the University while enrolled. Students who have not received an approved leave of absence, registered for a course for two consecutive academic semesters will be notified that they will be removed from the program unless they respond within 30 days. A student who has been removed may apply for reactivation by petitioning the Academic Policy Committee within two years of the notification and paying any unpaid tuition. (Students who are recipients of federal financial aid should refer to the Financial Aid section of this Catalogue for additional leave of absence stipulations.)

Students who have taken graduate level courses in religion from an accredited institution that have not been applied toward a previous degree may ask for these courses to be applied toward their degree. In order to be considered eligible for transfer, these credits must have been earned within ten years prior to initial enrollment as a matriculated student at Hartford International University or taken while the student is pursuing their degree at Hartford International University. MAIRS students may receive up to 9 credits of transfer credit; MAC students may transfer up to 6 credits of transfer credit. Any course taken at another institution while a student is enrolled at Hartford International University must be pre-approved by the student’s advisor and the Dean (students must complete the Transfer Credit Pre-approval form). The total credit awarded for Advanced Standing and transfer credit combined may not exceed the maximum transfer credit for the specific degree program.

For the protection of students and former students, all transcript requests must be submitted in writing and personally signed, or requested via the student access portal transcript request page. Requests that are sent via e-mail cannot be honored. Transcripts will not be issued by fax. Upon written request and submission of the transcript fee of $10 to the Registrar, students and alumni may, at any time, request the Registrar to send their official transcript to a school or organization of their choice. Please allow 3-5 business days for transcript requests to be processed by the Registrar. Transcripts are issued only when all financial obligations to the University have been met. Students may view and print an unofficial course report through the student access portal at anytime.

Students who attend HIU are expected to maintain regular and substantive interaction in their courses. This includes participating in class discussions, completing assignments, tests, projects, and other work assigned as well as regular class attendance, whether classes are in person or online.

Students who wish to withdraw from HIU may do so and must notify the Registrar’s office in writing by completing a Course Withdrawal form. Withdrawal forms may be obtained from HIU’s Forms & Document Center.  

Students may withdraw from courses at any time before a course ends. However, financial and academic consequences will be imposed according to the following schedule:

Academic

• Withdrawal before the drop deadline (see academic calendar for exact date): None. The course is dropped from the student’s transcript.
• Withdrawal after the drop deadline, up to and including the mid-point of the semester (see academic calendar for exact date): A “W” will be posted to the student’s transcript. A “W” has no effect on the student’s grade point average.
• Withdrawal after the mid-point of the semester and up to and including the last class: Faculty member will be asked to assign a grade of either “WF” (Withdraw Fail) or “WP” (Withdraw Pass). A “WF” is counted in the student’s grade point average as a failure.

Financial

• Students who withdraw from a course before the drop deadline are entitled to a full tuition refund.
• Students who withdraw after the drop deadline are charged in full for the tuition of that course.
• Refunds to the student will be made within 30 days of the date that the University determines the student has officially withdrawn.

On-Line Courses
Withdrawal from on-line courses will be allowed according to the above guidelines

Intensive Courses
For courses that meet on a non-weekly, intensive format the withdrawal schedule will be as follows:

Academic:

• Withdrawal before the second class meeting: None. The course is dropped from the student’s transcript.
• Withdrawal after the second, but up to and including the third class meeting: A “W” will be posted to the student’s transcript. A “W” has no effect on the student’s grade point average.
• Withdrawal after the third class meeting, up to and including the last class: Faculty member will be asked to assign a grade of either “WF” (Withdraw Fail) or “WP” (Withdraw Pass). A “WF” is counted in the student’s grade point average as a failure.

Financial

• Students who withdraw from a course before the second class meeting are entitled to a full tuition refund.
• Students who withdraw after the second class meeting are charged in full for the tuition of that course.
• Refunds to the student will be made within 30 days of the date that the University determines the student has officially withdrawn.

A student who needs to withdraw for health reasons may petition the Academic Policy Committee for a waiver of the above penalties and must provide documentation from a medical professional. A student with a medical reason can petition the Academic Policy Committee for a “WP” if the faculty member agrees that the student was passing at the time of withdrawal.

If a student ceases attendance without providing official notification to the Registrar’s office, HIU will determine whether the student withdrew based on information in the student’s educational and other records such as faculty grade records, class projects, tests, other assignments or academic engagement in HIU’s Canvas learning management system.

A student who does not receive an earned grade of A, B, C, or F, or who receives a combination of F, W, and WF grades will be evaluated by the Registrar’s office at the end of each semester to determine whether the student has withdrawn from all courses at the university. Students determined to have fully withdrawn will be withdrawn from the university effective as of either the midpoint of the semester or the last date of an academically related activity in which the student participated, as documented by school records or by a faculty member.

A “WF” grade will be reported on a student’s transcript. A grade of WF is included in the G.P.A. calculation, counts toward a student's pace completion and will count as credits attempted but not earned. A WF grade is used to determine the difference between a student who completed the coursework and earned an F grade and students who did not complete the coursework.

If the institution determines that a student did not begin the institution's withdrawal process or otherwise provide official notification (including notice from an individual acting on the student's behalf) to the institution of their intent to withdraw because of illness, accident, grievous personal loss, or other such circumstances beyond the student's control, institution will use the date that it reasonably determines is related to that circumstance as the student’s withdrawal date.

Students who are considered withdrawn from the university should discuss the ramifications with their academic advisors and the financial aid director. Please refer to HIU’s SAP policy for information about how withdrawing from the university will impact your academic progress. Please refer to HIU’s refund policy for information about treatment of tuition and fee charges when a student withdraws.

Students who use financial aid and who subsequently withdraw may be required to return some or all funds received. Please also refer to HIU’s policy for treatment of Title IV when a student withdraws to learn more about how the university will handle any federal financial aid or veterans affairs funds on your student account in the event you withdraw. Please note, as required by law, Hartford International University shares information about federal student loan borrowers, including enrollment status with the National Student Loan Database (NSLDS). This information is essential to ensuring student loan interest, grace periods, and repayment dates are calculated correctly.

Students with questions should contact Benjamin Breault, Registrar and Associate Director of Financial Aid.

Hartford International University is committed to providing our students with the tools they need to successfully complete our program. One service we offer is writing assistance. Writing assistance services may consist of individualized work with a Writing Consultant or group workshops. Writing assistance is available to all matriculated students upon request, and at no charge. Writing assistance may also be recommended to newly admitted students by the Admissions Committee, or recommended to enrolled students by the Faculty. Further information about these services is available from the Dean’s Office.