Ramapo College of New Jersey || Academic Policies

Academic Organization – Class Size / Summer Session / Religious Holiday Observance

Ramapo College is organized into Schools rather than departments. Each School is composed of faculty members from several related disciplines and each School projects its own academic identity and thematic approach in the programs it sponsors. The five Schools offering major programs are as follows:

Anisfield School of Business
American and International Studies
Contemporary Arts
Social Science and Human Services
Theoretical and Applied Science.

Academic Schools / Major

All students associate with a particular school when they choose a major, and thereby establish close contacts with faculty and other students sharing similar interests. The choice of school does not restrict the choice of courses, however. Ramapo's comprehensive General Education Program consists of courses from every school, and students are encouraged to take minors and/or other coursework from across the College.

The courses and requirements for each program are governed by a convening group composed of faculty members who teach in the discipline area and led by a convener.

Students who have chosen a major/minor or who are interested in a certain program should consult with the appropriate convener and an advisor who is a member of that convening group. A list of conveners is available from each school and from the Advisement Center.

More information concerning courses and disciplines may be found in the Academic Course Descriptions section of this Catalog.

Class Size

At Ramapo, most classes are small to moderate in size. Students are expected to participate actively in their coursework and maintain regular and prompt attendance. A syllabus that outlines expectations and responsibilities is normally distributed during the first week of class. The academic year is made up of two semesters Spring and Fall. Each semester the College provides some 900 course sections representing about 500 different courses. Classes are scheduled Monday through Saturday.

Summer Session

Summer Session at Ramapo College provides opportunities for Ramapo students and visiting students to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and Study Abroad opportunities.

Summer study allows students to investigate new areas of knowledge, take advantage of cooperative education placements or internships, supplement degree programs, complete program requirements, and explore the world. More than 200 classes and some 10 Study Abroad programs are offered during two regular five-week sessions, two three-week mini sessions, one ten-week Saturday session, and various Study Abroad calendars.

For questions regarding Summer Session registration, contact the Registrar by e-mail at registrar@ramapo.edu.

Summer Session

Religious Holiday Observance

Ramapo College seeks to attract students with a variety of religious beliefs. While the State of New Jersey only recognizes certain days of religious observance as State holidays, the faculty of the College will help students whose religious observances come at other times to meet their academic obligations. Whenever possible, tests are not scheduled for those religious holidays and students are assisted in making up any work, including tests, that they missed by being absent from class.

It is the student's responsibility to notify a faculty member within the first three weeks of the semester if any class session will be missed due to religious observance and make the appropriate arrangements.

Where to Turn for Specific Information

Transfer Applicants / Transfer Policies

Transfer students who apply and will be transferring in more than 60 college credits need not submit high school transcripts or SAT/ACT scores.

Transfer course work completed at a regionally accredited college/university or program with a grade of C (2.0) or better will be accepted, provided it is consistent with Ramapo College's curriculum. Please be aware that only credits transfer and not grades. A student's grade point average at Ramapo will reflect only course work completed at Ramapo College.

Transfer students must complete a minimum of 48 credits in residency in Ramapo course work and a residency of at least one half the requirements for a major (second major and/or minor) to qualify for a Ramapo College degree. Although credits accepted in transfer count toward the 128 required for graduation, the specific applicability of these credits toward course requirements must be approved through the transfer evaluation and advisement process. For General Education purposes, only those transfer credits which are accepted in the semester of matriculation will be considered for possible waiver of general education requirements.

Transfer credits which are not approved as applicable toward any specific course requirements will count as electives. Transferred courses may apply toward major, minor, school core, general education, and/or elective requirements. In some cases, it may be necessary to complete more than the minimum number of credits required for graduation from Ramapo College.

Accepted students will receive a "Record of Transfer Credits" by mail after each official transcript from previously-attended college(s) has been reviewed by the Transfer Credit Evaluator.

Only 65 credits (including 100/200 level CLEP) credits may be accepted from a two-year college. A maximum of 80 credits from past course work may be earned by submitting any of the following to the Admissions Office for evaluation:

Scores achieved in Advanced Placement Examinations of the College Entrance Examination Board;
Credits earned at other accredited colleges and universities or at new, but non-accredited colleges and universities where the institution is a recognized candidate for accreditation;
Course work taken in military service which is recommended for baccalaureate credit by the National Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experiences in Armed Services, published by the American Council of Education;
Course work taken through training programs which is recommended for baccalaureate credit by the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs, published by the American Council of Education;
Scores achieved on examinations taken through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or the like, used to earn college credit;
Foreign language credit through Foreign Language Proficiency Testing Service of New York University (NYU). In addition, students may earn credit through the Prior Learning Experience Program (PLEX).

Transfer Degree Requirements

Each student passes through three overlapping phases in preparing for a degree: General Education course work, a school core program, and a major program of study. This format applies to all students, and is guided by the College’s academic expectations and graduation requirements.
To be eligible for a baccalaureate degree at Ramapo College, each student must:

Complete a minimum of 128 graduation credits (126 credits in Nursing).
Have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average as well as a 2.0 grade point average in the major.
Complete a minimum of 48 credits at Ramapo
Complete the last 30 credits at Ramapo.
Satisfy all the General Education, School Core, and Major requirement

Transfer General Education Requirements

Some of the General Education requirements are waived for transfer students with an Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Science (AS) or over a specified number of credits. General Education courses required are noted on the audit.
Any General Education requirement can be fulfilled with the appropriate transferred course.
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) does not waive any General Education requirements.
The fact that a course is waived from a student’s General Education requirements does not mean it is also waived from a School core or major requirement. Only the convener of the major can waive a course from the major. Only the Dean can waive a course from the School core.

Double counting: In many instances, a course may fulfill more than one requirement. A course may count in a major and/or minor and/or General Education and/or School core. Although the course may fulfill two requirements, its credit value does not double.

Ramapo College's New Jersey Statewide Transfer Agreement Appeals Process

Students who wish to appeal a perceived misinterpretation of the policies agreed upon in the NJ Statewide Transfer Agreement must submit a written appeal to the Director of the Center for Academic Advising/First Year Experience (CAAFYE) within 30 days of receiving his/her credit evaluation.

The appeal will be reviewed by the College’s NJSTA appeals committee. The CAAFYE director will then provide a decision to the student within 14 days of receipt of the appeal. Appeals should be submitted electronically to caafye@ramapo.edu. They must include the reason for the appeal and any needed documentation supporting the request.

All decisions will be communicated to the student via the student’s Ramapo College email account, which requires the student to establish and regularly maintain a Ramapo e-mail account prior to submitting the appeal.

Transfer Prior Learning Experience Program (PLEX)

This program is administered through the Advisement Center (second floor, Building D).

Recognizing that knowledge may be acquired in many different ways, Ramapo offers the adult student the opportunity to apply for academic credit for learning that has taken place outside the College classroom.

The work world, non-credit courses, workshops, seminars, community work, travel, hobbies, and other activities are often learning experiences. A student who demonstrates the knowledge gained from an experience corresponds to the knowledge expected in courses offered at Ramapo (or to courses which could be offered within the existing curriculum), is often granted equivalent academic credit. (Credit is not awarded for experience per se, but for knowledge gained from the experience.)

Once a semester, an orientation to credit by test or assessment is offered to help students make informed choices about their participation in the program. Students interested in participating in the PLEX Program should go to the Advisement Center’s Web site (link below) or an introductory guide to the program and eligibility requirements.

Advisement/Plex

The PLEX Program is restricted to students who have been away from formal schooling for two or more years. A student may receive up to 80 credits from the PLEX Program. (The 80-credit limit refers to the combination of credits transferred from other colleges and/or given for CLEP, PEP, TECEP, or PLEX. Special assessment through the PLEX Program will not be undertaken for subject areas in which standardized examinations are available.)

All PLEX portfolios must be submitted prior to the completion of 98 credits.

Students who wish to participate in the PLEX program enroll in a one-session, non-credit workshop (offered evenings in the late spring and fall) which guides them in preparing a portfolio for assessment.

Students enrolled in the workshop should purchase a copy of Student Workbook for Portfolio Preparation-PLEX Program as a further help in completing their portfolios. (There is a $5 fee for the workbook.) Student portfolios include the student’s educational goals and degree plan, previous educational experience, a listing of course titles for which credit is sought, and a statement of learning components the student has mastered in relation to each course title. The completed portfolio is evaluated for the award of credit by faculty evaluators.

Dean's List

Graduation with Distinction (Latin Honors)

General Information on Grading Systems / Policies

		Grade Points Per Credit	Credit Awarded	Counted Credit Attempted
H+	Excellent in the College Honors Program	4.0	Yes	Yes
H	College Honors Program	3.7	Yes	Yes
A	Excellent	4.0	Yes	Yes
A-		3.7	Yes	Yes
B+		3.3	Yes	Yes
B	Good	3.0	Yes	Yes
B-		2.7	Yes	Yes
C+		2.3	Yes	Yes
C	Satisfactory	2.0	Yes	Yes
C-		1.7	Yes	Yes
D+		1.3	Yes	Yes
D	Poor	1.0	Yes	Yes
F	Fail	0.0	No	Yes
P	Pass	-	Yes	Yes
W	Withdrawn	-	No	Yes
I	Incomplete	-	No	Yes
AU	Audit	-	No	No
R	Repeated Grade	-	No	No
Y	Y Grade	-	No	Yes

H+, H; Honors
These grades are awarded to students in the College Honors Program who have engaged in a more extensive course of study than that required of the majority of students in the class.

P; Pass
This option may be initiated by the instructor or student. Instructors will specify that a course is being offered only for P/F grades in the course description (In some cases, the student may then petition for A to F grading before the end of the Schedule Adjustment period ) In the event a course is being offered with A to F grading, students must select the P/F option prior to the end of the Schedule Adjustment period and it cannot be changed thereafter The P/F option may be selected by the student for a total of four credits in any semester (fall, winter, spring, or summer) and for a total of no more than four out of each 12 credits earned for a grade. This option is available only for elective courses. The Change of Grade Type Form is available at the Center for Academic Advisement and First Year Experience. This form must be filled out, the appropriate signatures obtained, and returned to the Advisement Center by the date noted on the Academic Calendar on the Web.

W; Withdrawn
Given in exceptional circumstances, with permission of the instructor, for withdrawal from a course.

I; Incomplete
Given in extenuating circumstances when approved by the instructor and when requested by a student who has satisfactorily completed at least two-thirds of course requirements prior to the end of a term, for reasons of illness or other emergency. When the work is completed prior announced dates the grade assigned replaces the I. It work is not satisfactorily completed by the deadline of February 26 (for fall Inc. grades) or October 15 (for spring and summer Inc. grades) or the next business day as indicated in the Academic Calendar, the grade is changed to F.

AU; Audit
Given for completion of course (except for exams and required papers), if requested at the time of registration. No credit is given for this course. This option may not be changed after the end of schedule adjustments. If a student who has selected Audit fails to attend the class, the instructor may give and administrative Withdrawal for that class.

R; Repeated Grade
Given (together with an F grade) when a course failed in an earlier term is successfully retaken. This option is available only twice during a students academic career at the College and only when the course content is identical to the earlier failed course, carries the same number or greater number of credits, and only with approval prior to enrollment in the course by the Advisement Center. (The credits attempted are changed to E [excluded] when the repeated course is successfully completed.)

Once an "R" grade has been assigned, it may not be removed; students are advised to use this option with discretion. It may become necessary to use this option for a failed course in the major to fulfill the G.P.A. requirement.

T; Temporary Grade
A grade of T (Temporary) may be issued in rare circumstances when a faculty member has not submitted grades. This will be changed to the appropriate grade once grades are received. Transcripts will not be sent until T grades are resolved.

Y; Grade
Instructor initiated grade for non-degree credit Basic Skills courses only. Y grades cannot be changed.

A grade is to be given whenever a student is enrolled in a course after the end of the 50% refund period. If a student drops a course during the 50% drop period a grade of NG will appear on the unofficial transcript.

A term grade point average and a cumulative grade point average are calculated for each student after the end of each term. These averages are computed by dividing the total quality points by the total quality hours earned. Only courses taken at Ramapo are counted in these calculations.
Credit hours are based on a semester calendar.

The P, W, I, AU, and R grade options are available only by student request and require the submission of appropriate forms to the Office of the Registrar. The Academic Calendar on the web each term indicates the dates for students to take advantage of these grade options.

Note: Cessation of class attendance or notification to the instructor is NOT considered an official withdrawal. Unless students officially withdraw from a course through the Registrar's Office, they are still registered for the course and will receive a grade of "F" even though classes were not attended.

Student Appeals Regarding Grades

The faculty of the College establishes course requirements and performance standards. Faculty evaluation of students' academic performance is a qualitative judgment and is expressed through the submission of final course grades to the Registrar at the close of each semester.

In those instances where a student wishes to appeal a course grade, the student should take the following steps:

No later than the semester following the one in which a grade is received, a student must bring his/her appeal to the attention of the faculty member. Both should make good faith efforts to share viewpoints and mediate differences of opinion.

If it is mutually agreed that a grade readjustment is warranted, the faculty member forwards a Change of Grade Request, including explanatory reasons, to the dean of the academic unit which sponsored the course.

If a student and faculty member cannot reach a mutual agreement and a student wishes to pursue a grade appeal, the student must present a written appeal, including pertinent course materials or course work, to the dean of the academic unit which sponsored the course in question.

The dean will confer with the student and faculty member, jointly or independently, as he/she sees fit, review pertinent documents and course materials, and confer with other faculty or administrative staff members as appropriate.

If it is mutually agreed that a grade change is warranted, the dean will forward a faculty-endorsed Change of Grade Request with explanatory reasons, to the Office of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs for approval then it is forwarded to the Registrar.

If the Office of the Dean renders an opinion which does not support the student's grade appeal, the student may petition for a review by the Office of the Provost. The petition would be initiated by the submission of a written statement by the student that explains their position and includes any evidence the student has that contradicts the Office of the Dean's decision or contains information that had heretofore been unavailable. The Provost's Office will reject any request for review that does not offer clear evidence that the Office of the Dean made a factual mistake, violated school policy, or otherwise acted outside the purview of the Office of the Dean.

The Provost or his/her designee will consider only those grade appeals which have previously received full deliberative discussion at the faculty and dean level.

After conferring with the student, Dean, and faculty member and reviewing the pertinent documentation, the Provost or his/her designee may take one of the two following actions:
(a) approve or decline the student's grade appeal; or

(b) request that the Committee on Academic Standards and Procedures review the appeal and render a recommendation to the Provost or his/her designee who, in turn, will advise the student, the professor, and the Dean of his/her final recommendation.

In both step (a) and (b), the recommendation of the Provost or his/her designee is final.

Academic Standing

Ramapo College of New Jersey has established standards for academic good standing which apply to all students (matriculated and non-matriculated), as follows:

Students who have attempted or earned 12 or more credits are to have at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
Students are to have at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average, as well as a 2.0 cumulative grade point average in their major(s) to graduate.

(Credits and grades of all Ramapo course work contribute to the cumulative grade point average. Courses transferred from other colleges count only as credits earned; accompanying grades are NOT calculated toward the grade point average at Ramapo.)

At the close of each semester, the Office of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs reviews records of all students enrolled at the College. Those students whose academic performance has fallen below the College's established standards are advised of the deficiency in writing. The guidelines used and the actions prescribed are as follows:

Students who have a cumulative GPA between 1.01 and 1.99 for ONE semester are placed on academic warning.
Students who have a cumulative GPA between 0.00 and 1.00 for ONE semester are placed on academic probation.
Students who have a cumulative GPA between 1.01 and 1.99 for TWO consecutive semesters are placed on academic probation.
Students who have a cumulative GPA between 0.00 and 1.00 for TWO consecutive semesters are suspended from the College for one full fall or spring semester.
Students who have a cumulative GPA between 1.01 and 1.99 for THREE consecutive semesters are suspended from the College for one full fall or spring semester.
Students who have previously been on academic probation and have a GPA below 2.00 are again placed on academic probation and reviewed by the Office of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The academic performance of students on academic warning is reviewed in accordance with the aforementioned guidelines.

Students placed on academic probation are restricted as to the types or extracurricular activities in which they may participate. They may NOT (a) be a member of a recognized student organization, (b) serve on any College committee or advisory board, (c) serve as a representative of the College, or (d) participate in intramural, club, or intercollegiate sports. The academic performance of students on probation is reviewed at the end of the probationary semester. If the student's grade point average remains below the College guidelines, the student is suspended from the College for at least one full fall or spring semester.

Upon notification of suspension, students are given an opportunity to submit a written appeal for reinstatement to the Committee on Academic Standards and Procedures (CASP) which is comprised of two administrators, two faculty members, two students, and two professional staff members. The Committee, after having considered the appeal, recommends whether the student may remain at the College on academic probation or must accept the one full fall or spring semester suspension. Students who do NOT appeal to the Committee in writing by the designated deadline, are viewed as accepting the one full fall or spring semester suspension.

Committee recommendations, based on appeal letters, are forwarded to the Office of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Office of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs informs students of the decision in writing. Students wishing to appeal this decision of suspension may do so by promptly submitting a written appeal to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee, whose action will be final. Students informed that they may continue on academic probation may enroll for another semester only with an academic plan approved by an advisor from the Advisement Center or their major academic program. The plan must also include a detailed self-reflective statement indicating how the academic problems of past semesters will be addressed. In addition, students are asked to find a faculty/staff mentor. Their records are again reviewed at the end of the probationary period.

Students on academic suspension for one full fall or spring semester must appeal to the Office of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs for reinstatement. Those who wish to return to the College at the end of one year must reapply to the College through the Office of Admissions. Readmission is not guaranteed after academic suspension. Among the criteria for readmission are documentation and demonstration that the student has addressed the problems which initially led to academic difficulties OR a work record which demonstrates a resolution of the heretofore mentioned difficulties OR other indication of academic success. Students who apply for readmission must have no prior financial aid obligations to the College and no outstanding disciplinary charges or assessed sanctions not completed. Students who have been suspended will be conditionally readmitted and may be advised to take a lower credit load, will be required to regularly meet with an academic advisor and create an academic plan.

Readmitted students remain on academic probation (continued probation coded as SP) and must achieve at least a 2.0 semester average to continue at Ramapo College. Students who fail to attain at least 2.0 average for their return semester are automatically dismissed and are ineligible for readmission to the College.

Students admitted who achieve academic good standing must conform to the graduation requirements in effect at the time of their readmission. Students who achieve a cumulative 2.0 average are placed in good standing.

Academic Integrity

Every member of the Ramapo community is expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Since violations of academic integrity erode community confidence and undermine the pursuit of truth and knowledge at the College; academic dishonesty must be avoided. There are four broad forms of academic dishonesty:

1. Cheating
Cheating is an act of deception by which a student misrepresents his or her mastery of material on a test or other academic exercise. Examples of cheating are:

Copying from another student's work
Allowing another student to copy your work
Using unauthorized materials such as a textbook or notebook during an examination
Using specifically prepared materials such as notes written on clothing or other unauthorized notes, formula lists, etc., during an examination
Collaborating with another person during an examination by giving or receiving information without authority.

2. Plagiarism
Plagiarism occurs when a person represents someone else's words, ideas, phrases, sentences, or data as one's own work. When a student submits work that includes such material, the source of that information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific footnote references; verbatim statements must be acknowledged through quotation marks.

To avoid a charge of plagiarism, a student should be sure to include an acknowledgment of indebtedness:

Whenever he or she quotes another person's words directly
Whenever he or she uses another person's ideas, opinions, or theories, even if they have been completely paraphrased in one's own words
Whenever he or she uses facts, statistics, or other illustrative material taken from a source, unless the information is common knowledge.

3. Academic Misconduct
Academic Misconduct includes the alteration of grades, involvement in the acquisition or distribution of unadministered tests, and the unauthorized submission of student work in more than one class. Examples of academic misconduct are:

Changing, altering, falsifying, or being the accessory to the changing, altering, or falsifying of a grade report or form, or entering any College office or building for that purpose
Stealing, buying, selling, giving way, or otherwise obtaining all or part of any unadministered test or entering any College office or building for the purpose of obtaining an unadministered test
Submitting written work to fulfill the requirements of more than one course without the explicit permission of both instructors.
Discarding policies governing use of human subjects or animals in research.

4. Fabrication
Fabrication refers to the deliberate use of invented information or the falsification of research or other findings with the intent to deceive. Examples of fabrication are:

Citation of information not taken from the source indicated
Listing of sources in a bibliography or other report not used in that project
Altering, stealing and/or falsifying research data used in research reports, theses, or dissertations.
Submission as one's own of any academic work prepared in whole or in part by others
Taking a test for another person or asking or allowing another to take a test for you
Falsifying information or signatures on registration, withdrawal, or other forms.

Reporting Violations

To ensure due process, any member of the Ramapo community who is aware of violations of the College's academic integrity policy is urged to report the incident to the Office of the Provost. Faculty members are also instructed to report any violations of the policy to the Office of the Provost rather than adjudicate the charges themselves. After consultation concerning the viability of the charge and evidence, the adjudication process will follow.

Adjudication Process

Once the allegation of a violation is reported to the Office of the Provost, the student will be notified of the nature of the allegation and will be provided an opportunity for a hearing either before a designated hearing officer of the College or before the College Judicial Board. The type of hearing will be determined by the Provost. In most cases, a hearing officer will be assigned by the Provost and a disciplinary conference scheduled. However, cases will be sent to the College Judicial Board when a past history of similar charges exists or where the violation is egregious (e.g., the stealing of an exam). In such cases, the penalty for a guilty finding could include suspension or expulsion from the College. A Judicial Board hearing is required under the provisions of the College Code of Conduct.

Final Grades – When a student is suspected of academic dishonesty and the case is not adjudicated prior to the official submission of final grades to the Registrar's Office, a "Z" grade will be assigned by the instructor for the course involved, using a "Z" grade form.

Once a Z grade has been issued the Dean's Office will initiate communication with the student. It is the student's responsibility to respond to the allegation and fulfill whatever stipulations set forth for resolving the grade. If the Z grade is not resolved by the completion a grade adjustment form within one year the grade will be changed to an F on the student's academic transcript.

The following describes the individual hearing processes for violations of academic integrity:

Disciplinary Conference – The procedures and procedural protections provided in this Catalog and the Student Handbook will apply. Both the complainant and the person charged will have an opportunity to appear before the hearing officer.

Judicial Board – The procedures and procedural protections provided for in the Catalog and Student Handbook will apply. Charge letters will clearly indicate there is no option regarding the type of hearing. In certain cases where the mental or physical health of the person charged may be seriously affected by the public proceedings of the Judicial Board, a request for adjudication by private proceedings of the Judicial Board may be made in writing to the Provost. The decision to grant such a request lies solely with the Provost. All information pertaining to the case will be made available to the Judicial Board for review by the Provost's Office. (Note: In a Judicial Board proceeding, the complainant must appear to present the complaint. Only under the most unusual of circumstances would a notarized statement of complaint be allowed to serve in the place of the complainant.)

Sanctions – In the case of a guilty finding after a disciplinary conference, penalties may range from an official warning or receipt of a failing grade on the suspicious paper or project, to a failure for the course. A student may also be penalized by being placed on disciplinary probation .The Judicial Board may impose the same penalties, suspension for a specified period, or expulsion from the College.

Appeal Procedures – Persons found guilty of violations of academic integrity may appeal the decision either of a hearing officer or the College Judicial Board to the Provost, if certain circumstances exist. In the case where an appeal is filed, the imposition of the sanction may be delayed upon the written request in the appeal letter for such action The decision on the delay is solely at the discretion of the Provost.
The following procedures apply to appeals:

Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs within seven (7) business days from the date of the letter of finding Failure to appeal within the allotted time will render the original decision final and conclusive.
Appeals shall be decided only upon the record of the original proceeding and upon the written letter of appeal. Reversals of decisions will occur only as follows:
- if sanctions are found to be grossly disproportionate to the offense,
- if specific procedural errors or errors in interpretations of College regulations were substantial, or
- if new and significant evidence becomes available which could not have been discovered by a properly conducted investigation prior to or during the original hearing.

Retention of Records – The case files of any person found guilty of any charges will be retained as a disciplinary record for five years after graduation or termination from Ramapo in the Offices of the Provost and Student Affairs. Such records may be retained for longer periods of time or permanently, if so specified in the letter of finding. If the person charged is found innocent, records of disciplinary charges in the case will be voided.

Basic Skills Placement Testing Exemption Policy

Exemption by prior testing:
Students are exempt from basis skills placement testing if they have taken one of the following placement tests at a college or university within the last two years: ACCUPLACER, Companion, COMPASS, or Asset. These students should contact the institution where they tested and arrange to have an official copy of their scores transferred to the Testing Center at Ramapo College at least two weeks prior to attending student orientation and registration. Testing Center FAX (201) 684-6607.

Exemption by SAT:
SAT–Critical Reading Score of 550 or above exempts ACCUPLACER English tests.
SAT–Math Score of 560 or above exempts ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra and Arithmetic tests.

Exemption by ACT:
ACT Composite Score of 26 or above exempts ACCUPLACER English, Elementary Algebra and Arithmetic tests.

Exemption by Advanced Placement Test:
College Board AP English Test score of 4 or 5 exempts English test

Exemption by Transfer Credit:
Students who transfer a college-level English composition course and a college-level mathematics course that satisfy Ramapo College's General Education Requirements in these two areas are exempt from basic skills placement testing.

Exemption by Degree:
Students who hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in the United States are exempt from basic skills placement testing.

Placement Testing Exemption Policy

Students are exempt from placement testing under the following circumstances:

Prior testing:
Students are exempt from placement testing if they have taken one of the following tests at a college or university within the last two years: ACCUPLACER, Companion, COMPASS, or Asset.

SAT Score:
SAT–Critical Reading score of 550 or better exempts English test
SAT–Math score of 560 or better exempts elementary algebra & arithmetic tests

ACT Score:

Advanced Placement Test:
College Board AP English Test score of 4 or 5 exempts English test

Transfer Credit:
Students who transfer a college-level English composition course that satisfies the General Education requirement in English are exempt from the English test. Students who transfer a college-level mathematics course that satisfies the General Education requirement in mathematics are exempt from the mathematics test.

Degree:
Students who already hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited American University are exempt from placement testing.

Testing Website

Transfer Credit Policy for Remedial and Developmental Courses

Course Load Policy

Summer
All courses are open to all students, unless there are prerequisites listed which you have not taken.
In general, students may register for a maximum of two (2) courses (or 8 credits) per session for a maximum of 18 credits for the entire Summer Session. In unusual circumstances permission to enroll for more than the maximum noted above may be granted by the Advisement Center.

Fall and Spring
The College has established course load limits for its students. Except in very unusual circumstances, these are 18 credits for matriculated students and 11 credits for non-degree students. Normally, a full-time student completes four courses each semester and is therefore eligible to graduate in four years, having accumulated 128* credits and satisfied all other degree requirements (overall GPA and major GPA of 2.0). If, for serious reasons, a matriculated student wishes to register for more than 18 credits, the permission of the Advisement Center (D-208A) must be obtained. If approved, permission will be noted on the student's record to enable registration.

*For students matriculated as of Fall 1987.

Non-Degree Seeking Students:
Non-degree seeking students are limited to a maximum of 11 credits per semester for a total of 30 cumulative credits, at which point they may not continue unless they matriculate, well in advance of registration, through the Admissions Office.

[More Information]

Visiting Non-Degree Seeking Students:
Non-degree seeking students who are visiting from other accredited colleges may enroll for more than 11 credits if they present a Visiting Student form, completed by the home institution, which verifies good academic standing, advisor approval of courses, and the home institution's raised seal.

[More Information]

Post-Baccalaureate Non-Degree Seeking Students:
Non-degree seeking students who already possess bachelor degrees may enroll for more than 11 credits.

[More Information]

Repeat Grade Policy

Policy on Retaking Courses

This policy refers to courses taken and passed in the major and established procedures for the achievement of the required G.P.A. in the major. It is not to be confused with the Repeat Grade Policy.

Students may retake a maximum of three courses in the major.
Students may only retake courses in the major with the lowest grades (or courses in the major approved by the convening group as especially important regardless of the original grade).
Students may only retake a previously-passed course once.

Credits from a retaken course are not counted toward graduation credit and must be subtracted from the "earned credit" column on the transcript (grade report). When a course is completed the second time, both grades are used in determining cumulative G.P.A. and G.P.A. in the major.

Residency Requirements

Leave of Absence and Withdrawal Policy

Leave of Absence (LOA)
Students in good academic standing may take a leave of absence of one semester by arrangement through the Advisement Center located in D-207. Students who plan to be away for two or more semesters must officially withdraw from the College (refer to Withdrawal from Ramapo College). Students requesting a ‘leave of absence’ due to medical reasons must make arrangements with the Center for Health and Counseling Services (Refer to Medical Leave of Absence below).

Students who take a leave of absence for one semester do not need to apply for readmission and can simply register for the next upcoming semester during the registration period after consulting with an academic advisor. Students who remain away from Ramapo College for two or more semesters must apply for readmission with the Office of Admissions by the established readmission deadlines: August 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester.

Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA)
Ramapo College of New Jersey (RCNJ) students may apply for a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) from the College for reasons of physical or psychological illnesses. Students must withdrawal from all registered courses under this policy. The grade for each course will be recorded as "W" on the student’s transcript. There will be no refund if the request for a MLOA is completed after the College course withdrawal deadline (see Academic Calendar).

Students considering applying for a MLOA need to contact the Center for Health and Counseling Services (CHCS) to request an evaluation for the purpose of pursuing a MLOA. If the condition is medical in nature, contact Student Health Services (SHS) (201-684-7536); whereas if the condition is psychological in nature, contact Counseling Services (CS) (201-684-7522) for an evaluation. In order to obtain a MLOA a student must obtain a medical recommendation from the appropriate unit (Health or Counseling) within the Center for Health and Counseling Services. In order for a MLOA to be processed for a given semester, the evaluation must be completed prior to the final day of classes.

Students can take as much time as needed away from the College to recover from their condition; however, students who do not take classes for two or more consecutive semesters must reapply for admission. Students who stay out for longer than two consecutive semesters and are readmitted will continue their studies under the graduation requirements in effect at the time of their re-admission. In order to be approved to return from a MLOA a student must provide the required documentation and complete an evaluation through the appropriate unit (Health or Counseling) within the Center for Health and Counseling Services. Students returning from a MLOA must complete the process by the established deadlines: August 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester. If you miss the deadline, your return from MLOA will be postponed until a later semester. If the process to return from a MLOA is not completed by the deadline, the student will be deregistered.

For detailed information, refer to the Center for Health and Counseling Services website.

Withdrawal from Ramapo College
Students who decide to withdraw or would like to request a ‘Leave of Absence’ from Ramapo College must consult with a professional academic advisor or counselor in the Advisement Center located in D-207 and process a ‘Notice of Withdrawal/Leave of Absence’ form. Students requesting to withdraw due to medical reasons must make arrangement with the Center for Health and Counseling Services (refer to Leave of Absence).

Adherence to the withdrawal procedure is necessary for possible readmission to Ramapo College. Students who have withdrawn from the College and decide to return must apply for readmission with the Office of Admissions by the established readmission deadlines: August 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester.

Officially withdrawing from or filling a leave of absence from the college will not automatically withdraw students from courses. In addition to filing the official withdrawal form, students must drop courses for the semester through the College’s web registration services system or complete a “Course Withdrawal Form” with the appropriate approvals and according to the established deadlines. Course Withdrawal Forms are available in the Office of the Registrar.

College Catalog: 2009-2010

Academic Policies

Academic Organization – Class Size / Summer Session / Religious Holiday Observance

Class Size

Summer Session

Religious Holiday Observance

Where to Turn for Specific Information

Transfer Applicants / Transfer Policies

Transfer Degree Requirements

Transfer General Education Requirements

Ramapo College's New Jersey Statewide Transfer Agreement Appeals Process

Transfer Prior Learning Experience Program (PLEX)

Dean's List

Graduation with Distinction (Latin Honors)

General Information on Grading Systems / Policies

Student Appeals Regarding Grades

Academic Standing

Academic Integrity

Reporting Violations

Adjudication Process

Basic Skills Placement Testing Exemption Policy

Placement Testing Exemption Policy

Transfer Credit Policy for Remedial and Developmental Courses

Course Load Policy

Repeat Grade Policy

Policy on Retaking Courses

Residency Requirements

Leave of Absence and Withdrawal Policy

Off Campus Study