Policies

Acceptance of Transfer Credit Transfer students will receive an official credit evaluation after an offer of admission has been made. A preliminary evaluation, even before application, may be requested. Changes in the transfer evaluation will not be made after the student has completed one semester at Saint Francis University. For more information on the transfer of undergraduate credits, see the Transfer of Credit- Undergraduate policy in the Academic Policy section of this catalog.

Any student who has attended a college/university full-time and has attempted 12 credits will be considered a transfer student. A candidate for transfer admission should have earned a minimum of 12 transferable credits and obtained a minimum 2.0 G.P.A.

community, organizational, and volunteer service, and creative professional accomplishments) 6. A minimum of one year of full-time work experience as an RN a registered nurse is required prior to registration in clinical or specialty courses 7. Complete an undergraduate statistics course (200 level preferred) 8. Complete a Gap Analysis Form 9. Interview with program faculty (in person or by phone) 10. Ability to attend the required program residencies (and review course for FNP Students) 11. Students must meet the Technical Standards for Admission 12. Proficiency in English All applicants whose first language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL, http://www.toefl.org ) The minimum overall TOEFL score is 84 (Internet-based test); 24 is the minimum score in the speaking section, and 24 is the writing section minimum score Official transcripts certifying graduate level courses completed at another institution prior to admission to Saint Francis University should be submitted at the time of application and should be evaluated for acceptability as advanced standing credit in the PMC-FNP program. Transfer credit will only be accepted for courses in which a minimum grade of “B” (QPA = 3.0 on 4.0 scale) or higher or its equivalent has been received from degree granting programs.

Advanced Standing: A maximum of six (6) graduate-level credits from a regionally accredited university and an accredited nursing program may be transferred toward completion of the requirements for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Transfer credit will only be accepted for courses in which a grade of “B” (GPA = 3.0 on 4.0 scale) or its equivalent has been received. These credits cannot have been applied to a previous degree. Courses taken over five years prior to admission will not be accepted. Official transcripts certifying graduate-level courses completed at another institution prior to admission to Saint Francis University are to be submitted at the time of application and will be evaluated for transfer of credits.

This concentration is designed to welcome students directly from business masters degree programs, and award transfer credit into the Ed.D. For students in business graduate programs where they have earned graduate credits at the 600 level, additional transfer credits will be accepted, up to 15 total.

Credit by Examination: Saint Francis University offers several credit by examination options such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Credit earned by examination may be used to satisfy requirements in the same manner as the college courses which the tests replace or as the academic department concerned might specify. Credit earned by examination will not be awarded for the same course more than once. Equivalencies and other requirements for the credit by examination options are outlined in the University’s Credit by Examination policy.

The transfer of credits from a non-Saint Francis University study abroad program or independent travel abroad experience is not guaranteed. Credits will be considered for transfer after the necessary paperwork is completed through the Registrar’s office.

Placement/Advanced Standing: A maximum of nine (9) graduate-level credits from a regionally accredited university and approved program may be transferred toward completion of the requirements for the Post-Master’s Certificate, Family (Individual across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner program. Transfer credit will only be accepted for courses in which a grade of “B” (GPA = 3.0 on 4.0 scale) or its equivalent has been received. Courses taken over five years prior to admission will not be accepted. Official transcripts certifying graduate level courses completed at another institution prior to admission to Saint Francis University should be submitted at the time of application to be evaluated for acceptability as advanced standing credit in the PMC-FNP program.

Transfer credits are accepted but not included in the QPA calculation.

Students graduating from the social work program are also able to receive advanced standing in MSW programs throughout the country.

Transfer credits are accepted but not included in the QPA calculation. Transfer credits are accepted but not included in the QPA calculation.

From other institutions, completed credits must be doctoral level graduate credits (at least numbered 600 or higher) and address similar program content, which will be determined as part of the transfer credit evaluation.

Traditional undergraduate and/or graduate students seeking to transfer their matriculation with Saint Francis University to or from matriculation through the Division of Professional Studies are required to submit an application for approval for this change to occur. The criteria for transfer from being a traditional to being a Division of Professional Studies student is: The grade point average for work complete of 2.0; Is in good financial standing with SFU; Transfer credit evaluation completed by DPS advisor and by the Center for Academic Success (CAS); Has met with financial aid counselor regarding changes to financial aid package; Exceptions to the academic criteria may be appealed for review by the Dean of Student and Academic Success. Division of Professional Studies rates are applied to tuition only to the next and subsequent semesters of enrollment once the transfer is approved. The criteria for transfer from the Division of Professional Studies to matriculation as a traditional student at Saint Francis University is: The grade point average for work complete to enter Saint Francis University must be at least 2.0 or meet the minimum expectations and standards of the respective degree; Meet the progression standards for the degree for traditional students; Is in good financial standing with SFU; Transfer credit evaluation is completed by CAS; Has met with financial aid counselor regarding changes to financial aid package. Traditional student tuition rates and applicable fees are applied to the next and subsequent semesters of enrollment once the transfer is approved.

Transfer Credit Appeal: For newly enrolled students, initial transferability decisions are made by the the Center for Academic Success. The Center for Academic Success and First-Year Experience facilitates the transfer credit process for returning enrolled students. Any questions about policy or individual transfer credit evaluations should be directed to the transfer evaluator. If a student wishes to challenge the Transfer of Credit policy or the application of the policy, then the appeal must be submitted in writing to the Center for Academic Success. The transfer evaluator will examine the appeal to determine if the policy was appropriately applied to yield the initial evaluation. When challenging a course equivalency, the student may be asked to provide a course syllabus which gives more detail than a catalog description. The appeal will be denied when it is determined that the policy was appropriately applied. An appropriate correction will be issued if the policy was misapplied. Appeals denied may be appealed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs who will issue a final decision. Center for Academic Success: (814) 472-3024 Office of Academic Affairs: (814) 472-3004

Transfer Credit Evaluation: A maximum of 15 graduate-level credits may be transferred upon review, depending on chosen concentration and the equivalency of transfer credits to program requirements. An unofficial credit evaluation will be processed with unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts are required for the formal and final transfer credit evaluation, which is conducted once a complete application is submitted.

Transfer Credit Policies: Anatomy and Physiology, I and II must be taken at Saint Francis University* The following natural science courses must be reviewed for equivalent transfer credit: Biology Human Chemistry Microbiology *Anatomy I and Anatomy II may be accepted for transfer after a thorough review and approval of the courses by the Science Department If transferring the required prerequisites courses below, only a total of three courses/labs can be repeated (includes a withdraw failing). The equivalent courses include: BIOL 111/111L - Biology I BIOL 205/205L BIOL 206/206L BIOL 214/214L - Microbiology CHEM 113 - Human Chemistry; STATS 205 - Statistics PSYC 209 - Developmental Psychology PSYC 101 - General Psychology Nursing courses taken at other institutions will be evaluated for transfer credit based upon equivalent credits, content, and clinical course requirements; Only one repeated nursing course from the transferring institution is permitted.

Transfer of Credit - Graduate Students who are formally accepted into a graduate program and registered for courses may request transfer credit for relevant graduate courses completed at regionally accredited institutions, including courses taken at SFU while enrolled in another graduate program, whether or not a master’s degree was awarded. Credits taken prior to the term of graduate admission and used to satisfy program requirements are considered transfer credits. Transfer of graduate credit is subject to the approval of the Program Director, the Dean, and to the regulations of the SFU academic program in which the student is enrolled. Transfer credits are awarded only for courses: completed within five years to the date of admission to the SFU graduate program. (The Graduate Education department considers transfer of credit for courses completed within seven years to the date of admission.) completed at a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an officially recognized degree-granting international institution comparable in content and rigor to the SFU course. These are general guidelines. It remains at the individual program’s sole discretion whether or not to grant approval for transfer of credit. Additional limitations: A maximum of six graduate-level credits may be transferred. Credits for courses in which the student earned a grade below B (3.0) or received a non-letter grade such as a pass/fail are not transferable. Courses used as part of a previously completed bachelor’s program may not be transferred. The Graduate Nursing program will not accept transfer credits from any previously earned degree. Grades in courses transferred from other institutions, or from a prior master’s degree program completed at SFU, will not be calculated into the student’s grade point average (GPA). SFU will not accept transfer credits titled as “workshops.” Each transfer request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Academic credit cannot be awarded for life or military experience, or previous work experience. Transfer institutions outside the United States must be recognized as degree granting institutions by their home country. A course-by-course evaluation of all foreign university transcripts by an independent service based in the United States is required for international transfer students. The MOT, DPT, MPAS, DPT/MBA, and MMS programs do not accept transfer credits at the graduate level. Procedures: Below are the steps involved in processing transfer course work for graduate students: Students must provide official transcripts from any previous institution(s) to the graduate program director. Students must provide a “Transfer of Credit Request” form for consideration of credit transfer no later than the end of the first enrolled semester. Students are responsible for providing any course descriptions or syllabi that may be needed for accurate evaluations to be made. Granting of transfer credits requires the written approval of the Program Director of the relevant program and the Dean of the relevant school. The Program Director completes and signs the “Transfer Credit Evaluation” form, and forwards it to the Office of the Registrar.

Transfer of Credit- Undergraduate Saint Francis University welcomes students at the undergraduate level who have earned college credits prior to matriculation. The University recognizes the experiences and achievements individual students have gained. Academic advisors and counselors will guide individual students to maximize their learning opportunities in a flexible, supportive environment. Accordingly, this transfer credit policy describes the many opportunities individual students have to complete a Saint Francis University degree or credential and include credits or experiences completed elsewhere. Scope: This policy applies to students formally accepted and enrolled in an undergraduate program or a postsecondary or post-baccalaureate certificate program at Saint Francis University. Policy Statement: New and readmitted students who are formally accepted and enrolled in an associate or bachelor degree program, or a post-secondary or post-baccalaureate certificate program, may request transfer of credit for relevant courses previously completed at regionally-accredited post-secondary institutions. Transfer credits are also considered on a case-by-case basis from post-secondary institutions nationally accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Transfer credits will be awarded based on the similarity of course outcomes, rigor, content, length, and practical experiences where applicable. The transfer of credit must be completed in the student’s first semester and is subject to the approval of the relevant academic department chair, dean, the Chief Academic Officer, and the regulations of the Saint Francis University academic program in which the student is enrolled. Procedures to Request Transfer of Credit: New, transfer or readmitted students must provide official transcripts to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the time they apply for admission. Students are responsible for providing any course descriptions or syllabi that may be requested for accurate evaluations to be made. Students may request transfer of credit from other institutions attended or sources such as College in High School, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and armed forces course equivalencies prior to their first semester. Matriculated students who wish to take a course at another institution and transfer credits to Saint Francis must: Obtain permission from the chair of the department offering the original course prior to enrolling in the course. Students will discuss the plan of study with their academic advisor prior to submitting the “Transfer Request Form” and the “Course Evaluation Form” available online at my.francis.edu. Granting of transfer credits requires the written approval of the relevant academic advisor or department chair, the relevant academic dean, and the Chief Academic Officer. Transfer credit will not be guaranteed if the student fails to obtain approval prior to taking the course. Be in good academic standing at Saint Francis University. Good standing is defined as: 30 or fewer credits attempted – cumulative G.P.A. at or above 1.800 31-59 credits attempted – cumulative G.P.A. at or above 1.900 60 or more credits attempted – cumulative G.P.A. at or above 2.000 A student not in good academic standing will not be authorized to enroll in courses at other institutions. Assume full responsibility to have the transfer institution provide an official transcript sent directly to the Saint Francis University Office of the Registrar immediately upon completion of the course. General Qualifications for Transfer Credit: Relevant courses with grades of “C” or better (2.0 on 4.0 scale) completed at regionally-accredited post-secondary institutions will be considered. Transfer credits are also considered on a case-by-case basis from post-secondary institutions nationally accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. (Courses with grades of “C-” that carry 2.0 quality points on a 4.0 scale may be considered.) Courses will be considered for transfer on a course-by-course basis. Applicability to the degree for which a student is a candidate and comparability to an existing Saint Francis University course may be used as factors for the acceptance or denial of transfer credit. Transfer credits are not used in the computation of the student’s grade point average at Saint Francis University. Credits transfer, grades and quality points do not. Transfer courses cannot be a major or collateral requirement for matriculated students (except those enrolled through the Division of Professional Studies ). Exceptions to this policy may be considered for matriculated students using the transfer credit form available on my.francis.edu. Transfer credits cannot be earned for courses already attempted and completed at Saint Francis University. Courses completed toward post-secondary certificate and diploma programs can be considered for transfer. Internships or practicum, developmental, review or remedial courses are not transferable. A course for which no credit is given at the original institution cannot be transferred for credit at Saint Francis University. However, the University may consider training completed for certification, workplace requirements, or other specialized training (e.g., continuing education units or CEUs) for conversion into academic credit for transfer toward a post-secondary or post-baccalaureate certificate or undergraduate degree if the training has been evaluated according to the ACE Guidelines , reviewed by the National College Credit Recommendation Service (CCRS), and does not duplicate credit already accepted in transfer. Eligible CEUs and specialized training hours are converted via a formula that considers 14 hours of training/education to equal a single academic credit hour. Students who, upon admission, transfer 28 or more credits including a two-semester, six-credit sequence in college-level English composition classes (excluding Advanced Placement and CLEP credits) will be exempt from WRIT 102, Research Writing. Students, upon enrollment, may transfer a successfully completed research-based writing course from an accredited college or university in lieu of WRIT 102 with the approval of the Chair of the English & World Languages Department. (This does not include College in High School courses.) Except by permission of the appropriate department chair, THEO105 and COREIII must be completed at Saint Francis University. Transfer institutions outside the United States must be recognized as degree granting institutions by their home country. A course-by-course evaluation of all foreign university transcripts by an independent service based in the United States is required for international transfer students. Transfer credits become applicable to a Saint Francis University degree program or certificate program only after the student has been admitted as a degree-seeking student or admitted to the certificate program. Credits for Prior Learning (CPL) applies to all undergraduate students at Saint Francis University. Prior learning credits can be earned through life experience; professional training, licenses and certifications; or military service. Additional methods for prior learning are Credit cy Exam, CLEP Exam, DSST, and Challenge Exam. Credit by examination will not be given for failed courses or courses which a student has already received credit (see Credit for Prior Learning Policy). Limitations: Bachelor’s Degree : At least 30 credits must be completed at Saint Francis University for a student to be eligible for a bachelor’s degree, except those students studying for a second bachelor’s degree (see Second Bachelor’s Degree policy) or enrolled in a degree completion program through. The last 36 credits must be completed at Saint Francis University. Associate of Applied Science Degree : At least 12 credits must be completed at Saint Francis University. A maximum of 48 credits (combination of transfer courses and credits by means of credit by examination, e.g., AP, CLEP, IB) will be accepted for transfer from a prescribed technical certificate with a minimum of 700+ hours in the curriculum from the partner institution. Associate of Science Degree : At least 30 credits must be completed at Saint Francis University. A maximum of 30 credits (combination of transfer courses and credits by means of credit by examination, e.g., AP, CLEP, IB) will be accepted for transfer. The last 18 credits must be completed at Saint Francis University (excludes high school students in the AS in General Studies program). Post-secondary Certificate Program : (18+ credits): At least 50% of credits required for post-secondary certificate programs must be completed at Saint Francis University. A combination of transfer courses and credits by means of credit by examination, (e.g., AP, CLEP, IB, CPL) will be reviewed for transfer. Exceptions may apply to some workforce development programs and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Post-baccalaureate Certificate Program : At least 15 credits must be completed at Saint Francis University. A maximum of 9 credits (combination of transfer courses and credits by means of credit by examination, e.g., AP, CLEP, IB) will be accepted for transfer (except for the Early Childhood Education, Secondary 7-12, and Special Education K-12 Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program which accepts up to 30 transfer credits.) Credit by Examination: Saint Francis University offers several credit by examination options such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Credit earned by examination may be used to satisfy requirements in the same manner as the college courses which the tests replace or as the academic department concerned might specify. Credit earned by examination will not be awarded for the same course more than once. Equivalencies and other requirements for the credit by examination options are outlined in the University’s Credit by Examination policy. Challenge Exam: A student who has prior learning and experience in a subject area, may challenge a Saint Francis University course. The academic departments determine the eligible courses and the challenge exam criteria (eg. final exam). The challenge exam for a course is administered to the student and the faculty member reviews and grades the exam. The faculty member and/or academic department will determine the passing grade for the respective course. If the student passes the exam, they receive credit for the course. The Division of Professional Studies maintains and updates the listing of eligible challenge exam courses in collaboration with the academic departments. Military Credit: Saint Francis University uses the American Council on Education’s Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services to assess how to transfer military credits to Saint Francis. In general, military courses must be similar to a Saint Francis undergraduate course and applicable to an undergraduate degree program to transfer to Saint Francis. Students seeking to transfer military credits to Saint Francis University should request their official transcript from Joint Services Transcript (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) or the Community College of the Air Force (Air Force). Articulation Agreements: The University has established articulation (transfer) agreements with other institutions to encourage and facilitate transfer for students from other institutions to Saint Francis University. Such agreements are administered by the Office of Academic Affairs. Articulation agreements may include transfer course guides. Any exceptions to other University academic and administrative policies are addressed in the articulation agreement. The University’s current articulation agreements are provided on the University’s web site. Conversion of Credit: U.S. colleges and universities that operate on a quarter system award quarter credit. Saint Francis University operates on a semester system and awards semester credit. To convert credit hours from the quarter system to the semester system, multiply the number of quarter hours by 2/3 (or .67). For example, 3 quarter credit hours would be converted to 2 semester credit hours (3 x .67 = 2). Transfer Credit Appeal: For newly enrolled students, initial transferability decisions are made by the the Center for Academic Success. The Center for Academic Success facilitates the transfer credit process for returning enrolled students. Any questions about policy or individual transfer credit evaluations should be directed to the transfer evaluator. If a student wishes to challenge the Transfer of Credit policy or the application of the policy, then the appeal must be submitted in writing to the Center for Academic Success. The transfer evaluator will examine the appeal to determine if the policy was appropriately applied to yield the initial evaluation. When challenging a course equivalency, the student may be asked to provide a course syllabus which gives more detail than a catalog description. The appeal will be denied when it is determined that the policy was appropriately applied. An appropriate correction will be issued if the policy was misapplied. Appeals denied may be appealed to the Chief Academic Officer who will issue a final decision. Center for Academic Success: (814) 472-3024 Office of Academic Affairs: (814) 472-3004 Transfer of Saint Francis University Courses to Other Institutions: Saint Francis University cannot guarantee that its courses and credits will transfer to other institutions. The transfer of courses and credits is determined by the receiving institution.