Academic Information

The Alvernia University community is administered through the policies stated in this catalog. Attendance at Alvernia is a privilege and not a right. By registering, the student concedes to the university the right to require his/her withdrawal. Request for withdrawal can be made at any time it is deemed necessary to safeguard the ideals of character and scholarship and to secure compliance with regulations.

The university reserves the right to change its admission, registration, graduation, or financial requirements as necessary. Every effort is made to provide advance information regarding such changes.

Alvernia Honor Code

Alvernia University’s mission includes developing ethical leaders with moral courage.  To uphold that mission, members of the Alvernia community promise to act in ways that are honest and principled and bring honor to the university. 

Alvernia’s Honor Code:  As members of the Alvernia community, we commit to uphold the highest academic standards, based on honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. We promise to act with moral courage regarding our behavior and those we observe. 

Breaches of honesty include but are not limited to:

• copying another student’s work
• submitting work that you did not do yourself,
• plagiarizing any part of the published (online or in print) work of another,
• submitting a paper from another course in lieu of doing a new assignment,
• facilitating the dishonesty of another student,
• cheating on an examination
• Use of ChatGPT or other generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) without explicit permission from the instructor

Those who witness breaches of the Honor Code have an ethical responsibility to report such misconduct to the appropriate professor or supervisor. 

Unauthorized use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), or failure to disclose when or how AI has been used when authorization is given, is a violation of the Honor Code. Students may only use AI generative writing, artistic, or translating tools (such as but not limited to ChatGPT or Bard) when and as specified by the instructor. If and when such AI use is permitted, students must follow all guidelines established by the professor regarding acknowledging or referencing such use. Under the Honor Code, students must give proper credit whenever such AI is used. Use of AI to answer questions on exams is prohibited unless the question specifies that you are to use it. If unauthorized use of AI is suspected, the professor may implement reasonable supplemental or replacement measures to evaluate student knowledge or understanding of the topic, and the professor can use the results of such measures to re-evaluate the grade and to support reporting the student for an Honor Code violation.

Plagiarism

Procedures for reporting alleged plagiarism are closely adhered to, according to university policy and procedure. Plagiarism is the failure to cite a source, deliberately or accidentally presenting as your own work words or ideas of another (Harbrace Handbook). This includes but is not limited to:

1. Copying, paraphrasing, or summarizing from any published or unpublished source without citing.
2. Copying a paper, parts of a paper, or submitting any work that is not your own.
3. Submitting as one’s own, parts or a whole, another’s computer program, work of art, or musical composition.

Using words of others without quotation marks enclosing those words.

Student Academic Responsibility

Students are solely responsible for assuring that their academic program complies with the policies of the university. Advisors are provided to assist students in planning their academic program and they assist with course selection and registration. Advisors are not authorized to change the established policy of the university.

Registration

New Student Registration

New students entering Alvernia University in the fall semester complete their registration during the summer. New students entering Alvernia University in the spring semester register before classes begin in January.

Current Student Registration

Current students register online for upcoming semesters on Self-Service. Advance registration is held in the middle of the fall and spring semesters. If a student registers during advanced registration and then decides not to return to the university, it is the student’s responsibility to complete the withdrawal process prior to the beginning of classes.

Students are charged an additional fee for any credits over 18. Students may register for more than 18 credits with the approval of their advisor. Items considered for approval are the student’s academic progress, cumulative grade point average, and plan of study. Students are officially registered when tuition and charges for the semester have been paid or arrangements for payment have been made with the Student Accounts Office. Honors students should review the Honors Courses Overload Fee in the Student Financial Services  section of the catalog.

Courses are offered on a rotating schedule. The university reserves the right to revise course plans in response to changes in student interest, enrollment demand, and staff availability. The university also reserves the right to cancel any scheduled course for which there is insufficient enrollment.

Summer and Winter School Registration

Information regarding course offerings and tuition charges is available from the office of Graduate and Adult Education and on the Alvernia website.

Registration Changes

Each of the following constitutes a registration change:

• Adding or dropping a course or changing a course section
• Withdrawing after the add/drop period
• Auditing a course

Add/Drop Period

The deadline to add or drop courses or change a course section is at the end of the business day of the sixth day of classes, unless otherwise indicated by the academic calendar. The Course Add/Drop Form is available on myAlvernia.

Withdrawal After Add/Drop Period

Students may withdraw from courses up to to the last day for withdrawal, which is listed on the academic calendar. Discontinuing a course without a valid withdrawal will result in a grade of “F.” A student receiving financial aid must notify the Student Financial Services Office if they drop a course during the withdrawal period. Students who withdraw will receive a “W” for the course, which remains on the students’ official record. Students can find the Course Withdrawal Form on myAlvernia and on the Registrar’s Office Forms Web page.

Auditing a Course

A student wishing to audit a course must submit a written request to the Registrar’s Office. This request must include the signatures of the instructor involved and the student’s academic advisor. After the first week of classes no reimbursement is made when changing from credit to audit. The deadline for either request is the first week of instruction of the current semester. No credit or grade is earned for auditing a course.

Attendance Policy

Attendance and participation in class are integral parts of the educational process and are significant factors in academic achievement. Students are expected to attend all classes, take exams during scheduled times, and are responsible for all material covered in class. Instructors are expected to report students whose absences are excessive. At the discretion of the instructor, excessive absences or tardiness may result in a lowered grade or failure for the course. Individual instructors may identify more specific attendance requirements, which are clearly stated in the course syllabus. Other guidelines are found in the Undergraduate Student Handbook.

Change of Major

A student may change his/her major by obtaining written approval of the department chairperson or program director of the new major. Students can find the Change of Major-Minor Form on myAlvernia and on the Registrar’s Office Forms Web page. The department chairperson or program director assigns the student to an academic advisor. A twelve credit difference is required between all declared majors and minors. 

Grade Report

Early Warning Notices

In mid-semester, faculty members submit early warning notices to the Academic Success Center. Students who are doing less than “C” work are identified and specific information regarding their lack of progress is noted. Students, their advisors, and the Registrar’s Office are notified.

Semester Grade Reports

At the end of each semester, grade reports may be viewed through the student’s Self Service account. The student is responsible for identify grading errors within 21 days of posting. Any correction must be made by the instructor and filed with the Registrar’s Office. Please refer to the Undergraduate Student Handbook for the grade appeal process.

Grading Policy and Grade Point Average (GPA)

The university provides the following guidelines for grade assignments. Final grade assignments are at the discretion of the faculty member.

No Grade (NG)

If an instructor does not submit a grade for a student by the grade-reporting deadline and an Incomplete grade was not requested and approved, the symbol NG (no grade) appears on the student’s transcript until a grade is submitted.  

The NG is to be reconciled within five weeks following the grade reporting deadline. If a grade is not forthcoming by that deadline, the registrar’s office shall automatically change the NG to an F. An NG that is automatically converted to an F can later be corrected by the instructor. Students with NG on their transcripts will not be allowed to graduate. 

Incomplete Grade

A student may request an incomplete grade for a course by completing an Incomplete Grade Agreement with the course instructor. The Incomplete Grade Agreement is found on myAlvernia. An Incomplete will be assigned only if there are extenuating circumstances preventing the student from completing all course requirements. The completed form must be returned to the Registrar’s Office by the end of the course’s final exam period for the incomplete posted. 

The student must complete and submit the assignments listed on the form to the instructor within four weeks of the exam period for a semester course, and within three weeks of the final exam for a MOD course. Incomplete grades that have not been changed by the instructor at the end of this four-week or three-week period will automatically be changed to an “F.” In extreme circumstances, the instructor may file a request for an extension with the Registrar.

Grade Point Average

Letter grades are converted into a point system for calculating grade point averages:

The grade point average is obtained by dividing the total number of quality points achieved by the total number of credit hours attempted.

Repeat/Delete Option

The repeat/delete option may be used when students have a grade of less than “C” or have failed to meet the minimum grade required by a specific program (for example, Nursing students need a “C+” or better in each nursing course). When a course is repeated for credit, the earlier grade remains on the student’s permanent record and will appear on all transcripts. The higher grade is used in computing the cumulative GPA. The repeat/delete option may only be used in cases where both the original and repeated courses were earned in class at Alvernia; neither may be by correspondence or by study at another institution. Students may be required to use the repeat/delete option to fulfill specific requirements. Unless restricted by the student’s major, there is no limit to the number of times a student may repeat/delete a course. Students should consult with Student Financial Services to determine eligibility for the repeat/delete option.

Internal Transfer Option

A student transferring to a new major before earning 60 credits has the option of requesting that the Department Chair delete up to 15 credits from those earned in the old major. These credits may not include requirements from the general education core, the new major or graduation requirements. The Department Chair must submit his or her request for deletions to the Academic Standards Committee using the internal transfer form. If the student returns to the previous major, the Registrar reinstates the deleted courses, and all grades are computed in the GPA. No grade of “C” (2.0) or higher may be deleted. The internal transfer option may be exercised only one time during the student’s enrollment at Alvernia. The student’s transcript reflects all courses taken, even if not computed in the GPA. Students should contact the Registrar’s Office at RegistrarsOffice@alvernia.edu for more information on internal transfers.

Academic Grievance Policy

The Student Grievance Committee attends to grievances of an academic nature. The committee is composed of faculty members and two students. Students are selected by the Student Government Association. The chair is elected by the committee members. The committee is involved in a student grievance only if the proper procedures have been followed by the student. Those procedures can be found in the Undergraduate Student Handbook. The student must discuss the situation/grade with the instructor within 20 calendar days of occurrence/disagreement.

Academic Standing

Class level is determined by the number of credits a student has earned in the following manner:

The Academic Standards Committee reviews the academic records of each student at the end of each semester. The credits used in the following scale are determined by the Alvernia GPA credits plus transferred credits plus experiential and pass/fail credits. For students with Incompletes, the Academic Standards Committee reaches a decision based on available evidence.

Note: Students enrolled in associate, master or doctoral degree programs should see the Dean of Graduate and Adult Education for information regarding their academic progress requirements.

Student-Athletes

Students-Athletes must attempt and maintain a minimum of 12 credits each academic semester. If at any time a student-athlete withdraws and/or drops below the minimum 12 credits during the academic semester, they will be deemed academically ineligible for the remainder of the season.

Academic Notice

Students on Academic Notice are recommended to meet with their advisor and use the repeat/delete or internal transfer (restrictions apply, please see the description for Internal Transfer) options to raise their GPA. Students placed on Academic Notice at the end of the spring semester are encouraged to take courses at Alvernia during the summer sessions to improve their GPA.

Academic Dismissal

Students who are academically dismissed and are not readmitted within a year lose the right to complete their degree requirements under the catalog that was in effect when they first enrolled at Alvernia University. Students who are academically dismissed lose their right to live in campus housing; and they also lose their eligibility for financial aid. 

Students subject to academic dismissal will be sent a Dismissal Notification Letter via their Alvernia email and via a certified letter to their home address on file in the Registrar’s Office. The Dismissal Notification Letter advises students of their right to appeal the academic dismissal by petitioning the Academic Standards Committee in writing by the date specified in the Dismissal Notification letter. In the event of a denial of dismissal appeal, students who believe they can provide evidence of an unjust dismissal decision by the Academic Standards Committee may submit a final written appeal of their academic dismissal to the Provost Office within 10 business days of the date of the Academic Standards Committee appeal denial letter. Any written appeal to the Provost Office must include all the documentation reviewed by Academic Standards and an additional letter from the student that includes a detailed explanation of their reason for believing the Academic Standards Committee was unjust in their decision.

Following an academic dismissal entered onto a student transcript (regardless of whether a student appealed such dismissal unsuccessfully) and within one year of such dismissal, students demonstrating academic commitment and progress for at least one term (including summer or winter) may appeal to the Academic Standards Committee for reinstatement to degree candidacy. After one academic year’s absence for any reason, students must reapply to the university and may be reinstated by documenting their academic commitment.

Academic dismissals are noted on student transcripts as of the last day of the term from which students are dismissed. The notation will be entered after the due date for dismissal appeals. For students who appeal an academic dismissal, academic dismissal transcript notifications are stayed pending the completion of the appeals process.

Academic dismissal transcript notifications for students who are ultimately dismissed after an appeal will be entered with an effective date of the last day of the term from which the students are dismissed. Students who successfully appeal a dismissal will be placed on Academic Notice and such transcript notification will be effective as of the last day of the term in which Academic Notice was earned.

Dean’s List & Academic Honors

Dean’s List

Students who have a semester Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.50 or better (for a minimum of 12 credits taken for a letter grade) are placed on the Dean’s List. Courses receiving a grade of “Pass” are not included.

Academic Honors upon Graduation

Bachelor’s degree: Students may receive their bachelor’s degree with Honors. With Honors is defined as a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or above with a minimum of 40 Alvernia credits. As noted above, courses receiving a grade of “pass” are not included. The award of honors shall be as follows:

Associate degree: Students may receive their associate degree with Honors. With Honors is defined as a cumulative grade point average of or above with a minimum of 40 credits. As noted above, courses receiving a grade of “pass” are not included. The award of honors shall be as follows:

Note: For the Commencement Ceremony, the above GPAs will be calculated at the end of Mod 3 since Mod 4 and semester grades will not be available until after commencement. The final GPA will determine the Honors posted on the graduate’s diploma and transcript.

Honors Program

Students who completed all the following requirements may graduate from the Alvernia University Honors Program and the distinction is noted on their transcript:

Twelve credits in coursework, including:

• First Year Honors Seminar (3 credits)
• Three courses (9 credits) of Honors Colloquia
• Six Credits in Honors Thesis. Identify a scholarly problem or develop a creative work under supervision of advisor.
• Reach a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or higher

For full description of the Honors Program, see the Academic Opportunities section of this catalog.

Transcripts

Requests for transcripts are made through the National Student Clearinghouse: https://tsorder.studentclearinghouse.org/school/select

Current students, former students, and alumni who attended after 2003 may view and print their unofficial transcripts from their Self-Service account by clicking “Unofficial Transcript” under the “Grades” tab.

Withdrawal from the University

A student who voluntarily withdraws from the university must notify the appropriate individual, as identified below, of his/her intent to withdraw. Communication may be written or oral. If the communication is oral, the person providing the information must be able to verify his/her identity as the student or approved representative of the student by providing requested identifying information such as, but not limited to student ID, social security number, date of birth, email and/or mailing address. The university reserves the right to refuse accepting oral information if it is incomplete or cannot be verified and may require the request to be provided in writing. Students must complete the University Withdrawal Form available on myAlvernia.

Traditional undergraduate students should contact the Office of Student Financial Services; Adult undergraduate students should contact the School of Graduate and Adult Education. If a student notifies a faculty or staff member or department other than one of those listed above, the individual notified should make every effort to immediately notify the appropriate individual or department, as listed above, of the student’s notification and provide documentation if available and as appropriate.

The university reserves the right to require the withdrawal of any student whose scholarship is unsatisfactory or whose conduct renders them undesirable as a member of the university community.

Military Deployment

Alvernia University will make every effort to accommodate students who are in the armed forces. Students who are deployed to active duty while enrolled in classes should contact the VA Certifying Officials in the Student Financial Services Office to determine the best financial option. Their educational status will be held until their return to the university following deployment.

Students who are active in the military or are in the reserves will be allowed excused absences for mandatory military duties, including required trainings. However, students will still be held accountable for all course requirements as outlined in course syllabi. Such students should provide their professors with dates of expected absence as soon as possible so that they can arrange to make up any course readings and assignments missed.

Non-Academic Dismissal

Students may be dismissed from the university for non-academic reasons. Only the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Experience may dismiss a student from the university for non-academic reasons. See the Undergraduate Student Handbook for details on this policy.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

The university follows the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Under this act, education records of students are not released except by written consent and request of eligible students. Exceptions are made in accordance with the law to authorized persons within the university, to authorized agencies outside the university and local education agencies who have been determined to have legitimate educational interest and are specified in the updated January 3, 2012, Act. Eligible students may inspect their records by submitting a written request to the Registrar. For more information on the ability to waive FERPA rights, please contact the Registrar’s Office.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, is a federal law that states (a) that a written institutional policy must be established and (b) that a statement of adopted procedures covering the privacy rights of students must be made available. Alvernia University shall maintain the confidentiality of student education records in accordance with the provisions of the act and shall accord all the rights under the act to students who are or have been in attendance at Alvernia University.

The act provides students with the right to inspect and review information contained in their educational records, to challenge the contents of those records which students consider to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of their privacy or other rights, to have a hearing if the outcome of the challenge is unsatisfactory, and to submit explanatory statements for inclusion in their files if the decision of the hearing panel is unacceptable. The Registrar at Alvernia University has been assigned to coordinate the inspection and review procedures for student education records, which include admissions, personal, financial, academic, cooperative education, and placement records. A copy of the university’s complete FERPA policy may be obtained from the Registrar.

Student Right-to-Know & Campus Security Act

The university complies with the Student Right-to-Know, Campus Crime and Security, and Athletic Participation and Financial Support (EADA) reporting and disclosure regulations issued by the Department of Education effective as of November 1, 1999, to remain Title IV compliant (federal financial aid programs). These regulations permit the university to disclose completion/graduation and transfer-out rates of its students. Further information is available from the Registrar’s Office.

Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges

Alvernia University limits academic residency to no more than 25 percent of the degree requirements for all undergraduate degrees for active duty servicemembers. Academic residency can be completed at any time while active duty servicemembers are enrolled. Reservists and National Guardsmen on active duty are covered in the same manner. Programs that require clinical or field placement such as nursing, occupational therapy, education, etc., are subject to academic approval.

Academic Opportunities

Consortium Classes

Alvernia University is a member of the Higher Education Council of Berks County. The other members of this council are Albright College, Kutztown University, Penn State Berks, and Reading Area Community College. Full-time traditional day undergraduate students have the opportunity to cross-register for one course each regular semester at any one of the other consortium colleges and they are billed through Alvernia. Courses taken will be treated as transfer courses, and therefore the grade will not transfer, only the credit. Students must contact the Registrar’s Office (RegistrarsOffice@alvernia.edu) at Alvernia University to start the process. Alvernia billing policies apply.

Graduate Opportunities at Alvernia University

Visit the Graduate Catalog go view graduate opportunities at Alvernia University.

Graduate Partnerships with Other Institutions

LECOM Partnership

Alvernia University in partnership with LECOM offers an opportunity for students to enter LECOM’s School of Dental Medicine, the Pharmacy School, and the Medical College after completion of their degree at Alvernia. Specific guidelines and requirements are available from the Academic Success Center.

Honors Program

The purpose of the Honors Program at Alvernia University is to assist students of outstanding intellectual promise and high motivation to seek increased challenges at the undergraduate level. The program is designed to recognize and encourage academic excellence, to stimulate students to work at their own pace, and to facilitate the exchange of ideas and information among students and faculty with varied interests in different disciplines.

The Honors Program offers students the opportunity to challenge themselves through innovative and imaginative curricula. Students are encouraged to excel academically, to prepare for graduate and professional school, and to participate in leadership and service opportunities. The program provides co-curricular activities, service opportunities, and intellectual and social support, adding significant dimension to the student’s academic program.

Honor Students are:

• Students with SAT scores of 1300 or higher, a high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or enter the program upon entrance to the university.
• Students who achieve a GPA of 3.3 or higher in their coursework at Alvernia, or who transfer in having attained a 3.3 GPA at another institution, may petition the Honors Director for entrance to the program or may be invited to join following a faculty recommendation to the Director. For entrance, the student is required to meet with the Director, submit proof of his or her current GPA, and submit a statement of interest. Additional materials, such as transcripts or letters of recommendation, may be required.

Honors students must complete several requirements in order to graduate from the Honors Program and receive the distinction on the student’s transcript. See Honors Distinction in the Academic Information section of this catalog.

Independent Study/Directed Study

Independent study is available for students above first year undergraduate standing (30+ credits) with the approval of the chairperson of the department and the academic Dean in which the course is offered. The material in independent study courses may not duplicate any course regularly offered in the curriculum of the university. Students work as independently as possible under the direction of a faculty member and usually present their work at a departmental seminar.

• 375 Independent Study: Prerequisite: at least sophomore standing (30+ credits)
• 475 Independent Study: Prerequisite: senior standing (90+ credits)

Directed Studies are courses that are offered in the University Catalog, but the student is completing the course partially independently. A directed study requires 14 hours contact with the instructor and 28 hours independently per credit.

Internships/Practicums/Cooperatives

Practicum field experience is available to students reaching sophomore standing (30+ credits). Forty-two (42) hours of internship is equal to one credit. Students who want to participate in additional practice beyond those pre-determined by a program must obtain permission from the appropriate chairperson. The program of activities in a practicum is controlled by the university in cooperation with the agency involved. The activities include hours of participation, supervision and required assignments. Grades, withdrawals, and incomplete work in practice are governed by the regulations in effect at Alvernia for regular classroom courses. Contact Career Development and the Academic Success Center for more details.

Instructional Delivery Methods & Definitions

Alvernia University has adopted the traditional Carnegie Unit as a measure of the academic experience associated with a “credit hour.” The Registrar’s Office uses this policy to help schedule didactic and lab courses each semester. 

In most cases, credit hour equivalency for each course is determined according to the number of hours a class meets for the duration of a course regardless of course delivery time period.  For all course delivery time periods (semester, mod, summer, etc.)  a credit hour is equivalent to a minimum of one of the following:  

• 700 minutes of direct instruction (based on a 50-minute clock-hour) and 1800 minutes of out-of-class student work (based on a 60 minute clock-hour) (See PA Code definitions below); 
• 2700 minutes of internship or clinical experience, unless greater if required by a program’s accrediting body; or 
• a combination of the foregoing. 

Some courses may require additional minutes per credit received. These requirements are discipline specific and relate to requirements for national certification or internships. These occur in graduate nursing, engineering, other health care-focused programs, and others as designated by the Provost Office.  

Alvernia complies with the following laws and regulations from the U.S. Department of Education, Pennsylvania Department of Education, and Middle States Commission on Higher Education in defining credit hours Credit Hour.

Course Delivery Format

View Course and Program Delivery Format.

ZOOM - Web/video Conferencing - Synchronous Classroom

An instructor may set up a live web conferencing classroom that will be scheduled for a specific time & date. This type of synchronous/live activity may include audio, video, application sharing and content display. These activities may be accessed through a link provided on our LMS or through an Alvernia provided video conferencing application. Students should check with their instructor to determine whether the course will use this feature.

Turnitin

Turnitin is an Internet-based plagiarism-detection service, which checks submitted assignments for originality and provides detailed reports back to instructors and students. It also allows instructors to grade paper assignments online without the need to download them onto a computer. Students should check with their instructor to determine whether the course will use this feature.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Unauthorized use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), or failure to disclose when or how AI has been used when authorization is given, is a violation of the Honor Code. Students may only use AI generative writing, artistic, or translating tools (such as but not limited to ChatGPT or Bard) when and as specified by the instructor. If and when such AI use is permitted, students must follow all guidelines established by the professor regarding acknowledging or referencing such use. Under the Honor Code, students must give proper credit whenever such AI is used. Use of AI to answer questions on exams is prohibited unless the question specifies that you are to use it. If unauthorized use of AI is suspected, the professor may implement reasonable supplemental or replacement measures to evaluate student knowledge or understanding of the topic, and the professor can use the results of such measures to re-evaluate the grade and to support reporting the student for an Honor Code violation.

Respondus LockDown Browser

Respondus LockDown Browser locks a student’s computer down while taking an online quiz, test, or exam. The use of other applications, printing, copying, or browsing sessions are not permissible while taking online assessments. Respondus Monitor turns the students’ webcam and microphone on to monitor movements and sounds. The program provides reports to faculty to prevent cheating during online exams. This is only used for fully online courses.

Minimum Technology Requirements

View Current Technology Requirements

Online Consortium Policy

Alvernia University is a charter member of the Online Consortium of Independent Colleges and Universities (OCICU), which offers a wide variety of online courses from accredited educational institutions. A limited amount of Alvernia coursework may be completed through the online consortium. OCICU courses are a helpful alternative when a particular course requirement can’t be met through the normal course scheduling sequence and the student will not be able to graduate within that semester without use of an OCICU course. Classes through the consortium must have approval of the department chair or program director of the content area most closely allied to the course. The OCICU course offerings are published in advance of each semester. Students needing an OCICU offering must speak with an academic advisor for additional information and complete an OCICU Course Approval Form.

Special Topics Courses

In addition to the courses in this catalog, the class schedules may also include Special Topics courses. These special interest courses may be available in any discipline and at any level. Special topics courses are identified by the number “90,” such as BUS 390, COM 290 or HIS 190. Number of credits may vary. Descriptions of Special Topic courses are available online in Self Service “Find Course Sections.”

Academic Support Services

At Alvernia University, faculty members serve as student advisors. Support is also available for international students, students looking for a minor or considering a change of major, and Alvernia’s nontraditional/adult learners.

Academic Success Center (ASC)

The Academic Success Center provides student advising and support services. Located on the first floor of Bernardine Hall, its team includes professional, administrative and student staff with responsibilities for advising, academic support services, and disability services.

ASC Areas of Service

General Advising Support

Although every student is assigned a faculty advisor, additional advising support is available in the Academic Success Center (ASC). Students can meet with an advisor to get help with questions about advising and many university policies and procedures: course scheduling, adding or changing majors, preparing for advising appointments with academic advisors, and understanding how decisions about coursework impact the degree plan and financial aid.

First Year Student Advising

Each First Year Student is assigned to a SEARCH Seminar section, and the faculty/staff member who teaches that section serves as the student’s advisor for the first year. The SEARCH advisor is supported by the ASC who provide advising training and materials to First Year Advisors. First Year Students wishing to make changes to their first semester schedules must visit the ASC, as they do not yet have access to the registration features of self-service.

Advising for Students with Undeclared Majors

After the first year, each student is assigned a faculty advisor in the department that houses the student’s major. Students who have not declared majors or choose to change majors are offered additional support through the ASC to continue exploring their interests and developing their educational plan.

Academic Support Services

Academic support services listed below are offered in both face-to-face and online formats. Visit alvernia.mywconline.com to sign up for an appointment. Students can access a menu of academic support services, including but not limited to:

• Individual subject-specific
• Peer and professional writing support
• Professional tutoring for nursing students
• Group study sessions
• Supplemental Instruction for selected classes in Health Majors
• Academic Success Workshops
• Academic skills coaching in time management, note taking, test taking, academic anxiety, and more

Accessibility Services

The Accessibility Services Office coordinates the academic accommodations for students with disabilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Academic accommodations are decided on a case-by-case base in accordance with what is reasonable for the institution and the student.

ADA Accommodations

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendments Act (ADAAA), the university offers accommodations to students with documented learning, physical and/or psychological disabilities. Students are responsible to contact the Accessibility Office, to initiate the accommodation process so accommodations can be determined early in the semester. Academic accommodations are not retroactive. The student is responsible to provide each of their professors with their letters of academic accommodations at the start of each semester/mod. Students needing assistance should visit the Academic Success Center (ASC) in BH 105c or call 610-568-1499.

Library

The Dr. Frank A. Franco Library Learning Center provides resources and services to support students both on and off campus. The Library space is available 24/7. The Library is accessible with your campus ID card outside of regular Library service hours. The Library’s virtual collection is also available 24/7 at http://www.alvernia.edu/library. In addition to a large print collection, the library offers access to over 100,000 electronic academic journals and over 240,000 eBooks. Virtual access off campus is available to all enrolled students.

Students may check out books and AV materials with their university ID cards and will find class reserve material for reading or viewing at the Circulation Desk. Copy machines, printers, and a public FAX are also available in the building. For materials not available in print or electronically, students may request an Interlibrary Loan free of charge. Forms can be found on the website as well as in the Library.

Wireless throughout, the Franco Library Learning Center is a welcoming environment for quiet study or group collaboration. Laptops are available for checkout, and students may use them anywhere in the building. Group study rooms are also available and may be reserved for two-hour time periods. Rooms are equipped with a variety of technology.

Library Building Hours: The Library is accessible 24/7

Library Service Hours: Visit http://www.alvernia.edu/library for regular service hours and any changes to hours. Librarians are also available outside of regular service hours upon request.

Registrar’s Office

The Registrar’s Office, located in Bernardine Hall, plans the master course schedule, handles course registration and scheduling of all day students, maintains academic records, issues transcripts, and confirms eligibility to receive degrees. Registrar’s Office forms are available on myAlvernia, and additional information is available on the Registrar’s Office web pages. The following services are available from the Registrar’s Office:

• Questions regarding academic records
• Letters of enrollment verification
• Schedule changes (add/drop)
• Directed or independent study requests
• Academic overload
• Change of address
• Change of major
• Graduation application

Information Technology

The Information Technology Department at Alvernia University manages and supports university systems including email and network accounts, the myAlvernia portal, multi-media and classroom technology, and other campus systems.

Visit www.alvernia.edu/it/ for service hours and contact information.

Information Technology consists of the following support areas:

Application Management and Support

Application Management and Support is responsible for supporting myAlvernia, Self-Service, and campus administrative system.

Educational Technology

Educational Technology is located in Bernardine Hall Room 023 [Media Suite] and is responsible for the support and training for Canvas, classroom applications, classroom technology, and distance learning course development and instruction. Media Suite services include video and audio production, editing resources and poster/presentation printing.

Infrastructure Management and Support

The Infrastructure Management and Support office is responsible for supporting wired/wireless connectivity, Office365 email, network logons, hardware support for university owned computers, and printing.

Note that computer labs for student use are available in Bernardine Hall, the Library, Veronica Hall, Campus Commons, and the Philadelphia and Pottsville Community Campuses. Wireless access is available in all University buildings on all campuses.

Applying for Graduation

Graduation Application is available online in myAlvernia on the ‘Academics’ tab. Seniors must submit the Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office as follows: October 1 for May Graduation; December 1 for August graduation; and March 1 for December graduation. The advisor or department chair must sign the form and attach a copy of the completed major sheet. A graduation fee will be charged when the application is processed. All students are encouraged to participate in Commencement, which is held in May.

Click to review the Graduation Policy.

Community Service Requirement

Community Service Requirement

Alvernia students must complete community service hours as part of the General Education Program. Associate degree-seeking students must complete 20 hours and baccalaureate degree-seeking students must complete 40 hours. Transfer students’ community service hours are based on the number of credits accepted upon matriculation. See the below chart. Community service hours must be fulfilled while a degree seeking student is enrolled at Alvernia University; they cannot be transferred in from a previous institution. Transfer students should consult with the Registrar or their faculty advisor for a specific number of hours to meet the requirement. Students are strongly encouraged to complete their requirements before the end of their sophomore year, and then to exceed them.

Community service has its roots deeply embedded in the foundation of Alvernia University and is central to the mission of our Catholic, Franciscan institution. Service provides students the opportunity to use their gifts and talents to help those in need through supporting an organization’s mission. Additionally, we aspire to encourage community service as an integral part of a students’ learning experiences, contributing to their intellectual, social, and spiritual growth and development. Through intentional service while at Alvernia University the Holleran Center strives to provide a framework for students to develop a commitment that supports causes locally, regionally, and even globally throughout their lives.

Community Service Requirements for Transfer Students

Service Opportunities

Students can select a combination of opportunities and activities to achieve the total number of hours 
required from:

1. An approved list of community partners;
2. Pre-approved organizations in the local community or in a student’s home community;
3. Credit-bearing service-learning courses offered by Alvernia University (successful completion of each course and its service-learning component achieves 15 community service hours);
   1. Service-learning courses are identified in the course’s description, and “SL” is typically added to the course section.
4. Service trips and service retreats sponsored by Alvernia University or pre-approved through other institutions;
5. Alvernia University sponsored events that serve the greater Berks community (published by the Holleran Center);
6. Organizations/organized events not on the approved list but proposed by students, clubs, athletic groups, and/or faculty, and are pre-approved by the Holleran Center on an individual case basis.

Performing direct service to people who are most vulnerable or in need is consistent with Alvernia’s Franciscan mission. Our commitment to service and providing valuable assistance to our local and global community is part of what makes Alvernia distinct among liberal arts colleges and universities. Our mission of creating engaged moral citizens begins with who and where we serve as well as how we reflect on these experiences. We further uphold our dedication to the Franciscan mission and cultivation of servant-leaders by observing the following:

1. Service hours are strongly encouraged to directly benefit an outside group of person(s) or a mission-centered organization in accordance with our service roots as we actively serve our community, environment, and the mutual transformation of all involved;
2. Service hours performed with an on-campus entity (defined as a department, club, or athletic group) should follow the same service principles and have a significant contribution and impact on others. While service to Alvernia’s community is deeply appreciated, hours will be approved on a case-to-case basis and no more than ½ of a student’s community service requirement may be performed on-campus. Students must complete the Community Service Pre-Approval Form prior to serving with an on-campus entity;
3. Community service that is not performed with an approved Community Partner, is not on the Weekly Service Opportunities List, or is performed on-campus must be pre-approved by the Holleran Center for Community Engagement. The official list of Community Partners can be found on the Get Connected volunteer platform and is also available by request;
4. Service submissions are not valid unless they have the name and contact information of a supervisor. Students cannot list themselves as supervisors. Students may also not perform their community service under direct supervision of a relative or close family friend unless approved through the Holleran Center;
5. Pre-approval of community service and questions may be directed to the Holleran Center for Community Engagement at 610-790-1925 or holleran.center@alvernia.edu;
6. Students must submit digital community service forms and a critical reflection via the Get Connected volunteer platform prior to the end of the semester in which the hours were completed. Hours completed in the Fall Semester must be turned in by January 15th, Winterim hours by February 15th, hours for the Spring Semester by May 15th and hours for the Summer by September 15th. Forms from previous semesters will not be accepted. Students can also request a physical community service form by emailing Holleran.center@alvernia.edu.
   1. Registrar’s Office note:Per Alvernia’s graduation policy, any student applying for graduation must complete all requirements, including community service, “Incomplete” and “In Progress” grades, within 14 calendar days after the graduation date. If all requirements are not completed within this 14-calendar day period, the student must submit a new graduation application once the degree requirements have been met.  

As with all curricular graduation requirements, the student may petition the Academic Standards Committee for a final determination in any dispute about service hours.

If you have any questions, please visit the Holleran Center for Community & Global Engagement located in Suite 102, Bernardine Hall.

Background Check Policy for Academic Programs and Service Learning

The policy of Alvernia University’s academic programs is to fully comply with Pennsylvania Laws related to criminal record and child abuse history clearances prior to entering any field/clinical educational setting that involves direct contact with children or older adults (defined as a person who is 60 years of age or older) and is associated with academic programs and/or service learning. 

Depending on the academic program, a repeated background check may be required prior to entering senior-level coursework.

The student must understand and agree that Alvernia University may disclose the results of the background checks to the clinical/field facility where the student has sought to be placed. Certain types of clinical/field facilities have the right and/or responsibility to preclude students from the facility who 
have a history of criminal activity or child abuse.

Additionally, applicants to the education and pre-license health programs (nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and social work) must understand that in order to meet program outcomes, they are obliged to directly work with children (education and nursing) and/or older adults (nursing, 
occupational therapy, physical therapy and social work). There are no alternatives to meet program outcomes. Such applicants/students with convictions/charges documented on the criminal or child abuse reports will be denied acceptance into courses with associated clinical/field practice and 
therefore cannot complete the applicable program of study. Such applicants/students will be advised of other academic study options at Alvernia University.

Many professions require further licensing or certification beyond a college degree and applicants may be denied employment in certain occupations for misdemeanors and felony convictions, including alcohol related offenses. Refer to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for a complete listing of 
criminal violations related to licensure www.lcb.state.pa.us/edu/.

Academic programs will include written statements regarding background checks in their marketing and catalog documents. Students will be advised of the background check policy during the admission process prior to service learning (if required by the facility).

Specific laws affecting background checks and checking mechanisms.