Academic Policies

Academic Policies and Definitions

Academic Integrity

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, fabrication and submission of work, all or any part of which was developed in response to the assignment of another professor or was created by a person other than the student submitting the assignment, or working collaboratively with another student but claiming an individual effort. More specifically, plagiarism is presenting words or ideas from another person or source as if they are your own. This includes neglecting to put quotation marks around direct quotes or failing to cite an idea or defining term or phraseology as coming from another person or source. This includes paraphrasing the words of another person or source without giving appropriate credit to them. Simply put, plagiarism is stealing the ideas or words of someone and presenting them as your own.

The Academy (the broad university community) views academic dishonesty as a serious academic offense and a failure of character and personal integrity. Due to the academic nature of the offense, Faculty, Academic Deans, and the Provost are responsible for determining an appropriate response within the following guidelines.

The faculty member is responsible for determining that a student has committed academic dishonesty.

For every instance of academic dishonesty, the student must receive a zero grade for the assignment and may receive additional penalties as outlined in the particular course syllabus.

For a second offense of academic dishonesty while enrolled at PBA, the student will incur additional sanctions:

1. An administrative hold will be placed on the student’s record to prevent registering for future classes.
2. The student will be notified through certified mail (with a copy by PBA email) that a second incident of academic dishonesty has been reported.
3. The student will be required to meet with the Dean (or designee) of the school housing the course where the second offense has occurred.
4. The student must sign the Zero-Tolerance Letter of Agreement. This letter states that any further incidents of academic dishonesty will result in automatic suspension from PBA.
5. The student must successfully complete the PBA online Plagiarism Remediation Workshop.
6. Upon meeting with the dean, signing the Zero-Tolerance letter, and successfully completing the Plagiarism Remediation Workshop, PBA will release the Administrative hold and the student will be able to register for classes.

For a third offense of academic dishonesty while enrolled at PBA, the student will be suspended from PBA for one year.

1. The exact dates of the suspension are established by the Registrar.
2. The student will be able to apply for readmission to PBA, if he/she provides the evidence of remediation required by the Registrar in collaboration with the Dean of Students and the Superintending Dean.
3. Readmission to the university or to the previous major is not automatic and is up to the discretion of the Registrar and the Dean of the major to which the student is applying.
4. Re-admitted students are automatically placed on zero-tolerance for academic dishonesty and any further incidents will be cause for another suspension or expulsion from PBA.

Students who wish to appeal the third offense of academic dishonesty may file an academic complaint, and the matter will be treated within the established Academic Grievance Policy (see below). Any suspension remains in place until the grievance process is completed, even if this results in a missed semester of study. Students are responsible for any academic or financial repercussions.

*For non-academic violations refer to the Navigator at http://www.pba.edu/studentlife/accountability/index.cfm

Academic Honors— Pharmacy

At the completion of each semester, students who have excelled in their academic coursework are selected for the School of Pharmacy Dean’s List. This honor represents a distinct accomplishment and recognizes student’s initiative and perseverance in achieving academic excellence. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must be enrolled full-time in good standing and achieve a GPA of at least 3.5 in all Doctor of Pharmacy coursework (excluding electives outside the PBA School of Pharmacy) with no grades below “B” during that semester.

Students earning a grade point average in the professional program of 3.6 to 3.74 are graduated cum laude; those earning a grade point average of 3.75 to 3.85 are graduated magna cum laude; and those with a grade point average of 3.86 or above are graduated summa cum laude. The requisite GPAs apply to the cumulative PBA grade point average. Also, the student must have earned a minimum of 60 GPA credit hours at PBA.

Advising

A faculty advisor is assigned to each student to assist in planning his or her academic program and to offer personal guidance. The Office of the Registrar coordinates the assignment of academic advisors.

Auditing Courses

Graduate and professional classes may not be audited. A student desiring to enroll in a graduate class without being admitted to a graduate program must apply for admission as a non-degree-seeking student. See “Special Graduate Admission - Non-Degree- Seeking Status ” under Admissions .

Cancellation of Courses

The university reserves the right to cancel, postpone, limit registration, split, or combine classes and to change instructors and/or locations of classes due to insufficient registration or other valid administrative reasons. Register early to minimize the chances of your course being canceled. Most classes have enrollment limits to facilitate learning.

If your class is canceled, it is your responsibility to immediately contact either your faculty advisor or the department offering the course to select an alternate course. If a course is canceled by the university, your registration in that course will automatically be canceled, and the change will be reflected on your semester schedule in myPBA. The Office of the Registrar will contact you via PBA e-mail if you are registered in a course that is canceled.

Confidentiality of Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. Annually, Palm Beach Atlantic University informs students of these rights. These rights are as follows:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the university receives a request for access. A student should submit to the Provost, Registrar, Dean of the appropriate school, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) he/she wishes to inspect. The university official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the university official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records, which the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. A student may ask the university to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. He or she should write to the university official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the university decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the university will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the university in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the university has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities. Upon request, the university discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC, 20202-4605.

Credit Hour Definition

A credit hour is time represented in intended learning outcomes or achievement of competencies and verified by evidence of student achievement, for various modes of instruction offered at Palm Beach Atlantic University, in accordance with the following guidelines.

1. For traditionally delivered courses, not less than one (1) hour (defined as 50 minutes of contact time) of classroom or direct faculty instruction each week for fifteen (15) weeks per Fall or Spring semester, and a minimum of two (2) hours of additional work out-of-class for each credit hour. Comparable time and effort is required for Summer semesters which might be offered over a shortened time frame.
2. At least a comparable amount of work outlined in item 1 above for other academic activities, including, but not limited to, laboratory courses, internships, clerkships, clinical practica, field experience, studio experience, and other academic work leading to award of credit.
3. The credit for courses in professional degree programs will be determined in accordance with the appropriate accrediting agency. For example, the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy determines successful accomplishment of program objectives in accordance with the accreditation standards of Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
4. Online, blended, shortened, intensive format courses and other non-traditional modes of delivery will demonstrate comparable time and effort utilizing the guidelines from item 1 above or achievement of learning competencies and outcomes.
5. In determining the amount of coursework to achieve learning competencies and outcomes, the university will take into account and considering alternative delivery methods, measurements of student work, academic calendars, disciplines, and degree levels.

Degree Plan

A degree plan will be developed for each student in consultation with an advisor. The degree plan will assist students in determining which classes to enroll in and in what order. Failure to follow the degree plan may result in a delay in graduation.

Directed Study

Under exceptional circumstances, a graduate student working individually with a faculty member may complete a course by Directed Study. A Directed or Independent Study is provided to augment or enrich a student’s learning experience by pursuing learning in a closely-supervised program. It is not designed to be the solution for schedule conflicts. A Directed Study fee of $250 per credit hour will be charged to the student over and above regular tuition, both on and off campus. Requests for fee exemptions require additional documentation as directed by the Office of the Provost.

Consideration of requests for Directed Study originates with the student and must be approved by the faculty member involved, the Dean(s) of the School(s), and the Provost of the university. Successful petitions must include a copy of the syllabus, which details the regular meetings of the student with the faculty member (a minimum of three hours weekly for a 3-hour course), a significant writing component, and evidence that the course substantially provides the same learning experience as the traditional offering.

Disclosure of Directory Information

At its discretion, the university may provide Directory Information in accordance with the provisions of the Act to include: student name, address, electronic mail address, photograph, grade level, enrollment status, telephone number, date and place of birth, major/minor fields of study, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and weight and height of members of athletic teams. 

A student may withhold Directory Information by notifying the Office of the Registrar in writing within one week after the published beginning date for a given semester. Request for nondisclosure will be honored by the institution for only one academic year; therefore, authorization to withhold Directory Information must be filed annually. Palm Beach Atlantic University assumes that failure on the part of any student to specifically request the withholding of categories of Directory Information indicates individual approval for disclosure. Please consider very carefully the consequences of any decision by you to withhold any category of Directory Information. Should you decide to inform the institution not to release any or all of this information, any future requests for such information from non-institutional persons or organizations will be refused, except as provided for in the Act. The institution will honor your request to withhold this information but cannot assume responsibility to contact you for subsequent permission to release such information. Regardless of the effect upon you, the institution assumes no liability for honoring your instructions that such information be withheld.

Enrollment Status

Unless otherwise specified below, a graduate student enrolled for 6 or more hours in a semester will be considered a full-time student. A student enrolled for 3 to 5 credit hours in a semester will be considered a part-time student. A student enrolled in fewer than 3 credit hours in a semester will be considered below half-time.

A pharmacy student enrolled in 12 or more credit hours will be considered a full-time student.

Beginning with the 2016-2017 academic year, the Counseling Program considers full-time enrollment as 9 or more credit hours. Half-time is 6 hours, and less than half-time is 3 credit hours.

Enrollment Verification

Enrollment is recorded in each class. A student who fails to attend both the first and second week of the course will be dropped from the class(es) by the Office of the Registrar for non-attendance in subterm A and withdrawn from the class(es) in subterm B.

Good Standing (Academic)

A master’s student is in academic good standing only if his or her PBA cumulative grade point average (PBA GPA) is a 3.0 or higher (see Standards of Academic Progress.) A Master of Divinity student is in good academic standing with a cumulative 2.5 GPA. For Pharmacy-Full Progression, see above.

Independent Project

An independent project is designed for those students who desire to pursue graduate study or research in an area not presently covered by courses in the graduate program. Such a project may vary in the amount of credit awarded, from 1-6 credit hours. The student designs the independent project after thorough consultation with the professor who will supervise the study.

Before registering for an independent project, the student must submit a written proposal for approval by the supervising professor, the advisor, the Program Director, the Dean, and the Provost. An independent project cannot be used to replace a required course in the graduate program of studies. A maximum of 6 semester hours of credit can be used toward graduating in a degree program. Successful petitions must include two copies of a syllabus/learning contract, which details a significant research and writing component and other evidence that the course provides essentially the same learning experience as traditional course offerings. The course number 5811-5816 designates an independent project within the discipline. Forms for an independent project may be obtained in the Office of the Registrar.

The student and his or her advisor should determine if an independent study is useful in the chosen graduate program. Only those with an elective option would support this course.

International Student Internship Authorization

International students in the School of Pharmacy seeking to fulfill internship requirements for their program of study may do so, provided they qualify and adhere to the requirements issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service under the statutes of Form I-20 A-B. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure he or she meets these requirements. This form must be signed by the PDSO (Primary Designated School Official) appointed by the university.

Student Identification Card (ID)

All students are required to have a validated student identification card prior to attending classes each semester. Identification cards may be obtained from and validated by the PBA One Card office. Orlando Campus students will receive ID cards from the Orlando Campus office.

Evaluation and Grading Policies

Calculating the Grade Point Average (GPA)

A student’s grade point average may be calculated by:

1. Multiplying the credit hours attempted* by the quality points earned for each course according to the letter grade assigned;
2. Totaling all quality points earned; and
3. Dividing the quality points by the number of credit hours attempted.

* F grades are factored into earned credit hours, though zero (0) quality points are earned. W (withdrawal) and I (incomplete) grades are not factored into earned credit hours.

Quality Points

*Quality Points are earned for each credit hour.

Grade Forgiveness - Master’s Level

Grade Forgiveness permits graduate students to repeat a course and have the repeated grade and hours earned computed in his/her GPA in place of the original grade and hours earned. A graduate student who makes an unacceptable grade according to the program’s grading scale may be allowed one retake of one course for Grade Forgiveness during the program of study.

Grade Reports

Within one week after the end of the academic semester, grades are available on myPBA for each student who has been enrolled that semester. At any time, a hard copy of the grade report can be produced by the Office of the Registrar at the student’s request. Requests should be made in writing or in person at the Office of the Registrar. To have grades mailed or delivered to any third party, a student should request a transcript (see Transcripts).

Grading Policy

Each faculty member has the responsibility and authority to establish his or her own grading policy and to provide it, in print, with the course syllabus.

Grading and Progression - Master’s Level

Grading policies and procedures vary among the graduate programs. Confirm grading policies within a specific program by reviewing the appropriate program of study.

Grading and Progression-Pharmacy

Full Progression: In order for a student to obtain full progression, the student must successfully complete all courses attempted. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of greater than or equal to 2.00.

Grade Averaging: A pharmacy student who earns a grade of “C” (“C+” or “C”) or above, in a course, will not be permitted to repeat the course to raise his or her grade. However, a student who earns a grade of “F” will be permitted to repeat the course once. The repetition of any course must be accomplished by taking the same course at PBA. A student may not repeat a course after he or she has graduated. Both the first grade and the second grade earned in the same course will be included in the calculation of the students overall GPA.

Transcripts

The official academic record for each student is maintained in the Office of the Registrar. A student has access to the record during normal office hours. A student may receive copies of the transcript for personal use or may request the transcript be mailed. Such requests must be made online through the National Student Clearinghouse or in person at Sailfish Services. A transcript (official or unofficial) will not be released if the student’s account with the university is delinquent.

Incomplete Grade

Incomplete grades are given when, in the opinion of the instructor, a student is prevented by circumstances beyond his or her control from completing course requirements by the end of the term. Course requirements remaining to be completed must be made up by the date specified by the professor on the Incomplete Form and normally should not extend beyond the end of the following semester. Incomplete Forms may be obtained on myPBA, in Sailfish Services, or in the Office of the Registrar.

Grievance Policy (Academic Complaint)*

An academic complaint refers to the grievance a student may have concerning faculty evaluation of his or her academic performance represented in the final grade for a course, or a professor’s assessment of academic dishonesty.

The following procedure should be followed in filing a grievance:

1. Final Grades: Issues concerning individual assignments, examinations, and other graded work during the course may only be appealed to the professor; a student may not use this policy for appeal until a final grade has been assigned for the course. To appeal a final grade, the student must take the matter to the faculty member, in writing, and within the first ten working days of the next regular semester (fall, spring or summer) or subterm following the completion of the course. (If the faculty member is no longer employed by the university or is unavailable, the student should go directly to the Dean of the School in which the professor taught.)
   • Academic Dishonesty: To appeal an academic dishonesty judgment, the student must take the matter to the faculty member, in writing, within five working days of being notified of the judgment.
2. The Faculty Member will respond to the student, in writing, within ten working days of the student notification of grievance.
3. The student may appeal the case to the Dean, by completing the appeal application and submitting it to the Dean, only after conversation with the professor in resolving the complaint proves to be unsatisfactory to the student. This appeal to the Dean must be done within ten working days of the response from the faculty member. The written justification for appeal must identify the issues, with all substantiating documents attached. If needed, the Dean may arrange a conference with the student and the faculty member together or separately. (Neither the student nor the faculty member will be allowed representation at the conference.) The Dean will keep a written record of the proceedings and will denote his or her decision on the application for appeal and return it to the student within ten working days. 
4. If the original appeal involves the Dean as the professor of record, the Provost will appoint another dean to review the appeal.
5. If, after the Dean has made the decision on the appeal, the student is not satisfied with the outcome, he or she may appeal to the Council of Deans through the Office of the Provost. The only justifications for appeal to the Council of Deans are 1) a procedural violation; or 2) proof of unfairness by the Dean in the decision on the original appeal to the professor. Simple disagreement with the decision is not sufficient grounds for appeal. This application for appeal must be submitted within ten working days of the response from the Dean and must be submitted to the Office of the Provost.
6. This appeal will be reviewed by the Appeals Committee of the Council of the Deans (which consists of three people who are appointed from the members of the Council of Deans for a one year term by the Provost) to determine the merit of the case. If the Appeals Committee determines that the case is non-viable, the decision is final and there is no further appeal. If the committee determines there is compelling evidence to proceed with the case, such appeal will be heard at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Council of Deans which falls in the following calendar month. The Executive Assistant to the Provost will provide the student with the date of the Council of Deans meeting.
7. The Council must be supplied with the completed application for appeal, a written summary of the complaint, and all substantiating documents relating to the case, including the original appeal to the Dean. The only evidence admissible is that which has previously been presented to the Dean, with the exception of evidence related to procedural violation or unfairness by the Dean. The Dean to whom the complaint was submitted also will provide a summary account of his or her conclusions and recommendations at least ten working days prior to the scheduled appeal, along with any substantiating documents. The Executive Assistant to the Provost is responsible for gathering these materials and for making them available to all parties for review prior to the meeting. 
8. Both the student and the faculty member will be afforded the opportunity to present their cases to the Council. Communication to the Council during its deliberations is the responsibility of each party in the complaint. The presence of the student and of the faculty member is only for fact-finding. Deliberations based upon these presentations and the written records of the case are kept strictly confidential and are open only to Council members.
9. The Provost and any member of the Council who is a party to the complaint or who feels that past experience or relationship with individuals involved prejudices an objective review of the case are excluded from the final decision.
10. As chair of the Council, the Provost will communicate the Council’s findings in writing to the student and faculty member within ten working days of deliberations.
11. The Office of the Provost is responsible for enforcing the decision of the Council of Deans. The conclusions and recommendations of the Council are final and binding upon the parties to the complaint. No further appeal may ensue.

*NOTE: Students seeking information regarding a non-academic complaint should review the Grievance Policy (Non-Academic Complaint)  in the Student Life section.

Leave of Absence

The university understands some students may need to leave school for some period of time. The policies and procedures below describe the circumstances under which a student may leave and return to the university.

1. Eligibility and Procedure: A student who has completed at least one semester of study at PBA may petition the Registrar for a leave of absence. The petition must be in writing, must be signed by the student, and must set forth the circumstances of the request and the length of the requested leave. Students are not eligible for a leave of absence during their first semester at PBA. Unless a student is called to active military service, a request for a leave of absence typically will not be considered during the last week of classes or during the examination period.
2. Circumstances for Leave: The petition for leave of absence may be granted, granted with conditions, or denied. Approval will be granted only in circumstances of extraordinary hardship, including, but not limited to, sustained illness of the student or a person in the student’s immediate family and for whom the student will serve as caregiver, call to military service, or selection for extended jury duty. 
3. Time of Leave: To be eligible for a leave of absence, the student must intend return to the university within the stated period, which typically should not exceed 180 days during any 12-month period. If the requested leave exceeds 180 days during any 12-month period, the Registrar will forward the petition to the Council of Deans. If the student does not return within the approved period, he or she will be considered as withdrawn and risks having to reapply for admission as a new student. In addition, if a student has been granted one leave of absence, any subsequent leave must be approved by the Council of Deans. Unless granted an exception by the Council of Deans, a full-time or part-time student must complete all degree requirements within eight calendar years, counting all periods of leave or withdrawal. 
4. Approval: If the petition is granted, the Registrar will respond in writing and will set forth the period of the approved leave and any conditions associated with the leave. In the Registrar’s absence, the Provost may grant the leave. A copy of this approval letter will be placed in the student’s file in the Office of the Registrar. 
5. Matriculation at Another School: If the petition is granted, the student may not enroll as a degree candidate at another institution. If a student enrolls as a degree candidate at another school, the leave of absence will be converted to a withdrawal. A student may enroll as a non-degree seeking student only with the permission of the Registrar. Coursework at another institution will be considered Transient Study and will be limited to 9 credit hours.
6. Returning to School: At least four weeks before the end of the granted leave, or when otherwise requested, the student must submit a letter to the Registrar indicating his or her intent to return to school. If the student fails to submit a letter or goes beyond the time of the granted leave, the student will not be able to return automatically. Instead, the student must petition the Admissions Review Board and request to be readmitted. The Registrar or Admissions Review Board may require documents, such as a doctor’s note, that reflect that the student has met stated conditions of the leave and/or is ready and able to return to school.
7. No Residency: The period of the leave of absence may not be counted as part of the time needed for residency or for other degree requirements.
8. Tuition and Financial Responsibility: Normal rules regarding the refunding of tuition typically will apply if the student is granted a mid-semester leave of absence. In addition, students should understand that funds that might be returned to a lender are still due and owing to the university. However, the university will refund tuition for students called to active military service. 
9. Financial Aid: Please contact a Financial Aid counselor to determine how a leave of absence and/or failure to return after a leave may impact your financial aid package and repayment obligations.
10. Transcript: A student who is granted a leave of absence after the add/drop period in a semester in which the student is enrolled will receive “W” grades on his or her transcript. The transcript also will contain the notation “Leave of Absence.”

Non-Traditional & Other Credit

Transfer Credit

Applicants may transfer up to 9 credit hours of graduate-level coursework from a regionally-accredited institution. Since the Counselor Education program requires 51 to 60 semester hours, students may, in exceptional circumstances, transfer up to 15 hours of graduate-level work. Transfer hours may be applied toward one of the PBA’s master’s programs provided the following conditions are met:

1. A minimum grade of “B” has been earned on courses considered for transfer, and an official transcript is received.
2. The courses are substantially equivalent in scope and sequence to courses designated as eligible in the ELC program at Palm Beach Atlantic University, as determined by the Graduate Admissions Committee of that program.
3. Request for transfer of credit has been made before or during the first semester of enrollment at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
4. The courses were not previously applied towards the conferral of a degree.

Since the Master of Divinity requires 72 hours, students may transfer up to 12 approved hours to satisfy elective requirements. In addition, students may transfer up to 4 approved hours of graduate-level Greek or Hebrew to count toward the M.Div. language requirements. Credit hours used toward the completion of another degree may not be transferred into the M.Div. program. No student may apply more than a total of 16 hours of transfer or transient credit toward the M.Div. degree.

Transient Credit: Graduate Programs

After being admitted to Palm Beach Atlantic University, graduate students are permitted to take a maximum of 9 semester hours at other institutions. If a student has been granted transfer credit from another institution prior to initiating graduate studies at PBA, the total number of transient hours combined with transfer hours may not exceed 9 credit hours. Permission for transient credit is NOT automatic and must be approved by the student’s advisor, program director, school Dean, and the Registrar. Each graduate program reserves the right to require that certain classes be taken only at PBA. Courses approved for transient credit may be only those courses required for graduation in the ensuing semester and are not offered at PBA during that semester, or courses that are in conflict with other required courses during that semester. A course taken at PBA may not be retaken at another institution. Grades earned through transient study at another institution do not count toward the PBA cumulative GPA. Transient course approval requires the completion of an Application for Transient Study, which can be obtained in the Office of the Registrar.

Since the Master of Divinity is designed to accommodate students wishing to seek denominational or vocational licensing that requires specialized course work, M.Div. students may count up to 12 approved transfer or transient hours to satisfy elective requirements. Credit hours used toward the completion of another degree may not be transferred into the M.Div. program. No student may apply more than a total of 16 hours of transfer or transient credit toward the M.Div. degree.

Transient and Transfer General Policy Graduate Programs

All transfer or transient credit must be from a regionally-accredited institution. These courses may be offered in traditional or nontraditional formats, such as video, audio, satellite, computer or print formats, or combinations thereof. Transfer credit is not permissible for graduate-level coursework previously applied towards the conferral of a degree. The Admissions Committee (for transfer credit), the academic advisor, program director, school Dean, and the Registrar shall determine whether courses are equivalent in scope and sequence to those offered at PBA.

Readmission to the University

A student* who wishes to return to PBA must file an Application for Readmission with the Office of the Registrar in the following cases:

1. After withdrawal from all courses in a semester;
2. After non-enrollment for one semester;
3. After suspension or dismissal.

If the student has attended any post-secondary institutions since his or her last enrollment at PBA, official transcripts must accompany the Application for Readmission. All college or university transcripts must be received and evaluated by the university before a student will be considered for a financial aid award. The student receives written notification of their readmission decision. A student who has a delinquent financial account with the university will not be approved for readmission until the Business Office has cleared the account. Furthermore, an approved readmission request does not automatically reinstate financial aid. A student must re-apply for aid and confer with a financial aid counselor regarding his or her status.

Students who withdraw from the university for only one Fall or Spring semester may, upon their return, continue under the catalog in effect at the time of their original matriculation. After an absence of at least two semesters, a student must return under the catalog in effect at the time of his or her readmission.

Students who have incomplete records at the beginning of the semester may be admitted on a provisional basis pending receipt of all readmission credentials. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have these documents supplied to the Office of the Registrar. Until these documents are received, the applicant will not be allowed to register for classes for the following semester. The release of PBA transcripts will not be permitted.

The university assumes no responsibility for the status of provisionally-admitted students, since the university has not been able to make a determination of eligibility. The university agrees to extend provisional admission based upon the applicant’s representation that he or she has the requisite qualifications for admission.

Upon completion of the applicant’s file, if it should be determined that the applicant was not eligible to enroll, he or she will be withdrawn immediately.

If the student is withdrawn for one of the aforementioned reasons, a refund of tuition, if any is due, will be determined in accordance with the existing policy as recorded in the current catalog.

*Gregory School of Pharmacy students: please see additional requirements below.

Change of Program

A student who wishes to return to PBA and pursue a master’s program other than the one in which they were last enrolled, must obtain and complete a Change of Major/Minor form which is available in the Office of the Registrar or on myPBA after being approved for readmission. Students in the graduate program must select from programs of study and courses as outlined in the Graduate & Pharmacy Catalog in effect at PBA either at the time the student began attending (catalog at first registration), when he or she officially changes his or her major and submits a Declaration or Change of Major/Minor form to the Office of the Registrar, or the requirements outlined at the year of graduation (current catalog). If a student intends to pursue a different degree program - from graduate to undergraduate, graduate to professional, or professional to graduate -  he or she must submit a new Application for Admission through the Office of Admissions.

Gregory School of Pharmacy Readmission Policy

Students Returning after Suspension, Leave of Absence, or Withdrawal

Decisions to allow reapplication into the School of Pharmacy are made on a case-by-case basis.

1. Any student who has been suspended through a violation of the Professionalism and Honor Code (PHC) should contact the Assistant/Associate Dean for Academics in writing by the deadline provided in the PHC outcome letter. The student must provide an explanation of how the student met the criteria set forth in the PHC outcome letter and detailed strategies on how the student will avoid the action leading to the PHC violation along with a plan for success. 
2. Any student who has withdrawn or taken an approved leave of absence from the School of Pharmacy should contact the Assistant/Associate Dean for Academics in writing by May 1 for fall courses and November 1 for spring courses. This letter must provide an explanation of how the student’s circumstances have changed to allow for their return. 
3. The Assistant/Associate Dean for Academics will take the letter before the Student Success Committee to determine if the student is eligible to return.
4. If approved, the Assistant/Associate Dean for Academics will notify the student in writing of the decision and have the student work with the Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid Office, Student Accounts, and International Studies (if applicable) to ensure all paperwork is completed for the student’s return.
5. If denied, the Assistant/Associate Dean for Academics will notify the student in writing. 
6. The student may appeal the decision of the Student Success Committee to the Dean. The appeal can be made with regards to the outcome of the Student Success Committee or if the student feels that procedure was not followed by the Student Success Committee. A letter must be submitted to the Dean within 10 business days of being notified of the Student Success Committee’s decision, providing rationale on why the appeal is being made. The decision of the Dean is final.  

This policy does not apply to students who have been dismissed from the program and are seeking readmission back into the program. 

Students Returning after Dismissal

Decisions on readmission are made on a case-by-case basis. The following process applies to any student who has been dismissed and is seeking readmission to the GSOP.

1. The student must contact the Dean in writing by December 1st prior to the fall semester he/she plans to return to school. 
2. The letter must include specific reasons for applying for readmission, which includes detailed strategies on how the student would successfully complete the program. 
3. After review of the written request, the Dean will determine if an individual meeting to discuss readmission is warranted. 
4. If approved by the Dean to reapply, the student will also need to complete all application steps as a new applicant to GSOP by the February 1st application deadline (i.e. PharmCAS, and PBA Supplemental Application).
5. For additional information on applying, students should contact Pharmacy Admissions.

Registration and Changes in Registration

No student shall be permitted to enroll in any course after the term census date (one week after the first day of classes in any given semester); this includes courses scheduled to begin during subterm B. All changes in schedules shall be made prior to the census date.

It is the responsibility of the student to register for classes and make any necessary schedule changes via myPBA. Academic advisors are available to assist students. Changes in registration may affect changes in financial aid awards. Please refer to Enrollment Verification above regarding administrative changes to a student’s schedule.

Add/Drop

This means changes in a course schedule that occur during the first week of the semester. No student shall be permitted to add or drop any semester or subterm after the published census date.

1. If credit hours are increased, additional tuition and fees (if any) may be charged; if credit hours are reduced, tuition and fees may be appropriately adjusted by the Business Office. Financial aid adjustments may result.
2. Each change in schedule is considered a separate transaction, and previous transactions will have no bearing on the calculation of charges.
3. The census date is specified in the academic calendar.
4. If a student exceeds the maximum absences allowed in a course, a grade of “W” will be entered on the student’s record if the last date of attendance is prior to the deadline for withdrawal without academic penalty. A grade of “F” will be given if the last date of attendance is after the deadline to withdraw.

Course Withdrawal

This is a change in a student’s schedule, after the add/drop period, that does not involve a complete withdrawal from the university.

1. A student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty on or before the published withdrawal date set in the academic calendar. This action does not take precedence over the issuance of a grade related to academic dishonesty. A grade of “W” retains fee liability for the course and does not affect financial aid eligibility for the current semester; however, future aid may be affected. The course will remain on the transcript.
2. If a student withdraws from a semester course during the last five weeks of the fall or spring semester, a grade of “F” will be assigned. If a student enrolled in the graduate program withdraws from a subterm course after the third class meeting, a grade of “F” will be assigned.
3. Withdrawn courses are fee liable (non-refundable).

For students within the School of Pharmacy:

1. A student may only withdraw one time per course.
2. A student cannot withdraw from a course unless first obtaining written approval from his/her advisor and from the Associate Dean for Academics prior to obtaining the instructor’s signature for withdrawal from the course.

Standards for Academic Progress

Master’s Degrees

Good Standing: A student is in good academic standing with a cumulative 3.0 GPA. A Master of Divinity or Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration Joint Degree student is in good academic standing with a cumulative 2.5 GPA.

Probation and Suspension (Academic Discipline): The record of each student may be reviewed by the Registrar at the end of each semester or at any other time that such a review seems warranted. In order to avoid academic discipline, a student must maintain a PBA cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. A Master of Divinity or Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration Joint Degree student must maintain a PBA cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.

Academic Probation (below 3.0 for the first semester): A student will be placed on Academic Probation at the end of a term if he/she does not meet the cumulative 3.0 GPA. A Master of Divinity or Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration Joint Degree student will be placed on Academic Probation at the end of a term if he/she does not meet the cumulative 2.5 GPA.*

Academic Suspension (below 3.0 for the second semester): A student will be placed on Academic Suspension at the end of a term if, after being placed on Academic Probation, he or she still does not meet the cumulative 3.0 GPA.* Academic Suspension will result in exclusion from the university for one semester. The student must reapply for admission through the Office of the Registrar. The Admissions Committee and department, then, have the option of either re-admitting or not re-admitting the student. Any student suspended for poor scholarship and subsequently permitted to register shall be allowed a maximum of two semesters on continued academic probation. Upon readmission, a student must retake a course for which a failing grade has been received the first time it is offered. If this course is not offered until the third semester after readmission, the academic probation would be extended to include this third semester. The same will apply for a Master of Divinity or Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration Joint Degree student who does not meet the cumulative 2.5 GPA.

* PBA scholarships may be impacted. Please refer to Financial Aid  .

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Good Standing: A student is in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and a minimum GPA of 3.0 each semester.

Probation and Dismissal(Academic Discipline): Academic probation is the initial official action for a student failing to make satisfactory academic progress. A student will be placed on academic probation for:

1.  Failure to maintain a graduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
2.  A failing grade in a required or elective course

Dismissal: Students who are on academic probation for two semesters or meet any of the following conditions will be dismissed from the program.

• Failure to obtain a minimum grade of B (3.0) upon repeating one graduate nursing course (i.e. unsatisfactory grades in the same course).
• Failure to obtain a minimum grade of B (3.0) in two graduate nursing courses. (A grade of W received due to requirement of successfully completing didactic and clinical courses at the same time is exempted from this policy.)
• Failure to meet Palm Beach Atlantic University School of Nursing’s Health Requirements and Limitations without specified accommodations.
• Inability to conduct oneself in a professional fashion consistent with the American Nurses’ Association Standards and Code of Ethics for Nurses or the Palm Beach Atlantic University Code of Student Ethics as listed in the Navigator. In particular, falsification of records and reports, plagiarism, or cheating on an examination, quiz, or any other assignment is cause for dismissal.
• Faculty reserve the right to dismiss any student whose personal integrity or conduct demonstrates unfitness to continue preparation for the profession of nursing.
• Failure to complete all degree requirements within five years.

Doctor of Pharmacy Degree

Academic probation is the initial official action for a student failing to make satisfactory academic progress. A student will be placed on academic probation for:

1. Failure to maintain a professional cumulative GPA of at least 2.00;
2. A failing grade in a required or elective course.

Depending on the nature of the academic deficiencies and the overall academic record, a student placed on academic probation may or may not be permitted to continue in the regular sequence of the professional curriculum. The Student Success Committee (SSC) will review the student’s record at the end of each academic term while the student is on probation. Once a student has been placed on probation, the SSC, in consultation with the student, will develop the student’s schedule each semester. Although the SSC will consult with each student about his or her schedule, the SSC makes the final decision. Students on probation will not be allowed to hold an office, or have a leadership role in any organization, or travel to professional pharmacy meetings until the student is no longer on probation.

1. For students on academic probation due to GPA deficiencies: If the cumulative GPA is greater than or equal to 2.0, the student will be released from academic probation. For students on academic probation for failing a course, the student will be released from probation when all failed courses have been retaken with a passing grade and the student’s cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher. 
2. Any student who fails to progress academically while enrolled in the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy may be subject to dismissal. This determination will be made by the Student Success Committee after a thorough evaluation of the student’s entire academic performance in the school. Failure to progress academically is defined as a student who is not making satisfactory progress toward successful completion of the Doctor of Pharmacy program based on an objective assessment of circumstances leading to one or more of the following conditions: 
   • Student failed a course while already on academic probation.
   • Student failed more than two courses in the same semester. 
   • Student failed the same course twice.
   • Student failed more than one advanced practice experience rotation.
   • Student failed to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
   • Student failed to complete all didactic coursework within five years.

Pharmacy’s Student Success Committee (SSC): At the end of each academic term, the SSC reviews the academic performance of all students enrolled in the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy and evaluates each student’s qualifications to be retained and/or promoted in the professional program. The Chair of the SSC notifies each student placed on academic probation and, furthermore, makes notification of current academic deficiencies to the student and the student’s academic advisor. Each student is also notified of any decision to continue on academic probation track or to dismiss the student from the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy.

Students may appeal a decision of the SSC to the Dean. The intent to appeal must be communicated to the Dean within ten (10) business days from the day the student is notified about the action by the SSC. The student must then submit a written statement, outlining the reasons for the appeal, to the Dean within ten (10) business days of conveying the intent to appeal. Appeals submitted after the deadline will not be considered. The decision of the Dean following an appeal is final. To view the policy for appealing a grade in a course - see Grievance Policy (Academic Complaint).

Withdrawal from the University

Official withdrawal from the university during a semester requires that the student:

1. Obtain a Withdrawal from University form from the Office of the Registrar, or submit a letter with an official signature requesting withdrawal. When submitting a withdrawal letter, you are also required to notify the following PBA offices: Registrar, Student Accounts, Financial Aid, and Chapel (if applicable).
2. Supply all necessary information on the Withdrawal from University form, including securing the required signatures.
3. Submit the completed form to the Office of the Registrar. The date of withdrawal will be the last date of attendance in any enrolled course. Dropping all classes does not constitute an official withdrawal from the university. The grade of “W” will be assigned to courses last attended prior to the last date to withdraw from a semester class without academic penalty. If a student withdraws from the university after the third week of class meetings for a subterm course, a grade of “F” will be assigned. This includes withdrawal due to suspension and/or expulsion. A student who completes his or her semester and does not return for the next semester is considered to be a non-returning student, not a withdrawal.

Approved Medical Withdrawal

Approved Medical Withdrawals provide students with a withdrawal date to be set for one week prior to their last date of attendance. Without an Approved Medical Withdrawal (per the Withdrawal from the University policy), the last date of attendance is the recorded withdrawal date and the standard fee schedules  apply. All Approved Medical Withdrawals are recorded as a “W” on your academic record. When a student withdraws from the university, the student forfeits his or her rights and privileges as a student, including the use of all PBA facilities. Therefore, he or she will be required to immediately turn in their PBACard and key to Campus Safety, Sailfish Services, or Residential Life.

Approved Medical Withdrawal Procedure

1. Students must submit a written request for medical withdrawal to the Director of Health and Wellness. Qualified requests will include documentation of medical or psychological necessity to withdraw from academic coursework, which must be submitted to the Health and Wellness Office within 10 days of last date of attendance.

   Contact information for the Health and Wellness Office:

   Attn: Health and Wellness Office
   Palm Beach Atlantic University,
   901 South Flagler Dr.
   West Palm Beach, FL 33401
   Phone: 561.803.2576
   Fax: 561.803.2519

2. Upon receipt of a written request and supporting documentation, the Health and Wellness Office will review the Approved Medical Withdrawal request. The Health and Wellness Office will notify the student and the Registrar’s Office of the decision within 10 days of receiving the medical withdrawal request along with supporting documentation.
3. All students requesting an Approved Medical Withdrawal must complete an online Application for Readmission and contact the Health and Wellness Office prior to receiving approval to return to academic work.

Approved Medical Withdrawal Re-enrollment Procedure

Each medical re-enrollment clearance is case-specific and will focus on reviewing the student’s ability to safely return to their previous academic status. Prior to returning to academic work at PBA, and to ensure the safety of all students, any student with an Approved Medical Withdrawal during a specified PBA academic term must: 

1. Complete an online Application for Readmission. Refer to Readmission to the University.
2. Meet all university and re-enrollment requirements, including the removal of any university holds.
3. Receive medical clearance from the Health and Wellness Office.
4. Receive registration clearance from the Office of the Registrar to register for classes. Please refer to Tuition & Fees  for applicable refund schedules.