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Academic INFORMATION
Academic Renewal - Academic forgiveness after a period of absenceThe academic renewal policy permits undergraduate students who return to PennWest Clarion after a minimum three-year absence the one-time option of having D and E coursework excluded from their grade point average (GPA) calculation. Students enrolled in a bachelor's degree program may have up to 18 semester hours excluded from their GPA calculation. Students enrolled in an associate degree program may have up to nine semester hours excluded from their GPA calculation. These semester hours must have been completed at PennWest Clarion prior to readmission. The courses, grades, and probationary actions will remain on the transcript with an appropriate notation of academic renewal approved.
Students must successfully complete a minimum of 30 hours before receiving a baccalaureate degree. Students must successfully complete a minimum of 15 hours before receiving an associate degree. Students may complete a Request for Academic Renewal form upon completion of 12 semester hours after readmission with a minimum semester GPA of 2.00.
Academic StandingUndergraduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 to be in good academic standing. Students who fall below a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 will be placed on academic probation. Students with an approved AIP (Academic Improvement Plan) who are fulfilling their semester goals will be eligible to continue to register. Students are removed from probation once their cumulative GPA is 2.00 or higher.
Students not meeting the goals under the AIP are subject to a one semester suspension and risk the loss of subsequent financial aid. If a student does not meet the AIP goals, the student can appeal for a revised AIP that must be endorsed by the students advisor and department chair of the students major, with final approval by the Office of Academic Affairs. Only one such appeal is permitted during a students time of programmatic study. If the appeal is not approved, the student will be suspended for one semester and must have an AIP for subsequent readmission.
Accelerated Bachelors to Master
PennWest Clarion offers several bachelor's to master's degree programs permitting undergraduate students with at least junior standing to take graduate coursework in order to get an early start on the graduate degree. Please note that accelerated offerings are limited to the following programs:
- Master of Accounting (for students enrolled in any bachelors program)
- Master of Business Administration (for business majors who have completed the lower division business core plus FIN
370. Non-business majors must have taken all courses in the Minor in Business Administration:
Pre-MBA Track except MGMT 320 and MKTG 360)
- MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling (for students enrolled in the rehabilitation major or other major in the behavioral
sciences with prior approval from their respective department)
- MS Data Analytics (for students enrolled in any bachelor's program)
- MS Mass Media Arts and Journalism (for students enrolled in any bachelor's program)
- MSLS Information and Library Science (for students enrolled in any bachelor's program)
- MS Special Education (for students enrolled in Special Education)
- MS Special Education Pre K-8 / 7-12 with Reading Concentration (for students enrolled in Special Education)
These accelerated programs can expedite the time for completion of the master's degree. Accelerated programs can also decrease the overall combined credits necessary to complete the undergraduate and graduate degree since graduate credits may be used to satisfy undergraduate degree requirements. Accelerated programs are an ideal option for students whose desired profession requires a master's degree to practice and/or those students seeking accelerated completion of graduate level work.
An accelerated program permits qualified undergraduate students with at least junior standing to take graduate coursework in order to get an early start on the master's program. A student must apply and be accepted into an accelerated program prior to enrollment in any graduate course(s). Students also need to complete an Application for Accelerated Bachelor's Degree Program and get it approved. Questions should be directed to the graduate program coordinator. See policy for additional information.
Academic Improvement Plan FAQs'
Classification Credit Ranges
| Class Standing |
Credits |
| Freshman | 0-29 |
| Sophomore | 30-59 |
| Junior | 60-89 |
| Senior | 90-120+ |
BSBA Majors - Business International - General Coursework - List of classes
General Education RequirementsGeneral Education Flags
Residency Policy- Information on PA residency for tuition calculations
BOG Policy 1985-03 requires each university to determine the residential classification of all students. Section B of the policy reads: "The universities shall, subject to the provisions of these regulations, determine the residential classification of all students. Students who are domiciled in Pennsylvania shall be assessed the tuition fee applicable to Pennsylvania residents and all other students shall be assessed the tuition fee applicable to non-residents." The policy defines domicile as "the place where one intends to reside permanently or indefinitely and does in fact so reside."
A student's residency classification is initially determined by the admissions office based on information provided by the student during the admissions process. A student may appeal that initial determination to the vice president for Finance and Administration.
The BOG policy also requires students to notify the university when their domicile changes from Pennsylvania to another state. According to the policy, a university may reclassify a student in the event it believes he or she is no longer a Pennsylvania domiciliary. The student may challenge such a determination under the procedures provided in this policy. Involuntary reclassification shall be effective as of the date on which the university determines that the student has changed permanent residences and is no longer a Pennsylvania domiciliary. Students who change domiciles between semesters or terms shall be reclassified the next semester or term of enrollment.