Academic Regulations

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Contact: David Ward  email link , Ph.D., Provost

Students are expected to be fully familiar with the current academic regulations as published in the 重口味SM Undergraduate Bulletin and the Student Handbook. They are responsible for ensuring that they are meeting the degree requirements for their particular major and the general degree requirements of the University. Students may elect to follow the requirements for their degree from the Bulletin published when they entered the University or any subsequent Bulletin.

University guidelines are based on the assumption that it is the responsibility and prerogative of faculty members to assign grades for academic work submitted to them by students under their supervision and that faculty members grade student work using their best judgment about the quality and propriety of that work.

Statement on Intellectual Responsibility and Plagiarism

At Wilkes, the faculty and the entire University community share a deep commitment to academic honesty and integrity. Students assume the responsibility for providing original work in their courses without plagiarizing.

*The following are considered to be serious violations and will not be tolerated. These are meant to be examples and are not an exhaustive list.

Academic Misconduct: any behavior that attempts to garner an unfair advantage or give another student an unfair advantage

  • submitting work acquired from another (including another student or commercial paper writing services)
  • completing an assignment for another student
  • use of unauthorized electronics during an exam (i.e. cell phone, calculator, wireless two-way communicators)
  • leaving a room during an exam, with the exam
  • possession of unauthorized copies of an exam (either current or past exams)
  • submitting false information or documentation that requests special accommodations from a professor

Cheating: giving improper aid to another, or receiving such aid from another, or from some other source

  • to copy from another student
  • to allow another student to copy from you
  • to use unauthorized notes or formula sheets during an exam

Collusion: improper collaboration with another in preparing assignments, computer programs, or in taking examinations

  • to discuss an exam with a student who is scheduled to take the same exam at another later section
  • to take an extra copy of an exam to share with another outside of your own section
  • unless an instructor indicates that collaboration is allowed, students should work individually on assignments
  • a clear notation should be made if you have collaborated with someone on an assignment

Falsifying: the fabrication, misrepresentation, or alteration of citations, experimental data, laboratory data, or data derived from other empirical methods or giving false information

  • to create false data for lab reports or other research
  • to cite materials not used in your assignment
  • to misrepresent work done outside the classroom (i.e. as it relates to field work or internship hours)
  • to ask for special consideration under false pretenses

Plagiarism: the use of another's ideas, programs, or words without proper acknowledgment

  • to use an idea, illustration, diagram or other detail from a source without making a reference in the bibliography
  • unauthorized use of AI/machine learning software, products, or services to complete an assignment, project, or paper
  • to submit another person鈥檚 paper, program or other assignment as one鈥檚 own
  • to paraphrase without citing a source
  • to use a partial phrase from a source without putting it in quotations, or otherwise citing it
  • to use information found on the internet without citing the source
  • self-plagiarism鈥攔eusing your own work for another assignment in another class

The University considers the following as three separate forms of plagiarism:

  • Deliberate plagiarism centers on the issue of intent. If students deliberately claim another's language, ideas, or other intellectual or creative work as their own, they are engaged in a form of intellectual theft. This is not tolerated in academic, business, and professional communities, and confirmed instances of plagiarism usually result in serious consequences. Similarly, submitting the work of another person or submitting a paper purchased from another person or agency is a clear case of intentional plagiarism for which students will be subject to the severest penalties.
  • Unintentional plagiarism often results from misunderstanding conventional documentation, oversight, or inattentive scholarship. Unintentional plagiarism can include forgetting to give authors credit for their ideas, transcribing from poor notes, and even omitting relevant punctuation marks.
  • Self-plagiarism occurs when students submit papers presented for another course, whether for the English department or another department or school. Students may submit papers for more than one course only if all instructors involved grant permission for such simultaneous or recycled submissions.

Students should follow these general principles when incorporating the ideas and words of others into their writing:

  • The exact language of another person (whether a single distinctive word, phrase, sentence, or paragraph) must be identified as a direct quotation and must be provided with a specific acknowledgment of the source of the quoted matter.
  • Paraphrases and summaries of the language and ideas of another person must be clearly restated in the author's own words, not those of the original source, and must be provided with a specific acknowledgment of the source of the paraphrased or summarized matter.
  • All visual media, including graphs, tables, illustrations, raw data, audio and digital material, are covered by the notion of intellectual property and, like print sources, must be provided with a specific acknowledgment of the source.
  • Sources must be acknowledged using the systematic documentation method required by the instructor for specific assignments and courses.
  • As a general rule, when in doubt, provide acknowledgment for all borrowed material. Different disciplines use different documentation methods; therefore, students should consult instructors about the correct use of the appropriate documentation style. Style manuals detailing correct forms for acknowledging sources are available in the Farley Library, at the Writing Center, and at the college bookstore. Additional resources and guidance in the correct use of sources can be obtained at the Writing Center and from individual instructors.

FAQ for Students

Q. If I am accused of academic dishonesty or misconduct, can鈥檛 I just resolve the situation with my instructor?

A. Faculty members who suspect that a student has committed an act of academic misconduct should speak with the student to resolve any questions they may have. However, faculty are expected to report all cases of suspected academic misconduct to both the Provost and the Dean of Student Affairs.

Q. What will happen to me if I am accused of academic dishonesty?

Faculty have the right to take academic action, such as penalize you points for the assignment, fail you for the assignment or for the class. The Student Affairs office has the right to assign disciplinary sanctions as a violation of the Academic Honesty policy is a violation of the Student Handbook

Q. What if I didn鈥檛 realize what I did was a violation of the Academic Honesty policy? How can I be considered responsible?

A.The Student Handbook outlines examples of violation. Students are expected to be familiar with policies and must pass a handbook quiz as a part of new student orientation. This topic is also covered in the First-Year Foundations course in a student鈥檚 first semester.

Students will often collaborate with another student on an assignment and say that they didn鈥檛 realize it was a violation. Students are expected to present their own work and unless a faculty member specifically states that collaboration is permitted, a student should assume it is not. If there are any questions regarding collaboration on an assignment, a student should consult with the faculty giving the assignment.

Q. What if I have information about another student violating the academic honesty policy?

A. Any information regarding violations of the academic honesty policy should be reported. You may speak with either the professor of the course involved, or report directly to the Student Affairs office.

Q. How does the University keep the records of academic misconduct cases?

A. Academic misconduct files are kept in the Office of Student Life. They are kept for seven years after a student graduates or leaves Wilkes. There is no mention of such acts on a student鈥檚 transcript. However, if as a result of disciplinary sanctions a student is dismissed from the University, the Registrar鈥檚 office will also be notified.

Q. Does the University ever reveal that a student has been found responsible of academic misconduct?

A. Sanctions invoked in cases involving academic fraud will be shared with the faculty member who has brought the charges of academic dishonesty.

If a student in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy or the Passan School of Nursing is found responsible for violating the Academic Integrity policy, the appropriate dean will be notified.

Certain agencies conduct reviews of student records, for example when a student applies for employment with federal agencies or state police. If they ask, we are obliged to answer a question. We do not contact parents and will only speak with parents if the appropriate release has been signed by the student.

University Information Technology Services

Contact: Gerald Korea  email link , Executive Director Information Technology Services

Technology facilitates creative, collaborative learning. It is a tool for seeking innovative solutions, creating opportunities, and continually developing knowledge.   To provide these essential tools to 重口味SM students, Information Technology Services are integrated into nearly every aspect of student life at the University. Online courses and blended learning environments are possible through Wilkes' learning management system, LIVE! 鈥� Learning is Virtually Everywhere.

More than 1,200 Apple Macintosh and Dell Windows computers are found on campus in classrooms, computing labs, and residence halls. Most classrooms are technology enhanced to enhance the learning experience. A wide variety of academic software is installed on campus computers and is specially geared to specific academic departments and disciplines. High speed, networked printers are placed strategically throughout campus for student use, subject to the campus Green Print Printing Policy.

High-speed Internet access is available through wired connections and wireless access across campus in academic buildings and residence halls. In most rooms in the residence halls, there is one wired connection per student in each room as well as wifi access throughout.

Technology Policies and Regulations

All students receive a 重口味SMuser name and password, which are necessary to use the wide range of available services, both on campus and off. University technology resources are available to all students, who are required to use them in accordance with the University'sAcceptable Use Policy.

For more information on our other policies, please review the following:

It is the responsibility of students to read and familiarize themselves with these University policies.

A student's account and technology privileges may be suspended immediately upon the discovery of a possible violation of these policies. Suspected violations among students will be reported to the Dean of Students and addressed in the same manner as all student actions.

Technology Help and Support

For telephone support dial xHELP (4357) from any campus extension or 1-866-264-1462.

In-person assistance is available Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm at the Help Desk located on the main floor Farley Library, next to the Circulation Desk. The Student Run Computer Clinic, staffed by students, provides assistance with student-owned laptops or other devices, and can be also be visited at the Help Desk in the Farley Library. For more information can be found at the 重口味SMInformation Services (ITS) page.

Academic Record

Contact: Joe Kultys  email link , Registrar

For complete information on your academic record, please consult the .

Academic Recovery Plan

重口味SM and the Office of Academic Success are committed to supporting students鈥� academic growth and achievement. First-Year students placed on academic probation, and all students reinstated from academic ineligibility, are required to participate in the University鈥檚 academic recovery plan process. The Academic Recovery Plan supports students who have experienced academic challenges by helping them identify barriers to their success and assisting them with clear strategies towards academic achievement.

The first required step in the recovery process is to meet with an assigned advisor from the Office of Academic Success. The academic success advisor works collaboratively with students to develop a formal academic recovery plan and provides ongoing support throughout the semester. The academic plan will include the following:

  • Identification and reflection on motivation for continued academic success.
  • Reflection on barriers encountered during the previous semester(s).
  • Formulation of possible solutions to overcome identified barriers.
  • Development of SMART goals and a tangible plan of action for academic recovery.

The academic success advisor will contact students directly via their 重口味SMemails to arrange appointments. Academic recovery plans will also be shared with the students鈥� primary academic advisors. Non-compliance with the academic recovery process will be reported to the Dean of Student Success and may result in a registration hold.

Attendance Policy

We strongly recommend all members of the University community to be attentive to their health and safeguard others by following the CDC鈥檚 guideline to 鈥渟tay home when you are sick鈥� and to seek appropriate medical evaluation.

Instructors are expected to 1) inform students in writing of their attendance policy at the beginning of the semester; 2) take attendance and report excessive absences to the Deans of Student Life and Success; and 3) discourage absence from classes prior to the beginning of a holiday period.

Attendance at all scheduled classes is expected and required. Repeated absences are a sufficient cause for failure.

After five consecutive instructional hours of unexcused absences from a class, students may be readmitted to the class only by action of the Office of Student Life and Success and the department chairperson concerned. Any absence beyond that permitted in the course is a matter between the student and the instructor. Absences due to illness, religious holidays, or participation in athletic or other University sponsored activities are usually considered to be acceptable reasons for absences, but notification of such absences and arrangements to make up missed work should be made with the instructor by the student.

In the unfortunate event of a death in the family, students are asked to contact the Office of Student Life and Success so that notification might be sent to faculty members and arrangements made with them to assist students in making up missed work.

If students are ill and will be missing a test, examination, or presentation, it is their responsibility to contact the instructor by email prior to the start of the missed activity.

When students are going to be absent for a period of two days or more, if they notify the Office of Student Life and Success, written notification of their extended absence will be sent to the students鈥� instructors.

Pandemic-Related Protocol

Students who are engaging in isolation or quarantine at the direction of the Wilkes Barre Health Department, 重口味SM Health Services Office, or their health care professional, should not attend class. Students will be required to provide documentation of isolation/quarantine directions from their healthcare professional to the office of Health Services. Students will not be penalized for absences, missed exams, labs, or other critical academic activities, unless they fail to notify their instructors of their absences. Students must take responsibility for their absences and keep up with their coursework if they cannot attend class. They must:

  • Inform their instructors/professors and the Office of Student Life and Success  email link of their inability to attend class prior to class meetings.
  • Refrain from coming to the classroom or visiting the instructor/professor.
  • Maintain open communication by notifying instructors and student health services (health.services@wilkes.edu  email link , 570-408-4100) as soon as they become aware of the situation.
  • Keep up with classwork, unless they are unable to do so.
    When available, attend class remotely and submit assignments digitally, unless they are unable to do so.
  • Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities as soon as possible.

Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy

To provide an optimum environment for learning, all cellular phones and other electronic devices must be kept on silent alert (vibration or visible flash) while in the classroom, laboratory, or studio. Any calls must be answered outside the classroom. Students are not allowed to record (audio and/or video) lectures or labs without the written permission of the instructor.

Standards of Classroom Behavior

The primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the course instructor. Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed by the faculty member to leave the class for the remainder of the class period. Longer suspensions from a class, or dismissal on disciplinary grounds, must be proceeded by a disciplinary conference hearing.

Tests and Final Examinations

Giving and proctoring examinations is an important duty of every instructor. It is not an acceptable practice to have examinations proctored by undergraduate students. Each instructor is expected to be physically present when examinations are given or to have arranged for a faculty colleague to be present. Deviations from this policy must have the approval of the department chairperson and the appropriate dean.

Students shall not be allowed to leave the final examination room prior to completion of the examination unless given permission to do so by the proctor.

The times of final examinations are set by the Registrar. Under no circumstances may a faculty member change the time of a final examination without the agreement of the Registrar; arrangement by the student to take a final examination at other than the scheduled time will not justify violating this policy.

Students with conflicting final examinations are to see the faculty member of the course which has the smaller enrollment so another time may be arranged for the examination.

Students are not required to take three finals in one day. If a student has three examinations scheduled on one day, he or she is to see the faculty member of the course which has the smallest enrollment so another time may be scheduled for that examination.

Students unable to take final examinations due to illness or emergency should (1) notify the instructor and (2) request a make-up examination at the earliest possible time.

Registration

Registration takes place nine weeks after the beginning of the semester, by class year. All continuing students are expected to preregister with their advisors, and to register on the dates specified in the University Calendar. All Veteran/Service Member students, or dependents using Veterans Education benefits, are eligible for priority enrollment, and are allowed to register for classes at the beginning of each registration period along with all Seniors. Preregistration with academic advisors should be scheduled in advance of the scheduled registration period. The master schedule is available online before preregistration dates begin.

Adding a Class

Students may add a course with the permission of the instructor of the course and of their faculty advisor. Appropriate permission, indicating approval, must be submitted to the Registrar's Office via forms found on the Registrar鈥檚 web page.

Credit Overload

Only students with a grade point average of 3.00 or students demonstrating special need will be allowed to register for a credit overload. A credit overload shall be interpreted as credits carried in excess of 18 credits or those required by the student's particular curriculum. Approval must be granted by the student's advisor and one of the Dean(s) of Student Life and Success. Additional charges will be applied.

Final Grades

重口味SM students obtain their final grades each semester via the University's secure website: portal.wilkes.edu. With the exception of graduate students, final grades are not mailed to students in paper form at the end of the semester. The advantage of on-line grades is that students have immediate and 24-hour a day access to their final semester grades and unofficial transcripts as soon as the Registrar posts them.

Transcripts

Students who wish to have a transcript issued on their behalf must complete a Transcript Request via the Registrar鈥檚 Transcripts page. Transcripts can be sent in either electronic or paper format.

A fee is charged for each transcript requested.

Class Standing

Grades and averages at the end of each semester of the four academic years indicate a student's progress. Unless the following minimum grade point averages are met, a student's record is automatically reviewed by the Academic Standards Committee.

Overall Grade Point Average and Major Field Point Average

  • First Year 1.70
  • Sophomore Year 2.00
  • Junior Year 2.00
  • Senior Year 2.00

If these minimum averages are not attained during each semester of the year indicated, the Academic Standards Committee will review the student's record and take action resulting in either academic probation or academic ineligibility.

[See the Academic Standards: Probation, Suspension and Dismissal section of the for more information on this]

Repeating a Course

  1. Students may repeat any course.
  2. When a course is repeated at Wilkes, the higher grade earned will be used in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average (GPA) appearing on the transcript.
  3. The lower grade will remain on the transcript, but will be identified to show that it is excluded in the calculation of the student's GPA.
  4. This policy does not supersede any existing department or program policy.
  5. Students who are transferring to another major may appeal with regard to grades of less than 2.0 earned in courses required in the previous major through the GPA Adjustment Policy. Students may request that these grades be excluded from their GPA. The courses in which they were earned will not be counted toward satisfaction of the requirements for any degree.
  6. These courses will be identified, and the transcript will be noted to indicate that the GPA has been adjusted.

Dean's List

Students who earn twelve credits or more in a single semester with a semester grade point average of 3.50 or better will be placed on the Dean's List.

Degree Honors

The granting of degree honors at commencement is based upon the entire academic record achieved by the student at 重口味SM. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 60 credits at 重口味SMto be eligible for Latin degree honors at graduation.

Requirements for Latin Degree Honors

  • Summa Cum Laude 3.90
  • Magna Cum Laude 3.70
  • Cum Laude 3.50

For degree honors, grade point averages are not rounded.

Transfer Students

Contact: Katy Betnar  email link , Executive Director of Student Success

Transfer students from junior colleges, community colleges, and other two-year institutions must complete a minimum of 60 credits at baccalaureate degree-granting institutions; 30 of these credits must be earned at 重口味SM.

All transfer students must complete at least one-half of their major field credits at 重口味SM. University policy prohibits the Admissions Office from admitting any students who have been dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons from any college or university until a period of one year has elapsed from the time of dismissal. Students who have been placed on probation by a college or university will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

Academic Credit for Demonstrated Competency

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Appeal of Grade

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Academic Grievances

Students having academic grievances should first confer with the instructor involved. The route of appeal is the department chairperson, the dean of the school, and the Provost.

Withdrawal from the University

Contact: Gretchen Yeninas  email link , Dean of Student Life

The procedure for withdrawal from the University for any reason, prior to graduation, is to obtain a withdrawal form from the Office of Student Life and Academic Success and follows the instructions listed on that form.

This withdrawal procedure is designed to:

  • Protect students from receipt of inaccurate grades.
  • Protect their chance of re-matriculation.
  • Aid in the record-keeping procedures of the University.

The University reserves the right to recommend the withdrawal of a student whose mental health or well-being is in a precarious state and who may, therefore, present appreciable risk to him or herself or to others. Such action will be taken only after a thorough evaluation and recommendation by professional medical or psychological personnel and the Associate Vice-President of Student Life and Success.

Such requested withdrawal must be reviewed with the student and their parents/guardians. This type of withdrawal is without prejudice and is executed in such a way as to protect the student's academic record.

Readmission to the University may be granted by the above listed personnel after an evaluation that such a return to the University is in the best interest of the student.

Any student who has excessive unexcused absences in all courses during the semester, and in the opinion of faculty cannot pass those courses, will be withdrawn from the University.

Returning Students

Contact: Registrar's Office  email link

Students who previously attended 重口味SM and did not graduate must contact the Registrar鈥檚 Office for re-admission into the University or fill out the form found on the Student Services tab of the portal.