ACADEMIC POLICIES
Academic Calendar
Fall Semester 2024
Start date: September 3, 2024
Last day of the semester: December 13, 2024
Spring I Semester 2025
Start date: January 13, 2025
Last day of the semester: April 25, 2025
Spring II Semester 2025
Start date: March 17, 2025
Last day of the semester: June 20, 2025
Summer Semester 2025
Start date: May 19, 2025
Last day of the semester: August 29, 2025
Fall Semester 2025
Start date: September 1, 2025
Last day of the semester: December 12, 2025
All U.S. federal holidays will be observed, and no classes or administrative operations will take place on these dates. This includes the following:
2024
Labor Day: Monday, September 2, 2024
Columbus Day: Monday, October 14, 2024
Veterans Day: Monday, November 11, 2024
Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25, 2024
2025
New Year's Day: Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 20, 2025
Presidents' Day: Monday, February 17, 2025
Memorial Day: Monday, May 26, 2025
Juneteenth National Independence Day: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Independence Day: Friday, July 4, 2025
Labor Day: Monday, September 1, 2025
Columbus Day: Monday, October 13, 2025
Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025
Grading Policies
The University of Arts & Design maintains high academic standards and provides clear
guidelines for assessing student performance through policies that ensure clarity, fairness, and consistency. Adhering to these grading policies supports academic success and program completion.
The University of Arts & Design uses the following grading scale to assess student
performance for all programs offered:
Master’s Degree Programs Minimum Grade Requirements
• Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Undergraduate Certificate Programs Minimum Grade Requirements
• Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Incomplete Grades
An “Incomplete” (I) grade may be assigned when a student is unable to complete coursework due to extenuating circumstances. Students must complete the outstanding work within one academic term, or the “Incomplete” grade will convert to an “F” (Fail).
Grade Appeals
Students may appeal a grade they believe is incorrect by submitting a written appeal to the course instructor within 30 days of the grade posting. If unresolved, the appeal can be escalated to the Chief Academic Officer.
Grade Reporting
The University of Arts & Design posts final grades in the Canvas learning management system within two weeks following the end of the term. Students can access their grades and academic records through the University’s student information system.
Academic Integrity
The University of Arts & Design fosters an environment of academic excellence and integrity and clearly outlines the standards and expectations for maintaining academic honesty among students. The University of Arts & Design expects all learning community members to uphold these principles. The University of Arts & Design ensures the value and credibility of its educational programs and the success of its students by supporting an honest and ethical academic environment.
The University of Arts & Design defines academic dishonesty:
• Academic Dishonesty: Any form of cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or other unethical behavior that undermines the integrity of academic work.
• Cheating: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise.
• Plagiarism: Representing the words, ideas, or work of another as one’s own in any
academic exercise.
• Fabrication: Falsifying or inventing any information, data, or citation in an academic
exercise.
• Facilitation: Helping or attempting to help another commit an act of academic
dishonesty.
• Unauthorized Collaboration: Working with others on a project meant to be completed
individually.
• Self-Plagiarism: Submitting an assignment for more than one class without the faculty members’ approval or knowledge.
Student Academic Integrity Expectations and Responsibilities
The University of Arts & Design maintains the following student expectations and
responsibilities to support and uphold its high standards of academic integrity:
• Understand, Acknowledge, and Follow the Policy: Students are responsible for
familiarizing themselves with this policy and adhering to its principles.
• Original Work: All submitted work must be the student’s own original creation unless
explicitly stated otherwise.
• Proper Citation: Students must properly cite all sources of information, including direct
quotes, paraphrases, and ideas.
• Examinations, Tests, and Assessments: Students must follow the guidelines for
examinations, tests, and assessments including not using unauthorized materials or
receiving assistance.
Faculty Academic Integrity Expectations and Responsibilities
The University of Arts & Design maintains the following faculty expectations and responsibilities to support and uphold its high standards of academic integrity:
• Education and Prevention: Faculty members educate students about academic
integrity and the importance of honest work.
• Clear Guidelines: Faculty provide clear instructions regarding acceptable and
unacceptable behaviors for assignments and exams.
• Reporting Violations: Faculty report suspected violations of academic integrity to the Chief Academic Officer.
Academic Dishonesty Process
1. Discuss: The first step in all cases involving suspected academic dishonesty begins
with an open conversation with the student that may occur by phone, email, or virtual
conference. Many cases can be addressed by understanding the context of the issue, educating students about specific steps to avoid academic dishonesty, and providing
an opportunity to remedy the issue.
2. Report: Suspected violations must be reported to the Chief Academic Officer. Reports should include a detailed description of the alleged violation and any supporting evidence.
3. Investigate: The Chief Academic Officer will review the report and investigate. The
Chief Academic Officer will notify the student involved of the allegations and allow the
student to respond.
4. Adjudicate: If the Chief Academic Officer confirms a violation is confirmed, the Chief Academic Officer determines appropriate sanctions based on the severity of the offense and any prior violations. Possible sanctions include, but are not limited to, a failing grade on the assignment, a failing grade in the course, suspension, or expulsion.