Undergraduate Competency-Based Academic Policies and Procedures

Students enrolled in the University of Massachusetts Global MyPath competency-based degree programs must adhere to the Undergraduate Credit-Hour Academic Policies in the catalog with the exception of the following policies and procedures that pertain to competency-based programs only.  Students must meet the degree requirements of the catalog under which they are admitted or may select a later catalog for a year in which they are enrolled.  However, for all other policies (except degree requirements), students must adhere to the current catalog for each year they are enrolled. Statements in the catalog are for informational purposes and should not be considered as the basis of a contract between students and the University.

Academic Calendar

An academic year for the University of Massachusetts Global MyPath competency-based education program consists of the completion of at least 24 units and 48 weeks of instruction.  Unlike the traditional academic calendar, the University of Massachusetts Global MyPath program has no semesters, trimesters, quarters, or other terms with set beginning and ending dates.  Instead, the academic year begins on the day that a student completes the first substantive academic activity (starts attendance) and ends when both the minimum 24 units and 48 weeks of instruction have been completed.  Since the program is self-paced, students may earn more than 24 units in a 48-week period, or students can take more than 48 weeks to earn the 24 units.

In addition, there is a two-week break scheduled for December and June of each year in which teaching does not take place; therefore, these weeks do not count toward completion of the 48 weeks of instruction.

The breaks for the 2022-2023 Academic Year are:

  • Winter Break: December 18th, 2022 through December 31st, 2022
  • Summer Break: June 18th, 2023 through July 1st, 2023

Tuition

University of Massachusetts Global reserves the right to change tuition and fee rates at any time without notice. Tuition is billed at a flat rate each billing period in the competency-based academic year. The competency-based academic year consists of two billing periods and is defined as a minimum of 24 units and 48 weeks of instruction. The student pays for the time, not by credit hour or by course.  The student starts their competencies any time and completes as many as they would like, or are able to, during the billing period.

Students are required to pay their tuition in full before they can start their course competencies. If the student wishes to apply for financial aid, they must submit all forms required by the Financial Aid Office and have the aid applied to their student account bringing their balance owed to the University to a zero balance before they will be allowed to begin their competencies. 

Tuition Refund Policy: Withdrawals  

The date of withdrawal for purposes of tuition and/or refundable fees refunds shall be the date on which the student officially withdraws from the program through MyMassGlobal Self Service.

Tuition Refund Policy

Students may drop all competencies on a date within 30 days of the start of the student’s first billing period and receive a full tuition refund. This applies only to the first billing period. For all subsequent billing periods, a full tuition refund will be given prior to starting competencies, but no refunds will be given once the student begins.  

Students with extenuating circumstances may be eligible for a tuition refund through the University petition process. Circumstances must be documented and are subject to review by the University.    

No retroactive refunds will be given for prior academic years. It is every student’s responsibility to review their student account every term to ensure that it is correct and that all applicable credits (Grants, Loans, Scholarships, Adjustments) have been applied to their account.  

University of Massachusetts Global MyPath Alternative Pathways to Undergraduate Admission

Advancement Pathway-A 12 credit opportunity

Advancement Pathway provides prospective University of Massachusetts Global undergraduate degree seeking students with an opportunity to obtain 12 credits to meet the Option One admission requirement for University of Massachusetts Global or the admissions requirements other institutions. In order to be admitted to a degree program, student must meet all applicable degree program admission requirements. This program is provided in multiple modalities in order to provide alignment with the student’s intended degree program choices.

Following is the description and requirements for University of Massachusetts Global's MyPath approach. Our University of Massachusetts Global MyPath format is the right program for students who:

  • Are a self motivated learner that wants to dictate your own learning pace
  • Have prior work experience that could apply to certain subject matter areas, for example a marketing manager without formal coursework may move through some of the marketing competencies at a faster rate than a student who does not have the same work experience
  • Prefer to work in a self-directed environment without set due dates for each assignment and the ability to complete a competency in less than the time it takes to complete a traditional 8 week course
  • Have an interest in University of Massachusetts Global's MyPath associates or bachelors programs
Competencies
MKTC 305Fundamentals of Consumer Behavior
HUMC 115Human Experience
MKTC 301Fundamentals of Marketing
ENGC 103Written Communications Level A
MGTC 301Fundamentals of Management

Students in this program are not eligible for financial aid.  Registration into the program is granted to individuals who have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Admission
Undergraduate Admission

Degree Seeking Student Applicants

Prospective students wishing to obtain a degree or certificate are required to make formal application and may apply for admission into a degree seeking program at any time.  It is important to note that "degree seeking students" must meet the degree requirements published in the catalog current at the time of their formal admission acceptance. Admission status is valid for one year from date of admission.

Requirements for Admission

University of Massachusetts Global will admit students to competency-based programs who have the capacity and determination to successfully complete a rigorous University of Massachusetts Global degree program. The admission process is designed to help the student and the university to make an informed decision about the likelihood of success.

The prospective undergraduate student in University of Massachusetts Global must demonstrate  readiness to succeed in undergraduate-level academic coursework by satisfactorily fulfilling one of the following admission options, which apply to degree programs at the associate’s and bachelor’s level. Specific program admission requirements, when present, must also be met.

Option One

  1. Twelve (12) or more transferable credits which may consist of all or any combination of the following credit types: University of Massachusetts Global coursework, coursework from regionally accredited post-secondary institution(s), military, dual credit, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, approved PLA (Prior Learning Assessment), CLEP, (College Level Examination Program), Defense Language Proficiency Examination (DLAT/DLPT) and DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) scores, and ACE or University of Massachusetts Global evaluated trainings.
  2. Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher for courses from regionally accredited institutions.
  3. As applicable, evidence of high school completion or equivalent.

Option Two

  1. Evidence of high school completion or equivalent, which may consist of a high school diploma or transcript, a General Education Development (GED) certificate, a state-authorized high school equivalency certificate or diploma, a state-recognized Home Study certificate or transcript, or a document from an approved foreign evaluation service certifying completion of international high school coursework equivalent to a United States high school diploma.
  2. The student will be required to enroll in and complete LBSC 100 (Student Success Strategies) within their first six months of competency coursework.
  3. The student will be expected to meet with an Online Writing Tutor prior to completing each milestone while enrolled in ENGC 103 and ENGC 104 at University of Massachusetts Global, and will be expected to meet with an Online Math Tutor prior to completing each milestone while enrolled in MATC 103 and/or MATC 203 at University of Massachusetts Global. The student will be exempt from this expectation for any of these courses or competencies completed elsewhere with a satisfactory grade and transferred in to University of Massachusetts Global.

Prospective students must submit the following:

  1. Completed application package.  Applications are available online.
  2. Official transcripts from all institutions attended. Credits from regionally accredited institutions may be accepted in transfer.
  3. University approved Other Credit Opportunities may be accepted in transfer.

Failure to report any previous academic work at another college or university may be considered a violation of academic integrity. Non-satisfactory performance, including but not limited to probation, suspension, or expulsion, as well as issues of academic integrity may nullify the applicant’s eligibility to be admitted.

Official documents submitted for admission consideration become property of the University and cannot be returned or copied for distribution.

Admission Option Two Course Requirements

The following requirements apply to undergraduate students admitted under Option Two:

  • Must enroll in and complete LBSC 100 (Student Success Strategies) within their first six months of competency coursework.
  • Expected to meet with an Online Writing Tutor prior to completing each milestone while enrolled in ENGC 103 and ENGC 104 at University of Massachusetts Global, and expected to meet with an Online Math Tutor prior to completing each milestone while enrolled in MATC 103 and/or MATC 203 at University of Massachusetts Global. The student will be exempt from this expectation for any of these courses or competencies completed elsewhere with a satisfactory grade and transferred in to University of Massachusetts Global.

Academic Progression

University of Massachusetts Global MyPath students are expected to maintain timely academic progression. If a student does not successfully complete a payment period within 24 instructional weeks, the student must meet with the appropriate School Dean and/or Dean’s Designee. During the meeting, the School Dean and/or Dean’s Designee will review the Academic Progression policy, discuss the student’s record of academic achievement, and develop a plan of action regarding their academic progression. After this meeting, the student will be provided a written summary of the meeting. Failure of the student to appear at the meeting without approved documented proof supporting extenuating circumstances preventing such attendance will result in the student waiving their opportunity to participate in the meeting. 

If the student does not successfully complete a payment period within 48 instructional weeks, the student will be subject to dismissal from the University by the School Dean and/or Dean’s Designee and the action of dismissal will be placed on the official transcript.

The student has the right to appeal within 30 calendar days of notification of the dismissal decision. Appeal decisions will only be considered if there is relevant information that was not available at the time of the decision or if procedures were not followed in accordance with University of Massachusetts Global academic policy/guidelines. It is not a reconsideration of the merits of the decision. The appeal decision will be rendered by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. The appeal decision will be final and binding.

The Academic Progression policy is separate from and in addition to policies governing dismissal for violating academic integrity or dismissal for inappropriate student behavior.

Students dismissed under this policy seeking to be readmitted may do so after one year from their effective date of dismissal. Students seeking readmission must submit a written request to the appropriate School Dean and/or Dean’s Designee and submit a new application. The School Dean and/or Dean’s Designee will make the re-admission decision.

Change of Undergraduate Degree Modality

Students wishing to transfer from a competency-based modality to a credit hour modality or from a credit hour modality to a competency based modality within University of Massachusetts Global should consult with their academic coach and One Stop Student Services. A maximum of two modality changes will be allowed at the undergraduate level. A modality change between academic levels such as AA to BBA is not counted as one of the two allowed modality changes. A modality change as a result of an academic dismissal from a competency based modality will not be considered as one of the two allowed changes.

Transfer Credit Policies

Articulation/Transferability of Coursework

Transfer courses will be evaluated for articulation of competencies through the following methodology:

  1. Coursework, with a minimum of B- or better from regionally accredited institutions, will first be evaluated against University of Massachusetts Global’s credit hour-based courses.
  2. Once credit has been determined to be equivalent to University of Massachusetts Global’s credit hour-based program, the university will then determine whether or not the student will receive transfer credit for any of the competencies in the competency-based program.

Transfer credit for competencies may be granted for coursework where the content addresses all of the content for a particular competency or satisfies a subject matter requirement represented within the general education breadth area(s).

Other Credit Opportunities

University of Massachusetts Global recognizes that adult learners are diverse and that they bring a wealth of life experiences to the classroom. These experiences often include many hours of formal training and education outside the walls of academic institutions.  In acknowledgement of such non-classroom acquired learning, University of Massachusetts Global promotes educational flexibility for the adult learner through a variety of earned credit opportunities. Granting of credit is contingent on student’s submission of official documentation to Student Services. Students are encouraged to consult with a coach concerning the degree applicability. University of Massachusetts Global MyPath programs require verification of B- or better for all articulated credit.

Note that credit granted through “other credit opportunities” does not count toward University of Massachusetts Global residency requirements. Specific degrees may also have additional requirements with respect to courses that must be taken at University of Massachusetts Global in order to complete a University of Massachusetts Global degree.

College Level Examination Programs

Credit by college level examination noted below will not be awarded when a student has previously been awarded credit for the equivalent course. Credits earned may be counted towards fulfilling general education, major or elective requirements. Credits are generally lower division unless specifically equivalent to an upper division University of Massachusetts Global course.

  • Credit by exam may be accepted for credit as transcribed by the exam provider if the exam was provided by a regionally accredited institution.

  • Students may receive credit for selected competencies in the current University of Massachusetts Global catalog by satisfactorily completing the end of the competency assessment.

Military Credit

University of Massachusetts Global evaluates credit for both military service and military coursework for academic credit using ACE guidelines. 

ACE Evaluated Trainings

University of Massachusetts Global accepts ACE recommendations for awarding academic credit. The recommendation is inclusive of level and discipline, subject to residency requirements and other limitations as set forth in specific degree programs. 

Workforce Development Trainings

University of Massachusetts Global evaluates workforce development trainings and may award credit toward specified degree requirements. Refer to the University of Massachusetts Global website for a complete list of these trainings.

Transferring from University of Massachusetts Global University

The purpose of the University of Massachusetts Global's competency-based programs are to prepare students for career opportunities and advancement in a dynamic, global business environment. This purpose does not include preparing students for transfer to another institution for further college study. Since the competency-based programs are based upon direct assessment of competencies rather than credit hours, the competency units completed during a billing period may not equate to a credit-bearing course for transfer purposes. Students should be aware that transfer of credit is always at the discretion of the receiving institution. Any student interested in transferring credit hours should check with the receiving institution directly to determine to what extent, if any, competency units can be transferred. University of Massachusetts Global students who may be interested in transferring to another institution—either before or after completing their studies at University of Massachusetts Global—should keep in mind the following points:

  1. All institutions reserve the right to determine their own transfer policies, and not all academic work completed at one institution may transfer to another.
  2. Students should check the transfer policies at the institution or institutions they are considering by consulting with the admissions or registrar office at those institution(s).
  3. Students who transfer from University of Massachusetts Global to another institution should order an official transcript of their University of Massachusetts Global academic work. An official transcript may be sent directly to the transfer institution upon request by the student. Transcript ordering information can be found at http://www.umassglobal.edu/transcripts.
  4. University of Massachusetts Global transcript will be a straight line listing of competencies completed with the corresponding “M” grade for Mastery. Upon request, a corresponding conversion record (credit hour transcript) reflecting courses and credits will be developed.

Attendance Policy

All Competency-based students must adhere to the attendance policy as described in the Student Handbook for the Competency-based program.

Add Policy

Students may accelerate their studies by adding additional competencies once they have successfully completed the initial group of competencies. Students who desire to add additional competencies must seek the advice and approval of their academic coach.

Drop Policy

Students may drop all competencies on a date within 30 days of the start of the student’s first billing period and receive a full tuition refund. This applies only to the first billing period. Given the integrated nature of the competency-based curriculum, students may not drop less than all competencies within any billing period.

Interrupted Enrollment

Students may find it necessary to interrupt progress during their course of study, leave University of Massachusetts Global and decide to return at a later date. Students who leave the University in good standing and are absent no more than two years do not need to reapply, and will retain the program requirements of their designated catalog year. Students who have no remaining course requirements, are absent more than two years, and leave in good standing, do not need to reapply, but will be required to meet the current catalog year requirements.

Veterans receiving an honorable discharge, who left the University in order to perform military services, will be readmitted with the same academic status that he or she had when last in attendance at University of Massachusetts Global. The length of absence from University of Massachusetts Global cannot exceed five years.

The University may require students to adopt the catalog year program requirements at the time of their return if a program has become impacted or changed by external regulatory agencies.

If students take coursework during their absence from the University, they must provide official transcripts of that coursework to the Division of Student Services prior to their return. Non-satisfactory performance or issues of academic integrity may nullify the student's eligibility to return.

Veteran and Active Duty Military Students:  see Military and Veterans Services section of the catalog regarding interrupted enrollment.

Administrative Withdrawals

Regular engagement with the learning materials is integral to students successfully completing the degree requirements. To ensure student success, University of Massachusetts Global requires that students maintain close contact with their academic coach. If a student is not connecting with competency course material for seven days, the academic coach immediately sends an email to the student requesting to schedule an appointment. Students who do not respond to this email or other phone outreach within the next seven days will be deemed inactive, reported to the coaching team manager, and the "Return to Title IV" process will begin. The coaching team manager and academic coach will contact inactive students via telephone and email during the next seven days and warn the students that continued inactivity will result in an administrative withdrawal.

Inactive students who fail to reestablish contact with the academic coach and the competency course material for 28 consecutive days will be administratively (unofficially) withdrawn from the program on the next business day. The “Return to Title IV” process will begin after fourteen consecutive days without educational activity.

If a student does not return from a Leave of Absence (LOA) by the end of the date of the LOA, the student will be considered to have withdrawn from the University as of the student’s last day of engagement in a substantive educationally related activity.  Some of the student’s financial aid award will likely have to be repaid by the student to the government and/or University.  The student’s loans may go into immediate repayment or shortly, thereafter, depending on the loan and length of the LOA.

Student Withdrawals

In addition to Administrative Withdrawal as noted above, students may formally request to be withdrawn from the competency-based program. The preferred means of notifying Student Services are:

  1. Via the MyUMassGlobal portal
  2. In person, by visiting the Student Services office
  3. By U.S. mail
  4. By email from the student’s official University of Massachusetts Global email address
  5. By facsimile

If a student withdraws completely from the University, some of the student’s financial aid award will likely have to be repaid by the student to the government and/or University. The student’s loans may go into immediate repayment or shortly, thereafter, depending on the loan. Students will be contacted by an academic coach to discuss if a credit-hour program (e.g., blended or online) may be a better fit.  

Grading System

In competency-based programs, grades are recorded as Mastered and a grade point average (GPA) Is not calculated by the University.

M is for Mastery of Competency. Certifies successful completion of the course of study with a minimum grade of "B" or better or a 3.00 grade point equivalency (credit awarded, not calculated in GPA).

AR is for Administrative Review, a grade given when a student’s work is under review (e.g., due to grade appeals). A grade of “AR” will be removed upon completion of the review.

NS is for Not Satisfied, a grade given when the requirements for the competency have not been satisfied.

W signifies that a student has voluntarily withdrawn from a competency.

WX signifies that the student failed to demonstrate mastery in a competency after the maximum number of summative assessment attempts allowed.

WA signifies the student was administratively withdrawn due to failure to engage within a required timeframe.

Academic Dismissal

If a student fails to demonstrate mastery in a competency after a maximum number of Final Assessment attempts allowed in a competency, the student must meet with the appropriate School Dean and/or Dean’s Designee. For competencies with external certification exams as the Final Assessment, students are allowed the number of attempts as set forth by the certifying organization. For all other competencies, the maximum number of Final Assessment attempts is three.

During the meeting, the School Dean and/or Dean's Designee will discuss the student's record of academic achievement and will solicit the student's response to concerns regarding their academic performance. After this meeting, the School Dean and/or Dean’s Designee will render the decision whether a student will be academically dismissed. If an academic dismissal has been determined, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the program and the action of dismissal will be placed on the official transcript. If the decision is not a determination to academically dismiss, the student will remain in the program. For each subsequent Final Assessment attempt in that same competency, if the student fails to demonstrate mastery, the student must repeat this process by meeting with the School Dean and/or Dean’s Designee, who will render a new decision on whether the student will be academically dismissed. Failure of the student to appear at the meeting without approved documented proof supporting extenuating circumstances preventing such attendance will result in the loss of the right to request an appeal.

A student has the right to appeal within 30 days of notification of the academic dismissal decision. Appeal decisions will only be considered if there is relevant information that was not available at the time of the decision or if procedures were not followed in accordance with University of Massachusetts Global academic policy/guidelines. It is not a reconsideration of the merits of the decision. The appeal decision will be rendered by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. The appeal decision will be final and binding.

The Academic Dismissal policy is separate from and in addition to policies governing dismissal for violating academic integrity or dismissal for inappropriate student behavior.

Assessment Retake and Grade Review Policy

Retaking Final Assessments

Any student who does not demonstrate mastery on a Final Assessment attempt must meet with the tutorial faculty to develop a learning plan for the student. This learning plan will be developed based on Final Assessment report feedback and will provide the student with a detailed description of areas the student should focus on prior to the subsequent attempt.

Grade Review Policy:  Final Assessments

For project-based Final Assessments, students may request a second grading for competencies that are not mastered within 30 days from the date that the grade was posted and upon payment of the re-grade fee. The re-grade fee is refundable if the student demonstrates mastery according to the second grading.

Dual Enrollment Policy

Students enrolled in a competency-based program cannot be enrolled in a credit-hour program or take credit hour courses due to financial aid requirements and restrictions.

Standards of Academic Integrity

University of Massachusetts Global is an academic community based on the principles of honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility. Academic integrity is a core University value, which insures respect for the academic reputation of the University, its students, faculty and staff, and the degrees it confers. The University expects that students will conduct themselves in an honest and ethical manner and respect the intellectual work of others.

To safeguard the conditions under which scholarship is performed, measured and evaluated, the following will serve to:

  1. Distinguish the types of academic integrity violations.
  2. Identify procedures for the Governance and Appeals Committee (GAC) hearing cases involving such violations as outlined below. If a student requests a GAC hearing within the required deadline, the GAC will notify the student of the scheduled GAC hearing date. After receipt of the hearing date, the student should be aware of the following in preparation for the hearing:

  • The GAC will review all evidence provided by the University and the student during the initial Academic Integrity Violation petition review by the Dean or Dean’s Designee. Any additional evidence should be submitted to the GAC chair at least 3 business days prior to the scheduled hearing.

  • The hearing is for the student to appeal the decision and/or sanction of the Dean or Dean’s Designee. The student will be given the opportunity to explain why he/she feels the Dean’s or Dean’s Designee’s decision and/or sanction is not appropriate based on the evidence.

  • The student may have a support person present during the hearing, but only the student will be allowed speak during the GAC hearing, unless the GAC panel directly addresses the support person during their questioning.

  • The GAC panel will ask clarifying questions to the student after the student presents his/her appeal.

  • At the conclusion of the GAC panel’s questioning, the student will be given one last opportunity to state his/her case for appeal.

Note:  All other process/procedures for the GAC hearing are governed by the University of Massachusetts Global Student Conduct Code, where applicable. The Student Conduct Code is available in MyUMassGlobal.

A. Academic Integrity Violations

Academic dishonesty can take a number of forms. It includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test or examination; claiming the work of another as your own; plagiarizing any paper, research project, or assignment, including an online discussion board assignment; copying and pasting text from an online source directly into an assignment without properly citing the source; reusing your own work in the same or another course without written instructor permission; or falsely submitting material to fulfill course requirements.

Cheating includes:

  1. Unauthorized copying from the work of another student, with or without that student's consent.
  2. Using notes or other unauthorized material during a test period.
  3. Having another person do all or a substantive part of the work. Working with University of Massachusetts Global's Online Writing and Math Community is encouraged.

It is also an academic integrity violation to falsify any academic records or documents. This includes falsely reporting attendance or participation in any field-work or clinical practicum experience or having anyone, other than the registered student, participate in online course activities.

Submitting work done in one course to satisfy the requirements of another course, or a repeated course, or to satisfy a program requirement, is academic dishonesty, unless the instructor(s) receiving the duplicated work agree(s) beforehand, in writing, to accept such work.

Within the same course, submitting work done for one assignment to satisfy the requirements of another assignment is also academic dishonesty, unless the course instructor agrees beforehand, in writing, to accept such work.

Presenting forged or altered documents is academic dishonesty. These documents may include transcripts, add/drop forms, or any academic form that has been falsified or wherein a professor's signature, or anyone else's signature, has been forged or altered.

Failing to report any previous academic work presented at another college or University may be considered a violation of academic integrity.

For more details on violations of academic integrity, please see the appropriate section in MyUMassGlobal.

In a certification-based Final Assessment, students must also adhere to rules and policies posted by the certification agency.

B. Procedures for Hearing and Investigation

The procedures below apply both to current students, and to former students for whom information is discovered after the time of competency completion, program requirement completion, and/or degree completion regarding alleged academic integrity violation that occurred during the time of the student's enrollment.

In cases involving academic integrity violations, if the involved tutorial faculty and/or Quality Assurance Manager has found evidence that a student has violated the University standards, the following action should be taken:

  1. The involved tutorial faculty and/or Quality Assurance Manager must communicate with the student in private to address the possible violation.  The involved tutorial faculty and/or Quality Assurance Manager’s communication may be through written feedback on an assignment, through University of Massachusetts Global e-mail, by phone, via a virtual meeting, or in person. The student is expected to meet with the involved tutorial faculty and/or Quality Assurance Manager (either face-to-face, by phone, in a virtual meeting, or via University of Massachusetts Global) for the purpose of clarifying the circumstances or settling the issue of responsibility. Students are not eligible to withdraw from the course until final resolution of the alleged violation.
  2. After this meeting, if the involved tutorial faculty and/or Quality Assurance Manager is satisfied that the incident does not constitute a violation of academic integrity, then the matter is settled, no further action is required, and the Academic Integrity Violation and Sanction Form is not filed.
  3. If the involved tutorial faculty and/or Quality Assurance Manager determines that there has been a substantiated violation of academic integrity, then the involved tutorial faculty and/or Quality Assurance Manager completes the Academic Integrity Violation and Sanction Form on this violation, citing the sanction. The form can be found in the faculty area of MyUMassGlobal. The Director of Academic Support and Curriculum will determine whether this is the student’s first, second, or successive academic integrity violation at University of Massachusetts Global.  
  4. If this is the student’s first reported academic integrity violation at University of Massachusetts Global, the following procedure is followed:
    1. The completed Academic Integrity Violation and Sanction Form is emailed to the student, involved tutorial faculty and/or Quality Assurance Manager, and appropriate office for processing, if required (e.g., change of grade).  A record of the academic integrity violation and sanction is filed. The student may not withdraw from the program prior to final resolution of the case.  
    2. If the student does not agree with the sanctions imposed by the involved tutorial faculty and/or Quality Assurance Manager, as articulated on the Academic Integrity Violation and Sanction Form, the student may work with an academic coach to submit a petition within 10 business days of being informed of the imposed sanction.  If the student does not submit a petition within 10 business days, the student is ineligible to further appeal the academic integrity violation and sanction.    
    3. The Dean or the Dean’s Designee will review the petition and contact the involved tutorial faculty and/or Quality Assurance Manager (and may also contact the student) in an effort to resolve the matter.  The Dean or the Dean’s Designee will initiate whatever action he or she sees fit to sustain, overturn or modify the sanctions.  The Dean or the Dean’s Designee will notify the student and involved tutorial faculty and/or Quality Assurance Manager of the decision via email.  Filing and further processing, if required (e.g., change of grade), will occur as necessary.  
    4. If there is dissatisfaction with the petition decision made by the appropriate Dean or Dean’s Designee, the student may request a hearing with the Governance and Appeals Committee (GAC), within ten business days of receiving the Dean’s or the Dean’s Designee’s decision. The request will be forwarded to the GAC for review and to render a decision.  To render a decision, the GAC will appoint a quorum of three committee members. The GAC Chair will notify the student, the involved tutorial faculty and/or Quality Assurance Manager, and the Dean or the Dean’s Designee of their decision. If the student does not submit a hearing request within 10 business days, the student is ineligible to further appeal the academic integrity violation and sanction.
    5. A student has the right to appeal within 30 days of notification by the GAC of the academic integrity decision. Appeal decisions are based on relevant information that was not available at the time of the decision, or if procedures were not followed in accordance with University of Massachusetts Global academic policy/guidelines.  An appeal is not a reconsideration of the merits of the decision. The appeal decision will be rendered by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs.  The appeal decision will be final and binding.
  5. If this is the student’s second or successive academic integrity violation at University of Massachusetts Global, the following procedure is followed:
    1. The most recently completed Academic Integrity Violation and Sanction Form is emailed to the student and involved tutorial faculty and/or Quality Assurance Manager.  A record of the academic integrity violation and sanction is filed. The student may not withdraw from the program before the resolution of the case. Since the student has more than one Academic Integrity Violation, the completed Academic Integrity Violation and Sanction Form and the students’ prior Academic Integrity Violation and Sanction Form(s) are also sent to the Dean or the Dean’s Designee to review. The Dean or the Dean’s Designee will initiate whatever action she or he sees fit to sustain, overturn, or modify the involved tutorial faculty and/or Quality Assurance Manager’s sanctions based on the student’s current and prior violations. The Dean will notify the student and involved tutorial faculty and/or Quality Assurance Manager of his or her decision via email. Filing and further processing, if required (e.g., change of grade, academic dismissal), will occur as necessary.  
    2. If there is dissatisfaction with the petition decision made by the appropriate Dean or Dean’s Designee, the student may request a hearing with the Governance and Appeals Committee (GAC), within ten business days of receiving the Dean’s or the Dean’s Designee’s decision. The request will be forwarded to the GAC for review and to render a decision.  To render a decision, the GAC will appoint a quorum of three committee members. The GAC Chair will notify the student, involved tutorial faculty and/or Quality Assurance Manager, and Dean or Dean’s Designee of the decision.
    3. A student has the right to appeal within 30 days of notification of the academic integrity decision by the GAC. Appeal decisions are based on relevant information that was not available at the time of the decision, or based on whether procedures were followed in accordance with University of Massachusetts Global academic policy/guidelines. An appeal is not a reconsideration of the merits of the decision. The appeal decision will be rendered by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. The appeal decision will be final and binding.
  6. If the student has already completed the competency or program requirement in which the academic integrity violation is subsequently discovered, the following procedure is followed:
    1. The Dean or the Dean's Designee will investigate the allegations and, when possible, attempt to contact the involved tutorial faculty member and/or Quality Assurance Manager, and the involved student, as part of the investigation. The Dean or the Dean's Designee will also review documentation from the student's prior academic integrity violations, if any. If the Dean or the Dean's Designee determines that there has been a substantiated violation of academic integrity in the case at hand, they will assess an appropriate sanction based on the violation at hand and on, if applicable, any prior violations. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, change of grade and/or retroactive dismissal resulting in revocation of the student's degree.
    2. If there is dissatisfaction with the decision made by the appropriate Dean, the student may request a hearing with the Governance and Appeals Committee (GAC), within 30 calendar days of transmission of the Dean's decision. The request will be forwarded to the GAC for review and to render a decision. To render a decision, the GAC will appoint a quorum of three committee members. The GAC Chair will notify the student and Dean of the decision.
    3. A student has the right to appeal within 30 days of notification of the academic integrity decision by the GAC. Appeal decisions are based on relevant information that was not available at the time of the decision, or based on whether procedures were followed in accordance with University of Massachusetts Global academic policy/guidelines. An appeal is not a reconsideration of the merits of the decision. The appeal decision will be rendered by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. The appeal decision will be final and binding.
  7. A formal dismissal for a violation of academic integrity will be recorded on the student’s official transcript. Students dismissed due to an academic integrity violation are not eligible for readmission to the University.
  8. Once an academic integrity allegation and sanction have been resolved and finalized, the competency grade cannot be challenged on the basis of grounds related to the academic integrity allegation and sanction.

NOTE: In all cases of alleged violations of academic integrity, it is vital to maintain professional confidentiality among those involved.  Students must also adhere to ethical standards set forth by professional licensing boards and discipline-specific criteria. Violations of ethical professional behavior may result in dismissal from the university.  Refer to appropriate school for professional code of conduct policy.

Diplomas and Transcripts

The conferral is an automatic process that continuously runs each night; students do not need to apply for conferral. Conferral is the result of the official program evaluation from Degree Works reflecting all requirements as complete; once the Degree Audit indicates 100% completion, the record will be flagged for processing. The Degree Conferral date is final and is not subject to a request for backdating. Each conferral is subject to a seven-day validation. This allows time for confirmation that all degree requirements have been met.

Once your degree is conferred, conferral fee paid and any holds cleared, you will be able to complete and submit a diploma form. The diploma and one official transcript will be mailed to the address you provide on your diploma form. Diplomas are mailed out approximately six weeks after the date you submitted your diploma form. Under no circumstances will a diploma be released prior to the conferral date.  Diplomas and/or transcripts will not be released if the student has an active diploma/transcript hold, to view holds please visit MyUMassGlobal Self-Service. 

Transcripts from other institutions which have been presented for admission or evaluation become part of the student's academic file and are not returned or copied for distribution.

A student’s academic history (transcript) will be a straight line listing of competencies completed with the corresponding “M” grade for Mastery. Competencies in progress or not completed will not be reflected on the academic record/transcript. Competencies, that were not successfully completed, will be reflected on the academic record/transcript with a “WX” grade. Upon request, a corresponding conversion record (credit hour transcript) reflecting courses and credits will be developed. As a result, students will receive both a “competency transcript” that indicates competencies satisfied and a separate standard credit hour transcript which will list full credit hour equivalencies.

Currently enrolled students may order official copies of transcripts or print unofficial copies of transcripts at any time via MyUMassGlobal Self-Service.  For further processing and fee information, please visit the following link: http://www.umassglobal.edu/transcripts.