Updated: 5.19.2016 (TA)
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Rutgers University - Newark
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Rutgers&University-Newark&
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p:&973-353-5093&|&f:&973:353-5907&
Bachelor of Arts in Public and Nonprofit Administration
(BA)
Policy Handbook
Rutgers SPAA | spaa.newark.rutgers.edu
2 | Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE 3
Mission Statement 3
Rankings 4
BA PROGRAM 5
Overview 5
Classifications 5
Undergraduate SPAA Major Curriculum 5
Service Learning Information 6
Core Curriculum Requirements 7
Second Concentration Requirements 7
Accelerated MPA 7
ADMISSION TO SPAA 9
First-year Students 9
Transfer Students 9
Statewide Transfer Agreement (Lampitt Law) 9
Internal Transfer Students – School-to-school Transfer 10
Re-enrollment Students 10
ACADEMIC PLANS AND WORKSHEETS 12
Core Curriculum and Major Worksheet 13
Public and Nonprofit Administration Major Worksheet 14
Public and Nonprofit Administration Minor Worksheet 15
ADVISEMENT TIMELINES AND APPOINTMENT INSTRUCTIONS 16
Timelines 16
Advisement Appointment Instructions 16
DEAN’S LIST, LATIN HONORS, GRADUATION, AND COMMENCEMENT 18
Dean’s List 18
Latin Honors 18
Graduation Information 18
Commencement 18
Diploma Information 18
Diploma Pickup or Mailing 19
International Mailing 19
Additional Diploma Information 19
ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 20
SPAA Undergraduate Independent Study Policy 20
Grade Appeal Process 20
Credit Overload Policy 21
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 21
Academic Dismissal 21
Satisfactory Academic Progress – Office of Financial Aid 22
Academic Integrity 24
3 | Page
PREFACE
This handbook serves as a reference for all Bachelor of Arts in Public and Nonprofit
Administration (BA) students. It provides essential information on a variety of policies and
procedures relevant to undergraduate students at Rutgers University-Newark’s School of Public
Affairs and Administration (SPAA), ranging from admission and matriculation to graduation.
Every student bears individual responsibility to be aware of the policies, procedures, deadlines,
and regulations provided in this handbook. This handbook will be revised from time to time;
please ensure you are using the most current version, which will always be provided on the
School of Public Affairs website.
If a student has a concern or question that is not covered here, they should seek advice from their
academic unit.
Dr. Aaron Gibbs, EdD
Associate Dean for Student & Academic Services
[email protected]
973-353-1351
Dr. Michael Dillard, EdD
Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of the BA Program
[email protected]
973-353-3678
Dr. Alyssa LaPatriello, PhD
Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs
[email protected]
973-353-1122
Mission Statement
The Bachelor of Arts degree at Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) is
an interdisciplinary degree designed to enhance students’ understanding of their roles as public
servants as well as their responsibilities and ability to act as members of a community. The
program provides students with substantive knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to
effectively and equitably respond to urban and social issues that affect our lives and
communities.
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Rutgers SPAA Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks the Rutgers University-Newark School of Public Affairs and
Administration as:
4th nationally in Urban Policy
12th nationally in Public Management and Leadership
14th nationally in Public Finance and Budgeting
15th nationally in Nonprofit Management
21st nationally in Local Government Management
28th nationally in Best Public Affairs Programs
5 | Page
BA PROGRAM
Overview: The School of Public Affairs and Administration’s (SPAA) undergraduate program
serves a diverse group of student populations. These populations include:
• First-time full-time incoming first-year students
• Part-time students
• Full-time and part-time internal transfer students (students that have transferred from any
academic unit in the Rutgers University system)
• Full-time and part-time external transfer students (students that have transferred from a 2-
year/4-year college or university)
• Re-enrolling students (students returning to complete their degree after leaving the
university for one full academic year or longer)
• Returning students (continuing students that have not matriculated for one semester)
There is a strategic advisement process for all students that are served in the undergraduate
program at SPAA. The student population also includes non-traditional, 1
st
generation, veteran,
post-baccalaureate, and international students.
All students’ degrees are confirmed upon successful completion of 120 college-level credits.
Upon the completion of their degree, students will obtain a bachelor’s degree in Public and
Nonprofit Administration (PNA). Students must have completed all major and second
concentration requirements prior to their degree being confirmed.
Degree requirements:
• 120 college-level credits
• 35 credits in the Public and Nonprofit Administration major
• 38 credits for the Core Curriculum in the School of Arts and Science - Newark (SASN)
• 6 credits of Writing Intensive (WI) courses
• 18+ credits in a 2
nd
Concentration
• Must have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA
• Need C or better in all major, 2
nd
concentration, quantitative, basic, and intensive writing
courses
Classifications
Classification
Credits
First-year
0-30
Sophomore
31-59
Junior
60-89
Senior
90+
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Undergraduate SPAA Major Curriculum: The undergraduate curriculum changes to meet the
academic needs of SPAA students as well as the emerging job market that students will enter
after graduating. If you are a re-enrollment student please speak with your advisor about your
curriculum.
Public & Nonprofit Administration Curriculum (837) Fall 2017
Credits
Core Courses (15 credits required)
Introduction to Public Administration Fall/Spring
3
Introduction to Nonprofit Administration Fall/Spring
3
Ethical Public Service (WI)* Fall/Spring
3
Public Service Organizations Fall/Spring
3
Leadership for Service Professionals Fall/Spring
3
Public and Nonprofit Administration Electives (Major Electives-15 credits required)
Public Service as a Responsible Citizenship Fall/Spring
3
United States and Global Urban Experience Fall
3
Technology and Public Service Fall/Spring
3
Grant Writing for Organizations (WI)* Fall
3
Special Topics in Public Service
Fall/Spring
3
Independent Study Spring
3
Arts and Culture of Public Service Spring
3
Philanthropy: Volunteerism, Fundraising & Spring
Community Engagement
3
Democratic Foundations of Public Service Fall
3
Research in Public Administration Spring
3
Service Learning – (4 credits required)
Career Exploration in Public Service Seminar
1
Service Learning Internship I
4
Service Learning Internship II (optional)
4
*pre-requisite: students need to complete English Composition 101 and 102 with a C or better
For detailed descriptions of course offerings please review the course descriptions at
https://spaa.newark.rutgers.edu/courses.
Service-Learning Information:
SPAA students are required to complete Career Exploration in Public Service, which is a
one-credit course designed for students to develop a strong foundation for career decision
planning through career inventories, research on careers, and personal reflection.
SPAA students must also complete Service Learning 1, which is a four-credit course
taken simultaneously while students complete their internship. Students must complete
150 hours of internship work to receive credit. Students can review the internship
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requirements in full through SPAA’s website by accessing Academics: Academic
Policies, Procedures, and Forms: BA Program: BA Service-Learning Questionnaire.
https://spaa.newark.rutgers.edu/academic-policies-procedures-forms
Core Curriculum Requirements: The Core Curriculum is designed to ensure that all graduates
acquire a broad range of knowledge, skills, and competencies across the arts and sciences.
The seven general education categories are:
Basic Writing Skills
6 credits
Quantitative Reasoning
3 credits
Natural Sciences
8 credits
Social Sciences
6 credits
History & Literature
9 credits
Arts & Media
3 credits
Other Liberal Arts
3 credits
Total:
38 credits
For the most up-to-date information on which courses satisfy the Core Curriculum, please refer
to the Catalog at http://catalogs.rutgers.edu/generated/nwk-ug_current/pg47.html
Note: Students are required to enroll in composition and Quantitative Reasoning courses, as
determined by the established placement standards and prior course history, every semester until
the requirement is satisfied unless otherwise advised in writing by the Director of the Writing
Program or Office of Student and Academic Services. Students who fail to comply with this
policy will have a webreg hold placed on their account indefinitely until they work with the
Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs to register for the required course.
Second Concentration Requirements: A central feature of the Core Curriculum is the second
concentration. Increasingly, employers and many graduate programs desire graduates whose
educational background is both diverse and multidisciplinary. More details can be found at
https://sasn.rutgers.edu/student-support/current-students/academic-advisement/degree-
requirements#2nd%20con
The second concentration ensures that students develop substantial expertise in two areas of
study, at least one of which will be in the liberal arts and sciences. Because students themselves
select their second area of academic focus, they are encouraged to take control over and
responsibility for charting an intellectual course that is personally meaningful and optimally
suited for the achievement of their scholarly and professional goals.
The second concentration can be fulfilled through:
1. A second major
2. Declaration of a minor in Newark College and Arts and Science only
3. Accelerated MPA
4. Urban Teacher Education Program
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5. Pre-Health
6. Honors Living Learning Community (HLLC) *by admission only
7. Honors College
8. Combine baccalaureate-master’s degree curriculum (BA/MPA or BS/MPA fulfills this
second concentration for students that are eligible)
Accelerated MPA
RU-N undergraduate students have the option to pursue an accelerated MPA and use this
option as their second concentration. The joint Bachelor of Arts or Science and Master of
Public Administration (BA/MPA or BS/MPA) degree provides qualified students with the
opportunity to earn a master's degree in public administration while taking up to 18 credits of
the MPA program as an undergraduate student.
The program is designed for highly motivated students with the desire to build career options
into their undergraduate curriculum. The program is especially relevant to public service
majors but it is also suitable and applicable for students from all undergraduate disciplines.
Once accepted into the 42-credit MPA degree program, students take 18 credits of graduate
MPA courses during their senior undergraduate year. Graduate courses available to accepted
undergraduates include:
• Introduction to Public Administration (3)
• Administrative Ethics (3)
• Technology and Public Administration (3)
• Managing Public Organizations (3)
• Human Resources Administration (3)
• Economics for Public Administration (3)
9 | Page
ADMISSION TO SPAA
First Year Students:
Full-time first year students are students admitted to Rutgers University-Newark for the first time
and are registered for 12 or more credits:
1. Students must complete and apply for admission to Rutgers University-Newark SPAA at
https://rutgers.force.com/ApplicantPortal/AppPortalCustom
2. After students receive an acceptance letter, they can schedule their placement test.
3. When student placement scores are entered they will be provided with a number of
SOAR (Student Orientation, Advisement, and Registration) dates to choose from by the
SOAR team, which includes the Assistant Dean for the Undergraduate Program in SPAA.
Transfer Students:
Transfer Students from a 2-year or 4-year college or university:
• The advisor must evaluate the transcript(s) of “admit coming” transfer students to
determine course equivalencies between the institution that they have previously attended
and Rutgers University-Newark.
a. The official transcript evaluation must be completed and submitted within 30 days
of students’ enrollment confirmation.
b. The advisor may also use the following resources to identify transferable courses:
i. NJ Transfer: https://www.njtransfer.org/artweb/chgri.cgi?6560661471476439
ii. College Transfer: https://www.collegetransfer.net/Search/Search-for-Course-
Equivalencies/Equivalency-Search-Results/from/360
• If a student transferred from a 2-year community college:
a. Your advisor will determine whether or not your General Education requirements
are completed.
b. Students with a completed A.A. or A.S. degree may have their General Education
requirements waived under the Lampitt Law.
• Students transferring from a community college may transfer up to 65 credits (maximum)
to Rutgers University-Newark.
• Students transferring from a 4-year college can transfer up to 90 credits
Statewide Transfer Agreement (Lampitt Law)
In September 2008, New Jersey signed into law a Comprehensive State-wide Transfer
Agreement. This Agreement, which is also known as the Lampitt Law, is designed to facilitate a
smooth transfer from a New Jersey community college to the New Jersey public four-year
colleges and universities.
The Agreement provides for full transfer of the Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science
(AS) degree credits for community college graduates provided, the student plans to enroll in a
coordinating major at the upper division college/university and, the student has followed certain
recommended guidelines as are posted on NJ Transfer. While a county college graduate with an
AA or AS degree is not guaranteed admission to college by this law, if the graduate has been
accepted, then this law respects and protects those degree credits which the student has earned up
to 1/2 of the coordinating bachelor's degree. Generally, that means a transfer of 60 - 65 credits
10 | Page
maximum. More particularly, the law instructs the upper-division college/university to transfer
the AA or AS degree credits to completely satisfy that college's Freshman + Sophomore year
core distribution. The county college graduate should expect to enter the next college/university
with junior status.
Please Note: Neither the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) nor the Associate in Fine Arts
(AFA) degree is protected by this law.
Internal Transfer Students – School-to-School Transfer:
Internal transfer students are students that transfer into the SPAA undergraduate program from
other academic units within the Rutgers University academic system, (Rutgers-New Brunswick,
Rutgers-Newark, Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences). Students that wish to declare Public and
Nonprofit Administration as their major must complete a school-to-school transfer application at
https://www.ugadmissions.rutgers.edu/SchoolToSchool/
School to School Admission Deadlines and Criteria
Fall Admission—June 1
st
(admission decision received by June 30
th
)
Spring Admission—December 1
st
(admission decision received by January 15
th
)
The Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs reviews the school-to-school transfers
applications and accepts or denies admittances into the SPAA. Once admitted the information is
submitted to the registrar to change the school of matriculation.
Students must have the following criteria to be admissible:
• Completed a minimum of 12 credits in the Rutgers University system as a matriculated
student
• Earned a minimum GPA of 2.300
• Indicate if they are currently under review for disciplinary action
• Submit copies of college transcripts from external institutions
• Applicants will receive their decision via email to the email address on their application
Re-Enrollment Students
Students returning to Rutgers University-Newark after leaving the university for 1 full academic
year or longer:
1. Students must complete the re-enrollment application on the Rutgers University-Newark
admissions website at https://www.ugadmissions.rutgers.edu/reenrollment/
2. After student is re-admitted into SPAA they are provided with a registration date.
a. If there have been curriculum changes re-enrolled students may be subject to new
academic requirements, (i.e. program concentrations, course prerequisites, etc.)
b. Review the curriculum the re-enrolled student was initially admitted under.
Evaluate curriculum or course changes, (this is to ensure that you do not have a
student register for a course they have already taken.)
3. Prepare preliminary graduation plan
a. Review the number of core curriculum courses the student has remaining
b. Review the number of Public and Nonprofit Administration (PNA) core courses
and major electives the student has remaining.
11 | Page
c. If a student has failed any core curriculum courses or major courses, the student
should repeat the course to elevate their cumulative GPA. (*Students admitted in
2013 and after are only permitted to repeat up to 4 courses).
4. Evaluate student’s grades from the previous semester
a. If the student has failed or withdrew from a course the previous semester, re-
register the student for the failed class. (Re-taking the class will allow the student
to increase their GPA if they perform well with taking the course the second
time).
b. If the student has successfully completed a prerequisite course, advise the student
to register for the next course in the academic sequence, (i.e. ENG 101 and ENG
102, Service Learning Internship I, and Service Learning Internship II)
c. Verify if the students’ academic progress is in accordance with university
financial aid policy at https://scarlethub.rutgers.edu/financial-
services/eligibility/satisfactory-academic-progress-sap/
i. If the student is not within the academic parameters outlined in the
university’s policy for academic progress, you may be required to develop
an academic plan of action for the student.
d. Advise students with additional courses needed to complete major and second
concentration requirements. *(See Core Curriculum, Second Concentration, and
Undergraduate Program information)
5. Complete advisement form with courses that the student has agreed to take for the next
semester.
6. Schedule an appointment for the re-enrolled student to check in within 3 weeks of the
semester starting to ensure they are adjusting academically.
12 | Page
ACADEMIC PLANS AND WORKSHEETS
The suggested course sequence is provided to the student by their dean or academic advisor.
Academic plans vary based on how a student was admitted into SPAA, (i.e. First Year, Transfer,
Full time or Part time, Academic Probation, etc.).
• First-year students must complete their core curriculum, WI, major and second
concentration at RU-N following the guidelines.
• First-year students should plan to take the following courses during their first semester:
o Introduction to Public Administration
o Career Exploration in Public Service
o SPAA elective
o Communication Skills or English Composition 101, level depending on student’s
placement test results
o Quantitative Reasoning, the level depending on student’s placement test results
o Core curriculum course
• Transfer students with an AA or AS do not need to complete the Core Curriculum; they
must complete the WI, major, and second concentration
• Transfer students should plan to take the following during their first semester at RU-N:
o Introduction to Public Administration
o Introduction to Nonprofit Administration
o SPAA elective
o Communication Skills or English Composition 101, if credits did not
transfer OR Ethical Public Service
o Quantitative Reasoning, if credits did not transfer OR minor course
13 | Page
Core Curriculum and Major Worksheet (120 credits total for BA)
Core Curriculum (38 credits)
Courses in each of these areas must be chosen from a list of approved courses.
Public and Nonprofit Administration: Major (35 credits)
Note: Grades of “C” or better are required in all SPAA courses.
(«denotes courses recommended for first-year students)
Basic Writing Skills
6 cr.
Core Courses
15 cr.
Course
English Comp. 101 (355:101) or Honors (
Sem.
3 cr.
F/S
Introduction to Public Administration «
40:834:200
Sem.
3 cr.
Course
English Comp. 102 (355:102) or Honors
(104)
Sem.
3 cr.
F/S
Introduction to Nonprofit Administration
40:834:203
Sem.
3 cr.
Quantitative Reasoning
3 cr.
F/S
Ethical Public Service (WI)
40:834:301
Sem.
3 cr.
Course
Sem.
3 cr.
F/S
Public Service Organizations
40:834:406
Sem.
3 cr.
Natural Sciences
8 cr.
F/S
Leadership for the Service Professionals
40:834:408
Sem.
3 cr.
Course
Sem.
3-4 cr.
Service-Learning Courses (Must complete core courses)
5 cr.
F/S
Career Exploration in Public Service «
40:834:429
Sem.
1 cr.
Lab
Sem.
1 cr.
F/S
Service-learning Internship I
40:834:430
Sem.
4 cr.
Course
Sem.
3-4 cr.
Service-learning Internship II (optional)
40:834:431
Sem.
4 cr.
Lab
Sem.
1 cr.
Public and Nonprofit Administration Electives I (Complete 15 crs)
Social Sciences
6 cr.
F/S
¨
Public Service as Responsible Citizenship
«
40:834:201
Sem.
3 cr.
Course
Sem.
3 cr.
F
¨
US and Global Urban Experience «
40:834:302
Sem.
3 cr.
Course
Sem.
3 cr.
F/S
¨
Technology and Public Service
40:834304
Sem.
3 cr.
History & Literature
9 cr.
F
¨
Grant Writing for Organizations (WI)
40:834:306
Sem.
3 cr.
Hist. Course:
Sem.
3 cr.
S
¨
The Arts and Culture of Public Service
40:834:402
Sem.
3 cr.
Lit. Course:
Sem.
3 cr.
S
¨
Philanthropy: Volunteerism, Community
Engagement and Fundraising
40:834:404
Sem.
3 cr.
F
¨
Democratic Foundations of Public Service
40:834:409
Sem.
3 cr.
S
¨
Research in Public Administration
40:834:410
Sem.
3 cr.
2
nd
Hist. or Lit.:
Sem.
3 cr.
S
¨
Special Topics Course
40:827:430
Sem.
3 cr.
Arts & Media
3 cr.
F/S
¨
Public Service Independent Study
40:827:431
Sem.
3 cr.
Course
Sem.
3 cr.
Other Liberal Arts
3 cr.
Comments
Course
Sem.
3 cr.
Writing Across the Curriculum
Courses taken may also count towards general elective or major requirements.
At least one writing intensive course must be within your major.
Writing Intensive (denoted by “Q” in the section number)
6 cr.
Course
Sem.
SP 2019
3 cr.
Course
Sem.
3 cr.
Total credits upon the successful completion of
(Fall • Winter • Spring • Summer) 20____:
Second Concentration: Minor/Other
Total credits vary by program of study but generally consist of 18 – 24 credits.
Subject/Program: African American Studies
__cr.
Course
Sem.
3 cr.
Student Name
Course
Sem.
3 cr.
RUID
Course
Sem.
3 cr.
Student Status
First Year • Transfer • Continuing
Course
Sem.
3 cr.
Start Date
Course
Sem.
3 cr.
Authorized
Signature
Date
Course
Sem.
3 cr.
14 | Page
Public and Nonprofit Administration (834) Major
Student Name: ________________________ Major(s):____________________________________
RUID: _______________________________2
nd
Concentration: _____________________________
The major in Public and Nonprofit Administration requires 35 credits to be completed with a grade of “C” or
better.
Public and Nonprofit Administration- Core Courses: (15 credits) Term Completed Grade
Introduction to Public Administration 40:834:200 ________________ ______
Introduction to Nonprofit Administration 40:834:203 ________________ ______
Ethical Public Service (WI) 40:834:301 ________________ ______
Public Service Organizations 40:834:406 ________________ ______
Leadership for the Service Professions 40:834:408 ________________ ______
Public and Nonprofit Administration Electives: (Select 15 credits from the following courses)
Public Service as Responsible Citizenship 40:834:201 ________________ ______
US and Global Urban Experience 40:834:302 ________________ ______
The Arts and Culture of Public Service 40:834:402 ________________ ______
Democratic Foundations of Public Service 40:834:409 ________________ ______
Technology and Public Service 40:834:304 ________________ ______
Grant Writing for Organizations (WI) 40:834:306 ________________ ______
Philanthropy, Volunteerism, Fundraising 40:834:404 ________________ ______
Research in Public Administration 40:834:410 ________________ ______
(No more than 6 credits from the following courses)
PNA Special Topics Course 40:834:330 ________________ ______
PNA Independent Study (BA) 40:834:331 ________________ ______
Service- Learning Internship Courses (5 Credits)
Career Exploratory Course (complete 1
st
semester) 40:834:429 ________________ ______
Service- Learning Internship I 40:834:430 ________________ ______
Service- Learning Internship II* 40:834:431 ________________ ______
*not offered after spring 2019
NOTES/COMMENTS:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
COURSE SUBSTITUTIONS:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_______
Signature: ________________________________________ Date Reviewed:_________________
Academic Dean
The aforementioned student has completed all academic major requirements for Bachelor of Arts in Public
& Nonprofit Administration:
( ) October__________ ( ) January _________ or ( ) May _________
graduation.
Certifier Signature: _____________________________
Academic Dean
15 | Page
Public and Nonprofit Administration (834) Minor
The minor in Public and Nonprofit Administration requires 18 credits to be completed with a grade of “C” or
better, which includes the following courses:
Student Name: ________________________ Major(s): ____________________________________
RUID: _______________________________ 2
nd
Concentration: _____________________________
The major in Public and Nonprofit Administration requires 35 credits to be completed with a grade of “C” or
better.
Public and Nonprofit Administration- Core Courses: (15 credits)Term Completed Grade
Introduction to Public Administration 40:834:200 ________________ ______
Introduction to Nonprofit Administration 40:834:203 ________________ ______
Ethical Public Service (WI) 40:834:301 ________________ ______
Public Service Organizations 40:834:406 ________________ ______
Leadership for the Service Professions 40:834:408 ________________ ______
Public and Nonprofit Administration Electives: (Select 3 credits from the following courses)
Public Service as Responsible Citizenship 40:834:201 ________________ ______
US and Global Urban Experience 40:834:302 ________________ ______
Technology and Public Service 40:834:304 ________________ ______
Grant Writing for Organizations (WI) 40:834:306 ________________ ______
Special Topics in Public 40:834:330 ________________ ______
and Nonprofit Administration
Public and Nonprofit Administration 40:834:331 ________________ ______
Independent Study
Arts and Culture of Public Service 40:834:402 ________________ ______
Philanthropy: Volunteerism, Fundraising, and 40:834:404 ________________ ______
Community Engagement
Democratic Foundations of Public Service 40:834:409 ________________ ______
Research in Public Administration 40:834:410 ________________ ______
Service Learning Internship I 40:834:430 ________________ ______
NOTES/COMMENTS:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
COURSE SUBSTITUTIONS:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_______
Signature: ________________________________________ Date:____________________
The aforementioned student has completed all academic major requirements for Bachelor of Arts in Public
& Nonprofit Administration:
( ) October__________ ( ) January _________ or ( ) May _________
graduation.
Certifier Signature: ______________________________
16 | Page
ADVISEMENT TIMELINES AND APPOINTMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Timelines
Advisement Appointment Instructions (Student Registration):
1. Students should familiarize themselves with Degree Navigator, dn.rutgers.edu, which is a
platform that allows them to map out their planned courses and identify course
requirements.
Fall Semester Date(s) or Times
Advisement Event
May-August
Student Orientation, Advisement, and
Registration
Early September
Fall Semester Begins
First week of Fall classes
ADD/DROP Period
First and Second week of October
Midterm Exams and Midterm Warning Grades
Issued
October 15
th
Deadline for January graduates to apply for
graduation
Third week of October
Spring semester online schedule of classes
becomes available (view only)
Last week of October-First week of November
Online web registration for Spring semester
opens
Last week of November
Last day to withdraw from courses with “W”
grade
December 1
st
Deadline for Service Learning Internship
Contract Submission
Mid-December
Final Exams
Spring Semester Date(s) or Times
Advisement Event
Early January
Student Orientation, Advisement, and
Registration
Last week of January
Fall Semester Begins
First week of Spring classes
ADD/DROP Period
Third week of February and First week of
March
Midterm Exams and Midterm Warning Grades
Issued
February 15
th
Deadline for application for May graduation
Early April
Spring semester online schedule of classes
becomes available (view only)
Mid-April
Online web registration for Fall semester opens
Last week of March
Last day to withdraw from courses with “W”
grade
April 15
th
Deadline for Service Learning Internship
Contract Submission
Early May
Final Exams
17 | Page
2. Once the schedule of classes is posted at https://sis.rutgers.edu/soc/, students can check
for course availability.
a. You will be prompted to select a Term (Fall or Spring of the current academic
year). Location (Newark Campus), and Level (Undergraduate)
b. Courses that are in green are open for registration. Courses in red are full. If
prompted, you may be required to provide a Special Permission Number, which
you must obtain directly through the department offering the course and is at the
discretion of the department to provide it.
3. New Students Only: Students are given access to the Rutgers WebReg system for their
registered SOAR date. During SOAR, students will meet with their advisor to review
course selections, answer student advisement questions, and register for their courses.
4. Continuing Students: All currently matriculated students can register online via web
registration at https://sims.rutgers.edu/webreg/on their registration date, which is dictated
by the number of credits they’ve earned. Earned credits are the number of credits you’ve
completed and do not include the current semester’s credits.
5. Students may book an appointment with their advisor by logging into Run4Success on
their desktop or through the Navigate app. From there, click “schedule an appointment”
and follow the prompts to select an academic advisement appointment.
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DEAN’S LIST, LATIN HONORS, GRADUATION, & COMMENCEMENT
Dean’s List
The Dean’s List recognizes those students in SPAA who complete 12 or more credits toward
graduation in a given term and whose term average was 3.5 or better. “N” credit courses do not
count toward graduation. The Dean’s List designation is reflected on the student’s transcript.
Latin Honors
Undergraduate students may graduate with honors upon meeting the following requirements at
the end of the final semester for the baccalaureate degree.
The honors designation is bestowed upon graduating students who achieve a cumulative grade-
point average as follows:
• Summa Cum Laude: 3.850 or better
• Magna Cum Laude: 3.700 to 3.849
• Cum Laude: 3.500 to 3.699
The Honors designation for the University Commencement program are based on the
penultimate semester GPA.
Graduation Information
Students must apply for graduation according to the following deadlines by completing their
graduation application at https://nwkstudents.rutgers.edu/gradtracker/
Expected Graduation Date
Graduation Application Deadline
August
July 30
January
November 1
May
March 1
Commencement
When you complete the graduation application you are able to indicate whether you would like
the diploma to be mailed or picked up. You may indicate the appropriate address to mail the
diploma. You can also indicate if you plan to participate in Commencement, which occurs each
May. Students graduating in August are allowed to attend Commencement in the May prior to
their graduation date, but their transcript will indicate the August graduation date and they must
verify their plans to do this with an advisor.
Diploma Information
Rutgers University–Newark includes the following information on diplomas:
• Your name
• The degree you earned
• The degree conferred date
• Honors earned (if applicable)
Note: Your diploma does not indicate your major or minor. These details are recorded on your
official transcript.
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The name in our student system will print on your diploma. If you require a change or correction
in your name, you must submit a change of name request at
https://forms.registrar.newark.rutgers.edu/app/registrar/login.asp and if you have questions or
concerns, email [email protected].
Diploma Pickup or Mailing
Diplomas are mailed six to eight weeks after the degree is certified.
Diplomas Conferred For
Available for Pick-up
January
Mid-March
May
Mid-July
August
Mid-December
All Rutgers University–Newark diplomas can be picked up at the following location. [Note: As
of Summer 2021, students will no longer have the option to select pickup. Their diplomas will be
mailed].
Blumenthal Hall
Office of the Registrar
249 University Avenue, 3rd Floor
Newark, NJ 07102
International Mailing
Rutgers uses USPS for mailing the diplomas. As such, Rutgers cannot mail diplomas to
international mailing addresses. Students who wish to mail their diploma to an international
address must work with their advisor and the registrar to make these arrangements. If a student
wants their diploma mailed to an international mailing address they can select “pickup” in the
graduation application and send the registrar a prepaid courier label at the time the diploma is
ready. The student will receive an email when the diploma is ready, at which point they can reply
to that email with the prepaid courier label (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.) and the registrar will drop
their diploma off at one of their locations for shipping.
Additional Diploma Information
https://myrun.newark.rutgers.edu/diploma-information
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ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
SPAA Undergraduate Independent Study Policy
Students interested in completing an independent study should first read the policy in
full. If they believe they meet the eligibility requirements they must meet with the
Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs to confirm.
Independent study at the undergraduate level in SPAA is available on a limited basis.
These independently directed courses are intended to allow students an opportunity to investigate
a specific topic or issue in depth. Independent study occurs under the direct supervision of a core
faculty member in SPAA and requires permission from the supervising faculty member as well
as approval of the BA Director.
It is the student’s responsibility to 1.) identify a core faculty member in SPAA who is willing
to supervise the project/study, and 2.) complete the Independent Study Request Form at
https://spaa.newark.rutgers.edu/independent.
Students interested in pursuing an independent study and who have identified a core SPAA
faculty member willing to work with them, should complete the Independent Study Request
form and return it to the BA Director. The BA Director shall then have up to (but not exceeding)
two weeks to review the request and either approve or deny the request.
(Please note: The typical minimum deliverable for an independent study is a substantial research
project/paper. This can include literature review, collection of data, and analysis. The supervising
faculty member may also require additional assignments. Independent study cannot substitute
for a core course.)
Grade Appeals Process
The School of Public Affairs and Administration follows the university-wide grade appeals
process at https://myrun.newark.rutgers.edu/grade-appeals.
If students have a concern with a grade, students should first review their syllabus on the grading
procedures for the course in question. If students continue to have a concern with the grade in a
given course, the student should follow the process below:
1. Student should try to resolve any grading issue directly with the faculty.
2. If a student cannot resolve the issue directly with the faculty, the student may try to
resolve the issue with the department chair or program director. The student will need to
submit in writing the basis for the grade appeal. If the student is to appeal a grade for
a particular assignment, the appeal must be received in writing to the department chair
or program director within two (2) weeks after the grade notification. If the student is to
appeal a grade for the final grade for the course, the appeal must be received in writing to
21 | Page
the department chair or program director within four (4) weeks after the grade
notification.
3. If the grade appeal is not resolved with the department chair or program director, the
grade appeal can then be submitted in writing to the Associate Dean of Student and
Academic Services. The Associate Dean of Student and Academic Services shall provide
a response within four weeks (when classes are in session) of the appeal.
Credit Overload Policy - https://spaa.newark.rutgers.edu/academic-policies-procedures-forms
To be considered a full-time student, an individual must carry a minimum of 12 credit hours
per term. Students may carry between 1 – 19 credit hours, but not more than 19 credit hours
per term without written permission from the Office of Student and Academic Services.
PLEASE NOTE: Summer School registration is limited to 14 credits (4 courses) – No
exceptions. For a credit overload, a student must meet all the following standards below:
• English Composition 101 & 102 Completed
• Math Proficiency Completed
• Declared a major with an academic department (SPAA students are automatically
• declared as Public and Nonprofit Administration majors)
• Successfully completed 24 Rutgers-Newark credit hours
• Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The right of access to information in a student’s educational records is governed by a federal law
known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”). The right of access to
other information, such as medical or counseling records, is governed by applicable state or
federal law. Generally, students attending a college or university, regardless of age, have the
right under FERPA to control the disclosure of information from their educational records.
https://uec.rutgers.edu/programs/ferpa-student-privacy/for-students-and-parents/
Academic Dismissal
Students who do not maintain a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA for three consecutive semesters
will be dismissed. According to the academic dismissal regulations
(https://sasn.rutgers.edu/student-support/current-students/academic-performance-
standards#Academic%20Dismissal) set by the School of Arts and Sciences-Newark, a student is
automatically dismissed for one academic year when the following criteria are met:
• The term grade-point average is less than 2.0 for three consecutive terms (not including
summer or winter sessions) and the cumulative grade-point average is less than 2.0,
• OR the student has failed to successfully complete 60% of credits attempted while on
probation. Success is defined as earning a grade of C or better.
• OR the student has failed to satisfy conditions of an academic contract.
• OR academic progress fails to meet the following standards:
24-30 credits 50% completion 1.500
31-59 credits 60% completion 1.800
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60-89 credits 70% completion 2.000
Graduation 100% completion 2.000
A student has the right to appeal an academic dismissal when such action has been based upon
the numerical criteria above, under extenuating circumstances, if there have been grade changes,
or when there is strong evidence that the student will do much better work in the future. To
appeal an academic dismissal, student must provide a written appeal to Associate Dean Aaron
Gibbs, [email protected], by the date set forth in their academic dismissal notice. The appeal
will be submitted to the Scholastic Standing Committee for a final decision to be made.
The appeal must be written by you and should be comprehensive: elaborating on non-academic
problems such as financial, medical, and personal hardships that affected your performance
during the term. Presenting false or intentionally misleading information in the appeal may result
in immediate dismissal of the appeal and/or judicial charges.
The letter of appeal should include:
• Your name, RUID number, current address, and Rutgers email address
• Circumstances that negatively impacted your academic performance during the semester
of the dismissal
• What was done to address these issues or what is being done if these circumstances are
still ongoing
• Appropriate supporting documentation
• Outline of an academic and personal action plan that will be implemented if reinstated.
Submitted documents will be reviewed and decisions will be made by the date set forth in a
student’s academic dismissal notice. The acceptance of an appeal is not guaranteed. However, if
it is accepted, you will be readmitted and placed on probation for the following term of
enrollment. Additionally, a note of academic dismissal will remain in your academic file.
If you choose not to appeal or if your appeal is not approved, you will be eligible to apply for
reinstatement in 11 months. You must attend another institution to demonstrate your capability
for college level courses, however, you are advised not to take courses elsewhere that you have
taken at Rutgers-Newark (with grades of D or F). When you have accomplished all the listed
requirements, you may submit a reinstatement appeal letter.
Satisfactory Academic Progress – Office of Financial Aid
Satisfactory academic progress (SAP) (https://financialaid.rutgers.edu/eligibility/academic-
progress/#sap) is a requirement for all students receiving federal, state, or university assistance
while enrolled at Rutgers. Financial aid recipients must meet both a qualitative and a quantitative
standard to maintain eligibility for aid. In addition, the student must complete the program within
the maximum timeframe.
The qualitative standard is determined by the student's cumulative grade point average (GPA)
at a specific grade level.
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The quantitative standard is based on a student's completion rate, or the successful completion
of a minimum number of credits of the total credits attempted.
How completion rate is calculated:
RU completed credits + accepted transfer credits / RU attempted credits + accepted transfer
credits.
Academic Status Table: Credit Completion & GPA Requirements
If Cumulative Credits
Completed Equals
Percentage Rate of Cumulative
Attempted Credits Completed Must
Be
Cumulative GPA
(standard calculation)
1-30
50%
1.50
31-59
60%
1.80
60-89
70%
2.00
90 and over
75%
2.00
Academic progress is measured at the end of the spring semester of a full academic year and
includes all terms of enrollment or for the spring term only for spring students admitted in
spring, including winter and summer sessions. Your entire academic record is included in the
determination of satisfactory academic progress, whether or not you received aid.
Incomplete and withdrawal grades do not earn credits to meet the academic standard or influence
the GPA in the term the course was attempted, but they do count as attempted credits. Repeated
courses will count as part of the attempted credits but will not be duplicated in the completed
credits.
Students who are not meeting satisfactory academic progress at the end of the spring term may
not be eligible for summer aid if an appeal and academic plan is not available, which includes the
summer term.
Students who are not meeting the completion rate standard but who can graduate within two
terms can submit an appeal, and if approved, can continue toward graduation if the student’s
adviser or dean writes a plan detailing the expectation of the student during the two terms
through graduation.
Students readmitted to Rutgers must be evaluated prior to receiving financial aid. If the student
was not meeting satisfactory academic progress when they last attended Rutgers, they must (if
qualified) file an appeal and obtain an academic plan.
Maximum Timeframe
Students cannot receive financial aid for credits in excess of 150% of the required credits for
graduation in their degree program. For example, if your program requires 120 credits for
graduation, you may not receive aid for more than 180 attempted credit hours (120 x 150%).
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This policy is in effect even if you change your major or are pursuing a second baccalaureate
degree.
If you exceed the maximum time frame, you may appeal to your regional director of financial aid
for a one-time extension of aid eligibility only if you are within 24 credits of completing your
degree program and meeting the minimum GPA (2.0) standards. Confirmation of your ability to
graduate within 24 credits must be provided by your academic adviser or dean. Students not
meeting the minimum standards will be deemed ineligible for any future terms unless they
successfully appeal.
Academic Integrity
Principles of academic integrity require that every Rutgers University student:
• Properly acknowledge and cite all use of the ideas, results, or words of others;
• Properly acknowledge all contributors to a given piece of work;
• Make sure that all work submitted as his or her own in a course or other academic
activity is produced without the aid of unsanctioned materials or unsanctioned
collaboration;
• Obtain all data or results by ethical means and report them accurately, without
suppressing any results inconsistent with his or her interpretation or conclusions;
• Treat all other students in an ethical manner, respecting their integrity and right to pursue
their educational goals without interference. This requires that a student neither facilitate
academic dishonesty by others nor obstruct their academic progress; and
• Uphold the canons of the ethical or professional code of the profession for which he or
she is preparing.
Adherence to these principles is necessary in order to insure that:
• Everyone is given proper credit for his or her ideas, words, results, and other scholarly
accomplishments;
• All student work is fairly evaluated and no student has an inappropriate advantage over
others;
• The academic and ethical development of all students is fostered;
• The reputation of the University for integrity in its teaching, research, and scholarship is
maintained and enhanced; and
• Failure to uphold these principles of academic integrity threatens both the reputation of
the University and the value of the degrees awarded to its students. Every member of the
University community therefore bears a responsibility for ensuring that the highest
standards of academic integrity are upheld.
All new students are required to complete the Academic Integrity tutorial during their first
semester. Our office will remind you, and you can find the tutorial on Blackboard under “More
Organizations Plus.” Failure to complete the tutorial will result in the suspension of your
registration for the upcoming semester. The complete Academic Integrity Policy can be found at
https://studentaffairs.newark.rutgers.edu/support-services/community-standards/code-conduct-
academic-integrity