The following is a summary of academic policies at NYU Abu Dhabi. Unless otherwise noted, students should direct all questions or concerns regarding these policies to their faculty mentor, who will liaise with the appropriate members of the University administration as needed.
- Expand all [+]Collapse all [-]
-
Academic Standing
This policy defines good academic standing and outlines the steps that will be taken to ensure students are informed of their academic standing, are helped if they have a temporary lapse, and are assisted in finding alternatives to NYU Abu Dhabi, if necessary.
I. Good Standing: NYUAD expects students to make satisfactory progress toward their undergraduate degree every term and cumulatively. Good academic standing is typically achieved by successfully completing 16 credit hours during each fall and spring semester and 4 credit hours during each of three January terms. A student who falls more than four credit hours behind this target, or who has a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of less than 2.00, ceases to be in good academic standing. Additionally, a student who fails to successfully complete at least 12 credits during a regular semester or who earns a term GPA of less than 2.00 ceases to be in good standing.
II. Academic Support: The university has developed a series of steps designed to help students achieve their academic goals and to communicate with students and their faculty mentors when a student is having trouble maintaining good academic standing. Typically, coordinating the communication and academic response is handled through the Office of Academic Administration and the Office of the Dean of Students. Academic support can include such things as tutoring, mentoring, and English Language support. The Dean of Students Office can also provide Wellness services and other organization support.
III. Definitions
Committee on Academic Standing: The Committee on Academic Standing is chaired by the Vice Provost for Academic Administration and includes the four Divisional Deans or their designees, a member of the standing faculty, and other members as determined by the NYUAD Provost. The Committee meets at the completion of each regular semester.
Probation: A student who is not in good standing is considered to be on probation.
Students who are on academic probation are expected to refocus their energies on academic success. Unless specifically permitted by the Committee on Academic Standing, students on probation are not eligible for semester study away, course overloads, summer internship or research funding, or extra-curricular travel (including for team sports). Campus employment and membership in student interest groups, while not prohibited, should be strictly limited and not allowed to adversely impact academic progress.
Students on probation remain on probation until such time as they return to good academic standing. If a student fails to successfully complete all of his or her course work while on probation or if after two semesters on probation (consecutive or not) a student has not returned to good standing, s/he will be referred to the Committee on Academic Standing for review.
Suspension: Suspension separates a student from NYUAD for a period of at least one semester. It is intended as a time for students to reflect upon the reasons for their academic underperformance and to put in place such measures as will help them to succeed upon their return. Suspended students may opt to pursue university studies at another institution at their own expense during their time away from NYUAD. A maximum of 8 credits from such study may be transferred to NYUAD following the policies and protocols for transferring of credit.
Dismissal: Dismissal represents the permanent separation of a student from NYUAD.
IV. Academic Review: If a student ceases to be in good academic standing, s/he will automatically be placed on academic probation. In severe cases, the Vice Provost may refer such cases to the Committee on Academic Standing to consider enforcing additional measures such as a reduced course load or mandatory meetings with a mentor.
The Committee on Academic Standing will review all cases in which a student has been on probation for two or more semesters and still has not achieved good academic standing. The Committee will ordinarily recommend that such students be suspended from the university for a period of one semester. Additionally, the Vice Provost for Academic Administration may bring other students before the Committee for suspension consideration if their performance is particularly problematic — even if they have not had two semesters on probation. The actual decision to suspend rests with the NYUAD Provost.
Students who return from suspension will remain on academic probation. Upon return to NYUAD, these students are expected to successfully complete all of their courses. Failure to do so will result in referral to the Committee for Academic Standing. The Committee on Academic Standing may recommend allowing such students additional time on probation if upon their return they are accumulating credits at the normal rate and have a term GPA above 2.0. However, for students who continue to perform poorly upon return, the Committee will ordinarily recommend dismissal from NYUAD. The actual decision to dismiss rests with the Vice Chancellor who has sole authority to dismiss students from the University.
V. Non-Academic Review: The Vice Provost for Academic Administration will inform the student of any suspension or dismissal recommendation of the Committee on Academic Standing and enquire as to whether there are non-academic issues so compelling as to suggest an alternate sanction. Students asserting such a claim must document the non-academic issues. In the case of Health and Wellness reasons, this will ordinarily require that the student sign a release granting the Dean of Students and the Vice Provost access to records that would otherwise be protected under privacy regulations.
The Dean of Students and the Vice Provost will review these potentially compelling non-academic issues. In cases where they believe that a significant non-academic reason exists for the academic deficiency AND that there is reason to believe that the significant non-academic reason has been mitigated to an extent that prior academic deficiencies are not likely to be repeated, the Dean and Vice Provost will produce a formal recommendation suggesting a modification or even complete retraction of the recommendation of the Committee on Academic Standing. When no such non-academic reason exists, the Dean and Vice Provost will issue a formal statement in support of the recommendation by the Committee on Academic Standing
VI. Decision: The decision to suspend or dismiss a student lies with the NYUAD Provost (for suspension) or Vice Chancellor (for dismissal) based upon the recommendation of the Academic and Non-Academic review.
VII. Appeal: Suspension and dismissal decisions may be appealed to the NYUAD Provost acting in conjunction with the Vice Chancellor, by delivering (via e-mail, hand delivery, delivery service, or mail) a written notice of appeal that arrives at the Office of the Provost within two weeks of a suspension or dismissal notification being sent to the student. There are only two grounds for appeal: a violation of the procedures outlined in this policy or evidence of factual error. The Provost will advise the student, the Committee on Academic Standing, and the Dean of Students in writing of his/her final determination. The decision of the Provost and Vice Chancellor of NYUAD will be final and binding.
VII. Reporting: Academic standing status will not be recorded on official transcripts or other public documents, or released outside the institution without the student’s knowledge. Academic standing will, however, be part of the student's internal NYUAD academic record and accessible for mentoring purposes.
-
Access to Educational Records
NYU Abu Dhabi is fully committed to the protection of the privacy of student records. To assist with the guarding of this privacy, the university complies with the United States Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This specifically means that any education records maintained by the university and directly related to students, such as grades, transcripts, and test scores, will not be released to others, including parents or guardians, without the student’s consent except as provided by United States federal regulations. Education records refer to any record or document containing information directly related to a student (including computerized and electronic files, audio and video tape, photographic images, film, e-mail, etc.) and are not limited to hard copy documents or to a file with a student’s name on it.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was enacted by the United States Congress to protect the privacy of students’ education records, to establish the rights of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide students with an opportunity to have information in their records corrected which is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of their rights of privacy. FERPA also permits the disclosure by an institution without a student’s prior consent of so-called “directory information” (see definition below), and of other personally identifiable information under certain limited conditions. Students have the right to file complaints with the United States Department of Education’s Family Policy Compliance Office concerning alleged failures by an institution to comply with FERPA.
FERPA governs the release of personally identifiable information to both external and internal parties, including other University employees, parents, and government agents. The NYUAD and NYU FERPA Guidelines (accessible as indicated below) describe the circumstances and procedures governing the release of information from a student’s education records to such parties.
Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information
Among other exceptions authorized by FERPA, prior consent of the student is not needed for disclosure of directory information or for disclosure to school officials with a legitimate educational interest in access to the student’s educational record. School officials having a legitimate educational interest include any University employee acting within the scope of her or his University employment, and any duly appointed agent or representative of the University acting within the scope of his or her appointment. In addition, the University may, at its sole discretion, forward education records to the officials of another institution (a) in which a student seeks or intends to enroll if that institution requests such records, or (b) if the student is enrolled in, or is receiving services from, that institution while she or he is attending NYUAD or NYU. Other exceptions are listed in the NYUAD and NYU Guidelines for Compliance with FERPA.
Additional Information for Students about Records Access
Students may obtain additional information about access to their records from the NYUAD and NYU Guidelines for Compliance with FERPA. The Guidelines may be viewed at nyuad.nyu.edu/academics/academic.policies.html
NYUAD and NYU New York have designated the following student information as “directory information:”
Name, dates of attendance, NYU school or college, class, previous institution(s) attended, major field of study, full- or part-time status, degree(s) conferred (including dates), honors and awards (including dean’s list), past and present participation in officially recognized activities (including positions held and official statistics related to such participation and performance), email address, and NetID. Email address and NetID are directory information for internal purposes only and will not be made available to the general public except in specified directories from which students may opt out. Under United States federal law, address information, telephone listings, and age are also considered directory information for military recruitment purposes. Address refers to “physical mailing address” but not email address.
-
Adding and Dropping Courses
Within the following time frames, a student may add or drop a course (or section) without record on the student’s permanent transcript:
- For a 14-week course the deadline for adding is the end of the second week and for dropping is the end of the third week.
- For a 7-week course the deadline for adding is the end of the first week and for dropping is the end of the 8th day of class
- The deadline for adding or dropping a January Term course or section is the end of the first day of the course or section.
Any student who adds a course after the first day of instruction is fully responsible for all work previously assigned in that course. During the second week of add/ drop courses may be added only with the permission of the instructor. No course or section may be added after the stated deadline. After the stated deadlines, courses may only be dropped in accordance with the NYUAD policy on Withdrawal. Note that NYUAD students are subject to these add/drop limitations even when studying at another NYU campus, regardless of the deadlines at that campus.
-
Advanced Standing
NYU Abu Dhabi does not award transfer credit for high school coursework or for external assessments, such as AP or IB exams. Advanced level courses, including AP, IB, and A Levels, may allow students to substitute an advanced course for an introductory course at NYUAD.
Advanced standing is at the discretion of the Academic Dean of the appropriate divisional area in consultation with the faculty in the discipline. The completion of a placement test may be required. There is no presumption that advanced standing is available in all disciplines. While advanced standing can be used to exempt a student from specified entry-level courses, it does not reduce the total number of courses required in any program.
-
Attendance
Attendance is expected in all classes. Although the administration of NYUAD does not supervise attendance of classes, it supports the standards established by instructors.
Students who, in the judgment of the instructor, have not substantially met the requirements of the course or who have been excessively absent may receive a grade deduction, including the possibility of an F, and/or may be considered to have withdrawn unofficially (see the policy on Withdrawal).
-
Auditing
Students will be permitted to audit a course with the permission of the course’s primary instructor. Audited courses must be documented with the Registrars office by the end of the applicable add/drop period. Audited courses may not be converted to a for-credit basis after the add/drop deadline and will not be reflected on a student’s transcript.
-
Commencement Marching Eligibility
Students may participate in the NYUAD Commencement Ceremony if:
- They have met all requirements for graduation and have not previously marched in anticipation of the degree being conferred or
- They matriculated at least eight semesters prior to Commencement and they were registered in the semester immediately preceding commencement for all courses necessary to graduate, regardless of whether or not all such courses are successfully completed by Commencement.
-
Course Load
NYU Abu Dhabi requires students to complete 140 credit hours to graduate. Students generally take nine four-credit courses per year: usually four during each semester, and one during each of three January Terms. However, as not all courses within the NYU system are four-credit courses, course load is measured in credit hours. Students must average 16 credit hours per regular semester, and may not generally take more than 18 hours in any one term.
NYUAD believes firmly that four years is the appropriate amount of time for students to take optimal advantage of NYUAD's unique course structure, global programming, and co-curricular experiences. Students interested in accelerating or extending their degree programs must consult with their faculty mentors and the NYUAD Dean of Students to determine eligibility.
Faculty mentors will work closely with students to ensure a balance in academic workload, particularly as students take advantage of NYUAD's scheduling system and the availability of 7-week courses.
Students who wish to take more than 18 credit hours per semester must obtain the permission of their faculty mentors and the Vice Provost for Academic Administration. No student is permitted to take more than 20 credit hours in a semester. Students are required to take at least three January Term courses during their career, one per year in each three years.
Students who wish to take fewer than 16 hours per semester must also obtain the permission of their mentor and the Vice Provost for Academic Administration in order to ensure a course of study that allows the student to make normal progress toward a degree. No student may take fewer than 12 credits per regular semester.
-
Double Counting
A course may count toward more than one requirement. For example, the same course may count toward both a major and toward a multi-disciplinary concentration or toward two different majors. However, there are limitations to double counting.
- For double majors, students may count all courses that are explicitly
required for both majors, or a total of three courses, whichever is greater. - All concentrations must include a minimum of at least two courses that are not counted toward any other set of major or concentration requirements.
- No individual course may count for more than one Core category
This limited double-counting policy is intended to create flexibility for students and to allow them to highlight the disciplinary and subject matter clusters they have chosen to study.
Students should choose concentrations with a sense of academic purpose, not as an accidental result of NYUAD’s extensive cross-listing of courses, which reflects our commitment to work across disciplines.
- For double majors, students may count all courses that are explicitly
-
Double Majors and Concentrations
Students may complete a second major if both majors can be accommodated during their four years at NYU Abu Dhabi, or they may complete a concentration, which is offered in 22 disciplinary areas in addition to 5 multidisciplinary areas. Concentrations generally require four courses. So that students may take full advantage of the breadth of the curriculum and not focus too narrowly on just one or two areas, students are encouraged to explore the option of completing a concentration rather than a full second major.
-
Exemptions
-
Grade Changes
To dispute an assigned grade, students must appeal directly to the instructor of record. Based on the appeal presented by the student, the course instructor may revise the grade. Before students petition to appeal a grade decision, they should keep in mind that a grade amended due to an appeal can be either higher or lower than previously assigned. Final responsibility for the student's grade rests with the course instructor.
A student alleged to have engaged in academic dishonesty will meet with the Vice Provost for Academic Administration. A student with strong evidence supporting an allegation of malfeasance or discrimination should also consult the Vice Provost for Academic Administration.
-
Grading
A = 4.0
A- = 3.7
B+ = 3.3
B = 3.0
B- = 2.7
C+ = 2.3
C = 2.0
C- = 1.7
D+ = 1.3
D = 1.0
F = 0.0
W = Withdrawal (see policy on Withdrawal)
P = Pass (see policy on Pass/Fail)
I = Incomplete (see policy on Incompletes)The grade point average (GPA) is computed by determining the total number of quality points earned (quality points multiplied by credit hours) and dividing by total graded credit hours. Quality points are earned in letter-graded NYU courses taken after a student's first year of enrollment. Total graded credit hours include the credit hours associated with all such courses as well as the credit hours associated with any Pass/Fail course that is failed (see the policy on Pass/Fail).
When a course is repeated, only the second grade — whether it is higher or lower — will be calculated into the cumulative GPA. The initial grade will remain on the transcript.
Note: For the class of 2014 only, cumulative grade point averages are calculated both with and without first-year grades and the higher GPA will be used for all purposes.
-
Graduation Honors
NYUAD will have Latin honors at the time of graduation. Latin honors are determined by cumulative GPA. Summa cum laude is limited to the top 5 percent of the graduating class in each division, magna cum laude to the next 10 percent of the graduating class in each division, and cum laude to the next 15 percent of the graduating class in each division.
-
Incompletes
An incomplete grade of "I" will be permitted only in extraordinary circumstances that prevent a student from completing required course work by the end of the semester. Students must approach the instructor of the course about whether a grade of "Incomplete" is possible and should be aware that simply leaving a course unfinished may result in a failing grade.
When an instructor believes that an incomplete may be appropriate, the student and the instructor submit an Incomplete Request Form to the Office of Academic Administration. The form includes the specific outstanding work, a submission deadline, and a default grade to be assigned if the additional work is not submitted on time. The application is subject to review and must be approved by the Vice Provost for Academic Administration before a grade of "I" is recorded. Adjustments to the approved deadline are allowed only in exceptional circumstances upon written agreement from the instructor. Incompletes that have not been resolved according to the terms of the Incomplete Request Form will be assigned the default grade at the end of the first regular semester following the semester in which the course was taken.
Students requesting a Leave of Absence during a given semester will generally be considered for an Incomplete only if the leave of absence is approved within the last three weeks from the end of the term.
-
The NYUAD Community's Commitment to Integrity
At NYU Abu Dhabi, a commitment to excellence, fairness, honesty, and respect within and outside the classroom is essential to maintaining the integrity of our community. By accepting membership in this community, students, faculty, and staff take responsibility for demonstrating these values in their own conduct and for recognizing and supporting these values in others. In turn, these values create a campus climate that encourages the free exchange of ideas, promotes scholarly excellence through active and creative thought, and allows community members to achieve and be recognized for achieving their highest potential.
Academic integrity violation procedures as well as a more detailed discussion of what constitutes a violation are available in the Student Portal.
As part of the NYU global network university, NYU Abu Dhabi students are also subject to the NYU's all-school policy on Academic Integrity for Students at NYU.
-
Leave of Absence
NYU Abu Dhabi expects its students to maintain continuous registration in an academic program with the exception of summer breaks. However, it is sometimes necessary or desirable for a student to take a leave from enrollment for a period of time. Such leaves may be voluntary or involuntary, and will be handled in accordance with the NYU-wide Student Leave Policy and Procedure. For the purposes of this NYU policy, references to the Dean of the School refers to the NYUAD Dean of Students and references to the Provost refer to the Provost of NYU, not the Provost of NYUAD. Questions about references to specific offices within this policy should be referred to the NYUAD Dean of Students. The paragraphs below briefly summarize the NYU Policy, but individuals considering a leave are encouraged to review the full policy referenced above before making any final decisions.
Voluntary Leave: NYU recognizes that situations may arise when a student may want to voluntarily interrupt his or her academic studies. The University is committed to handling reasonable requests for leaves in a responsible manner. This policy may not be used in lieu of disciplinary action to address any violations of University rules, regulations, policies, or practices. A student who is granted a voluntary leave while on academic and/or disciplinary status will return to that same status.
Involuntary Leave: NYU may place a student on an involuntary leave of absence from that student’s academic program when that student: (1) poses a direct threat to health and safety of self or others; and (2) is not able or not willing to take a voluntary leave of absence. This policy may not be used in lieu of disciplinary actions to address any violations of University rules, regulations, policies, or practices. A student who is placed on an involuntary leave while on academic and/ or disciplinary status will return to that same status.
Returning from a Medical Leave of Absence: If a leave was due to a psychological or medical condition, the student must successfully complete one academic semester (fall or spring) of full-time coursework in Abu Dhabi before enrolling in an NYUAD Study Abroad Program.
-
Midterm Assessment
Faculty should organize their courses in a manner that makes individual student progress in the class clear. In addition to providing each student with information on their progress in a timely manner, faculty will submit a brief midterm report to the Office of Academic Administration noting all students who are not performing satisfactorily in their class and the nature of their individual deficiencies. This will enable the Office of Academic Administration to identify students whose performance over multiple courses may indicate a need for additional academic support. Because these assessments are intended to be holistic, faculty members may factor in student attendance, participation, and general level of engagement rather than rely solely on graded material. Assessments are due not later than the beginning of the fourth week for 7-week courses and at the end of the eighth week for 14-week courses. These assessments are not part of a student's formal academic record and do not appear on transcripts.
-
Minimum Grades
-
Pass/Fail
A pass grade is recorded for all Pass/Fail courses in which a letter grade of D or higher is earned. Beginning in the second year of study, NYUAD allows students to take one course per semester (up to a total of three courses overall) Pass/Fail during fall or spring semester. J-term and summer courses may not be taken Pass/Fail. This option is designed to encourage students to continue to explore areas of interest and to optimize their focus on learning unfamiliar methods and materials while minimizing concerns about formal outcomes. The Pass/Fail option is therefore especially appropriate in the second year before students invest in a major. Students studying at other NYU global network sites may be further restricted by site policies related to Pass/Fail grading.
Courses taken Pass/Fail will not be counted for credit toward the completion of the core curriculum, of a major, or concentration. A course taken Pass/Fail cannot be used to satisfy a prerequisite requirement.
Students considering the Pass/Fail option in their area of study or in pre-professional courses should consult with their mentor about the effect of such grades on admission to graduate and professional schools.
Students who change their majors will be able to use courses previously taken under the Pass/Fail option only with the support of their mentors and the appropriate program head, and with the approval of the Vice Provost for Academic Administration. Such exceptions may additionally require completion of an additional elective course in the major.
Classes that receive a Pass are counted for credit toward the degree, but are not calculated in the GPA. Classes that are failed are registered as an F for purposes of GPA calculation.
For applicable courses, a student may opt to change to or from Pass/Fail grading only during the withdrawal period associated with that particular course.
-
Religious Holidays
NYU Abu Dhabi, as a nonsectarian institution, adheres to the general policy of including in its official calendar only certain legal holidays. However, it is also University policy that members of any religious group may, without penalty, absent themselves from classes when compliance with their religious obligations requires it:
- Students who anticipate being absent because of any religious observance should notify faculty in advance of such anticipated absence.
- Faculty should make a reasonable effort not to schedule examinations and assignments with deadlines on religious holidays. Any student absent from class because of religious beliefs shall not be penalized for any class, examination, or assignment deadline missed on that day or days.
- If examinations or assignment deadlines are scheduled, any student who is unable to attend class because of religious beliefs shall be given the opportunity to make up that day or days.
- No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student who avails him/herself of the above provisions.
- Class sessions will not be repeated for individual students.
- Students who anticipate being absent because of any religious observance should notify faculty in advance of such anticipated absence.
-
Repeating Courses
A student may repeat a course; a "W" obtained on first registration for a course does not count in these calculations. Students may not repeat courses in a designated sequence after taking more advanced courses. Both grades will be recorded, but only the latter (whether higher or lower) will be included in credit calculations and in the grade point average. Students may only receive credit once for a repeated course.
Note: students should be aware that graduate and professional schools may consider repeated courses differently.
-
Transcripts
NYU Abu Dhabi official transcripts do not report grades for courses taken during a student’s first year of study. However, these grades do become a part of the student’s academic record to be used for internal purposes such as mentoring students and fulfillment of Prerequisite. Official transcripts indicate successful completion of those courses taken in the first year for which a grade of C- or better is received. Courses from which a student has withdrawn or in which the student received a grade of lower than a C- do not appear on the official transcript nor do they contribute toward satisfying graduation requirements.
In addition, students may request from the Registrar independent documentation of these grades for external use.
Students’ first-year grades will not be included in cumulative grade point averages calculations.
This policy contributes to the development of a learning community at NYUAD that distinctively emphasizes independent responsibility for intellectual exploration and growth and that is appropriate for a global student body.
-
Transfer Credit
On an exceptional basis, NYU Abu Dhabi will consider awarding credit for courses taken at other universities. Transfer credit, however, is awarded on a limited basis and only for courses taken after matriculation at NYUAD. Transfer credit applications are evaluated based on academic merit, appropriateness to the NYUAD curriculum, and the degree to which the courses are distinct from other coursework that the student has completed or will complete at NYUAD. To assure that courses may be counted toward graduation requirements, students are also required to complete a Transfer Pre-approval Form prior to enrolling in another institution.
While a student may be awarded transfer credit, these credits cannot be used to reduce the total number of required semesters of enrollment.
-
Withdrawal from a Course
After consulting with the faculty mentor and within the following time frames, a student may discontinue a course and receive a grade of W:
- Those 14-week courses dropped in the third week through the seventh week will receive a grade of W.
- Those 7-week courses dropped in the second week through the fourth week will receive a grade of W.
- Those January Term courses dropped on the second day of the first week through the second day of the second week will receive a grade of W.
After the final date in each of the above, no student may withdraw from a course without a direct appeal to the Vice Provost for Academic Administration. All relevant circumstances will be taken into consideration, but there is no guarantee that a late withdrawal will be allowed.
Consistent with the Transcript Policy, courses from which a student has withdrawn during the first year of study are not recorded on the transcript. Courses from which a student withdraws in subsequent years will appear on the transcript with the accompanying grade of W.
- Those 14-week courses dropped in the third week through the seventh week will receive a grade of W.