Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy: Academic Rules, Regulations, and Information

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Academic Rules

Programs/Courses

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Admission Requirements: Bachelor of Arts

Open to current second-year UVA undergraduates and to transfer students, the bachelor of arts in leadership and public policy is a multidisciplinary, liberal arts program focused on understanding how public policy decisions are made, how civic leaders in government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector contribute to collective problem solving. The curriculum provides an opportunity to learn about the political, economic, historical, and social context of public policy. The program also gives students the ability to understand debates about the full range of policy issues facing the contemporary world and provides an introduction to the basic concepts of policy analysis.

Although not a pre-professional degree, the Batten undergraduate program gives students an opportunity to develop their critical and analytical thinking, and their communication, leadership, and research skills.

It is an excellent choice for students who are still exploring their career options, or who seek a broad introduction to the identification and management of contemporary societal problems and to the challenges and opportunities of civic leadership. Recipients of the Batten BA are prepared for a wide range of graduate programs, including both professional degrees and doctoral programs, as well as for jobs related to public policy in the for-profit and public sectors.

Admission to the Batten School is competitive to ensure a well-rounded class and to limit class size. Typically current UVA undergraduates apply for admission during the second year and will be admitted to the Batten School for their final two years. The program is also open to students transferring to the University in the third year.

In special circumstances, a student may apply for admission to the Batten School undergraduate degree program during their first year and complete the program over the course of their second and third year of study, thus graduating early. In such cases, the student must still fulfill the requirement of having completed 60 credits prior to entry to the Batten School.

Students must first be admitted to the University of Virginia, either as first-year students or through a transfer process. The Batten School will only consider applications for the fall semester of a student’s third-year, regardless of when they transfer into the University. A student is not eligible to transfer into the Batten School for the undergraduate degree program during the spring of their third year or at any point in their fourth year.

Applicants must present strong academic credentials and demonstrate that they are on track to finish their College of Arts and Sciences competency and area requirements. The Batten School General Education Requirements are the same as the UVA College of Arts and Sciences. The Batten School will accept students from any of the three general education curricula (traditional curriculum, new College curriculum or the forum curriculum). The application requires the following prerequisites and supporting documents:

• Prerequisites:
  • 60 undergraduate credits (earned prior to start of third year)
  • ECON 2010 or equivalent (earning a grade of ‘C’ or higher)
  • PPOL 3100, PSYC 2600 or equivalent (earning a grade of ‘C’ or higher)
• Completed on-line application form
• All college transcripts [unofficial copies accepted for application]
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal essay
• CV/Resume of activities
• SAT or ACT Standardized test scores
• Optional application addendum

Admission Requirements: Accelerated Bachelor/MPP

Students already committed to a career in public policy, and who are interested in a professional master’s degree in that field, are advised to consider applying to the Accelerated Bachelor/MPP Program.

Admission to the Batten School is competitive to ensure a well-rounded class and to limit class size. UVA undergraduate students typically apply for admission to the Accelerated Bachelor/MPP Program during their third year. Applicants must demonstrate that they will have earned at least 90 undergraduate credits before the start of their fourth year. Summer coursework before the fall semester in which the student begins the program is also an option. In addition, prior to enrollment in the Accelerated Bachelor/MPP program, students must complete and earn a C or higher in ECON 2010 or equivalent and any one of the following math courses: MATH 1190 - A Survey of Calculus I with Algebra; MATH 1210 - A Survey of Calculus 1; MATH 1310 - Calculus I; APMA 1090 - Single Variable Calculus I; or any more advanced calculus course. The math prerequisite can be fulfilled through either coursework or AP credit.

Once admitted to and enrolled in the Accelerated Bachelor/MPP Program, students begin their professional studies at the Batten School while completing their remaining undergraduate coursework to receive their bachelor’s degree. They will take three Batten core courses per semester of their first year with Batten, for a total of six Batten courses during the first year of the program. The remaining two courses per semester of their final undergraduate year are available for students to complete their major, minor, other undergraduate requirements, or electives relevant to the MPP program.

Students must complete all of the academic requirements for and receive their undergraduate degree by the end of their fourth year in order to be eligible to advance to graduate standing and receive the MPP degree.

During the summer in between their fourth and fifth years, Batten students participate in a required internship in a public policy field of the students’ interest. At the conclusion of the summer internship, Batten students return for their fifth year as graduate students completing their MPP coursework.

Application of Batten School Policies

Policies and procedures apply to all students enrolled in the Batten School, as stipulated below, and are subject to change.

Petitions for exception should be addressed to Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Policies and procedures governing enrollment in a degree program or course at the Batten School also apply to students from other schools who are enrolled in Batten programs and courses.

Application of Other School and University Policies

Students enrolled in the first year of the Accelerated Master of Public Policy Program are still candidates for their undergraduate degrees. They are therefore governed by the regulations of the school in the University in which they are completing those degrees, as well as with the general policies of the University of Virginia, presented in the Undergraduate Record and available on-line at records.ureg.virginia.edu/. Upon successful completion of the undergraduate degree and the first year of the Batten curriculum, these students will be officially admitted to the Batten School graduate program. Students may not be admitted to the graduate program without an undergraduate degree. Accelerated Master of Public Policy students not in good academic standing as defined below (Good Academic Standing: Accelerated Bachelor/MPP) at the end of the first year in the program will not be admitted to the Batten School for the second year of the graduate program.

All students enrolled in the Batten School’s undergraduate program are responsible for complying with the policies of the University of Virginia, presented in the Undergraduate Record and available on-line at records.ureg.virginia.edu/.

All students enrolled in the Batten School’s graduate programs are responsible for complying with the policies of the University of Virginia, presented in the Graduate Record and available on-line at records.ureg.virginia.edu/.

The Graduate Record and the Undergraduate Record contain information on policies that apply to all University students, regulations governing undergraduate, graduate and dual-degree programs, the Honor System, tuition, fees, and financial aid.

Academic Advising

The Director of Academic Programs is responsible for the academic advising of Batten School students. The Director meets with students regularly to monitor curricular progress, and administers school policies with regard to student retention, degree progress, academic probation, and graduation status.

Academic Standing

At the end of each semester, the Director of Academic Programs reviews the academic records of all Batten students to see if they are in Good Academic Standing and making satisfactory progress toward their degree. This review ensures that students are informed of academic problems in a timely way. The Director of Academic Programs then counsels students who are facing academic difficulties and applies any academic sanctions imposed at the discretion of the Dean.

Good Academic Standing: Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Public Policy

Batten BA candidates are considered to be in Good Academic Standing at the end of a semester if, in that semester, they have:

• Completed at least 12 credits of course work;
• Earned a minimum grade of C in all courses taken to fulfill the core major requirements;
• Earned a minimum GPA of 2.000;
• Have no more than one grade below C minus.

To enroll for a seventh semester, students must have earned at least 84 semester hours (includes approved summer, transfer, AP, IB and dual enrollment credits).

Good Academic Standing: Accelerated Bachelor/MPP

To remain in good academic standing in a degree program of the Batten School, MPP students must:

• earn a final grade of B minus or higher in all core courses of the degree program,
• earn no more than six credit hours with final grades lower than a B minus in elective courses required for the degree,
• maintain a cumulative grade point average of B (3.00) or higher in all courses required for the degree, including elective courses taken in other schools at the University of Virginia.

In the final semester of the program, students must earn a minimum final grade of B minus on the Applied Policy Project to receive the MPP degree. If a student fails to fulfill this requirement, the Dean will consider options on a case-by-case basis.

MPP students who fail to meet these conditions will be placed on Academic Probation, pending dean’s review. The Director of Academic Programs will notify the student of this status and explain his or her options.  The student has until the end of the next semester’s exam period to restore good standing by fulfilling the terms attached to his or her unique case. In most cases, failure to do so will result in enforced withdrawal from the program in which they are enrolled pending Dean’s review. 

Academic Probation

Students who fail to earn Good Academic Standing will be placed on Academic Probation. Students on Academic Probation will be required to meet regularly with the Director of Academic Programs beginning no later than the add period of the ensuing semester. They are also strongly urged to devote more time to their academic work and are referred to academic and student affairs support services.

Students on Academic Probation who withdraw or take a leave of absence are eligible to apply for readmission or reenrollment. If the application is approved, they return on Academic Probation and must attain Good Academic Standing by the end of the next semester or face Suspension by virtue of two consecutive semesters on Academic Probation. 

Suspension

Students are subject to Suspension after two consecutive semesters on Academic Probation, or if they fail to earn at least nine grade points in a semester.

If this is a first Suspension, then one full fall term and one full spring term must elapse before a student may return to the Batten School. The Dean will consider a student’s application for readmission when she or he can document overcoming the difficulties that led to the Suspension. Students under Suspension forfeit commitments of financial aid. Suspended students may not apply hours from other institutions toward their UVA degree.

A second Suspension is regarded as permanent, and the student may not return to the University of Virginia.

When warranted, the Dean is authorized to hold a Suspension in abeyance and permit the student who would otherwise be suspended to continue under specific conditions. After the semester has concluded, the student’s academic standing will be evaluated and the appropriate academic discipline, if required, will be imposed.

Grade Appeals

A student who wishes to appeal a grade must first attempt to resolve the issue with the instructor of the course. The appeal must be submitted to the instructor in writing within 30 days of grade posting. If no resolution is reached, the student may submit a written appeal to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Other Academic Grievances

All other academic grievances should be addressed to the Dean of the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and will be handled at the discretion of the Dean.

Commencement Honors

Undergraduate students who have demonstrated high academic achievement in pursuit of the BA are eligible for commencement honors.

Diplomas inscribed “with distinction” are awarded to graduates who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.400 to 3.599.

Diplomas inscribed “with high distinction” are awarded to graduates who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.600 to 3.799.

Diplomas inscribed “with highest distinction” are awarded to graduates who have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.800.

Dean’s List

Full-time candidates for the Bachelor of Arts who demonstrate academic excellence while taking a minimum of 15 credits of graded coursework are eligible for the Dean’s List of Distinguished Students at the end of each semester. Courses taken on a CR/NC basis are not counted toward the 15-credit minimum. A current minimum grade point average of 3.700 is necessary to be eligible for the dean’s list. Any student receiving an F, NC, or NG during the semester is not eligible for the dean’s list. The notation “Dean’s List” is posted normally within several weeks after the conclusion of the semester.

Phi Beta Kappa

Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts are eligible for consideration for membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious undergraduate academic honors organization. Students are elected to Phi Beta Kappa for their stellar academic performance in the liberal arts. Undergraduate members of Phi Beta Kappa are chosen from the top 12 percent of the fourth-year class and the top 4 percent of the third-year class. Students must have earned at least 60 hours at the University of Virginia to be eligible. Students chosen for Phi Beta Kappa not only have earned a high grade point average but have also consistently demonstrated scholarship in the liberal arts. As a rule, students elected will have: (1) carried a full load of 15 credit hours per semester, (2) demonstrated proficiency in challenging advanced-level courses, and (3) chosen courses that reflect a scholarly commitment to the liberal arts in general (including a balance of courses in sciences and/or mathematics and the humanities and/or social sciences). In sum, the students who are elected choose programs that have breadth, depth, and rigor. Extracurricular activities are not taken into account. The Batten School Director of Academic Programs coordinates selection annually with the Phi Beta Kappa local chapter.

A note for Echols Scholars: The Batten School honors the College of Arts and Sciences policy of waiving competency/area requirements for Echols Scholars. Please be aware, however, that Phi Beta Kappa requires them. Interested students are advised to consult the website of the local Phi Beta Kappa chapter for information, http://college.artsandsciences.virginia.edu/phi_beta_kappa, and to contact the Batten School Director of Academic Programs with questions.

Curricular Requirements: Bachelor of Arts

To earn a BA from the Batten School, a student must present 120 credits of approved course work, which completes their general education requirements (traditional curriculum, new curriculum or forum curriculum as defined by the UVA College of Arts and Sciences), major requirements, and elective requirements. No fewer than 96 of the 120 required credits must be passed on a graded (A-B-C-D) basis. All courses taken to fulfill general education, and major/minor requirements must be taken on a graded (A-B-C-D) basis. A candidate must earn a minimum grade of C in all courses taken to fulfill the core program requirements below (i.e. all program courses except the special topics courses). A candidate must have earned a grade point average of at least 2.000 on all graded courses taken in the Batten School or elsewhere in the University and offered for the degree.

No fewer than 60 credit hours must be taken at the University of Virginia.

Following matriculation, all general education requirements must be completed at the University of Virginia and must be taken on a graded basis. AP credits from secondary school and transfer credits awarded before UVA matriculation may count as area requirements, with the exception of the second writing requirement. Dual-enrollment credit may not be used to meet first writing or foreign language requirements. Test scores cited in this section are from the SAT II Subject Tests re-centered in April 1995.

General Education Requirements: Traditional Curriculum

Competency Requirements

First Writing Requirement

Students may meet the first writing requirement in one of five ways:

• By successfully completing the two-semester Introduction to Academic Argument (ENWR 1505 + 1506).
• By successfully completing the two-semester ESL version of Introduction to Academic Argument (ENWR 1559 in the fall, followed by spring ENWR 1508).Note that this path is for students who are still developing their skills in English as a second language; students required to fulfill the first writing requirement in the ESL path will be identified by the Admissions Office, the Summer Transition Program, or the Professional and Academic Writing Program.
• By successfully completing Accelerated Introduction to Academic Argument (ENWR 110).
• By successfully completing the two-semester Pavilion Writers sequence (ENWR 2150 followed by 2160).
• By exemption.

Although instructors (especially in ENWR 1505/1506 and 1559/1508) will offer guidance on questions of mechanical correctness where needed, students are assumed to be competent in the basics of English grammar before entering UVA Instead of offering grammar drills, these courses help students identify and frame academic questions, support and extend conceptual arguments, and develop a range of prose styles.

Students must meet the first writing requirement during their first year at UVA

A note for transfer students: The goals of first-year writing courses at other universities vary widely. Therefore, although transfer course credit may be granted, exemption from UVA’s first writing requirement is *not* automatically given to students who have completed a writing or composition course elsewhere.

Transfer students whose test scores do not exempt them from UVA’s first writing requirement may submit a portfolio to the writing program for review. The deadline for review of fall placement portfolios is usually August 1, with students missing this deadline being eligible to submit portfolios for the spring semester by the middle of October. Questions should be directed to Professor Jon D’errico in the Department of English (924-7072).

Automatic exemption

Students are automatically exempt from the first writing requirement if at least one of the following statements is true:

1. The student is an Echols Scholar.
2. The student scored 700 or above on the writing portion of the SAT exam.
3. The student scored a 5 on the AP English language subject test.
4. The student scored a 5 or above on the IB (higher A 1) exam.

Portfolio exemption

Students who are not automatically exempt, may be able to earn an exemption from the first writing requirement through portfolio review. A good candidate for portfolio review will have:

1. Experience writing argument papers at the college level.
2. A score of 660 or above on the writing portion of the SAT exam.
3. A score of 4 or better on the AP English literature subject test.

Foreign Language Requirement

Students can meet the Foreign Language Requirement by successfully completing one of the following courses of action:

• Earn exemption by placing beyond the 2020 level by examination
• Take 14 credits, or four semesters of a language in the proper sequence
• After placement, complete the remaining courses in the sequence up to the fourth semester (usually 2020)

Placement in a language sequence is by SAT II Subject Test score and departmental recommendation. Students who achieve the following SAT II Subject Test scores are exempt from this requirement: 660 or above in French; 650 or above in German, Italian, Latin, or Spanish; 640 or above in Chinese or Japanese; or 560 or above in Hebrew. Students must follow the department’s recommendations in the completion of the foreign language requirement. Once placement occurs, the foreign language requirement is fulfilled by the completion of each course in sequence (no skipping). Credit for introductory language courses is disallowed if it duplicates foreign language credits offered for admission to the College of Arts and Sciences.

Students may be exempted from foreign languages not taught in the College of Arts and Sciences upon certification by a faculty member or outside examiner designated by the dean of the College. Students may also meet the foreign language requirement by completing, or gaining exemption from, the fourth semester of American Sign Language.

Second Writing Requirement

All students, except Echols Scholars, must complete a second writing requirement (typically a 3-credit course that is writing intensive) with a grade of C- or better by the end of their sixth semester.

• The Batten BA curriculum satisfies the second writing requirement for Batten BA candidates.

Area Requirements

All undergraduate students except Echols Scholars are required to fulfill Area Requirements by earning the proper number of credits from courses taken in each of five different academic subject areas. The courses must be taken on the graded basis.

Historical Studies: (3 credits) Students must pass at least one course worth 3 credits or more in historical studies.

The Batten BA core course Comparative Policy History satisfies the Historical Studies area requirement for Batten BA candidates.

Humanities: (6 credits) Student must pass at least one course worth 3 credits or more from two of the following groups of departments and programs:

Literature:

• Classics (CLAS)
• Comparative Literature (CPLT)
• East Asian Language and Cultures (EALC)
• East Asian Studies (EAST)
• English (except ENWR 1505/1506, 1510, 2510, 2520, 2700, 2820, 3700, 3710, 3720, 3800, and ENSP 1600 and 1700) and Foreign Literature [East Asian Languages, Literatures and Cultures (except CHIN 1010/1020, 2060, JAPN 1010-2020, KOR 1010-2020, and TBTN 1010-2020), French, German, Middle Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures (except ARAB 2250, 2260, 3230/5230, and 3240/5240), Slavic Languages and Literatures, and Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese courses in translation, and all foreign language courses above the 2020 level (except PORT 2120, which satisfies the foreign language requirement)].
• Middle Eastern Studies (MESA)
• Media Studies (MDST) 3000
• South Asian Studies (SAST – EXCEPT SAST 2700)
• South Asian Literature in Translation (SATR)

Fine Arts:

• Anthropology (ANTH) 2370
• Art History (ARTH)
• Studio Art (ARTS; not ARTS 2070)
• Drama (DRAM)
• Music (MUSI ONLY) (MUBN, MUEN AND MUPF courses do NOT fill this requirement)
• Media Studies (MDST) 2000, 3050, 3100
• Architectural History (AR H) 1000, 1010, 1020, 1700, 2400, 3102, 3701, 3201 and 3203
• Architecture (ARCH) 1010 (only 3-6 credit courses are accepted)

Moral, Philosophical, and Religious Perspectives:

The Batten BA core course Integrating Ethics in Public Policy satisfies the moral, philosophical, and religious perspective area requirement for Batten BA candidates.

Natural Science and Mathematics: (12 credits) Students must pass 12 hours of natural science and/or mathematics courses from at least two departments. Courses that count toward this requirement may be chosen from:

• The Departments of Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences Mathematics, Physics and Statistics
• Economics (ECON) 3710, 3720 and 4720
• Psychology (PSYC) 2220 3210 and 4200 (as of fall 2008)

Students are strongly encouraged to include courses in mathematics, the physical sciences and the biological sciences. For this requirement, statistics, mathematics and the above three economics courses are considered to come from one department. This means a student cannot satisfy this requirement with just these courses.

Exceptions include:

• Astronomy (ASTR) 1000T
• Biology (BIOL) 1000T
• Chemistry (CHEM) 1000T
• Environmental Science (EVSC) 1000T and 2030
• Mathematics (MATH) 1000T and 1030
• Physics (PHYS) 1000T

Courses designated as 1000T are equivalencies as determined by the College of Arts & Sciences. These courses are considered elective credit and do not satisfy this requirement.

Non-Western Perspectives: (3 Credits) Students must pass at least one course worth 3 or more credits which the faculty recognizes as dealing substantially with a culture other than Western culture. Classes that meet this requirement change each semester. Classes that meet this requirement change each semester. Qualifying courses can be found in the SIS Course Catalog.

Courses taken to fulfill the Non-Western Perspectives Area Requirement may count also toward fulfilling one other Area Requirement.

Social Sciences: (6 credits) Students must pass at least one course worth 3 credits or more from two social science fields.

The Batten BA curriculum satisfies the social sciences area requirement for Batten BA candidates.

Major Requirements

The Batten BA curriculum consists of fourteen required Batten School courses, thirteen 3-credit courses and a 1-credit research and writing lab. See the Batten Programs/Courses page  for detailed course information.

Curricular Requirements: Accelerated Bachelor/MPP

The Master of Public Policy curriculum instills four distinctive elements into the traditional study of policy analysis:

• A focus on leadership skills.
• A multidisciplinary perspective on the evolving context of public policy.
• Attention to the role of psychological and non-rational factors in decision-making and group behavior.
• A fully realized commitment to experiential learning through hands–on projects, policy simulations, and field experiences.

The core curriculum consists of eleven required Batten School courses. Visit the Batten Accelerated Bachelor/MPP page for course details.

The core curriculum provides students with a solid foundation in the concepts, methods and strategies of policy analysis and effective leadership. The program emphasizes teamwork and close interaction among students and faculty.

In addition to core courses, students are required to take 18 elective credits. Electives give students an opportunity to gain substantive expertise in their areas of policy interest. Students may enroll in electives offered by the Batten School and by other graduate and professional schools across the University. Batten students regularly enroll in courses at the Law School, the Darden Graduate School of Business, the Curry School of Education, the School of Architecture, and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Students are required to complete an internship in the summer between the first and second years. Students may intern in international, federal, state, or local government agencies; non-profit organizations; or private sector corporations and consulting firms; in the United States or abroad. Students select their internships based on their interests and in consultation with program faculty.

The capstone of the program is an Applied Policy Project in which students perform a professional-quality study for a real-world client under faculty supervision. For some students, the project is an outgrowth of the summer internship, and in some cases, it may lead to a post-graduation position with the client organization. Upon graduation, students are prepared for public service careers in government, non-profit organizations, and private firms engaged in public-private partnerships.

AP Credit

If a course for which AP credits have been awarded is repeated at the University, the AP credits are disallowed.  The repeated course is posted, with its credits counting toward graduation and its grade included in the computation of the grade point average.

Attendance

Given the intensive nature of Batten curricula, students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings. When necessary, excuses for absence from class are arranged between the student and the instructor of the course. It is the responsibility of the student to discuss numerous absences with the instructor and the Director of Academic Programs. If necessary, the Director may ask the Department of Student Health to evaluate the effect of any illness on a student’s attendance and academic performance. 

Poor attendance may be taken into account by the instructor in any manner for grading purposes. The instructor will bring cases of excessive absence to the attention of the Director of Academic Programs.

In the event that the student falls behind in course work for any reason, it is the responsibility of the student to make up the work in a manner that is approved by the instructor.

Changes in Schedule

Changes in students’ class schedules are made via SIS.  If admission to a course requires the instructor’s permission, students should add their name to the instructor’s permission list and wait for an invitation to join the class. Note that being on a permission list does not guarantee that a student will be offered a space in a class.  Students may add and drop courses through the deadlines stated in the current Schedule of Classes.

Course Absence Regulations

Given the intensive nature of Batten curricula, students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings. When necessary, excuses for absence from class are arranged between the student and the instructor of the course. It is the responsibility of the student to discuss numerous absences with the instructor and the Director of Academic Programs. If necessary, the Director may ask the Department of Student Health to evaluate the effect of any illness on a student’s attendance and academic performance. 

Poor attendance may be taken into account by the instructor in any manner for grading purposes. The instructor will bring cases of excessive absence to the attention of the Director of Academic Programs.

In the event that the student falls behind in course work for any reason, it is the responsibility of the student to make up the work in a manner that is approved by the instructor.

Course Enrollment: Bachelor of Arts

Students are required to register for a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester for full-time student status. The maximum course load of 17 credit hours may only be exceeded upon approval of the Director of Academic Programs. 

Course Enrollment: Accelerated Bachelor/MPP

For students enrolled in the Accelerated Master of Public Policy Program, the credit hours for all Batten coursework taken during the first year counts toward the undergraduate degree. In the second year, students must complete a minimum of 30 graded credits of graduate-level work in-residence. 

Course Enrollment Deadlines

The Batten School takes seriously all deadlines related to course enrollment.  Students are responsible for being aware of the well-publicized dates each semester for adding, dropping or withdrawing from a course, or for changing the grading basis of a course.  Students who miss these deadlines may be subject to enrollment penalties.  Students who wish to appeal penalties attached to missed deadlines must see Director of Academic Programs. 

Students should enroll during pre-enrollment to avoid problems with tuition bills and financial aid. Registration is not complete until all fees have been paid or satisfactory arrangements have been made with Student Financial Services.

Course Load

Students are required to register for a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester for full-time student status. The maximum course load of 17 credit hours may only be exceeded upon approval of the Director of Academic Programs.

Courses Taken at Other Institutions

Students who wish to take academic courses at another institution after matriculation at the University must have the prior written permission of the Director of Academic Programs.  Permission is not granted unless students have at least a 2.000 cumulative grade point average (2.500 for courses taken abroad). After matriculation at the University, students may not fulfill area requirements with transfer course work, the only exceptions being a foreign language course taught in the target country and courses taught at the University of Virginia extension in Northern Virginia and the UVA direct credit study abroad programs.  Subject to the above, work completed elsewhere with a grade of C or better is transferred in credits only; letter grades do not appear on the University’s official records.  Students will receive no more, and may receive fewer, than the number of credits earned at the host institution.  Of the 120 credits required for graduation, at least 60 must be taken at the University of Virginia.  Twelve or more credits attempted in a single semester for work at another institution, including at a foreign institution, will constitute one of the eight semesters allotted for full-time study in the Batten School.

Courses Taken in Other Schools of the University

Students are subject to the course enrollment deadlines of the School in which the course is being offered.  As such, Batten students taking courses in other schools of the University must follow that School’s deadlines for dropping, adding, and withdrawing from a class.  Similarly, non-Batten students must abide by the Batten School’s enrollment deadlines when taking Batten courses.  Non-Batten students who seek to withdraw from a Batten class after the Batten School’s deadline are to consult with the dean of the School of their enrollment. The student remains in the class unless that Dean’s office authorizes a late withdrawal.

Disability Accommodation

Students with disabilities should contact the Student Disability Access Center (SDAC) to arrange accommodations. The SDAC coordinates disability accommodations, which may include alternate text formats for course material, peer note-taking, extended time for tests, sign language and other interpreting, and housing arrangements. Initial evaluation of academic difficulties is also available as needed to students who pay Student Health fees. Students with disabilities must submit appropriate documentation to the SDAC in support of a request for accommodations. All accommodation requests must be submitted in a timely manner, usually at or before the beginning of each semester. For requests involving on-Grounds housing, appropriate deadlines within the Housing Office should also be met.

Discontinuing a Course

Students may not be removed from a course due to lack of skills or knowledge unless these requirements are identified in the course prerequisites.  Students who decide to discontinue a course in which they have enrolled must use SIS to drop the course within the well-publicized deadlines.  Students who fail to revise their list of current courses by using SIS within the deadlines become subject to penalties determined by the Dean.  Students who fail to appear for a first class meeting and who have not made arrangements with the instructor are subject to disenrollment from the course.  However, it is the student’s responsibility to drop the course via SIS by the drop deadline.  After the drop period, students may withdraw from a course in SIS with a grade of W until eight weeks from the first day of the semester.  After this point, students must either complete the course or, with the instructor’s endorsement, submit a request for an incomplete to the dean’s office.  Students who discontinue a course at any point without complying with the proper procedure receive a failing grade.

Dual Enrollment

If a course for which dual enrollment credits have been awarded is repeated, the dual enrollment credits are disallowed.  The repeated course is posted, with its credits counting toward graduation and its grade included in the computation of the grade point average.  Dual enrollment credit may not be used to fulfill competency requirements.

Exclusion from Classes

A student who is making no real progress in a class, or whose behavior is detracting from the class, may be excluded from that course by the dean with a grade of W or F.  Students have five calendar days following written notification of this exclusion in which to appeal.  Until the final disposition of the appeal, the student is considered enrolled in the class.

Graduate-Level Courses

Undergraduates may not enroll in courses numbered 6000 and higher without the prior written approval of the Director of Academic Programs. To make a request for enrollment in these upper-level courses, please submit a formal written request to the Director.

Maximum Credit Hour Limits

The maximum course load of 17 credit hours may only be exceeded upon approval by the Director of Academic Programs.

Original Work

Students are required to submit their own work in all courses, properly citing the words and ideas belonging to others in all assignments, in accordance with instructor guidelines and the University of Virginia Honor System. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

Work that has been submitted as an assignment for one course may not be submitted as an assignment for another course without the explicit approval of the instructor.

Part-Time Enrollment

Students are ordinarily expected to be enrolled as full-time students.  However, students may choose to enroll for a semester or two on a part-time basis.  Part-time students are limited to two courses per semester for a maximum of eight credits.  Students may not count more than 16 credits taken on a part-time basis toward the degree.  Students registered full time at the University have until the drop deadline at the beginning of the semester to request conversion of their registration to part-time status. This request is to be submitted to the Director of Academic Programs and is then reviewed by the Dean of the School and part-time status may be granted at the Dean’s discretion.

Repeated Courses

Two essentially different courses offered under the same course number may both be counted for degree credit upon the written recommendation of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. 

Two essentially identical courses, whether under the same course number or not, may not both be counted for degree credit.  If a course is passed and repeated, only the first grade received is entered in the computation of grade point average. However, only the repeated course counts toward the 120 credits required for graduation.  Both the original and repeated course, and their grades, appear on the student’s transcript.  If a course is failed and repeated, both courses and grades appear on the transcript, the repeated course with a passing grade counts toward the 120 credits, and both courses are computed in the grade point average.

Simultaneous Enrollments

Students may not enroll in two courses that meet at the same time.  In the rare case where this is necessary, students must obtain the written approval of both instructors and the Dean of the Batten School.  The faculty have the authority to require 100 percent attendance and participation in the scheduled courses.  The dean’s office, upon request from a faculty member, may disenroll a student, with a grade of W, from one of the courses.

Student Email

Email is a mechanism for official communication within the University of Virginia. The University has the right to expect that such communications will be received and read by students in a timely fashion. Official email communications are intended only to meet the academic and administrative needs of the campus community. Official University email accounts are available for all enrolled students. The email address for a student is: computingID@virginia.edu. This account must be activated by the student before the University can correspond via the official email account. When students use non Virginia.edu email accounts, it is their responsibility to make sure their UVA mail is forwarded to that account.

Degree Application

To receive a degree, students must comply with the procedures administered by the Batten School Registrar. The application process for May graduation begins in October, with the final deadline to file a May degree application falling on February 1. The application deadline for August graduation falls in June, and for January graduation the deadline falls in September. Students who miss a deadline may apply for the subsequent graduation and must register for the semester in which it occurs.

Degree Completion: Bachelor of Arts

All work for the Bachelor of Arts must be completed within eight semesters of matriculation and with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000. In serious medical or extenuating personal circumstances and upon approval of a petition to the Dean of the Batten School, a student may be permitted to enroll as a full-time student in a ninth semester.

The student must be registered in the Batten School during the semester in which he or she is an applicant for a degree.

Degree Completion: Accelerated Bachelor/MPP

All work for the Master of Public Policy degree must be completed within five years of matriculation.

The student must be registered in the Batten School during the semester in which he or she is an applicant for a degree.

Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts

To earn a BA from the Batten School, a student must present 120 credits of approved course work, which completes the competency requirements, area requirements, major requirements and elective requirements. No fewer than 96 of the 120 required credits must be passed on a graded (A-B-C-D) basis. All courses taken to fulfill competency requirements, area requirements, and major/minor requirements must be taken on a graded (A-B-C-D) basis. A candidate must earn a minimum grade of C in all courses taken to fulfill the core program requirements (i.e. all program courses except the special topics courses). A candidate must have earned a grade point average of at least 2.000 on all graded courses taken in the Batten School or elsewhere in the University and offered for the degree.

Degree Requirements: Accelerated Bachelor/MPP

To earn an Accelerated Bachelor/MPP from the Batten School, a student must complete all required core Batten School courses, 18 elective credits, and a 400 hour summer internship between the first and second years of the program. All courses taken to fulfill requirements must be taken on a graded (A-B-C-D) basis. A candidate must earn a minimum grade of B- in all courses taken to fulfill the core program requirements A candidate must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.000 on all graded courses taken in the Batten School or elsewhere in the University and offered for the degree.

Eligibility and Completion of Degree Requirements

Students in the Batten School, who, while studying elsewhere, declare a major there, are considered to have transferred from the University. If they seek to return to the Batten School, they must apply as transfer students via the Office of Admission. Students who have completed the requirements for a baccalaureate degree elsewhere may not enroll in the Batten Bachelor of Arts program. A student who has received a baccalaureate degree cannot submit any courses offered for that degree toward another degree in the University. Students are subject to all requirements in effect during the academic year when they first enter the Batten School.

Residency Requirement: Bachelor of Arts

No fewer than 60 credit hours must be taken at the University of Virginia.

Final Examinations

Final examinations are to be given only at the time announced by the University Registrar. Under no circumstances should class time be used for the administration of final examinations. An instructor may, however, give the examination on a “take home” basis during the examination period. Students who are scheduled to take three final examinations within 24 hours may approach an instructor with a request to make up one of those examinations in accordance with the following policy.

A student who wishes to request the postponement of an examination under rare, extenuating circumstances beyond his or her control must contact the instructor no later than one week before classes end. Absence from a final examination for any course offered in the Batten School may be excused only by the Director of Academic Programs, and then only when accompanied by evidence of arrangement with the instructor for a deferred examination, to be taken within ten days after the regular examination. An emergency that justifies extension of this period will be considered only when supported by satisfactory documentation submitted immediately after the period of emergency. After the ten-day period, or its extension if granted by the Director of Academic Programs, the temporary grade of IN (incomplete) will officially become a grade of F unless the deferred examination has been completed. Absences are excused only for sickness on the day of the examination or for other providential cause acceptable to the Director of Academic Programs. An excused absence may be absolved by taking a special examination at a time mutually acceptable to the instructor and the student. Special examinations are not granted for reasons other than those stated above.

Unexcused absence from an examination incurs an automatic failure in the course with a grade of F.

Grades

The academic performance of a student in each course taken for a grade is recorded as one of the following grades: A+, A, A-; B+, B, B-; C+, C, C-; D+, D, D-; F. All courses intended to fulfill degree requirements must be taken for a grade.

Grade Appeals

A student who wishes to appeal a grade must first attempt to resolve the issue with the instructor of the course. The appeal must be submitted to the instructor in writing within 30 days of grade posting. If no resolution is reached, the student may submit a written appeal to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Grade Changes

Error in calculation or transcription is the only acceptable reason for a grade change. Grades cannot be changed after a degree is conferred, or more than one semester following the end of the course, whichever comes first. Instructors may change grades electronically for winter term and spring semester through December 31 of that year, and for summer sessions and fall semester through May 31 of the following year. After this point, instructors must submit a grade change form to the Director of Academic Programs, who will seek approval from the Dean.

Incomplete and Missing Grades

The symbol IN (incomplete) is used when additional course work or examination is required to fulfill the obligations of a given course. A student may not request an incomplete in an attempt to raise his or her grade. An IN is not a valid final grade and becomes an F 30 days after the grading deadline (200 days for graduate students), unless the student requests an extension from the course instructor prior to the end of the course, and secures approval. The time allowed to complete course requirements is determined between the student and the instructor, but may not exceed one semester beyond the term in which the student took the course. Students must enter into a written agreement with the instructor, specifying the remaining requirements and timeline. If the student fails to fulfill the agreement, the grade automatically becomes an F unless changed by the instructor. Grade changes from IN to a final grade cannot be made more than one semester following the end of the course. Students will not be permitted to take an incomplete in coursework one semester, and then request to take an incomplete the next semester if the incomplete from the previous smester is not resolved first. 

Original Work

Students are required to submit their own work in all courses, properly citing the words and ideas belonging to others in all assignments, in accordance with instructor guidelines and the University of Virginia Honor System. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

Work that has been submitted as an assignment for one course may not be submitted as an assignment for another course without the explicit approval of the instructor.

Credit/No Credit Grades

Students have the option of receiving the grades CR (credit) or NC (no credit) in place of the regular grades A through F for a given course.  This option is taken at the time the student registers for the course and no later than the add deadline.  The Professor has the right to deny students permission to take his or her course on a CR/NC basis.  If this occurs, students may either change back to the regular grading option or they may drop the course entirely.  Courses taken for CR/NC may not be used for any Batten major, competency or area requirements.  It is the student’s responsibility to confirm with the instructor the minimum academic level of achievement for the grade of CR.

Transfers to Batten

Students who have accepted admission into the Batten School will officially transfer from the former School of Enrollment to the Batten School.

Prospective transfers are encouraged to visit the Batten School’s website for current and accurate information about academic policies.

Transfer Back to College

Undergraduate students enrolled in the Batten School may apply to transfer back into the College.  With very limited space in the College, Intra-University transfer into the College is not assured.  Students seeking to transfer into the College may submit applications in either the fall or spring semester.  Information and application forms are available on the College of Arts and Sciences website.

Prospective transfers are encouraged to visit the College’s website for current and accurate information about academic policies.

Please refer to the University Undergraduate Record for policies on Leaving and Returning to the University.

Entering Students Whose Medical Circumstances Preclude Enrollment

Entering students who for significant medical reasons need to discontinue their enrollment in the Batten School after the first day of the semester must withdraw from the University as noted below.  They may return in accordance with Batten policy on re-admission. Students who withdraw from the semester may take courses elsewhere with the prior permission of the Office of Academic Affairs, and in accordance with Batten policy on transfer credit.  All such course work will be as elective credit only.

Enforced Withdrawal

Students may be forced to withdraw from the University for habitual delinquency in class, habitual idleness, or any other fault that prevents the student from fulfilling the purpose implied by enrollment at the University.

Further Information on Withdrawal 

For further information about voluntary withdrawal, medical withdrawal, and enforced withdrawal please see the University Regulations section of this Record.  Students on financial aid should consult the Financial Aid page for additional information.  Any questions about tuition and fees for withdrawn students should be directed to Student Financial Services. 

Leave of Absence

The Batten School expects students to register each semester and proceed to the completion of their degree programs.  However, students may request to take a leave of absence, which is valid for up to two consecutive semesters.  Students who plan to be away from the University in a subsequent semester (or semesters) should file for a Leave of Absence. The Leave of Absence form must be filed no later than the day before the beginning of the semester the student plans to be on leave. Due to the sequencing and progression of the Batten School curriculum, permission to take a leave of absence is subject to Dean’s review and is granted only in rare circumstances.

Students in the Batten School who have been on an approved leave of absence apply for readmission when returning to the University (see below).  Students who enter a degree program at another institution, however, must reapply to the University as transfer students and are not guaranteed acceptance.

Medical Withdrawal

Due to significant medical reasons, a student may need to withdraw from the University.  A student may withdraw for medical reasons at any point in the semester, with the same conditions and restrictions applying as with a voluntary withdrawal.  In addition, students who return to the Batten School after a medical withdrawal must be cleared by Student Health (see Readmission below).     

In very unusual medical circumstances, documented by professional certification, a Batten student who did not withdraw during the semester has one semester in which to petition for a retroactive medical withdrawal.  If approved, all grades convert to W’s and the student is obliged to be absent for a full semester before resuming full-time study.

Readmission 

Students should consult “Returning to the University” in the University Regulations—Academic section of this Record for policies that govern their readmission to the University.  Application for readmission must be made to and approved by the Director of Academic Programs in accordance with the Batten School’s readmission deadlines and policies.

Students will be notified in writing of the Batten School’s decision on readmission.  For readmission following a medical withdrawal, students should also follow the steps outlined by Student Health.

Voluntary Withdrawal

Students may withdraw from the University before the conclusion of a semester, specifically up to the last day of the final examination period, if they meet the conditions stated in the University Regulations section of this Record.  However, students in the Batten School who withdraw within 10 class days immediately preceding the final examination period are not permitted to re-enter the Batten School for the succeeding semester nor to present transfer credit earned during the same time.  A grade of W will be entered for each course in which the student was registered.  Students initiate the withdrawal process with the Director of Academic Programs.

Involuntary Medical Withdrawal: Students who are withdrawn from the University by the Department of Student Health for reasons of health will receive a grade of W (withdrawal) for each course in which the student was registered.

Second Major/Minor in the College of Arts and Sciences

Batten BA candidates may earn one major and/or one minor in the College of Arts and Sciences. The student must obtain prior admission from the chair or director of undergraduate programs of the College program or department in which the student seeks the major or minor. Courses may not be double­counted toward the fulfillment of major/minor requirements unless formally approved by the College of Arts and Sciences for the specific College second major or minor.

In pursuing the above, the student will not receive two degrees from the University. The student receives a Bachelor of Arts from the Batten School. The College major and/or minor designation appears as degree information on the official transcript. This information does not appear on the diploma.

Students are responsible for completing the major or minor form (available in the College departments) and for obtaining the signature of the chair or director of the undergraduate programs. Students must submit completed forms to the Batten School Registrar, who verifies the satisfactory completion of requirements after the student applies to graduate.

Batten undergraduates majoring and/or minoring in the College are required only to satisfy the area requirements of the Batten School.

Second Major/Minor in Other Schools at the University

Batten BA candidates may have one major and/or one minor from another School at the University of Virginia. The student must obtain prior admission from the chair or director of undergraduate programs of the School in which the student seeks the minor. Courses may not be double-counted toward the fulfillment of second major or minor requirements unless formally approved the Batten School and the School hosting the second major/minor.

In pursuing the above, the student will not receive two degrees from the University. The student receives a Bachelor of Arts from the Batten School. The second major and/or minor designation appears as degree information on the official transcript. This information does not appear on the diploma.

Students are responsible for completing the major or minor form (available in the other School) and for obtaining the signature of the chair or director of the undergraduate program. Students must submit completed forms to the Batten School Registrar, who verifies the satisfactory completion of requirements after the student applies to graduate.

Eligibility

To study abroad, students must be in good academic standing and have a cumulative GPA at UVA of no less than 2.500 at the point of application to study abroad.  Any student who does not meet either criterion must submit a petition to the Director of Academic Programs.  These standards apply both to direct-study programs and the traditional study abroad programs under auspices of another institution or organization.  Participation in study abroad is on a competitive basis; acceptance may be based on criteria beyond minimum cumulative GPA.

With approval of the Director of Academic Programs, students may study abroad in their seventh semester. Students who do so accept the risk of not graduating on time if their grades, for any reason, are not received by the deadline set by the Registrar.

General

Participation in study abroad enhances the academic program and provides a unique opportunity to experience another culture and function professionally in an international environment. Batten students wishing to study abroad should visit the International Studies Office in Minor Hall and the Batten School Student Services Office to explore the various opportunities available.

A maximum of 60 non-UVA credits from other universities, foreign study (the University’s direct-study programs exempted), advanced placement, or dual enrollment may count toward the 120 credits needed for the B.A. in Public Policy and Leadership.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students participating in semester- or year-long Study Abroad programs (not summer programs) are, like their full time counterparts in Charlottesville, expected to complete at least 12 credits each semester.  Whether on direct credit programs or other approved programs, students who study abroad for a semester use one of the full-time semesters of full time study they are allotted.

Advanced Placement (AP) Credit

The Batten School accepts the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program by awarding advanced standing or advanced placement to entering students who have made specified scores on AP exams. For more information on transfer credit received based upon specific scores on various AP tests please consult the table found in the section on Admission in the general University section of this Record.

International College-Level Examinations

The Batten School offers possible advanced standing credit and/or advanced placement for many international college-level examinations.

Transfer Credit

If a course taken elsewhere and transferred to the University is repeated and passed at the University, only the credits awarded for the transferred course count toward the 120 credits required for graduation.  The course repeated at the University does appear on the student’s transcript, but the grade earned does not enter into computation of the grade point average, nor do the credits earned count toward the 120 required for graduation.