Nov 21, 2024  
Graduate Record 2024-2025 
    
Graduate Record 2024-2025

McIntire School of Commerce: Academic Rules


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Academic Information


Enrollment by Non-Commerce Students

Enrollment in Commerce courses by students not enrolled in graduate Commerce programs is rarely permitted.  Permission to enroll must be requested in writing to the Faculty Director of the respective graduate Commerce program prior to the start of an academic term. Specific graduate Commerce programs have certain limitations regarding this permission, which takes precedence over this general guidance.

Enrollment Requirements

Individual graduate program policies vary as to the minimum semester credit requirements within each program – see specific program pages for further details.

Grade Appeals

Students wishing to appeal a course grade in a graduate Commerce class must first try to resolve the issue with the faculty member teaching the course. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the instructor within 30 days of receiving the final grade. Absent a satisfactory outcome, the student may submit a written appeal to the McIntire Grade Appeals Committee (MGAC), who will review the matter and make a final decision on the appeal’s status. Appeals to the MGAC must be received within five business days after the instructor’s grade appeal decision is communicated to the student. Appeals of a course grade that, if changed, would alter a student’s academic standing, must be submitted to the instructor of the course within seven days of receipt of the final grade for the class in the Student Information System.

Course grades can be appealed for the following reasons: error in grade calculation, error in transcribing a grade in the Student Information System, or deviation from the grading practices stated in the course syllabus.

Students who have questions about the grade appeal process or who wish to discuss any classroom issue may contact the Associate Dean for Student Services of the McIntire School. Grades cannot be changed after a degree is conferred.

Grade Changes

After it has been submitted to the Office of the University Registrar, no grade may be changed without the approval of the dean or their designee. The dean or designee is not authorized by the faculty to change a grade submitted to the Office of the University Registrar except when an instructor certifies that, because of errors in calculation or transcription, an incorrect grade has been submitted.

Incomplete Policy

A grade of Incomplete (IN) is recorded when reasons known to the professor are judged adequate to justify an extension of time to complete course requirements. An IN may not be used to allow a student to attempt to raise a grade at the end of the term. The time to change the IN to a grade is determined between the student and the instructor, but may not exceed one semester past the end of the course. Students must enter into a written agreement with the instructor specifying the remaining requirements and agreed-upon time line. If the agreed time for completion has passed and the student has not met the agreement, the grade automatically becomes an F unless changed by the instructor.

Language Requirements

Students in the M.S. in Accounting and M.S. in Commerce programs whose first language is not English are required to take the University of Virginia English Language Proficiency Exam at the beginning of the semester. This is not a substitute for the TOEFL or IELTS examination required for admissions. Students whose examination results are lower than deemed necessary for success in graduate studies will be advised to enlist English language support services. More information about this examination can be obtained from the Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC).

Policy on Audio and Video Taping and Distribution of Class Materials 

The general policy of the McIntire School is to prohibit audio and video recording of classroom lectures and discussions.  Audio and video recording are only allowed under special circumstances (e.g., students with documented disabilities) and only with the prior written permission of the instructor.  Any audio or video recording or all other class materials handed out in class or posted to websites such as Canvas may not be exchanged or distributed for commercial purposes, for compensation, or for any other purpose other than study by students enrolled in the class. Public distribution of such materials may constitute copyright infringement. Unauthorized use of class notes or recordings may subject an individual to University Honor, Judicial charges, and/or legal action. 

Program Attendance

Given the intensive and cumulative nature of the programs, students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings. In addition, students are expected to clearly communicate program commitments to all relevant parties (i.e., both family and work relationships). In the event that a student cannot be present for any part of the program, or falls behind for any reason, it is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with the appropriate faculty to make up the work as approved by the appropriate faculty member.  Policies on attendance may vary by individual graduate program or instructor. 

Refunds

Please refer to the University’s policy on tuition and fees, located in the Graduate Record, for information on tuition refunds.

Student Email 

Email is the official mechanism for communication within the University of Virginia and the McIntire School of Commerce. The University has the right to expect that such communications will be received and read in a timely fashion. Official University email accounts are available for all enrolled students. When students use non-Virginia.edu email accounts, it is their responsibility to make sure their UVa mail is forwarded to that account.

Transfer of Credit

The Graduate School of Commerce requires students to complete at least 30 credits of graduate level work in-residence unless otherwise specified by individual graduate departmental policies. Transfer credit above the residency requirement may be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Withdrawal and Reenrollment

An official application to withdraw from the University must be submitted to the Associate Dean for Student Services of the McIntire School. The application must state the reason for withdrawal and must be approved in writing by the dean of the McIntire School or a designated representative. The application must also be endorsed by the Office of Care and Support Services.

Any student who wishes to reenroll after a withdrawal must submit a request to the Associate Dean for Student Services of the McIntire School no less than three months before the start of the semester or Module.  To be eligible for reenrollment, students must have been making satisfactory progress toward their degree at the time of withdrawal.  Additionally, they must be seeking to return in the academic year following the one in which they withdrew.  Finally, students who withdraw in the middle of a semester or Module must start that semester or Module from the beginning when they return.  The Associate Dean for Student Services will consult with the Faculty Director and administrative staff of the program to make decisions regarding grants of reenrollment. Reenrollment is not guaranteed.

Students who do not meet the criteria stated above must submit a new application to their program. Readmission is not guaranteed.

A student who withdraws for reasons of ill health must also obtain medical clearance from the Department of Student Health and the Office of Care and Support Services prior to re-enrollment or readmission.


Admission and Financial Aid


Admission

The Graduate School of Commerce seeks well-rounded individuals who bring exceptional intellectual capabilities along with a passion for their chosen field. The admissions process looks for evidence of competitive academic performance, work and life experiences, diversity of perspective, and qualities of character such as motivation, maturity, tenacity, integrity, ability to work with others, self-reliance, and leadership. Candidates who are non-native English speakers must demonstrate sufficient oral and written English language skills to be successful in an intensive and collaborative learning environment.

All applicants are considered without regard to age, color, disability, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Please see individual program descriptions or visit the McIntire website (www.commerce.virginia.edu) for information on specific admission and program requirements.

Financial Aid

The Graduate School of Commerce assists students in meeting the cost of education through a range of scholarships and work-study opportunities. Additional financial assistance is available through the University via Student Financial Services.

U.S. Citizens and permanent residents who are seeking any type of financial aid through the University must file (1) a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and (2) a University Graduate Financial Aid Form. Questions about these forms should be referred to the Office of Student Financial Services at sfs@virginia.edu or (434) 982-6000. Additionally, students interested in applying for need- and merit-based scholarships offered by McIntire may obtain the necessary form from the Graduate School of Commerce by emailing mcintiregrad@virginia.edu.

Availability of departmental funds for international students is limited and varies by program.

Applicants will not be considered for financial assistance until they have been admitted to the Graduate School of Commerce and submitted the required documentation. Admissions decisions are made without regard to an applicant’s financial situation. Please visit www.commerce.virginia.edu and click on the specific degree program in which you are interested to access information on scholarships and departmental financial aid.

Military Educational Benefits

The Office of the University Registrar is the University liaison with the Veterans Administration in matters concerning educational benefits available to veterans and war orphans under the provisions of Chapters 34 and 35 of Title 38 USC (Cold War G.I. Bill). This office provides information and furnishes application forms on request. Please address inquiries regarding educational benefits available through the Veterans Administration to the Office of the University Registrar, Carruthers Hall, (434) 924-4122.

University Education Benefits Program

The Graduate School of Commerce does participate in the University of Virginia Education Benefit program for University employees. Interested applicants employed at the University of Virginia should contact the Human Resources office to determine eligibility.


Appeals from Students


Request for Exception to the Academic Rules Committee - Petitions

Students may appeal/request exceptions to the stated rules and regulations of the Commerce School with regard to enrollment, grades, or other general academic policies. Students who believe there is a valid reason for requesting an exception must petition the Graduate Program Committee. Petition decisions are subject to the discretion of the Graduate Program Committee and are final once communicated in writing to students.

If the outcome of a petition could alter a student’s academic status (e.g., academic probation or suspension), students must submit petitions at least 10 days before the start of the next full academic term (fall/spring).


Facilities


The School is located on the central Grounds of the University, in Rouss & Robertson Halls.

The 132,000-square-foot Robertson Hall adjoins historic Rouss Hall, creating a 156,000-square-foot academic complex on the Lawn. Besides making use of the latest technologies, Robertson & Rouss Halls were meticulously designed by Washington, D.C.-based Hartman-Cox Architects to be especially conducive to community, interdisciplinary learning, and faculty-student interaction. The complex has 15 group-study rooms for students, a reading facility, a variety of meeting spaces, multiple conference rooms, a suite for student clubs, and four technology centers. A number of the classrooms are specifically designated for interdisciplinary coursework.

Robertson Hall also features an attractive, environmentally friendly “green” roof, designed to allow the planting of sedum, a low-growing garden plant that needs little water and acts as a natural insulator.