Application of Policies
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 the Batten Academic Standards Committee.
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 Bachelor/MPP 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 Bachelor/MPP students who are not in good academic standing 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 and will need to petition to the Academic Standards Committee in order to continue into the second year of coursework.
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 combination (formerly termed “dual”)-degree programs, the Honor System, tuition, fees, and financial aid.
Awards and Honors
Pilot Awards
The Pilot Awards are for graduating MPP students whose excellence and outstanding contributions have, in their own way, led the Batten School. The late Frank Batten, Sr., desired that his company be distinguished by two things: extraordinary dedication to public service and outstanding performance. Beyond the example set by Mr. Batten through his leadership at The Pilot, the name for the Batten Council award also is derived from the more common use of the word “pilot”— recognizing those who “guide or direct a course of action for others.” Particularly important in a young school with new academic programs, the Pilot Award celebrates those students who have so ably helped the Batten community members navigate uncharted territory.
Policy Analysis Impact This award recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional analytical and research skills, producing insightful and data-driven policy analyses that have had a significant impact on public policy. They have utilized their expertise to provide insightful, nuanced, and evidence-based recommendations to policymakers, stakeholders, and the broader public. They have contributed to advancing public policy discussions in a meaningful way, shaping the direction of policy discussions and decisions.
Inclusive Advocacy Impact This award recognizes a graduate student who has shown exceptional leadership in advocating for the inclusion of underrepresented groups in policy discussions and decision-making processes. The student has worked tirelessly to promote the voices and perspectives of marginalized communities, in which the student’s advocacy has helped eliminate barriers in public policy. The student has collaborated with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that the voices of all communities are heard, and their work has helped build more inclusive and representative policies.
Leadership Excellence Impact This award recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, displaying a commitment to excellence and a capacity for inspiring and motivating others. They have shown themselves to be a natural leader, able to inspire others to work towards a common goal and to achieve outstanding results. They have demonstrated strong communication skills, the ability to make tough decisions, and a commitment to ethical and transparent leadership. Their leadership has made a lasting impact on the Batten School community and beyond.
Outreach & Service Impact This award recognizes a graduate student who has shown exceptional dedication to community outreach and service, going above and beyond in their efforts to improve the lives of others. They have demonstrated a strong commitment to public service, volunteering their time and expertise to a wide range of organizations and causes. Their service has made a significant difference in the lives of those they have served, and they have inspired others to get involved and make a positive impact in their communities.
Transformative Impact This award recognizes a graduate student who has made a transformative and tangible impact in the Batten School or the greater University of Virginia. This student was dedicated to challenging the community’s barriers with innovative solutions that engaged the community. The student drove lasting-change and inspired others to think about how they could exercise leadership at the Batten School. The student’s impact has been significant and enduring, leaving the Batten School better than when they started.
Nominees for the Pilot Awards must be Master of Public Policy degree candidates in the current academic year. Nominations will be accepted from any Batten students, faculty, and staff, and nominators may recommend more than one student (through submission of individual forms). Nominations will be reviewed by a committee of students, faculty, and staff members. Each year 5 awards are conferred.
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Certificate Information
Graduate Certificate Programs
Batten’s Graduate Certificates provide an alternative pathway for rising and aspiring public sector leaders and public policy professionals to access Batten’s world-class teachers and practitioners without committing to the full time and cost of Batten’s two-year, in residence MPP degree. The requirements for both the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and the Graduate Certificate in Public Leadership include existing courses in the MPP program, allowing students to apply graduate certificate credits towards the MPP in the future, should they wish to pursue the degree.
Graduate academic policies apply to students enrolled in certificate programs, unless otherwise noted.
Beginning in Fall 2025, the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and the Graduate Certificate in Public Leadership will be offered in two formats: online and residential. Students enrolled in an online Graduate Certificate program may only take courses through the online modality.
Admission Requirements: Graduate Certificates
Graduate Certificates are open to applicants who will have earned a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation into the program (June for fall matriculation or September for spring matriculation). In addition to the core curriculum, students are encouraged to identify specific issues that interest them and to explore these issues through elective coursework, discussion groups, and the rich array of events on public policy organized by the Batten School.
Admission to the Batten School is competitive to ensure a well-rounded class and to limit class size. Prospective students from all disciplinary backgrounds are invited to apply. The application for the Graduate Certificates can be found on the Batten Schools Website.
International applicants are required to provide additional information. See “English as a Second Language Competency” in the Graduate Certificate Conferral Information section below.
All admitted Graduate Certificate students must submit an official transcript to the Batten School reflecting conferral of a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation.
Academic Advising: Graduate Certificates
The Academic Operations team is responsible for the academic advising of Batten School students in all Batten academic programs. The Batten academic advisors meet with students regularly to monitor curricular progress, and administers school policies with regard to student retention, degree progress, academic probation, and graduation status. Batten Graduate policies apply to certificate students, except where otherwise noted.
At the end of each semester the Academic Standards Committee reviews the academic records of all Batten students to see if they are in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress toward their certificate. This review ensures that students are informed of academic problems in a timely way. The Director of Academic Operations counsels students who are facing academic difficulties and applies any academic sanctions imposed at the discretion of the Academic Standards Committee.
To remain in good academic standing in a graduate certificate program of the Batten School, students must:
Academic Warning (formerly “Academic Probation”): Graduate Certificates
A student who fails to earn Good Academic Standing will be placed on academic warning, pending review by the Academic Standards Committee. The Academic Standards Committee will notify the student of this status in writing and explain the probationary terms of restoring good academic standing. Students on academic warning will be required to meet regularly with the Director of Academic Operations beginning no later than the add period of the ensuing semester. A student whose cumulative grade point average falls below C+ (2.3) must attain the minimum cumulative grade point average of C+ (2.3) or higher in all courses required for the graduate certificate by the end of the next semester. A student who is required to retake a core course must do so at the earliest opportunity and earn a final grade of C or higher.
Students on Academic Warning who withdraw or take a leave of absence are eligible to apply for readmission. If the application is approved, they return on Academic Warning and must attain Good Academic Standing by the end of the semester or face Suspension by virtue of two consecutive Semesters on Academic Warning.
Academic Suspension: Graduate Certificates
Students are subject to suspension and enforced withdrawal after two consecutive semesters on academic warning or if they fail to earn at least nine grade points in a semester, pending appeal to the Academic Standards Committee. If a student is granted permission to continue in the degree program under exceptional circumstances, failure to meet the terms of restoring good academic standing may jeopardize the student’s financial aid.
All certificate course requirements must be completed within three years of matriculation to the certificate program. Batten academic policies for graduate programs apply to certificate students, except where otherwise noted.
Certificate students who fail to make satisfactory progress toward the completion of the certificate within the three-year window are subject to suspension. One full fall term and one full spring term must elapse before they are eligible to apply to return to the Batten School. The Batten School considers application for readmission upon presentation of evidence that the difficulties that led to the academic suspension have been overcome (see below).
Students to whom notice of suspension has been sent have five business days in which to notify the Assistant Dean of Academic Programs of an intention to appeal. Academic suspension becomes effective upon the Dean’s notification to UREG (University Registrar). That date is determined according to the schedule below or upon notification to UREG (University Registrar) that the suspension has not been overturned on appeal.
Course Load: Graduate Certificates
Non-degree-seeking students may opt to pursue their graduate certificate on a full-time or part-time basis, enrolling in a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 15 credits per semester.
Non-degree-seeking students who are enrolled full-time will be able to complete the certificate program in one semester. Non-degree-seeking students attending part-time, maintaining a course load of 6 credit hours per semester can complete the program in one year (two semesters). Students enrolling in 3 credit hours per semester will be able to complete the program in two years (four semesters). All certificate course requirements must be completed within three years of matriculation to the certificate program.
Courses Taken in other Schools of the University: Graduate Certificates
Students are subject to the course enrollment deadlines and rules 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.
With approval from the academic advisor, non- Batten courses may count toward elective credits for a graduate certificate. No more than one course taken at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies may be applied to a graduate certificate
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE CONFERRAL INFORMATION
Apply to Graduate
To receive a graduate certificate, students must comply with the procedures administered by the Batten School Academic Operations team. The application process for May certificate conferral begins in October, with the final deadline to file a May certificate conferral application falling on February 1. The application deadline for August certificate conferral is June 1, and for December certificate conferral the deadline falls is October 1. Students who miss a deadline may apply for the subsequent certificate conferral date and must be registered for the semester in which it occurs.
Certificate Completion: Graduate Certificate in Public Leadership and Graduate Certificate in Public Policy
All work for the graduate certificate must be completed within three years of matriculation. The student must be registered in the Batten School during the semester in which the student is an applicant for a certificate.
Graduate Certificate Requirements
Graduate certificate candidates must complete all required core Batten School courses and 6 elective credits. All courses taken to fulfill requirements must be taken on a graded (A-B-C-D) basis. A candidate must earn a final grade of C or higher in all core courses of the certificate program. In cases where a student earns a final grade lower than C in a core course, the student must retake the course and earn a final grade of C or higher. While both grades will appear on the transcript and both will be calculated in the cumulative grade point average, the Batten School will only allow degree credit for the course in which a grade of C or higher is achieved.
In addition, graduate certificate candidates must earn a cumulative grade point average of C+ (2.3) or higher in all courses required for the certificate. A graduate certificate candidate must be enrolled at the University in the semester in which he or she is an applicant for graduate certificate conferral and must be in good academic standing at the Batten School for graduate certificate conferral. In extraordinary situations, the Dean may elect to exercise discretion in waiving certain certificate conferral requirements. The Dean’s discretion is not able to be appealed and is exercised only in rare circumstances.
English As a Second Language Competency
All incoming international students whose first language is not English are required to take the English Language Proficiency Exam administered by the UVA Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC) unless they have been exempted from the TOEFL or IELTS. Based on the CAELC assessment of the test results, students who demonstrate a need for additional instruction in English communications need to take courses specified by CAELC. A grade of “S” (Satisfactory) is required to pass the course(s).
Transfer Credit
The graduate certificate program requires students to complete all 12 credits of the certificate during their period of enrollment. Transfer credits will not be accepted towards the fulfillment of Batten graduate certificate requirements.
Combination (formerly “Dual”) Degree Programs
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The Batten School offers five Combination (formerly termed “dual”) Degree programs with other graduate and professional schools at the University of Virginia. Each program includes the entire first year of the Batten MPP curriculum and the first-year curriculum of the participating school. The combination degree programs allow students to complete the two programs in less time than would be required if each were taken separately. Additional information for each combination degree is located on the individual Programs/Courses pages as linked below.
The Frank Batten School offers a combined program with the University of Virginia School of Law, in which the student may obtain the MPP degree and the JD degree in four years instead of the five that would be required if each were taken separately. The MPP/JD is a highly demanding program recommended only for students who are able to manage a concentrated academic load and who are clearly able to see the applicability of both degrees to future career plans.
The Frank Batten School offers a combined program with the University of Virginia Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, in which the student may obtain the MPP degree and the MBA degree in three years instead of the four that would be required if each were taken separately. The MPP/MBA is a highly demanding program recommended only for students who are able to manage a concentrated academic load and who are clearly able to see the applicability of both degrees to future career plans.
The Frank Batten School offers a combined program with the University of Virginia School of Medicine, in which the student may obtain the MPP degree and the MPH degree in three years instead of the four that would be required if each were taken separately. The MPP/MPH is a highly demanding program recommended only for students who are able to manage a concentrated academic load and who are clearly able to see the applicability of both degrees to future career plans.
The Frank Batten School offers a combined program with the University of Virginia School of Architecture, in which the student may obtain the MPP degree and the MUEP degree in three years instead of the four that would be required if each were taken separately. The MPP/MUEP is a highly demanding program recommended only for students who are able to manage a concentrated academic load and who are clearly able to see the applicability of both degrees to future career plans.
The Frank Batten School offers a combined program with the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development, in which the student may obtain the MPP degree and the PhD in Education degree in five or six years of study. The MPP/PhD in Education is a highly demanding program recommended only for students who are able to manage a concentrated academic load and who are clearly able to see the applicability of both degrees to future career plans.
The Frank Batten School offers a combined program with the University of Virginia School of Data Science, in which the student may obtain the MPP degree and the MSDS degree in two years of study instead of the three that would be required if each were taken separately. The MPP/MSDS is a highly demanding program recommended only for students who are able to manage a concentrated academic load and who are clearly able to see the applicability of both degrees to future career plans.
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Batten Academic Policies: Graduate Students
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Academic Advising: Master of Public Policy
The Academic Operations Team is responsible for the academic advising of Batten School graduate students. The Batten academic advisors meet with students regularly to monitor curricular progress, and administer school policies regarding student retention, degree progress, academic probation, and graduation status.
Academic Standing: Master of Public Policy
At the end of each semester the Academic Standards Committee 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 Operations counsels students who are facing academic difficulties and applies any academic sanctions imposed at the discretion of the Academic Standards Committee.
Good Academic Standing: Master of Public Policy
To remain in good academic standing in a graduate degree program of the Batten School, MPP students must:
Academic Warning (formerly “Academic Probation”): Master of Public Policy
A student who fails to earn good academic standing (as described above for Batten School MPP students) will be placed on academic warning, pending review by the Academic Standards Committee. The Academic Standards Committee will notify the student of this status in writing and explain the terms for restoring good academic standing. Students on academic warning will be required to meet regularly with the Director of Academic Operations beginning no later than the add period of the ensuing semester to develop and adhere to an individualized plan for academic success. A student whose cumulative grade point average falls below B (3.00) must attain the minimum cumulative grade point average of B (3.00) or higher in all courses required for the degree, including elective courses taken at other schools at the University of Virginia, by the end of the next semester. A student who is required to retake a core course must do so at the earliest opportunity and earn a final grade of B minus or higher.
Students on academic warning who withdraw or take a leave of absence are eligible to apply for readmission. If the application is approved, they return on academic warning and must attain good academic standing by the end of the next semester or face suspension by virtue of two consecutive semesters on academic warning.
Academic Suspension: Master of Public Policy
Students are subject to suspension and enforced withdrawal after two consecutive semesters where they do not meet the requirements for good academic standing or if they fail to earn nine grade points in a semester, pending appeal to the Academic Standards Committee. If a student is granted permission to continue in the degree program under exceptional circumstances, failure to meet the terms of restoring good academic standing may jeopardize the student’s financial aid.
One full fall term and one full spring term must elapse before they are eligible to apply to return to the Batten School. The Academic Standards Committee will consider a student’s application for readmission upon presentation of evidence that the difficulties that led to the academic suspension have been overcome. Students under suspension may not apply transfer credits from other institutions toward their degree from the Batten School. Two semesters must pass before a suspended student may enroll in the University’s summer session.
Students to whom notice of suspension has been sent have five business days in which to notify the Assistant Dean for Academic Programs of an intention to appeal. Academic suspension becomes effective upon the Assistant Dean for Academic Programs’ notification to UREG (University Registrar). That date is determined according to the schedule below or upon notification to UREG (University Registrar) that the suspension has not been overturned on appeal.
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Following Spring semester: Upon notification to UREG (University Registrar) and no later than one week prior to the start of Summer Session II
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Following Summer Session: Upon notification to UREG (University Registrar) and no later than two days prior to the first day of the fall semester
Appeals from Students: 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 Academic Standards Committee.
Appeals from Students: Other Academic Grievances
All other academic grievances should be addressed to the Academic Standards Committee. Students will be notified of a decision within 14 days.
Attendance
Given the intensive nature of the curriculum, students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings according to the modality indicated in SIS. 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 Academic Operations Team. If necessary, the students’ academic advisor 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 considered by the instructor in any manner for grading purposes. The instructor will bring cases of excessive absence to the attention of the Academic Operations team.
If the student falls behind in coursework 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 Rules
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 Enrollment
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 student’s academic advisor.
For students enrolled in the Accelerated Bachelor/MPP 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, in-residence credits.
Students should enroll during the initial enrollment period 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 Sequencing
Core courses for the MPP are intended to be completed in sequence. Students wishing to deviate from the sequence should consult with their academic advisor who can help create a path to completing the core requirements, which may require approval from the Academic Standards Committee depending, on the nature of the changes.
Course Modality
Residential MPP students are expected to take core courses in-person, unless granted permission to take online versions due to extenuating and unavoidable circumstances effecting scheduling.
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 the Director of Academic Operations.
Course Load: Master of Public Policy
MPP Students are required to register for a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester for full-time student status, however, Accelerated Bachelor/MPP students must enroll in 15 credit hours each semester of their second year to graduate with the MPP degree. The maximum course load of 17 credit hours may only be exceeded upon approval of the student’s academic advisor.
Course Load: Graduate Certificate
Non-degree-seeking students may opt to pursue their graduate certificate on a full-time or part-time basis, enrolling in a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 15 credits per semester.
Non-degree-seeking students who are enrolled full-time will be able to complete the certificate program in one semester. Non-degree-seeking students attending part-time, maintaining a course load of 6 credit hours per semester can complete the program in one year (two semesters). Students enrolling in 3 credit hours per semester will be able to complete the program in two years (four semesters). All certificate course requirements must be completed within three years of matriculation to the certificate program.
Course 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 Accommodations
Students with disabilities may 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.
Discountinuing a Course
Students may not be removed from a course due to a 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 Academic Standards Committee. Students who fail to appear for the 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.
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 Academic Standards Committee 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.
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 Operations, 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 the 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 Operations, 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 causes acceptable to the Director of Academic Operations. 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.
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 will 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.
Repeated Courses: Graduate Students
If a course is passed or failed, and taken a second time for credit, only the highest grade will be included in the computation of grade point average; however, both grades will appear on the student’s transcript. A student may repeat a course only once. This GPA adjustment applies only to the first 9 credits of courses that are repeated.
This GPA adjustment applies only where both the original and the repeated course are completed at UVA and taken for a letter grade. The repeated course must be attempted no earlier than the Fall 2025 semester.
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.
Grades
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, unless exclusively offered for the MPP degree on a credit/no credit basis.
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 Academic Standards Committee.
Grade Changes
Errors in calculation or transcription are the only acceptable reasons 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 request to the Batten School Academic Operations team. If approved by the Batten Academic Operations team the grade change request is submitted to the University Registrar.
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 it is 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 semester is not resolved first.
The Batten School uses the following procedures for requesting and approving an incomplete:
If an IN is warranted, the student should submit a request for an incomplete through the Batten Portal. This form should include deliverables and due dates established with the professor. If the course instructor approves, request is routed to the Director of Academic Operations for final approval.
An IN is an appropriate option for a student if the student meets all of the following conditions:
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Has completed approximately 75% or more of the work for the class.
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Is not failing the class (based on current trajectory with work completed).
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Has consulted with the instructor and has a viable plan to complete the coursework within the allotted time frame.
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Only plans to request an incomplete for one course (for students enrolled part-time), or two courses (for students enrolled full-time load). Students requesting more than these based upon their enrollment are required to meet with their academic advisor.
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Does not currently have an incomplete grade from a prior semester.
Credit/No Credit Grades
Courses taken for CR/NC may not be used toward the Batten MPP degree except when Batten core MPP courses are only offered with the CR/NC grading basis. Students do 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 if they do not plan to apply the course credits toward the MPP degree or Certificate(s). 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. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm with the instructor the minimum academic level of achievement for the grade of CR.
Repeated Courses: Graduate Students
If a course is passed or failed, and taken a second time for credit, only the highest grade will be included in the computation of grade point average; however, both grades will appear on the student’s transcript. A student may repeat a course only once. This GPA adjustment applies only to the first 9 credits of courses that are repeated.
This GPA adjustment applies only where both the original and the repeated course are completed at UVA and taken for a letter grade. The repeated course must be attempted no earlier than the Fall 2025 semester.
Graduation and Degree Information
Apply to Graduate
To receive a degree, students must comply with the procedures administered by the Batten School Academic Operations team. 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 is June 1, and for December graduation the deadline falls is October 1. Students who miss a deadline may apply for the subsequent graduation date and must be registered for the semester in which it occurs.
Degree Completion: Master of Public Policy and 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 the student is an applicant for a degree.
Degree Requirements
Degree candidates must complete all required core Batten School courses, 15 elective credits, and a pre-approved, 400-hour, policy-related 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 final grade of B minus or higher in all core courses of the degree program. In cases where a student earns a final grade lower than B minus in a core course, the student must retake the course and earn a final grade of B minus or higher. See policy for Repeated Courses in this Record for explanation on how repeated grades are calculated in GPA.
In addition, degree candidates must earn 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, and must earn no more than six credit hours with final grades lower than a B minus in elective courses required for the MPP degree. A degree candidate must be enrolled at the University in the semester in which he or she is an applicant for the MPP degree and must be in good academic standing at the Batten School for degree conferral. In extraordinary situations, the Dean may elect to exercise discretion in waiving certain graduation requirements. The Dean’s discretion is not appealable and is exercised only in rare circumstances.
English as a Second Language Competency
All incoming international students whose first language is not English are required to take the English Language Proficiency Exam administered by the UVA Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC) unless they have been exempted from the TOEFL or IELTS. Based on the CAELC assessment of the test results, students who demonstrate a need for additional instruction in English communications need to take courses specified by CAELC. A grade of “S” (Satisfactory) is required to pass the course(s).
Residency Requirement: Accelerated Bachelor/MPP
For students enrolled in the Accelerated Bachelor/Master of Public Policy Program, the credit hours for all Batten coursework taken during the first-year count toward the undergraduate degree as well as the undergraduate GPA. In the second year, students must complete a minimum of 30 graded, in residence credits to be awarded the MPP degree from the University of Virginia. All courses taken (or attempted) toward the fulfillment of the MPP requirements will be included in the graduate GPA.
Transfer Credit
The Masters of Public Policy program typically requires students to complete all 49 credits of the program during their period of enrollment. Transfer credits must be approved by the Director of Academic Operations.
Withdrawal, Leave, Reenrollment, and Readmission
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Please refer to the University Regulations: Academic 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 readmission. Students who withdraw from the semester may take courses elsewhere with the prior permission of the Batten School Academic Operations team, 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 review by the Academic Standards Committee (fbsacademicaffairs@virginia.edu) 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 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 Academic Standards Committee 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 reenter 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 Assistant Dean for 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.
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