Academic Affairs

Academic Affairs Office

The Academic Affairs Office works with faculty, staff, and students to maintain and enhance the quality of students' educational experiences and academic support services. The office also serves as the focal point for dialogue in the formulation and maintenance of policies, procedures, and guidelines for all academic affairs of Post University. The goals of Academic Affairs include the following:

1. Providing leadership in creating a dynamic learning environment committed to a remarkable student experience that successfully prepares graduates to meet their academic and career goals.
2. Developing a culture of learning excellence and professionalism that attracts and retains students, faculty, and staff.
3. Assessing student learning outcomes to continually improve the student learning experience and promote accountability across the Post University.
4. Fostering student achievement and development by committing to individualized advising, career and learning support services, curricular enrichment, and international experiences.
5. Promoting the advancement of faculty by providing professional development opportunities and supporting scholarly contribution and intellectual engagement.

Learning Environments

The graduate and undergraduate curricula are designed to prepare students for a successful career. Post University is organized into two major divisions - the Main Campus and Accelerated Degree Programs. The programs within American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Science represent a subcategory of Accelerated Degree Programs within Post University. At the Main Campus, students attend classes as full-time students in two 16-week semesters (undergraduate) or six, 8-week terms (graduate). Students may live on campus or commute to campus for their classes.

Students in the Accelerated Degree Program take accelerated online courses scheduled in six, 8-week terms each year. Depending on the degree program they are pursuing, Accelerated Degree Program students have the option of fulfilling their course classes completely online or during evening and weekends at Post University's regional site. Degrees cannot be completed at the regional site.

Students in the programs at American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Science must complete their courses completely online and do not have the option of completing courses at the regional site. Students within nursing programs may be subject to specific policies and requirements outside the requirement of Accelerated Degree Programs.

The Academic Degree

Major

A major is an academic program of study offering both depth and breadth in a discipline or field of study. The requirements and the curriculum for a major are determined by Academic Affairs and approved by the state of Connecticut. Students must have a declared major on file with the Office of the Registrar. Students may change their major at any time by filing a request through the Office of the Registrar. Students should consult with their Academic Advisor or Academic Success Counselor prior to changing their major as it may impact their length of time needed to complete a degree.

Double Major

Students who fulfill the requirements for two majors within a single degree (BS or BA) at the baccalaureate level may graduate with a double major. Students choosing to complete a double major must have both declared majors on record with the Office of the Registrar prior to applying for graduation. Students who complete a double major earn only one degree. Both majors will be listed on the student's official transcript and diploma. Completion of a double major may increase the length of time necessary for a student to graduate. Prior to graduation, students must complete the Application for Graduation and pay the graduation fees for each degree.

Dual Degrees

Students who fulfill the requirements for two degrees (BS and BA) simultaneously at the baccalaureate level may graduate with a dual degree. Students who complete a dual degree have fully met the requirements of both degrees which includes at least 39 additional credits specific to the second degree, for a minimum of 159 credits in total. To earn two degrees simultaneously, students must obtain permission from their Academic Advisors or Academic Success Counselors. Students choosing to earn a dual degree must have both declared majors/degrees on record with the Office of the Registrar prior to applying for graduation. Prior to graduation, students must complete the Application for Graduation and pay the graduation fees for each degree. The students will receive diplomas for each degree.

Minors

A minor is a program of study in a discipline or field of study that is less in-depth (typically 15 credits) than a major. A minor is typically completed to complement or supplement a major in a subject area outside of a student's major. The Program Chairs determine the requirements and the coursework in a minor. Students are not required to complete a minor. Students who wish to declare a minor may do so by contacting their Academic Advisors or Academic Success Counselors and filing with the Office of the Registrar. Students choosing to earn a minor must have their declared minors on record with the Office of the Registrar prior to applying for graduation.

En Route Associate Degree

Associate degree recipients who continue forward to complete a baccalaureate program, regardless of how much time has passed between degrees, are considered to have taken an en route associate degree. Their cumulative grade point average from their associate degree will be carried forward to their baccalaureate work.

Single Concentrations for Undergraduate Students

Certain baccalaureate degree programs require students to choose a concentration to complete their degree. The concentration courses are included within the 120-credit degree requirement. If enrolled in programs that require a concentration, students must identify their concentrations with their Academic Advisors or Academic Success Counselors prior to graduation.

Dual Concentrations for Graduate Students

Some graduate programs permit students to complete more than one concentration within their degree program. Students must complete all coursework required in both concentrations to fulfill the requirements for dual concentrations. The only exception is the concentration capstone course, which may count towards both concentrations if the topic studied includes substantive elements from both concentrations. Interested students should contact their Academic Advisors or Academic Success Counselors to learn the specific requirements around this opportunity. Financial Aid limitations and increased workload may apply to dual concentrations. Students should speak with their Financial Aid Advisors and discuss the alternate option of pursuing graduate certificates with their Academic Success Counselor.

Residency Requirements

Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must earn at least their last 30 credits at Post University and must satisfy all degree requirements for the program. This must include at least 15 credit hours in the major. Candidates for an associate degree must earn at least their last 15 credits at Post University and must satisfy all degree requirements, including at least 9 credit hours in the major.

The residency requirement can be waived if a student is participating in a Post University articulated academic partnership with another accredited college or university, wherein the agreement between Post University and that other institution states that the student will complete the last portion of the program at the other institution.

Specializations in Graduate Nursing Programs

Graduate programs at American Sentinel School of Nursing and Health Science require students to choose a specific specialization. These students are not permitted to complete more than one specialization at a time. If students would like to complete more than one specialization, they will need to complete one specialization and then complete the admissions process for a new specialization. Students should speak to their student success advisors and/or admissions advisors if they are interested in more than one nursing specialization.

Course Syllabus

Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the current syllabus posted for each course in which they are enrolled. The requirements and procedures outlined in the instructor's syllabus are in effect as governing policies for that course.

Honors Program

The mission of the Honors Program is to provide undergraduate Main Campus and Accelerated Degree Program academically talented and motivated students with a challenging program that fosters intellectual growth, inspires leadership, and builds a foundation for lifelong learning.  The Honors Program provides an especially rich and ambitious set of academic offerings. Participants work closely with distinguished faculty, guest lecturers, and other academically talented students in endeavors emphasizing critical thinking, analysis, research, writing, communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The Honors Program provides advanced courses, active learning, individualized research opportunities, and personalized academic advising. In addition to the enriched academic opportunities, students are encouraged to participate in professional development activities, cultural enrichment events, and community engagement experiences.  About half of the Main Campus Honors Program students are athletes. 

Post University offers an Honors Program for students seeking a bachelor's degree and for students seeking an associate degree. The eligibility requirements are the same for both Honors Programs. However, attainment of Honors Accolades varies as described below.

Honors Program Eligibility Requirements

Admission to the Honors Program is highly selective. To be considered for the Honors Program, applicants must have a high school or college cumulative GPA of at least 3.25. First-time entering students or Transfer students who do not have a high school or college GPA of at least 3.25 will be eligible for the Honors Program once they have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 and completed 12 credits at Post (Main Campus students) or 6 credits (ADP students).  Students interested in being considered for the Honors Program should contact their Admissions Advisor or the Director of the Honors Program at [email protected] (Main Campus students) or [email protected] (ADP students). NOTE: Students in the American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Science RN to BSN are not eligible for the Honors Program.

Benefits of the Honors Program (Bachelor's Degree and Associate Degree)

Honors Program Accolades - Bachelor's Degree Seeking Students

Honors Program Recognition

To graduate with Honors Program Recognition, students must:

1. Earn at least 12 Honors academic credits.
2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25.
3. Optional: Participate in Honors Program professional development, cultural enrichment, and civic engagement activities.

Honors Program Academic Distinction

To graduate with Honors Program Academic Distinction, students must:

1. Earn at least 24 Honors academic credits.
2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25.
3. Optional: Participate in Honors Program professional development, cultural enrichment, and civic engagement activities.

Honors Program Distinction

To graduate with Honors Program Distinction, students must:

1. Earn at least 24 Honors academic credits.
2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25.
3. Participate in required Honors Program professional development and cultural enrichment activities.
4. Complete civic engagement requirements.

Honors Program Accolades - Associate Degree Seeking Students

Honors Program Recognition

To graduate with Honors Program Recognition, students must:

1. Earn at least 12 Honors academic credits.
2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25.
3. Optional: Participate in Honors Program professional development, cultural enrichment, and civic engagement activities.

Honors Program Academic Achievement

To graduate with Honors Program Academic Achievement, students must:

1. Earn at least 18 Honors academic credits.
2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25.
3. Optional: Participate in Honors Program professional development, cultural enrichment, and civic engagement activities.

Notable Honors Program Achievement
To graduate with Notable Honors Program Achievement, students must:

1. Earn at least 18 Honors academic credits.
2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25.
3. Participate in required Honors Program professional development and cultural enrichment activities.
4. Complete civic engagement requirements.

Honorary Organizations

Alpha Chi National College Honor Society

Post University sponsors the Connecticut Gamma Chapter of Alpha Chi, a national college honor society. Students from all disciplines may qualify for admission. Membership is limited to the top ten percent of an institution's juniors, seniors, and graduate students. In addition, juniors and seniors must have earned a minimum of 24 credits at Post University. Graduate students must have completed a minimum of 15 credits at the graduate level at Post University. Eligibility is determined twice per year.

Phi Theta Kappa

Post University sponsors the Omega Rho Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for associate degree seeking students. Membership is offered when a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50 on a 4.00 scale is achieved of 24 credits has been earned at Post University. Eligibility is determined twice per year.

Tau Upsilon Alpha

The National Organization of Human Services honor society (Tau Upsilon Alpha) was created with the purpose of honoring academic excellence and fostering lifelong learning. Tau Upsilon Alpha promotes excellence in service to humanity as well as learning, leadership, and development in the field of human services. Membership is offered to undergraduate and graduate students who have shown a commitment to working in and advancing the field of human services. Students must have completed at least 12 credits in their program of study and demonstrated academic excellence. Potential inductees are selected based on academic and professional eligibility once they have met the criteria outlined above.

Alpha Phi Sigma - Iota Psi Chapter (National Criminal Justice Honor Society)

In 2008, Post University established the Iota Psi chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, the nationally recognized honor society for students majoring in Criminal Justice. The honor society recognizes academic excellence for undergraduates in Criminal Justice.  To become a member, students must declare a major or minor in criminal justice or a related field, have completed three full-time semesters or equivalent at Post University, and have achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale and rank in the top 35% of their class. A minimum of four courses of the above course work shall be in the criminal justice field.  Eligibility is determined in the spring semester and/or Term 4.  Inductees will be selected and contacted based on the criteria outlined above.      

Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society

In 2014, Post University established a chapter of the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society, the internationally recognized society honoring outstanding academic achievement among students earning degrees in business. Candidates for Delta Mu Delta are students seeking bachelors' or masters' degrees and who have completed 75% or more of the work required for their degrees with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 of better, and who are in the top 10% of their college class.  Twenty-four credits must be completed at Post University.  Once accepted into the Society, membership is for life.

Chi Alpha Sigma

In 2017, Post University established Chi Alpha Sigma, The National College Athlete Honor Society.  Chi Alpha Sigma is an organization of college athletes with high academic achievement, exemplary character, and positive attitudes.  Membership is offered to undergraduate and graduate students who have earned a letter in a varsity intercollegiate sport(s) sponsored by the NCAA or NAIA, have achieved at least a junior standing by their 5^th semester of 7^th quarter, have achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.40 (on a 4.0 scale), have endorsement from his or her head coach, and are of good moral character.  Once accepted into the society, membership is for life.

Sigma Theta Tau

American Sentinel College sponsors an active chapter, Chi Alpha, of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma). Sigma is the second-largest nursing organization in the world with members from baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and achievement (Sigma, 2019). The chapter grew in 2019 when American Sentinel College joined with Denver College of Nursing to form the Chi Alpha Chapter at Large. This union of the two schools enables the Chapter to broaden professional engagement, learning, and service efforts. The Chi Alpha chapter board meets monthly by conference line. The Sigma induction ceremony for the Chi Alpha chapter occurs every year, typically the evening before commencement exercises at American Sentinel College and is live streamed for those that are unable to attend. The induction ceremony recognizes and honors the student with presentation of a certificate and membership pin. The ceremony includes an educational offering and brief membership meeting. In the fall, a second membership meeting occurs, providing an educational or informational program to participants. The educational offerings are presented using Zoom to allow for a visual presentation.

Chapter Advisor Contact: [email protected]

Society Website: https://www.sigmanursing.org/

Golden Key

Since it was established, Golden Key has recognized more than 12 million undergraduate and graduate students for their intellectual achievements. In addition, Golden Key has awarded $10 million in scholarships and awards to members in all fields of study. Golden Key members come together to make a difference in their communities all over the world by performing more than 200,000 hours of service annually. In July of 2014, Golden Key launched its first ever global service initiative: SPARK a Change. The mission of SPARK is to impact and improve the lives of at-risk youth through literacy, education and real-world preparedness.  Golden Key members are challenged to SPARK a Change.

Chapter Advisor Contact: [email protected]

Society Website: https://www.goldenkey.org/
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/GKregion8/

Honors

President's List: Full-Time Students

Matriculated undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.75, while carrying a minimum of 12 credits in one semester or two terms, will be named to the President's List for that period. Students earning a grade less than C, IN, P, or W during this period are not eligible. To be eligible for the President's List, a student must be in an undergraduate degree program.

Dean's List: Full-Time Students

Matriculated undergraduate students who demonstrate excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.50-3.74 in a degree program, while carrying a minimum of 12 credits in one semester or two terms, will be named to the Dean's List for that period. Students earning a grade less than C, IN, P, or W during this period are not eligible. To be eligible for the Dean's List, a student must be in an undergraduate degree program.

Dean's List: American Sentinel College

The American Sentinel College Dean's List recognizes undergraduate academic excellence achieved through each semester (January-April; May-August; September-December). Eligibility for the Dean's List is based on the cumulative grade point average for all course work at American Sentinel College of 3.9 or higher and a semester grade point average of 3.9 or higher. Undergraduate students who completed two courses in one of the specified timeframes and earned at least a 3.9 average are recognized. This Dean's List also includes students in SIMPath/CBE programs who completed two or more courses in their semesters and met the same GPA requirements.

Provost's List:  Half-Time Students

Matriculated undergraduate students who demonstrate excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.50 in a degree program, while carrying between 6 and 11 credits in one semester or two terms, will be named to the Provost's List for that period.  Students earning a grade less than C, IN, P, or W during this period are not eligible.  To be eligible for the Provost's List, a student must be in an undergraduate degree program.   

Post Scholars: Full-Time Students

Matriculated undergraduate students who demonstrate outstanding academic excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.90 upon graduation are named Post University Scholars, and are eligible to receive an additional 10 percent tuition reduction beyond the 10 percent Alumni grant within a master's degree program at Post University. The Post University Scholars tuition grant is contingent on the student maintaining a GPA of 3.50 or better as a graduate student. Post University Scholars who drop below a 3.50 GPA in any given term will forfeit the additional 10% tuition grant.

Baccalaureate Degree Honors

Baccalaureate honors recognizes academic excellence achieved throughout the duration of a student's entire undergraduate career. Eligibility for the three categories of Latin Honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude) is based on the cumulative grade point average for all course work at Post University. To qualify for honors, baccalaureate candidates must have earned a minimum of 60 credit hours in residence at Post University and achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50.  Undergraduate students are recognized at commencement and on their diploma, with the following honors levels:

Associate Degree Honors

Associate degree honors recognize academic excellence achieved throughout the duration of a student's entire undergraduate career. Eligibility for the three categories of Associate Honors (highest honors, high honors, and honors) is based on the cumulative grade point average for all course work at Post University.  To qualify for honors, associate degree ccandidates must have earned a minimum of 30 credit hours in residence at Post University and achieved a cumulate grade point averate of at least 3.50.  Undergraduate students are recognized at commencement and on their diploma, with the following honors levels:

Graduate Degree Honors

Graduate degree honors recognize academic excellence achieved throughout the duration of the student's entire graduate career. Eligibility for the With Distinction honor is based on a master's degree candidate who earned a 4.00 cumulative grade point average, with a maximum of nine (9) transfer credits. Graduate students are recognized at commencement and on their diploma with the honor of "With Distinction."