Academic Regulations

In addition to the general academic regulations for graduate programs, the following applies for the CDSR doctoral programs. Please refer to the program specific guidelines for any additional regulations related to academic standing.

A student’s academic standing is determined by the cumulative quality point average (G.P.A.). Graduate and doctoral students are expected to maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or above. A student who has less than a 3.0 cumulative G.P.A. at any time is placed on academic probation for one semester. At the end of the probation semester, the student’s file is reviewed by the program's student progress committee. If the student’s cumulative G.P.A. is a minimum of 3.0, the student is automatically removed from probation. If a student does not achieve the 3.0 G.P.A., the program student progress committee will either dismiss the student from the program immediately or continue the student on probation for one more semester. If a minimum of 3.0 is not then achieved, dismissal is automatic. A student may be on probation no more than two semesters during the entire graduate program.

A student who maintains a minimum of a 3.0 average but receives more than two grades of C or lower will be reviewed by the program graduate committee for a dismissal or recommendation regarding continuation in the program. See the policy below related to "Grades Below B."

If applicable to the program, failing the Competency/Clinical Competence Exam (CCE) twice, or failure to complete minimum time frame requirements may result in dismissal.

An appeal to any of the above may be made by following the grievance procedures found in the D’Youville University calendar and resource guide.

Grades Below B Policy

For EdD/PhD: All grades of B or higher are applicable to an EdD and PhD Programs at D’Youville University. Up to six credits of grades lower than a B (B-, C+ or C) may be applied to the doctoral degree. Grades of C- or lower are not applicable to an EdD/PhD program. If more than six credits of graduate work have received a grade below a B or if the student received a grade of C- or lower, the student will be required to retake the course in order to continue in the program. After receiving a grade of C- or lower, a student is allowed to retake the course once.

For PsyD: Grades of C+ or lower are not applicable to PsyD program. A student earning a grade lower than a B-, in any course or who earns a U in a pass-fail course is required to repeat the course. Both grades will remain on the student’s official transcript and the latter grade will be used to compute the student’s GPA.

Doctoral Policies on Student Misconduct

In addition to the policy regarding academic integrity, students enrolled in a CDSR doctoral program are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of personal behavior and professional conduct in academic and professional environments. Dishonesty or misconduct in any form, whether academic or professional, will not be tolerated by program faculty. Unprofessional behavior in any educational or professional setting, including any on- or off- campus experiences related to a practicum or dissertation, may result in failure of the course regardless of the mastery of all other course requirements, and may result in dismissal from the program.

The program director of the doctoral program will convene and refer any and all allegations of misconduct to the Center for Doctoral Studies and Research student misconduct review committee upon written notification of any type of misconduct identified by program faculty. At least two doctoral faculty not involved in the charge(s) of misconduct will be included on the committee. After a careful review of the charge(s), which includes providing the student an opportunity to present the student’s case before the committee, the committee will render, in writing, a decision to the director of the doctoral program, who will in turn inform the student of the committee’s decision.

Students may appeal the committee’s decision to the Director of the Center for Doctoral Studies and Research.

Exit Surveys

CDSR students will receive a link to an exit survey upon the completion of the program. This short survey will help us ensure the program meets the needs of students entering these fields. It also will allow us to stay in touch with them as they transition to alumni.