Information A-Z
If you have questions or cannot find the information you need here, please review our FAQ or contact University College Advising and General Information at (203) 254-4110 or ucadvise@mail.fairfield.edu. Our staff is ready to help you on your path to advancement and professional growth.
About Fairfield University
Fairfield University is a comprehensive Jesuit university that prepares undergraduates, graduates, and continuing education students for leadership and service in a constantly changing world. Fairfield is a young, progressive, dynamic university whose growth and standards are strengthened and directed by the experience and educational achievements of the Jesuits. Approximately 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 35 states, 46 countries, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are enrolled in the University's six schools. The University was founded in 1942 in the historic shoreline community of Fairfield, Connecticut (directions).
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Accreditation
Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the University offers complete programs of study in several schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Nursing, University College, the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions, and the School of Engineering. Fairfield University offers men and women the advantages of a liberal education in a university atmosphere, and flexible programs that can make learning a personal experience.
Fairfield University admits students of any sex, race, color, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, disability, or handicap to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students. It does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, disability, or handicap in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, or other University-administered programs.
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Admission to University College
Adults may enroll part-time in credit courses which lead to an Associate of Arts or a Bachelor's degree. No entrance examinations are required, only graduation from high school or its equivalent.
Enrollment in the School does not imply acceptance into a degree program. After satisfactorily completing four courses (12 credits) at Fairfield University with grades of C or better in each and a Q.P.A. of at least 2.0, the student may apply for matriculation into a degree program. A Bachelor of Arts and most Bachelor of Science degrees require a minimum of 120 credits (40 courses). For more information, contact the associate dean of University College at (203) 254-4110.
New Students
Students who are undertaking studies toward a degree for the first time must contact the University College Office for an advisory appointment before enrolling at (203) 254-4110.
Registered nurses who intend to enroll in the B.S.N. program must notify the School of Nursing at (203) 254-4150 or (888) 254-1566.
Part-time Students
Students from other colleges and universities who wish to take Fairfield University courses and transfer credits to another university should obtain prior written approval from those institutions (mail, phone, fax, person). Students may register directly for courses from the catalog or website, or may call to arrange an appointment with an advisor. To make an appointment with an advisor call (203) 254-4110, or toll free, (888) 254-1566, or e-mail: ucadvise@mail.fairfield.edu
Transfer Students
Fairfield University will accept transfer courses from other accredited institutions of higher education. Records submitted are subject to formal evaluation. Courses will be accepted on the basis of a satisfactory academic record (C or better) and equivalence to Fairfield University courses. The statute of limitations for courses applicable to the major is 10 years.
Students transferring into the Associate in Arts degree program must complete a minimum of 30 credits at Fairfield University; those transferring into a bachelor's degree program must complete a minimum of 60 credits at Fairfield University. Official transcripts should be directed to the dean of University College. If several colleges have been attended previously, a transcript from each must be requested before matriculation.
Students are responsible for assessing their ability to take a particular course and for observing prerequisites.
Prior Learning
Credit may be granted for specific college level learning gained through self-education or non-collegiate sponsored instruction. Fairfield University is a participating institution in accepting approved CLEP and ACT/PEP examinations for credit. Students should consult an adviser about applicable examinations before taking any CLEP or ACT/PEP exams. The University also accepts the evaluations of the American Council on Education and grants credits for programs comparable to its curriculum. Students may choose the portfolio assessment process to receive credit for non-collegiate sponsored learning for which there is no CLEP or ACT/PEP examination. See an adviser for more information.
Renewal Policy for Adult Learners
Fairfield University students who have not enrolled in credit courses at any college or university for a period of five years, who return to the University through University College, and who have successfully completed 12 consecutive credit hours with a grade of C or better in each course, may write to the dean requesting a transcript renewal. Students must submit the request within one semester of successful completion of 12 credit hours. Should the request be granted, the earlier academic record will be evaluated in the same manner as a transfer record. Grades for courses lower than C will be annotated, and cumulative GPA will be adjusted accordingly. This request may be made only once by a given student, and any student receiving the renewal may not transfer to any other school within the University without the written permission of the dean of the receiving school.
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Alpha Sigma Lambda
A chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda has been established for evening undergraduate degree students. This national honor society recognizes the special academic achievement of adults who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of home and work. Members are elected only from the highest 10% of the matriculated students, with a 3.2 GPA or better. An annual induction into the society takes place in the fall.
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Auditing
Students who wish to attend an undergraduate course but do not want credit may register as an auditor.
- Auditors are not required to complete course assignments or take examinations.
- Credit students are given preference in limited enrollment courses.
- The fee for auditing is one-half the cost of a three-credit course.
- Records and grade evaluations are not maintained for auditors.
- The auditing option is not available for intensive or online courses.
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Bookstore
Located in the John A. Barone Campus Center on the second floor, Fairfield's Bookstore offers books, college apparel, school supplies, textbooks, gifts, and clothes.
Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday closed
www.efollett.com
(203) 254-4262
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Cancellation Policy
A course may be cancelled due to low enrollment. In the event the University must cancel a course, the University Registrar will contact each student enrolled either by telephone or letter. Students may select another course or receive a full refund from the University.
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Change in Credit Status
Optional Credit - Some certificate or professional development courses may be taken for credit. If a continuing education course has a credit option, the number of credits is listed with the course description. You must indicate your choice to take courses for credit. Any change in credit status (from non-credit to credit or from credit to non-credit) must be made in writing before the third scheduled class.
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CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
The Continuing Education Unit is recognized nationally as the standard unit of measurement to document the type, quality, and duration of non-credit course work. One CEU is equivalent to 10 class hours of participation in a qualified program. For CEUs to be awarded, the participant must satisfactorily complete all course requirements. Non-credit students enrolled for CEUs do not receive a grade unless they satisfactorily complete the course requirements, for which a grade of S or a traditional grade is recorded.
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Course Numbering System
Undergraduate Credit:
01-99: Introductory course
100-199: Intermediate course without prerequisites
200-299: Intermediate course with prerequisites
300-399: Advanced course (open to graduate students with permission - graduate students must achieve grade of B or higher)
Graduate Credit:
400-499: Graduate course (open to undergraduates with permission)
500-599: Graduate course
Non-credit:
01-99: Course without prerequisites
200-299: Course with prerequisites or experiential requirements
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DiMenna-Nyselius Library
The DiMenna-Nyselius Library is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a variety of study spaces including team rooms, study pods, research tables, individual carrels, leisure seating, a 90-seat auditorium, a 24-hour café, and computer labs. An extensive fiber optic network offers more than 600 connections to access the campus network from library computers or personal laptops.
The library provides online access to numerous subscription databases, including many with full text materials. These Internet resources may be accessed from on or off campus at: http://library2.fairfield.edu.
Borrowing privileges and access to the 24-hour per day area is via your StagWeb account. Please call the library at (203) 254-4044 for more information.
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Grading
Student Grades can be obtained on StagWeb. The system of grading is different for each program area, although all are based on academic achievement. For specific information, refer to the item on grading in the introduction to each program area, e.g., Undergraduate, Institutes, Certificate Programs.
Grading Scale:
A Outstanding
A-
B+
B Superior
B-
C+
C Acceptable
C-
D Minimal but passing
F Unacceptable (course must be repeated to obtain credit)
I Incomplete*
W Withdrawal
93-100 (4.00)
90-92 (3.67)
87-89 (3.33)
83-86 (3.00)
80-82 (2.67)
77-79 (2.33)
73-76 (2.00)
70-72 (1.67)
60-69 (1.00)
0-59
* An I (Incomplete) is issued when, due to an emergency situation, a student prearranges with the professor to complete some of the course requirements after the semester ends. Course work must be completed within 30 days after the next regular semester begins. Incompletes still outstanding after the 30-day extension become Failures.
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Graduation Requirements
To graduate a student must attain a minimum of 120 credits for most bachelor's degrees and 60 credits for the associate of arts degree, but no simple accumulation of credits qualifies for a degree at Fairfield. The student must successfully complete all of the assigned courses which constitute the curriculum of his/her choice.
A Quality Point Average of 2.0 for courses taken at Fairfield University, as well as those in most majors, is required for graduation. Students who expect to complete degree requirements within a certain academic year must complete a graduation application at the University College office at least six months before the expected graduation date.
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Housing
Limited on-campus housing may be available for individuals taking classes. Interested persons should contact the Office of Residence Life at (203) 254-4215.
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ID Cards
Students should obtain the OneCard ID (also known as the Stag Card) from the Kelley Center, next to the University Registrar's Office. The ID card allows you access to a variety of University systems and services.
- It is your University library card.
- The regular hours for the OneCard office during the regular academic year (September-May) are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Tuesday hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- For more information, call (203) 254-4009.
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Mission Statement
The purpose of University College is to engage individuals, corporations, and organizations with the University to help them meet their educational needs in today's knowledge-based, global economy.
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Parking
All vehicles must display a valid University vehicle registration permit. Permits may be obtained at the Department of Public Safety, Room 2 Loyola Hall, phone: 254-4000, ext. 2745. A valid University ID or receipt of registration and a motor vehicle registration must be presented when registering. Permits must be renewed each semester.
Registration fees are included in the tuition for part-time students and students taking non-credit courses. A vehicle registration fee is charged to all full-time students when they obtain their decals.
Unauthorized vehicles in handicapped, fire lane, or service vehicle spaces will be towed at the owner's expense. A number of parking spaces have been designated for handicapped persons throughout the campus. Vehicles of disabled persons displaying a current permit from either the state in which they reside or a University permit may park in these areas.
A pamphlet detailing traffic and parking regulations is available at the Department of Public Safety office in Loyola Hall.
Student Parking is limited to areas marked on the map inside the Vehicle Registration and Traffic Brochure. Map of valid parking lots
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Records and Transcripts
Student transcripts, records, and grades are available on your StagWeb account which you can access via the Internet. All students are strongly encouraged to activate their StagWeb account upon registration.
Fairfield University provides legitimate access to student records as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Official transcripts of completed courses and special requests for verification must be made in writing by the student and are subject to a $4 charge. Official transcripts are sent directly by the University, not transmitted by the applicant.
Unofficial copies may be requested by students from the Registrar's Office. Requests for transcripts must be made one week before the date needed. Transcript request forms are available in the Registrar's Office in the Kelley Center. Student grade reports are sent out at the end of each semester. This includes all short courses, one- and two-day workshops, and weekend seminars. Non-credit records are retained for five years only.
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Scholarships
Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship: The William F. Murphy Award is available to matriculated adult undergraduate students with a QPA of 2.0 or better. Sponsored by Alpha Sigma Lambda and named after the first dean of the School of Continuing Education (University College's previous name), this scholarship is awarded on the basis of need. Deadlines: Aug. 20 and Dec. 15.
Institute for Retired Professionals Scholarship: Available to matriculated adult undergraduate continuing education students with a QPA of 2.8 or better. Sponsored by The Institute for Retired Professionals, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of need. Deadlines: Oct. 15 and March 15.
Hope Scholarship for students pursuing a degree or other recognized educational credential. Up to $1,500 credit per eligible student.
Lifetime Learning Credit of up to $1,000 credit per tax return for students who do not need to be pursuing a degree or other recognized educational credential.
See IRS tax publications about Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Tax credits or consult an accountant.
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Security
Located in Loyola Hall, Room 2, the Department of Public Safety is authorized by Fairfield University to prevent, investigate, and report any violations of State or Federal Law and/or University regulations on campus. Officers conduct foot, bicycle, and vehicular patrols of the campus and resident areas 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The office is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Telephone: (203) 254-4090 or extension 4090.
Fairfield University complies with the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act." This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Fairfield University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report by contacting the Department of Public Safety at (203) 254-4090 or in Loyola Hall 2.
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StagWeb
StagWeb is the recognized, official communication system of Fairfield University and is a personalized web interface that includes a web-based e-mail system and convenient links to sites both on and off campus. Student records, grades, transcripts, registration information, and personal information are all available on StagWeb. Open your StagWeb account here. Please note: students taking courses online are required to activate their StagWeb accounts for information and access to their courses. For further help: Please refer any StagWeb problems or questions to the SCT Help Desk (203) 254-4357 or helpdesk@mail.fairfield.edu
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Students with Disabilities
The University provides support services and arranges reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. However, the University will not alter the essential academic elements of courses or programs. Students who require support services or other accommodations should contact David Ryan-Soderlund, director of academic and disability support services, in the Kelley Center.
Arrangements for appropriate accommodations may be made in a cooperative effort between the student, the faculty member, and the director. The University requires students to self-identify and provide documentation if they wish to request accommodations to reduce the impact of a disability. More information regarding disabilities is available at Academic and Disability Support Services.
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Summer Housing
Limited on-campus housing is available for individuals taking summer classes. Housing rates are on a weekly basis, and all charges must be paid in advance. Students are housed in Loyola Hall, which is a non-air conditioned traditional-style residence hall, with a kitchen facility accessible to residents. Interested persons should contact the Office of Residence Life at (203) 254-4215.
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Tuition Refunds:
Please Note: Online course refunds are calculated such that each day beginning with the first day of class is considered a scheduled class.
14-15 week courses:
100 percent before 1st scheduled class
90 percent before 2nd scheduled class
80 percent before 3rd scheduled class
60 percent before 4th scheduled class
40 percent before 5th scheduled class
20 percent before 6th scheduled class
0 percent after 6th scheduled class
10-12 week courses:
100 percent before 1st scheduled class
80 percent before 2nd scheduled class
60 percent before 3rd scheduled class
40 percent before 4th scheduled class
20 percent before 5th scheduled class
0 percent after 5th scheduled class
6-8 week courses:
100 percent before 1st scheduled class
60 percent before 2nd scheduled class
30 percent before 3rd scheduled class
0 percent after 3rd scheduled class
4-5 week courses:
100 percent before 1st scheduled class
50 percent before 2nd scheduled class
0 percent after 2nd scheduled class
1-3 week courses:
100 percent before 1st scheduled class
50 percent before 2nd scheduled class
0 percent after 2nd scheduled class
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Veterans
Veterans may apply educational benefits to degree studies at Fairfield University. They should submit their file number to the Registrar's Office; this office will complete certification forms. When registering, please be sure to complete the space on the registration form marked VA File Number. Veterans will pay tuition and fees to Fairfield University at time of registration and will be reimbursed by the Veterans' Administration.
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Withdrawal Policy
Procedure:
- For a full semester course, students who wish to withdraw must submit a signed, written request before the eighth week of class.
- For an ASAP course, students who wish to withdraw must submit a signed, written request before the sixth class meeting.
- The official date of withdrawal and any refund (see tuition refunds below) will be based on the date the Registrar's office received the written request. Please note that changes in registration, including withdrawal, are not accepted by phone - fax: (203) 254-4109; phone: (203) 254-4288.
- Failure to attend class or merely giving notice to an instructor is not an official withdrawal and may result in a penalty grade being recorded for the course.
Tuition Refunds:
Online course refunds are calculated such that each day beginning with the first day of class is considered a scheduled class.
14-15 week courses:
100 percent before 1st scheduled class
90 percent before 2nd scheduled class
80 percent before 3rd scheduled class
60 percent before 4th scheduled class
40 percent before 5th scheduled class
20 percent before 6th scheduled class
0 percent after 6th scheduled class
10-12 week courses:
100 percent before 1st scheduled class
80 percent before 2nd scheduled class
60 percent before 3rd scheduled class
40 percent before 4th scheduled class
20 percent before 5th scheduled class
0 percent after 5th scheduled class
6-8 week courses:
100 percent before 1st scheduled class
60 percent before 2nd scheduled class
30 percent before 3rd scheduled class
0 percent after 3rd scheduled class
4-5 week courses:
100 percent before 1st scheduled class
50 percent before 2nd scheduled class
0 percent after 2nd scheduled class
1-3 week courses:
100 percent before 1st scheduled class
50 percent before 2nd scheduled class
0 percent after 2nd scheduled class
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