Business Academic Policies

Policies that are specific to the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business graduate programs are outlined below. University Graduate Academic Policies apply to all other situations and can be found in the University Graduate Catalog.

Admissions

Admission decisions for all Palumbo-Donahue School of Business graduate programs are made on a rolling basis by an Admissions Committee. The Committee also makes recommendations regarding the awarding of graduate assistantship (GA) positions, fellowships, and scholarships, if applicable. To be considered for merit-based aid, a GMAT/GRE score may be required. Admissions deadlines may apply for specific programs for merit funding. Admission offers are valid for the accepted semester only. Applicants may defer an offer of admission and deposit toward enrollment for up to one year. Application materials are valid for one calendar year from the semester for which the applicant has been accepted.

GMAT/GRE-Optional Admission Policy

Candidates for admission may choose to submit a GMAT or GRE score if they do not think their work experience or academic performance accurately reflects their potential for success in graduate study.

Although the GMAT or GRE is not required for admission, applicants submitting strong test scores (500+ GMAT, 305+ GRE) will automatically be considered for fellowships and certain endowed scholarships. Candidates with less than a 3.25/4.0 CGPA will be required to submit a GMAT or GRE score in order to be considered for Graduate Assistantships.

Orientation

Incoming students are expected to attend an orientation to be properly prepared for graduate studies. Summer-start Professional MBA students are invited, but not required, to attend fall orientation.

Official Notices and Communication via Email

Consistent with 麻豆直播's E-mail Communication Policy, official communication of educational and administrative matters -- including student billing notifications, insurance requirements, correspondence from faculty and staff, instructions for following procedures, and notices that require a timely response -- are sent to the student's 麻豆直播 e-mail account. Students are expected to check their Duquesne University e-mail daily from Monday through Friday, and electronic correspondence is considered received within one working day after posting to a student account. Failure to check e-mail communication does not excuse or exempt students from responsibility for reading, responding to or acting upon e-mail communiques from the University. 

Degree Requirements

Transfer Credit

During the admission process, prior graduate coursework will be evaluated for potential transfer into the graduate business program. Once a student matriculates, courses are typically not permitted to be taken away from Duquesne. Students seeking special permission to take a course elsewhere should consult with their Success Coach and seek approval from the Student Standing Committee. 

Please see the University Transfer Credit policy for more information on the maximum number of transfer credits that can be applied to a degree. 

Academic Standing

Graduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 within their graduate business program(s) of study. Students who fall below this standard will be placed on academic probation until their cumulative graduate business GPA has returned to a 3.0 or higher. While on academic probation, students are required to meet with their Student Success Coach each semester before registering for additional coursework.  

Students who earn two 鈥淔鈥� grades in one semester are subject to dismissal. Following a first dismissal, students may appeal in writing to the Student Standing Committee for reinstatement, citing the extenuating circumstances that led to their poor academic performance and outlining their plan for improvement. Students who have been dismissed for a second time will be without the option of appeal.

Any student with a cumulative Graduate Business GPA below a 3.0 will be ineligible for graduation.

Statute of Limitations

In accordance with University policy, students have six (6) years from the initial date of registration in a master's program of study to complete the degree.

The full University policy on Statute of Limitations for Completion of Graduate Programs is available in the Academic Policies section of the University Graduate Catalog.

Pass (P)/Not Pass (N)

Graduate courses in the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business may not be taken on a pass/not pass basis. The only exception to this is Internship credit.

Merit Based Financial Aid

To be considered for merit-based financial aid, a GMAT/GRE score may be required at the time of application.

Graduate Assistantship Awards

Graduate assistantships are available for incoming students in the Professional MBA, One-Year MBA, MS Analytics and Information Management, MS Entrepreneurial Leadership, MS Finance, MS Supply Chain Management, and MS Accountancy programs. Graduate assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis, typically at the time of admission, according to availability and faculty need, and only are offered to full-time students. To be eligible, students must have a competitive GMAT or GRE score or 3.25 GPA in a prior degree (undergraduate or graduate). Eligible students will be invited to interview for a graduate assistantship position. 

Graduate assistants are expected to work a specified number of hours according to their contract and maintain a 3.5 GPA. Various assignments are available including faculty research, administrative and project support.

Assistantships may be awarded for a period of one semester or for the academic year (fall and spring). Tuition assistance varies by program. Summer appointments for the MS-AIM, MS-SCM, and Professional MBA may be available and are awarded separately from the academic year appointments. Depending on the program, a Graduate Assistantship covers 30-80% of a student鈥檚 total credits. No more than 80% of the student's total credits will be paid for by a Graduate Assistantship.

Reappointment may be made for up to the minimum number of credits required to complete the degree for which the assistantship was awarded. Continuation and reappointment are contingent upon satisfactory work and academic performance. If a graduate assistantship is rescinded due to a student's inability to meet the requirements, the student may appeal this decision by working in consultation with the Admissions & Student Support Specialist.

Resignations from assistantships will be treated as a voluntary termination by the student and will result in pro-rated tuition assistance for the semester. Tuition assistance will be based on the amount of time spent as a graduate assistant, and the student will be responsible for the adjusted tuition balance.

Graduate assistantship requirements include but are not limited to the following:

  • Maintain an enrollment of at least six (6) credits (nine (9) credits for Professional MBA) per semester in the program of study for which the position was awarded; less than 6-credit enrollment is acceptable only in the final semester;
  • Have a valid social security number for employment purposes. Failure to secure a social security number and complete the HR paperwork will nullify the GA contract and result in loss of the award;
  • Be available to work on-site;
  • Provide the specified hours of service per week throughout each specified semester;
  • Complete satisfactory work as determined by the assigned faculty or administrator(s);
  • Maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA;
  • Display professionalism;
  • Sign and comply with the University's Code of Responsibility for Security and Confidentiality of Records and/or Data Files;
  • Submit required documentation of hours worked and services performed bi-weekly;
  • Attend professional development workshops and program-sponsored events, as well as assist with the proctoring of undergraduate final exams.

Fellowship Awards

Fellowships are available to students in the One-Year MBA program and are awarded on a competitive basis at the time of admission. Various assignments are available including faculty research and project support.

Fellows are expected to work a specified number of hours according to their contract and maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA. Fellowships typically are awarded for the duration of the program (i.e., three semesters).

Resignations from fellowships will be treated as a voluntary termination by the student and will result in pro-rated tuition assistance for the semester. Tuition assistance will be based on the amount of time spent as a fellow. The student will be responsible for the adjusted tuition balance.

Fellowship responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Be available to work on-site.
  • Remain a full-time graduate student enrolled in the One-Year MBA program.
  • Provide the specified hours of service per week throughout each semester.
  • Complete satisfactory work as determined by the assigned faculty or administrator(s).
  • Maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA.
  • Display professionalism.
  • Sign and comply with the University's Code of Responsibility for Security and Confidentiality of Records and/or Data Files.
  • Attend professional development workshops and program-sponsored events.

Scholarship Awards

Scholarships are awarded to students in the One-Year MBA and MS in Accountancy and are awarded on a competitive basis. Scholarships are typically offered at the time of admission or as funding becomes available. Scholarship recipients must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Scholarships typically are awarded for the duration of the program (i.e., three semesters).

A limited number of endowed scholarships are awarded to incoming and current Professional MBA and One-Year MBA students. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the funding source. Endowed scholarships are awarded for one semester.

Registration

Official Registration

Consistent with 麻豆直播 Policy, unless students are officially registered, they are not permitted to attend classes, engage in student affairs, have general access to the buildings and grounds, or use the University's facilities.

Official registration is the recognition given by the University to persons who have met these conditions:

  1. Appropriate authority for admittance to study in a school or department has been given by an authorized officer of the University.
  2. Authorization to continue in the selected program has been given and registration for classes has been accomplished in compliance with all academic requirements and procedures.
  3. Arrangements have been made to the satisfaction of the University for payment-in-full of all financial charges, including tuition and housing charges, which are due and payable in full by the end of the first week of classes.

Official course registration is processed via Duquesne Online Resources and Information (DORI) according to the dates set on the academic calendar. Course enrollment is determined on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who register for a class or classes and do not attend remain financially responsible for tuition unless the course is formally dropped by the Drop/Add deadline. Students who register for courses but do not attend will receive a final grade of "F".

Change of Schedule (Add/Drop)

Students who wish to add or drop a class are permitted to do so during the registration period and add/drop period. A change of class schedule is not permitted after the add/drop deadline, which is announced in each semester's Academic Calendar.

Once the add/drop period has ended, the withdrawal period begins.

Withdrawal

Courses dropped after the deadline for making schedule changes are classified as course withdrawals or complete withdrawals. Withdrawal deadlines are specified in the academic calendar.

Course withdrawals result in a final grade of "W" for the class. Refunds are not issued for individual course withdrawals in the fall and spring semesters. During the summer semester, refunds for course withdrawals will be issued according to the summer refund schedule.

Students may be eligible for refunds for complete and/or medical withdrawals and should consult the academic calendar for deadlines and refund amounts.

The University Policy on course withdrawals and complete withdrawals are available in the Academic Policies section of the University Graduate Catalog.

Full-Time/Part-Time Status

In the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, a course load of six (6) or more graduate credits is considered full-time status.

The University Policy on Enrollment Classification is available in the Academic Policies section of the University Graduate Catalog.

Active/Inactive Status

Students who register for at least one course during two (2) consecutive academic year semesters (fall and spring) are considered to be in active status.

A student who has not registered for at least one course during two (2) consecutive academic year semesters (fall and spring) will be converted to inactive status.

Leave of Absence

Students who do not want to enroll in courses for a fall or spring semester should request an official Leave of Absence through their Student Success Coach.

The University Temporary Approved Leave of Absence from Graduate Study Policy is in effect and is available in the Academic Policies section of the University Graduate Catalog.

Readmission

Students who have become inactive must be readmitted to the graduate program of study before being permitted to resume studies. Readmission is available to students who have been inactive fewer than eight (8) consecutive semesters (including summer terms). An Application for Readmission and updated supplemental materials including official transcript(s) and resume are required. Other documentation may be requested. Students applying for readmission are required to be in good financial and conduct standing with the University. If readmitted, students are subject to the degree requirements and all academic regulations in place at the time of readmission. Only courses taken within the past six (6) years will be counted toward the degree.

Students will need to adhere to the Statute of Limitations, which stipulates that all degree requirements must be completed within six (6) years from the date of initial registration for the program of study.

Students who have been inactive from the program more than eight (8) consecutive semesters must reapply to the University.

Coursework

Internships

Students are not required by the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business to earn credit for Internship experiences.

Students desiring to earn academic credit for an Internship should work with their Student Success Coach in the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business. Internships are available for 0-3 credits with a maximum of three internship experiences and a maximum of six (6) credits. If an internship is renewed with the same employer, a student must demonstrate that the responsibilities of the experience are significantly different. A pass/no pass grade will be assigned. Students should be aware that Internship credits do not typically count toward their program of study.

International students are required to have approval from the Center for Global Engagement, regardless of whether the internship is being completed for academic credit. 

Independent Study

Students may be permitted to earn 1-3 graduate credits for an Independent Study by fulfilling requirements in a Learning Contract, requiring a coordinated effort with a full-time faculty member, their Student Success Coach, and the student to ensure the validity of the learning experience. To be eligible for an Independent Study, a student must have completed at least six (6) credits of graduate coursework at Duquesne University and have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0. A letter grade will be assigned.

Cross-listed UG/GR Courses

To obtain graduate credit, students enrolled in a single course that carries a separate undergraduate and graduate designation or number (e.g., courses cross-listed as both undergraduate and graduate courses) must register for the graduate course and must complete the published requirements as specified in the graduate course syllabus.

The University policy on Cross-listed UG/GR Courses is available in the Academic Policies section of the University Graduate Catalog.

Grading Policy

A   4.0 C   2.0 Lowest passing grade
A-   3.7 F   0.0 Fail
B+   3.3   I   Incomplete
B   3.0 W   Withdrawal
B-   2.7 P   Pass
C+   2.3 N   Not Passing

Incomplete ("I") Grades

In consultation with the instructor, a student may request an incomplete (鈥淚鈥�) grade when extenuating circumstances prevent them from completing coursework by the end of the term. To be eligible for an incomplete grade, a student must have completed the majority of the course requirements.

Students desiring an incomplete grade should discuss the possibility with their instructor and then complete and submit the School of Business Incomplete Grade Request Form, available from their Student Success Coach.

Deadlines for the resolution of incomplete grades are published in the University Academic Calendar and are typically the end of the following fall or spring term. Individual departments, programs, or instructors may set earlier deadlines, which will be communicated to the student in writing. Incomplete grades that are unresolved by the deadline will be converted to a failing (鈥淔鈥�) grade.

Students with two or more incomplete grades will not be permitted to take additional coursework.

See the University Incomplete Grade Policy in the Graduate Catalog for additional policy details.

Failure ("F") Grades

Students who receive an "F" grade in any required course should repeat the course during the semester immediately following the semester in which the "F" grade was received. In the case of certain required or elective courses that are not offered each semester, the student should repeat the course the next semester in which the course is offered. All coursework required in a program of study must be satisfactorily completed to qualify for a graduate degree.

Repeat Policy

Students may choose to repeat a course if they earn a grade of "C+" or lower. The most recent course grade and credits are included in the cumulative credit totals and GPA. However, the prior grade for the repeated course remains on the academic transcript.

Academic Integrity

The Palumbo-Donahue School of Business expects students to follow the University's Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures.

Please review the University policy on Academic Integrity found in the Academic Policies section of the University Graduate Catalog.

Degree Applications/Commencement

Graduation

To graduate, all students are required to:

  1. Apply for graduation no later than the deadline specified in the Academic Calendar during the semester in which degree requirements will be completed. Graduation applications are done online using Duquesne Online Resources and Information (DORI);
  2. Have satisfied all academic requirements;
  3. Have satisfied all financial obligations to the University.

To be eligible to graduate, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in their graduate business program of study. Students who do not meet this requirement must continue in the program until they have obtained a GPA of 3.0 or higher (subject to the academic probation policy). Additionally, students must not have any "I" or "F" grades in required courses.

Please review the University policy on Graduation in the Academic Policies section of the University Graduate Catalog.

Honors

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.80-3.89 in their graduate business program will graduate with Honors. Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.90-3.99 will graduate with High Honors. Students with a cumulative GPA of 4.0 will graduate with Highest Honors.

Student Records

Transcripts

Request for official transcripts must be made through the Office of the University Registrar. Official copies of transcripts can be ordered online or in person for a nominal fee. Transcripts released directly to the student will be stamped with the designation, "Issued to Student," and be considered an unofficial document. Current students can access and print an unofficial transcript in Duquesne Online Resources and Information (DORI). No transcript will be issued unless all financial obligations owed by the student to the University have been satisfied.

Change of Address

It is the student's responsibility to maintain at all times a correct permanent and local address with the Office of the University Registrar. "Authorization to Change Student Information" is completed via Duquesne Online Resources and Information (DORI).