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Academic Regulations
semester and May 1 for the spring semester. The request
must be supported by documentation from a physician or
psychologist. The physician or psychologist responsible
for treatment must provide a recommendation supporting
readmission of the student. Generally, a student is limited
to one medical leave of absence during matriculation at the
University. Students are encouraged to contact the Dean of
Students in the Office of Student Affairs in advance regarding
the financial implications of the medical leave policy and to
gain approval. It is also suggested that students consult with
financial aid and their academic advisor to discuss financial
and academic implications.
Non-medical Leave: The application for a non-medical
leave of absence must be initiated in the Student Advocacy
Office prior to the beginning of the semester. The applicant
must then receive a signature of approval from the dean
of the appropriate school/college. The applicant must be
in satisfactory academic standing and have no outstanding
debts at the University. A student on leave may apply for
a one-semester extension only. If a leave is granted, the
Student Advocacy Office will inform the appropriate offices.
Record of Leave status will be recorded on the internal
Ellucian system only.
Return to the University from a Non-Medical Leave: A
full-time student on a non-medical leave may apply for return
through the Student Advocacy Office. The applicant must
then receive a signature of approval from the dean of the
appropriate school/college. If the request for return is granted,
the Student Advocacy Office will inform the appropriate
offices. Full-time students who fail to initiate a return after one
year are automatically withdrawn from the University and must
apply for readmission through the Student Advocacy Office to
subsequently return to the University.
Administrative Withdrawal
Students who do not formally withdraw from the University
are administratively withdrawn from the University. Students
who do not follow the procedure for withdrawal must reapply
through the Student Advocacy Office. If readmitted, they
must enter under the requirements of the University Catalog
for the year they re-enter unless determined otherwise by the
student’s dean.
Students who leave the University on academic or nonacademic
probation may be considered for readmission.
Requests must be made in writing to the appropriate
academic dean.
Students who do follow the procedure for withdrawal and
who are in good academic standing may subsequently apply
directly to the appropriate dean to be reinstated. This request
must be made in writing in advance of the semester during
which the student expects to re-enter.
University Transcripts
The University transcript is an official document reflecting a
student’s cumulative academic record. An official transcript
is reproduced on colored paper stock bearing the seal of the
University and is normally issued directly to the person or
institution specified by the student. A sealed transcript given to
the student is identified with a stamp as being issued directly
to the student. All transcripts are issued in accordance with the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and may not
be released to a third party without the prior written consent of
the student.
Transcripts noted at the point of graduation issued
from Roger Williams University reflect second majors, with
minors, and honorary distinctions and the required Service
Learning experience. Transcripts may be requested from the
Office of the Registrar in person or by mail or fax. They may
not be requested by telephone. Transcript Request forms are
available at the counter of the Office of the Registrar and on the
Registrar’s section of the University website. A fee of $5.00 per
transcript must be remitted and all outstanding debts satisfied
prior to release of the transcript. Requests for transcripts should
include dates of attendance or graduation, name at time of
attendance and specific school, declared major, and student’s
RWU ID number.
Transcripts are normally issued within five business days
of receipt of request. However, during certain periods, mailing
of transcripts may be delayed by an additional three or four
days. Transcripts requested in person may not be available
for immediate issuance to the student. To avoid delays in
forwarding transcripts to colleges, graduate schools, employers,
and government agencies, students are advised to request
transcripts well in advance of their deadlines for application,
reimbursement, or incentive pay.
Undergraduate Degrees
The following undergraduate degrees are awarded by Roger
Williams University:
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Creative Writing and Visual
Arts Studies)
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of General Studies (continuing studies
students only)
Degree Application
To become a candidate for graduation, a student must file
the Degree Application before registering for the senior year.
Degrees are conferred in December, May, and August. Degrees
conferred reflect the graduation date that follows the student’s
successful completion of all degree requirements.
Participation in Commencement
Commencement ceremonies occur only in May. Students in
good academic standing may participate in Commencement
subject to the following conditions:
• they will have satisfied all graduation requirements
by Commencement; or they have no more than two
remaining courses including Incompletes (If a student has
one or two remaining courses, they must present proof that
they are registered for those courses and that the courses
have been pre-authorized and paid for);
• all academic matters affecting the graduation, including
incomplete grades and matters needing an Academic
Standards committee decision, are resolved 6 weeks prior
to the May ceremony;
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