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Academic Policies on an International Program

1. Policy Regarding Late Arrival, Early Departure, Early Exams, Pass/Fail and Incomplete Grades

Students on Union College international programs are prohibited from requesting late arrival, early departure, early exams, taking courses pass/fail, withdrawal from courses, or incomplete grades. In extraordinary circumstances, a request for special arrangements such as late arrival, early departure, early exams or incomplete grades must be submitted in writing to the study abroad office at the host institution, the Dean of Studies at Union College and the International Programs Office at Union College. If the host institution approves the request, the matter will be reviewed by the Director of International Programs Office and the Dean of Studies at Union College, who will advise the study abroad office at the host institution and the student of its decision. If the request is approved, the study abroad office at the host institution will advise the Student whether it will make the arrangements on behalf of the student or whether the student is expected to make the arrangements.

Any special arrangements agreed upon, including remaining work and deadlines, should be documented in writing by instructors and by the study abroad office at the host institution. Copies of these arrangements must be sent to the Dean of Studies and the Director of International Programs at Union College.

Failure to follow these procedures may result in the student receiving no credit or a failing grade. A student may appeal Union College’s decision by contacting the Dean of Studies at Union College to find out about the process.

2. Independent Study Abroad

Students participating in an international program are not typically eligible to enroll in an on-campus independent study while abroad. In exceptional circumstances, a student may request approval from both the International Programs Office and the Dean of Studies before enrolling; approval is not guaranteed and will be based on the academic rationale and feasibility of completing the independent study within the structure of the international program. Students will be required to submit an "Independent Course Form” and select “International Programs” and upload approvals from the instructor, International Programs, and Dean of Studies. Please note that Union’s fourth course would apply to this independent study. 

3. Changes to Courses after Student’s Arrival at Site Abroad

Union College students can only change course selections during the host institution’s drop/add period.  In some Union study abroad programs there is no opportunity for adding or dropping courses.

4. Changes to Courses for Independent Study Abroad or Non-Union Programs Made after Student’s Arrival at Site Abroad

Union College students must request in writing changes to course selections and equivalencies directly through the Dean of Studies at Union College by the end of the first full week of classes. Copies of all changes will be sent by the Dean of Studies’ office to the Director of the International Programs office to ensure that the course equivalencies are posted correctly upon the student’s return. Failure to follow these procedures may result in the student receiving no credit or a failing grade.

5. Grades Earned Abroad

Grades received from any of Union College’s international programs will be entered into student’s academic record and calculated into a student’s GPA.

6. Grade Appeal Policy for Courses Taken While on Study Abroad Programs

  1. Procedure for students taking courses taught by Union faculty (see online Academic Program and Policies)

  2. Procedure for students on study abroad experiences (excluding mini-terms)

Union College will allow students to appeal grades awarded by non-Union faculty in accordance with the procedures listed below. The Dean of Studies’ review of a student’s petition may be limited or not allowed due to circumstances beyond the Dean’s control in assessing the petition. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to when the non-Union faculty member does not have a syllabus that adheres to Union College standards. The Dean’s decision will be communicated to the student. There will be no further appeal.

Students wishing to appeal a grade must:

  1. Initiate an appeal through the host institution no later than two weeks following the date of posting of their final grades to their Union transcript. Students must follow the host institution’s procedures for grade appeals.

  2. If the outcome of the initial appeal to the host institution is unsatisfactory, the student may petition the Dean of Studies at Union College for a grade appeal. This must be done within two weeks upon receipt of the final determination from the host institution. The Union College appeal is limited to the three conditions listed above in “End of Term Grade Changes”.

7. Registering for Union Courses While Abroad

While abroad, students must check Union email for registration instructions from the Registrar, registrar@union.edu. An outline of the registration process can be found here.

8. Union Housing and Study Abroad

The policy for studying abroad and living on campus can be found on the Residential Education website page.