Policies and Procedures

The symbols A, A-, B+, B, B-, C, F, W, WF, S, U, WU, IP, I, IF and AUD are used in the

Rollins School of Public Health to indicate the following:

“W”: Withdrawal without failing. A grade of “W” will be reflected on the students’ academic record. This grade has no numerical value and is not included in the calculation of the students’ G.P.A.
“WF”: Withdrawal while failing. A grade of “WF” is counted as an “F”, and will carry zero (0) grade points, in computing the G.P.A.
“IP”: The notation of “IP” (in  progress) is generally given for a applied practice experience, special study project or thesis that is not yet complete. This grade is given at the end of the grading period until the final grade is assigned. It is not calculated in the students’ G.P.A. Once a final grade is assigned, that grade will be calculated into the overall GPA.
“S”: Satisfactory is awarded when the student is enrolled in a course on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis, rather than a letter grade basis, and satisfactorily completes the required assignments. This grade has no numeric value and is not included in the calculation of the student’s GPA.
“U”: Unsatisfactory is awarded when the student is enrolled in a course on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis, rather than a letter grade basis, and does not satisfactorily complete the required assignments. This grade has no numeric value and is not included in the calculation of the student’s GPA.
“WU”: Withdrawal while making unsatisfactory progress. A grade of “WU” is counted as a “U” and adds no numeric value towards the student’s GPA.
“I”: An incomplete is issued when a student does not complete assigned coursework during the prescribed period. There are often unforeseen circumstances at the end of the semester that result in the failure to complete the final assignment, project, or final exams such as illness or a family emergency. Upon the determination that an Incomplete will be given, the faculty member and the student should meet and agree on what needs to be done to meet the requirements of the course and the length of time in which the assignments must be completed. The student and instructor should document the agreement of remaining requirements and timeline via the Resolution of Incomplete Work Form. This completed form should be submitted to Enrollment Services (rsphenrollmentservices@emory.edu) and the assistant/associate director of academic programs (ADAP). If the work is not completed within the time allowed by the instructor, which is a maximum of one traditional academic semester (fall and spring), a final grade of IF will be given, and the student may be required to repeat the course. A student having two or more incompletes will not be permitted to register for additional courses without special permission from the Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. If a student notifies the faculty member that they are unable to complete course requirements by the deadlines stated in the syllabus and less than 75% of graded work has been submitted the student should be advised that they may withdraw from the course. An Incomplete should not be given in such an instance. The student must complete the course withdrawal form and have the instructor sign the form and indicate if the student should receive a W (withdraw passing) or a WF (withdraw failing). The student must turn the form into the departmental ADAP. 
“Audit”: Students who audit courses must register and pay full tuition. Based upon available space, they will be permitted to audit a class. Classes taken for audit cannot be applied toward the MPH or MSPH degree requirements.
NOTE: The MPH/MSPH Program does not use the grade of “D”. No course credit is given for grades of F, U, W, WU, Audit, IP, I, IF or WF.
If you take courses outside of the Rollins School of Public Health the grades you earn WILL be calculated into your overall GPA. Grades for courses taken outside of RSPH will reflect that school’s grading system.

In keeping with the principles of academic freedom, responsibility for evaluation of a student’s work rests with the course instructor. The grade appeal process is designed to assure that the grading system is applied fairly to all individuals in the class.

When students believe that their work merits a different grade than that assigned by the course instructor, they should first contact their instructor as soon as possible, not to exceed one month after the grade is posted in OPUS. The instructor and student should discuss the grade.

If, following a discussion with the instructor, students believe their work was not fairly assessed, they may submit an appeal in writing within two weeks (and with any documents at issue) to the department ADAP in which the course was offered. This material will be reviewed in a timely way by the department chair in consultation with the course instructor.

Should students believe the department review to be unfair, they may appeal the decision, in writing and within two weeks, to the associate dean for academic affairs, who may consult the Academic Standards Committee. The student will be notified of the review outcome by the Executive Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.

Students are required to maintain an overall GPA of 2.7 for graduation. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.7 after having attempted at least nine (9) credits in the traditional program, or six credits if in the Executive MPH program, will be placed on academic probation. Students on probation must raise their cumulative GPA to 2.7 within the next nine (9) attempted credits of enrollment for students in the traditional program or within the next six (6) attempted credits for students enrolled in the Executive MPH programs. Failure to do so will result in exclusion from the program. Course withdrawals with a grade or W do NOT count towards attempted credit hours for the purpose of Rollins School of Public Health academic probation. Courses where a WF (withdrawal fail) is posted count towards attempted credit hours as this impacts the GPA. Students should be aware that course withdrawals impact Satisfactory Academic Progress for federal financial aid eligibility.  Once the student has achieved a 2.7 GPA and probation has been removed, the 2.7 GPA must be maintained until graduation. If the student again falls below the 2.7 GPA requirement, she or he will be excluded from the program and has a maximum of 30 days to appeal the exclusion.

A student having two (2) or more incompletes will not be permitted to register for additional courses without special permission from the Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Incomplete grades automatically convert to an “IF” if the student does not satisfactorily complete the course within one traditional academic semester (Fall or Spring) and the student may be required to repeat the course.

Courses may be taken for grade, satisfactory/unsatisfactory, or audit. Students are able to change a course grading basis within the first two weeks of the first day of classes. All core courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Students may register for elective courses using a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) grading basis rather than a letter grade grading basis with the permission of the course instructor. They should check with the assistant director of academic programs to assure that a course may be taken S/U. The grade of S indicates at least passing course work (B-). No more than six credit hours may be taken under the S/U grading basis, not including courses for which the only grading basis is S/U.

Students may choose to audit a course with the permission of the course instructor and with the assistance of their ADAP to register for the course. Students should discuss the expectations of auditing a course with the instructor prior to registering for the course. Classes taken for audit do not apply towards degree requirements, and the charge is the same as a credit course.

Any student on academic probation who is unable to raise their cumulative GPA above a 2.7 within nine credit hours (or six hours for EMPH) will be excluded from Rollins School of Public Health. The student may appeal the dismissal by submitting the appeal to the Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. This individual may then convene the Academic Standards Committee to review the appeal request. The Academic Standards Committee will then make a recommendation to the Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, by majority vote, of what steps, if any, the student is to take for reinstatement. The Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs makes the final decision which is then conveyed in written for to the student.

A student who has been dismissed from the MPH/MSPH program may not approach faculty members regarding grade changes unless the student has received specific instructions from the Academic Standards Committee. If a student, without specific instructions from the Academic Standards Committee, contacts a faculty member regarding conditions for changing their status, the faculty member will refer the student directly back to the Academic Standards Committee. Students who are dismissed for academic deficiency may no longer earn the MPH or MSPH degree from Rollins School of Public Health.

Schedule changes can be made only during the add/drop/swap period via OPUS. Add/drop/swap dates are posted on the Academic Calendar.

Dropping a course during this period means no record of the registration will be noted on the student’s transcript. After the stated schedule change deadline, students wishing to leave the university, or withdraw from a course must fill out a withdrawal form found on our Web Forms page. Students needing to withdraw should contact their departmental ADAP.

• A vital component of the public health experience is active participation in structured experiential education opportunities. These experiences are valuable components of both
  the educational process and professional preparation. Through established partnerships with multiple public health agencies, students find opportunities to apply knowledge and research findings to real-world experiences. A distinguishing feature of The Rollins School of Public Health is the proximity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CARE, the Carter Center and The American Cancer Society and other agencies that provide excellent
  practicum sites.

Opportunities for students to enrich their learning through structured para-professional experiences are continually being developed. The departmental ADAPs serve as the primary administrative units for the management, coordination and monitoring of these learning/experience-building opportunities. A 200-400 hour Applied Practice Exeprience is required of all students entering into an MPH or MSPH degree program in the Rollins School of Public Health and the Rollins Applied Practice Experience Portal. Additional information about the practicum requirement can be found at the following web site: http://www.sph.emory.edu/rollins-life/community-engaged-learning/practicum/index.html

Although attendance generally is not recorded, students are expected to attend all classes and to negotiate absences with the course instructor. Students registered for in-person classes, are expected to attend classes in person. Students who are registered for online synchronous courses, are expected to attend synchronous classes. Watching class recordings, if available, is not a substitute for attendance.

Cancellation

Students who wish to cancel their registration for a given term must secure permission from their ADAP and RSPH Enrollment Services. No record of attendance will be made on the student's transcript for the given term. The last day for complete cancellation for any student is the same as the last day of the schedule add/drop/swap change period. Incoming students receiving permission for a complete cancellation of registration will receive a full tuition refund minus the required deposit ($300).

Complete Withdrawal

Students who need to withdraw from the university due to some hardship are required to complete a complete withdrawal form found on the Enrollment Services website. The completed form is submitted to the Office of Enrollment Services via the department ADAP. An adjusted proportionate reimbursement of tuition and fees will be granted within the first five weeks of a semester for a complete withdrawal (for regular session courses). The tuition adjustment may be reduced if a student was enrolled in a pre-term course. Refunds for first-time Emory University students who are federal (Title IV) aid recipients will be prorated in accordance with regulations set forth by the Department of Education. A student who is dismissed will not receive a refund. No refund is received for partial cancellation of classwork after the deadline for the last day for course changes listed in the academic calendar. For more detailed information about tuition adjustments, refer to the tuition adjustment schedule posted by the Student Accounts and Billing Office.

In order to maintain compliance with federal regulations, students must submit the Emory University, Office of the Registrar, Notification of Withdrawal Form, with appropriate instructor signatures to their Department ADAP within two weeks of their last day of attendance. The Notification of Withdrawal forms may be found on-line at http://www.sph.emory.edu/rollins-life/enrollment-services/webforms/index.html.

• Complete Withdrawal Not Returning Form
  Students who wish to cancel all registered classes, withdraw from the current semester and are not returning should submit this form.
• Complete Withdrawal Temporary Interruption (Student Returning) Form
  Students who wish to cancel all registered classes, withdraw from the current semester and who plan on returning should submit this form.

Partial Withdrawal

Students who wish to withdraw from one or more, but not all, courses for which they are enrolled must secure permission from the instructor. Students withdrawing from one or more courses will receive the appropriate mark of withdrawal (W, WF, or WU) in consultation with faculty teaching the courses in which the student was enrolled. Student should submit the completed and signed partial withdrawal form to their ADAP to be processed by RSPH Enrollment Services. The Partial Withdrawal Form for may be found online at http://www.sph.emory.edu/rollins-life/enrollment-services/webforms/index.html. Students receiving permission for a partial withdrawal will receive no tuition refund. 

Involuntary Withdrawal Policy and Procedure

Emory University considers the safety and welfare of its students, faculty, and staff a top priority. When a student engages in behavior that violates Emory's rules of conduct, the behavior will be addressed as a disciplinary matter under the applicable Student Conduct Code. The Student Conduct Code defines prohibited conduct and outlines a process for conducting disciplinary proceedings.

This Involuntary Withdrawal Policy and Procedure is not a disciplinary code, policy or process. It is not intended to apply to situations in which a student engages in behavior that violates the University's rules of conduct. It is intended to apply when a student's observed conduct, actions and/or statements indicate a direct threat to the student's own health and/or safety, or a direct threat to the health and/or safety of others. There may be situations in which both this Involuntary Withdrawal Policy and the Student Conduct Code may apply. In all cases, the Executive Associate Dean of Academic Affairs shall have final authority regarding the decision, enactment, enforcement, and management of the involuntary withdrawal of a student. Refer to Page 52 of 2017-2018 RSPH Clifton Notes for the complete policy and procedure which can be found at https://www.sph.emory.edu/academics/catalog/index.html

If a student finds his/her interests have changed and a department different from the one s/he entered would better facilitate his/her career goals, the student can petition to change departments by completing a Department/Program Transfer Request Form found on the web at http://www.sph.emory.edu/rollins-life/enrollment-services/webforms/index.html. The student is required to discuss this request with the Chair or the ADAP in his/her current department and the Chair or the ADAP in the department in which he/she wishes to enroll. The petition will be reviewed for admission to the new department. The Department may or may not admit the petitioning student. If approved, each chair will sign the form indicating his or her approval.

Students wishing to substitute or waive a course for an MPH/MSPH required course must submit a Course Petition Form found on the web forms page to your department's ADAP.

It is recommended that students submit all petitions for course substitutions/waivers during their first semester at RSPH before the course is offered. This will assure timely review and the student's academic progress will not be impeded.

Degree-seeking students in the MPH and MSPH programs may take courses at other Emory schools with permission from the course instructor, school and the approval of their department. Graduate-level courses may count as electives towards the student’s degree completion with approval of the academic program in which they are enrolled. Students may also take classes at Emory College (undergraduate school) as additional courses, but these credits will not count towards the completion of degree requirements. Students may petition the department and the Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for permission to take relevant courses unavailable at Emory University at other Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredited institutions. Rollins participates in the Atlanta Regional Commission for Higher Education (ARCHE) cross-registration agreement. Students wishing to enroll in courses outside Emory should try to enroll at one of these participating institutions, if possible. Complete information pertaining to cross-registration is available at the University Registrar’s Office.

If a particular course is not available at an ARCHE member institution, the student may enroll as a transient student at a CEPH accredited nonmember institution. Student requests to cross register or enroll as a transient student should be submitted in writing to their ADAPs and the department chair at least one month prior to registration. These requests should include a description of the CEPH competencies, course learning objectives, course requirements, and required readings associated with the proposed course. Additional information about cross registration is available from the University Registrar at 404.727.6042.

• Elaborate on the subject matter of a current MPH/MSPH Program course or;
• Contain subject matter which is not offered in the MPH/MSPH program and pertain to public health but not a part of the research for a student's Thesis/SSP.

A directed study should complement, rather than replace or substitute for course work. Students must consult their ADAP in completing the Proposal for Directed Study. Directed Study Forms are available on the web at http://www.sph.emory.edu/rollins-life/enrollment- services/webforms/index.html. The Directed Study Instructor and Chair/Director must approve and sign the form which the student will submit to the ADAP. After receiving approval from the ADAP, students may register for the Directed Study Course.

The maximum number of total Directed Study credits cannot exceed seven (7) hours.

The Rollins School of Public Health offers several dual degree programs with other schools at Emory. These include the JD/MPH, the MBA/MPH, the PA/MPH, the MD/MPH, the MSN/MPH, the DPT/MPH, MDiv/MPH, MTS/MPH, MA in Bioethics/MPH, PhD/MPH, and MPH/JM.

Students in dual degree programs must complete two academic semesters (usually fall and spring) in residence in the Rollins School of Public Health. 

Students may request enrollment verifications through their Student Center in OPUS under the Academics section. The enrollment verification includes the total number of credit hours taken, current and/or past semesters enrolled, dates of enrollment, expected graduation date, and degree earned. With student authorization, your cumulative GPA may be verified. Students may choose to print the enrollment verification themselves which does print on official letterhead or request that the verification be sent to a third party. There is no additional charge to have the verification sent to the third party as long as it is sent by standard mail delivery.

The required total credits for the MPH/MSPH degree will be limited to credits successfully completed within the five-year period preceding the awarding of degrees. Under extraordinary circumstances, a student may request an extension to the five year limit. To request such an extension, a student must submit a request form (available on the web at http://www.sph.emory.edu/rollins-life/enrollment-services/webforms/index.html) in advance to the Enrollment Services Office. The Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs must approve the request. Students who exceed the five-year limit may be required to repeat courses.

Full-time enrollment in the MPH/MSPH Program is considered nine (9) semester hours.  Full-time degree seeking students completing the degree in three or four semesters may register in up to eighteen (18) credit hours per semester.  Taking additional credit hours in a semester does not allow the student to earn the degree in less time.  

In exceptional circumstances where a traditional student seeks to enroll in more than eighteen (18) hours, they must obtain permission from their Director of Graduate Studies.  The student should include justification of the request to take additional hours after consulting with their faculty advisor and/or ADAP considering not only their coursework but also other degree requirements such as APE and their integrative learning experience that may/may not occur within a designated semester.  Registering in additional hours beyond what a student plans to take is NOT acceptable justification for an overload.

Student seeks to enroll in more than eighteen (18) hours, must obtain permission from their Director of Graduate Studies by completing the Credit Overload Request Form.

Graduate in Residence is a special registration category reserved for eligible RSPH students. To be eligible to register as a Graduate in Residence, students must have satisfactorily registered for all degree requirements, fulfilled their financial requirements, and be in the final stages of completing their degree. Typically, students in this status are finishing their ILE or APE.

Students enrolled in this status will be assessed a reduced tuition rate. Students registered as Graduate in Residence will be considered full-time, will be eligible for limited federal loans, and will have the on-campus privileges of all full-time students. The Graduate in Residence status carries no academic credit.

Students may be registered as a Graduate in Residence for no more than 3 semesters. Before a student is registered for the second or third semester as GIR, continued progress towards the completion of the degree must be demonstrated to the Department. If a student is not able to demonstrate progress towards completing degree requirements, the Department may deny this registration until due progress is demonstrated.

Starting Fall 2018 the fee structure for Graduate in Residence is $1100.00 per semester plus the university fees: Student Activity fee; Student Athletic fee; Mental Health and Counseling fee.  In summer semester, Student Activity fee is not charged for students in GIR.

Application for graduation

Students must submit a formal application in OPUS for a degree to be awarded in a particular semester. Submitting the degree application for graduation in OPUS is due during the early part of the semester in which the student intends to graduate. There is a $25 fee for applications submitted after the university deadline. There is no penalty for a student who applies for a degree but fails to complete all requirements for the degree in that semester. Please note, however, that all students must submit an application in the semester in which they intend to graduate, even if they have submitted an application in past semesters. If students are enrolled in a dual degree program, they must submit separate applications with each school. Both dual degree students and students completing the Accelerated MPH for External Graduate/Professional School Students, are responsible for RSPH Enrollment Services the beginning of the intended semester where all MPH degree requirements will be met. Enrollment Services will then activate an online degree application for the MPH. Students must be enrolled during the semester in which they intend to graduate.

Requirements for graduating students:

• An overall GPA of 2.70 is required for graduation.
• Students must pass all required MPH/MSPH core and department core courses.
• Students must have completed at least 42 semester hours (MPH) or 48 semester hours (MSPH) within five years from original enrollment.
• Students must complete their financial responsibility of paying the total tuition for their academic plan (4 semesters, 3 semesters, Dual Degree Accelerated MPH for External Graduate/Professional School Students, 4+1 Programs, Executive MPH, and Part-time).
• A passing grade (B- or better or S) must be achieved on the SSP/Thesis or in the
• Capstone Course.
• Students must complete an Applied Practice Experience and completed the information in the Applied Practice Experience Web Portal for clearance.
• Students are required to enroll in the semester in which they wish to graduate.
• Students who wish to graduate in any semester MUST file a “Degree Application” before the deadline for that semester.

All requirements must be met before a student is awarded the MPH or MSPH degree.

Each semester, the deadline to apply for graduation is listed on the Academic Calendar. All requirements must be met before a student is awarded the MPH or MSPH degree. 

Requirements for participation in the graduation ceremony

Students must have completed ALL coursework and degree requirements to participate in the graduation ceremonies including their Integrative Learning Experience and Applied Practice Experience.

RSPH Grievance Procedure

Rollins students who wish to file a grievance or complaint that does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Rollins Student Honor and Conduct Code should first discuss the concern with the departmental ADAP. Depending on the nature and/or complexity of the complaint, the ADAP may either choose to address the issue with the appropriate parties themselves or to share the grievance with the department chair for further review and discussion.

Students who are not satisfied with the resolution through these channels may present their grievance to the dean of student affairs. The dean of student affairs may choose to address the issue and resolve the grievance on an informal basis. If the student is not satisfied with this methodology, he/she may file a formal complaint.

To file a formal complaint, the student must submit a written statement addressed to the dean of student affairs. The statement must state the charge to be considered, describe fully the nature of the complaint, the evidence, and all circumstances surrounding the event(s). The dean of student affairs will convene a meeting of an Ad Hoc Grievance Committee, comprised of two faculty members and one student who are not affiliated with the department linked to the grievance. The Grievance Committee will review the written complaint. The Grievance Committee may request additional information from the grievant as well as statements and additional information from other persons involved in the situation. If necessary, the Grievance Committee may request a meeting with these persons.

On the basis of the written statement and additional information, the Grievance Committee will make a recommendation to the executive dean for academic affairs, providing supporting documentation. Taking into consideration the information and supporting documentation provided, the executive dean for academic affairs will determine the legitimacy of the grievance and any further action to be taken. The executive dean for academic affairs will inform the student and the Grievance Committee of the final determination.

A student may appeal the determination to the Grievance Appeal Council through the Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. The Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will preside over this session. The decision of the Grievance Appeal Council is final. Use of the Rollins school grievance procedure will not prejudice in any way a student’s rights under the University Student Grievance Procedure.

Emory University Student Complaint Policy

In addition to the RSPH Grievance Policy, the University has a Student Complaint Policy.  To view the full policy use this link: https://emory.ellucid.com/documents/view/17609?security=481f3bc9642d299f207fa5ff46cdff6244ddea66

Students should first attempt to resolve their complaints with the office most directly responsible for the action being challenged. Each school or administrative unit at Emory has an office of Student Services or other office that can further assist students and direct them if they are uncertain about where to start. In addition, students may use the Office of the Ombuds (https://ombuds.emory.edu/) to assist with complaints if they are uncertain or wish to discuss a situation confidentially before taking more formal action. Note that in cases of sexual misconduct, the Ombuds is a mandated reporter.

Federal financial aid laws and regulations require that each state has a process to review and act on complaints concerning educational institutions in the state. You may file a complaint with the State of Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC) website at www.gnpec.georgia.gov to submit your complaint/grievance with the state. You may also contact GNPEC by mail or by phone at the following address and/or phone number: Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission, 2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220, Tucker, Georgia 30084-5305; Office: 770-414-3300, Fax: 770-414-3309. Please be aware that: "The Commission requires that students utilize and complete their institution's grievance procedure in an attempt to resolve any complaint or concern before submitting a complaint to the Commission. If the institution's resolution is not satisfactory, a student may then appeal to the Commission, but it will not investigate a complaint unless the student has exhausted all available grievance procedures outlined by the institution.

An agreement with the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission permits students enrolled in distance learning programs to file a complaint with the following agencies if their complaint cannot be resolved by following Emory University procedures: 1) the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Commission, 2) the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, and 3) a complaint to the state in which the distance learning student resides.

Financial Aid Grievance Process 

“Federal financial aid laws and regulations require that each state have a process to review and act on complaints concerning educational institutions in the state. If you have a complaint, you may, of course, file a complaint with Emory’s financial aid office or call the Trust Line at 1-888-550-8850 or file a report online at www.mycompliancereport.com/EmoryTrustLineOnline. You may also file a complaint about Emory University with the State of Georgia Office of Inspector General by following the directions at the Office of Inspector General (OIG) website. In the event that OIG receives a student complaint relating to financial aid, it will be forwarded to the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education.”

All Emory University students are required to provide documentation of all required immunizations using the Emory University Student Health Services Immunization Form by the deadlines established by each school or academic unit. Students may seek an exemption from certain vaccination requirements based on a documented medical contraindication or a strongly held religious belief.

Public Health students who fail to complete the required vaccination, exemption, or declination forms may be blocked from pre-registration for their second term of enrollment. 

Please note that if students have begun a multi-dose immunization series prior to registration, such as Hepatitis B, it can be completed at the Emory University Student Health Service [EUSHS] Immunization Clinic; some vaccinations given at EUSHS are on a fee-for-service basis and are not covered by tuition.

Once students arrive on campus, they may visit EUSHS to obtain a titer in certain cases to determine which immunizations they still need or to obtain their deficient vaccinations. This is a fee-based service.

All Emory students must have the following required immunizations by the established deadlines, subject to the exemptions outlined below:

1. Measles, Mumps and Rubella
2. Tetanus-Diphtheria
3. Hepatitis B
4. Varicella (Chicken Pox)
5. Meningococcal ACWY
6. COVID-19 Vaccine (Primary Series and Booster)
7. Tuberculosis (TB) Screening: Emory University requires TB screening (PPD skin testing, QuantiFERON TB Gold or T-spot, and chest x-ray) within 6 months prior to matriculation for all international students who have arrived in the United States from countries in which TB is endemic. A listing of those countries from which students are exempt from undergoing tuberculosis screening can be found at https://studenthealth.emory.edu/immunization/index.html. International students from nonexempt countries will need TB clearance.

Emory University considers the safety and welfare of its students, faculty, and staff a top priority. When a student engages in behavior that violates Emory's rules of conduct, the behavior will be addressed as a disciplinary matter under the applicable Student Conduct Code. The Student Conduct Code defines prohibited conduct and outlines a process for conducting disciplinary proceedings.

This Involuntary Withdrawal Policy and Procedure is not a disciplinary code, policy or process. It is not intended to apply to situations in which a student engages in behavior that violates the University's rules of conduct. It is intended to apply when a student's observed conduct, actions and/or statements indicate a direct threat to the student's own health and/or safety, or a direct threat to the health and/or safety of others. There may be situations in which both this Involuntary Withdrawal Policy and the Student Conduct Code may apply. In all cases, the Executive Associate Dean of Academic Affairs shall have final authority regarding the decision, enactment, enforcement, and management of the involuntary withdrawal of a student.

A student in good academic standing may be granted up to two one-year leaves of absence upon recommendation of the student’s department and approval of the dean. The student must demonstrate that during this period he or she must (or plans to) interrupt progress toward the degree. The student should be aware that the University will not certify to loan officers or governmental agencies that a student on leave of absence is in residence or actively pursuing a course of study.

For the purpose of determining eligibility for leave of absence, a student must be in good academic standing and have resolved all incomplete work. Time spent in leave of absence does not count toward the five-year limit. Students beyond this limit are not eligible for leave, but may apply for extension of the time within which to complete degree requirements, in full accord with the rules governing such extensions.
Leaves of absence are not to be used to resolve academic difficulties, reconsider continuation in study, or finish incomplete work. Rather, this policy is intended to allow students to “step out of” academic work for a specified period, during which they will be unable to continue work in any way, as when required to take advantage of a unique professional opportunity, deal with short-term disabilities, or meet competing responsibilities of a nature which preclude meaningful work toward the degree.

NOTE: Leave of Absence Form must be completed by graduate students in good standing to request a Leave of Absence (LOA).  

A student desiring to return to the Rollins School of Public Health after a leave of absence should request readmission at least thirty days prior to the beginning of the term in which he or she wishes to return.

NOTE: Students planning to return after a Leave of Absence of one or more semesters (excluding summer) must apply for readmission by completing the Readmission Request Form

Online Course Enrollment Policy

Updated for clarity on 10.15.2024

Full-time students

RSPH offers some online course options to our full-time degree seeking students to provide increased flexibility to those who may have part-time work positions, engage with student organizations, have caregiving responsibilities, and/or other commitments.

RSPH uses the following course modalities that are associated with being In Person, or physically present, for all or more than half of course meetings:

In Person: Meets in person, typically on a weekly basis.

Hybrid: Meets in person 51% or more of the total meeting time.

RSPH uses the following course modalities that are associated with being ONLINE or distance learning:

Online: Courses that do not require physical presence at Emory University or another location. These courses are primarily asynchronous, allowing students to complete course requirements independently and/or collaboratively with peers by arranging their own meeting times. A few online courses may require virtual attendance during scheduled synchronous sessions.

Hyflex: At this time, Rollins, offers few, if any, courses in this format allowing a student to attend in person or online. Because this flexibility is given for the entire course, it does not meet the In Person requirements and therefore falls in ONLINE.

ALL full-time degree seeking students will take at least one online course during their time at RSPH to meet degree requirements including:

1. PUBH 500 (0 credit hours) Introduction to Public Health - Fall Year 1

Online Enrollment Limits for Full-Time Degree Seeking Students

1. For US Citizens and Permanent Residents, at least five credit hours each term must be in course sections offered “In Person” if a student is taking the nine-credit hour minimum for full-time enrollment.

2. Due to F-1 visa requirements, non-US citizens on an F-1 visa may take no more than one online class between one and three credits towards nine credit hours. For students on an F-1 visa who are enrolled in more than nine credit hours, refer to the table below. For non-US Citizens on a visa other than an F-1 visa, consult International Student Scholar Services.

3. If a student, regardless of citizenship status, takes more than nine credit hours in any term, more than half of the total credit hours must be “In Person” and/or “Hybrid.”

4. Students are responsible for ensuring they are compliant with registering for the minimum number of “In Person” credits each semester.

5. If a student changes their schedule or a class grading basis to audit after add/drop/swap OR withdraws from an in-person course and becomes out of compliance for the minimum in person

hours, the student must meet with their ADAP and a member of the Enrollment Services, in which case, the student’s future permitted online credit hours per semester may be reduced.

Calculated minimum number of in person and maximum number of online credits per semester for full-time students (US Citizens and Permanent Residents and International):

Part-time students

Students who are enrolled in online MPH programs may complete their academic program fully online. These programs in 2024-2025 are 1) Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences MPH; 2) Global Environmental Health MPH; 3) Global Health MPH; and 4) Health Policy and Management MPH.

Students enrolled in any other MPH program on a part-time basis must complete >51% of credit hours at RSPH in the “In Person” modality. Generally, students pursuing these degrees should take at least half of their credit hours per semester in person. Students pursuing their degree part-time and in one of the

programs that is NOT offered fully online, should work with their ADAP and Enrollment Services to ensure compliance with this policy.

Contact: Enrollment Services

Students who wish to withdraw from one or more, but not all, courses for which they are enrolled must secure permission from the instructor. Students withdrawing from one or more courses will receive the appropriate mark of withdrawal (W, WF, or WU) in consultation with faculty teaching the courses in which the student was enrolled. A grade of WF may be awarded if the student is failing the course after 75% or more of the graded coursework is past due. Student should submit the completed and signed partial withdrawal form to their ADAP to be processed by RSPH Enrollment Services. The Partial Withdrawal Form for may be found here.

Students receiving permission for a partial withdrawal will receive no tuition refund.

NOTE: Notification of Partial Withdrawal Form is to be used for withdrawing from one or more courses, but not for withdrawing from all courses. Forms must be received by the Office of Enrollment Services (rsphenrollmentservices@emory.edu) by the withdrawal deadline of the affected term as posted on the RSPH ACADEMIC CALENDAR.  Forms must be signed by an instructor with a check box for W (Withdraw), WU (Withdraw Unsatisfactory), or WF (Withdraw Failing). 

Continuing students are expected to pre-register. Pre-registration dates will be provided by Enrollment Services. All degree-seeking students are eligible to pre-register using OPUS. Incoming students may pre-register for courses in consultation with their Department ADAP during the specified time period. Instructions for OPUS self-registration are available through the Office of the Registrar.

Students should contact their ADAP if they have any questions about this process. Non-degree students will be enrolled for courses by the Office of Student Services.

For instructions on how to check your pre-registration enrollment appointment click here.

A student who does not consecutively enroll for a fall and spring semester must complete a Rollins School of Public Health Readmission Request form (available on the web at http://www.sph.emory.edu/rollins-life/enrollment-services/webforms/index.html), at least 30 days before the start of the term for which admission is sought. Submission of the form is required after a student has not been enrolled for one year.  Students who were previously enrolled more than five years ago may not use a readmission form but must submit a new application for admission to the school.

Student should consult the academic calendar for registration dates. Students not completing registration by the regularly scheduled registration days are charged a $150 late registration fee. Late registration is possible only during the add/drop/swap period (usually the five working days following the first day of classes). Registration for any term is not complete until all registration requirements and financial responsibilities to the University have been met. Information on methods of payment and alternative funding plans may be requested from the Office of Student Financial Services http://www.emory.edu/studentfinancials/ in the Boisfeuillet Jones Center.

Policy:

Students who have compelling reasons such as medical need, a family emergency, death in the immediate family, or other significant circumstances resulting in unforeseen hardship may request a retroactive total withdrawal of a semester.  The student must provide documentation that, if provided during the course of the semester, would have led to approval of a total withdrawal without academic penalty. A petition can be submitted to the Academic Standards Committee for consideration of retroactive academic relief. Students may apply for and receive retroactive academic relief for one semester only while enrolled in the Rollins School of Public Health; petitions are not accepted after graduation.

Policy Details:

If the Academic Standards Committee grants the petition, the student’s letter grades for the relevant term will be converted to Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grades and will not count towards the grade-point average. A notation will be made on the student’s official transcript indicating academic relief for that term due to extenuating circumstances.

• Grades of A, A-, B+, B, B-, and C* will convert to Satisfactory.
• Grades of F, I, and IF will convert to Unsatisfactory.
• Grades of In Progress (IP) assigned for APE or Thesis, Capstone, or ILE will remain unchanged until earned.
• Grade of Withdrawal remains W.
• Grade of WF converts to Withdraw Unsatisfactory (WU).
• Grades of S and U remain S and U.
• Grades assigned as part of a sanction for an Honor Code violation cannot be changed through the Academic Relief process, but only through the Honor Code process.

 *A grade of C in Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) (Ex. Capstone or Thesis) would convert to a U as per academic policy where students must earn a grade of B- or higher in ILE. Outside of the Retroactive Academic Relief policy, a grade of C on the ILE is equivalent to Unsatisfactory.

Students will not receive any tuition refund or monetary credit should retroactive relief be granted.  Students with loans who wish to re-enroll should contact the Office of Financial Aid regarding this policy’s impact to Satisfactory Academic Progress if they would like to re-enroll.

Students who were not in good academic standing (probation or exclusion) will be re-evaluated IF Retroactive Academic Relief is granted. Re-evaluation of their academic record will take place immediately after the Retroactive Academic Relief is applied to their transcript.  

 Retroactive Academic Relief does not extend the maximum five-year time to degree. 

 Transcript Note: Student approved for Academic Relief during this term based on extenuating circumstances.

 All MPH/MSPH required courses including RSPH Core, Departmental Requirements, and Electives will automatically be applied to meet degree requirements, including for certificate programs.

The decision of the Academic Standards Committee is final and may not be appealed.

Process:

Students must apply for retroactive academic relief within two years of the semester they are seeking relief.  See table below for deadlines related to receiving petitions.  

Instructions for submitting a petition are here.

The Rollins School of Public Health usually allows students who are not degree seeking students to register for courses. Admission of students in special standing to courses is determined by the availability of space and by permission of the department. For information regarding enrollment as a special standing student, please contact RSPH Admissions at sphadmissions@emory.edu. A maximum of 9 semester hours of special standing course work may be applied toward the MPH/MSPH degree.

For additional information about Special Standing program processes and policies, please visit the School of Public Health website at: http://www.sph.emory.edu/academics/special-standing-students/index.html.

Transfer credit

Transfer credit is academic credit granted for a student of Emory University for academic course work completed outside of the MPH/MSPH program at a CEPH accredited academic institution for core coursework or an another academic institution for elective credits. This may include schools within Emory University or at other universities. A Course Petition Form must be submitted to and approved by the appropriate department chair(s).  The Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will evaluate the request if there is a discrepancy between the departments. To assure timely review, students should submit all petitions for transfer credits during their first semester at RSPH. Early determination facilitates the student’s academic progress.

Transfer credit will not be awarded for:

• course work that has previously been applied towards another degree or credential, such as a certificate program; or
• undergraduate level coursework. 

MPH/MSPH Degree Program

The maximum number of semester hours of successfully completed course work that can be transferred toward the MPH/MSPH Degree from another school or institution and or credit
by examination is six (6) semester hours. Additionally, the transcript must reflect a grade of “B” or better for  transfer  credit to be granted.  Transfer of credit will not be granted to students if the courses the student wishes to transfer were completed more than five years prior to enrollment in the MPH/MSPH program.

Dual Degree Program

The maximum number of semester hours of successfully completed elective course work that can be transferred toward the MPH degree program from another school or institution and or credit by examination by a participant in a dual degree program is four (4) semester hours.  The transcript must reflect a grade of an “A” or “B” for transfer  credit  to  be  granted.  Transfer credits must have been completed within three years prior to enrollment in the initial degree program.

Certificate Programs

Credits from another academic institution may not be transferred towards the completion of a stand-alone certificate program.  If an applicant has completed coursework at the graduate school level at an accredited academic institution that he/she believes is similar in content, the applicant may submit a request to waive that particular course, affording them the opportunity to take another related course to complete the certificate requirements.

NOTE: Certificate Waiver/Substitution Form
This form is for MPH/MSPH students to use when requesting a waiver or substitution for an RSPH Certificate Program.

Students may obtain official copies of their transcript through their Student Center in OPUS under the Academics section. Students may order either an electronic transcript or a paper transcript to be delivered to themselves or to a specific person or organization. Specific details and screenshots of how to order a transcript can be found at http://www.registrar.emory.edu/Students/Transcripts/etransopus.html

There is no additional cost to order a transcript unless special delivery method other than the standard United States Postal Service is requested.