Address Changes
It is the responsibility of the student to keep the university notified of changes in local or permanent address. Many important notices are sent to students and parents via US mail and it is therefore import to maintain accurate mailing addresses. These notices may include: communications from individual schools within the university or Information Technology, bills (if requested via mail), and notices concerning academic action. It is therefore essential that any change in address be updated using the "Update Addresses and Phones" option found under Student Services on Gibson Online.
Auditing Courses
Auditing a course allows a student to attend class without earning academic credit. Audited courses do not count toward degree requirements.
Eligibility to Audit
Individuals must be formally admitted and enrolled at Tulane University in order to audit a course. Tulane does not permit individuals who are not enrolled as students to attend classes in any capacity.
Individuals who wish to audit courses but are not currently enrolled in a degree program must apply for admission as non-degree students through either the School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) or Newcomb-Tulane College (NTC), as appropriate.
Enrollment and Tuition
Students auditing a course must register for the course as an auditor. Audited courses are billed at the full tuition rate applicable to the course.
Academic Credit and Transcript Notation
Audited courses do not carry academic credit and do not fulfill degree requirements. Audited courses will appear on the student’s official transcript with a grade of AU (Audit).
Participation and Evaluation
Faculty are not required to evaluate or grade work submitted by students auditing a course, and participation expectations may vary by instructor. No letter grades or credit will be awarded for audited courses.
Behavior Norms
Listed below are generally accepted guidelines for student behavior in classrooms, laboratories, and studios. Instructors and schools may impose other expectations.
- Computers are to be used for class-related purposes only; instructors will specify when computers may not be used.
- Students and instructors will turn off all cell phones and electronic devices at the beginning of each class; these items will remain off for the duration of the class.
- Students and instructors are required to observe copyright laws.
- Students are responsible for checking their Tulane e-mail accounts daily when classes are in session.
- Instructors expect students to be punctual when arriving for classes and presentations; they also expect uninterrupted attendance for the duration of the class.
- Students submitting work late can expect, at the instructor's discretion, to have the work refused or to receive a grade penalty.
- Videotaping or recording a class requires the instructor's approval in advance.
Code of Student Conduct
All students are bound by the Code of Student Conduct that is administered by the Office of Student Affairs. The full text is available here.
Course Retake
Courses Repeatable for Credit
Some Tulane University courses (e.g., special topics or variable-credit directed study courses) are explicitly designated as “repeatable for credit” in the University Catalog; they can be taken more than once for credit toward graduation. Depending on the course or the student’s academic program, there may be limits on the allowable number of repeats and/or total credits applicable to degree completion.
Courses Not Designated as “Repeatable for Credit”
Most Tulane University courses are not designated as “repeatable for credit.” The following policy applies to all such courses that are nonetheless repeated for any reason:
- Repeated courses receive credit toward the degree only once. For example, a student who takes the same 3-credit course twice receives 3, not 6, credits toward the total required for completion of his/her degree program.
- Courses deemed to be “equivalent” in the University Catalog (those courses whose content have been determined by the academic departments to be substantially similar), may earn credit towards degree only once, regardless of the subject prefix and/or course number.
- It is the responsibility of the individual student to avoid duplication in whole or in part of the content of any course counting toward the degree. Such duplication may result in the withdrawal of credit. Student should always consult an advisor before registering to repeat a course.
Grades for Courses Not Repeatable for Credit
Students may repeat courses in which they have earned a grade of D+ or lower. No more than one course may be repeated in any semester. For each repeated course, only the second grade, whether higher or lower than the initial grade, will be used to calculate the student’s GPA. The initial grade will not count as credit hours attempted or earned, and therefore is not calculated in the GPA, but it will remain visible on the student’s transcript.
Exceptions to Repeat Course Policy
Exceptions to the above policies may be authorized by the Deans of the College and Schools on an individual basis. Furthermore, the College and Schools are authorized to enact additional repeat policies considered to be more restrictive than the above University policy. Such additional policies must be published in the “Academic Policies” section of the University Catalog for the College or School.
Credit-Hour
Program Integrity Rules issued by the U.S. Department of Education require institutions to establish a definition of "credit hour." This applies to all degree programs (including credit for full and part-time undergraduate, graduate, professional, post-baccalaureate, and online programs):
- The assignment of credit-hours to a course occurs through a formal review process conducted at the appropriate levels of faculty governance.
- For courses in lecture format, one credit-hour represents the subject content that can be delivered in one academic hour (50 min) of contact time each week for the full duration of one academic semester, typically fifteen weeks long. For undergraduate courses, one credit-hour also includes associated work that can be completed by a typical student in 1-2 hours of effort outside the classroom. For graduate and professional courses taught in lecture format, 2-3 hours of outside work is expected for each academic hour of contact time as well.
- For courses taught in other than lecture format (e.g., seminars, laboratories, independent study, clinical work, research, online courses, etc.), one credit-hour represents an amount of content and/or student effort that in aggregate is no less than that described in (2) above.
While Tulane's standard definition of a credit hour applies across the University, in some cases the definition may vary to meet specific accrediting body requirements.
Curriculum Effective Date
New programs and changes to curriculum (majors, minors, or degree requirements) must be effective in fall terms and be published in that academic year’s university catalog. This policy includes changes to CIP codes, which do not appear in the university catalog, but should also only be changed effective in a Fall term. Changes approved after the catalog for that academic year is published, cannot be effective until the following academic year. The academic year is defined as the fall, spring, and summer term in that order. Students must be allowed to complete the program using any set of requirements as published in the catalog in effect at the time of their matriculation into that program. The dean of the student’s degree granting school or the dean that oversees a second major/minor can settle student disputes around the use of old vs. new requirements. The ultimate authority on any exceptions or exemptions for a given major, minor, or degree requirement is the dean responsible for said major, minor, or degree.
Degree Revocation
The University reserves the right to revoke any degrees granted. A degree awarded may be revoked by the Provost if the University becomes aware that the degree should not have been granted. Examples of such findings may include a degree that was obtained by violating the Code of Student Conduct or by deception, misrepresentation, falsification of records, academic misconduct, research misconduct, or if the work submitted in fulfillment of -- and indispensable to -- the requirements for such degree is determined to fail to meet the academic standards that were in effect at the time the degree was awarded. In the event of a revocation of a degree, the degree will be removed from the student’s transcript, and the student will be asked to return the diploma. The Provost receives all recommendations for revocation of degrees and after consideration and review, will effectuate through the University Registrar’s Office those they determine to be warranted.
Discipline
For all academic activities and disruptive behavior, the authority for control and discipline rests with the dean of Newcomb-Tulane College and the deans of the undergraduate schools. In all other areas, the vice president of student affairs is responsible for formulating appropriate procedures and regulations concerning student behavior and for the judicial consideration of violations. Students should refer to the Code of Student Conduct for a full description.
Dual Enrollment
Tulane may award up to fifteen credits for dual enrollment high school courses (those courses appearing on both the high school transcript and the transcript of the college/university) as long as the course(s) meets all other requirements for pre-matriculation:
- The courses were offered by an institution accredited by one of the following institutional accrediting agencies*: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC);
- The courses were listed in the official catalog of the college or university from which the credit was earned;
- The courses were composed primarily of degree-seeking college students;
- The courses were taught by college or university faculty;
- A grade of C or better was earned in each course.
Please note that some credits may be denied for applicability to a professional school’s major/minor degree requirements due to accreditation standards.
In order to process transfer credit approval requests for all college courses taken prior to enrolling in Tulane University:
- A Transfer Credit Approval Form from his or her Newcomb-Tulane College advisor. The advisor will verify the student's eligibility to earn transfer credit and the accreditation of the school at which the student wishes to study.
- An official transcript issued to Tulane University (not a grade report or transcript issued to the student)
- Course descriptions from the college catalogs or brochures that correspond to the courses on the transcript, and other documentation (syllabi, etc.) that the academic department requires for review.
- Following submission of these items to Newcomb-Tulane College's academic advisor, the courses will be evaluated, and if found to be equivalent to Tulane University coursework, the student's Tulane transcript will be adjusted to reflect the academic credit awarded in transfer. Individual course equivalency for dual high school/associate degree courses will be determined by Tulane departments and programs. Courses evaluated for transfer must be evaluated based on course content and suitability for the discipline. All courses are subject to approval, and in some cases, courses may not be approved for credit. Grades are not transferred with the credits.
Expected Behavior at Tulane University
Tulane University expects and requires behavior compatible with its high standards of scholarship. By accepting admission to the university, a student accepts its regulations (i.e., Tulane University: Code of Student Conduct, Newcomb-Tulane College Students: Code of Academic Conduct, Graduate Students: Unified Code of Graduate Student Academic Conduct) and acknowledges the right of the university to take disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion, for conduct judged unsatisfactory or disruptive.
The integrity of Tulane University is based on the absolute honesty of the entire community in all academic endeavors. As part of the community, students have certain responsibilities regarding all independent work that forms the basis for the evaluation of their academic achievement. Students are expected to be familiar with these responsibilities at all times.
The scholarly community of the university depends on the willingness of both instructors and students to uphold the Code of Academic Conduct. When a violation of the Code of Academic Conduct is suspected, it is the duty of every member of the academic community who has evidence to take action following the procedures outlined in the appropriate Code of Academic Conduct. Students should under no circumstances tolerate any form of academic dishonesty.
General Policies
Tulane University is an equal opportunity educator and employer committed to providing an education and employment environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Legally protected demographic classifications (such as a person’s race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, shared ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws) are not relied upon as an eligibility, selection or participation criteria for Tulane’s employment or educational programs or activities. Inquiries regarding this policy may be referred to the Office of Human Resources & Institutional Equity.
Tulane University is committed to a policy of compliance with Federal laws and regulations concerning nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national/ethnic origin, religion, age, handicap, or veteran status in educational or institutional programs and activities. Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the other similar legislation prohibit such discrimination.
Tulane University has implemented grievance procedures for faculty, staff, and students concerning cases of alleged discrimination, including those of alleged sexual harassment. It is the policy of the University that harassment on the basis of sex among employees constitutes an impermissible employment practice, which is subject to disciplinary action and shall not be tolerated. Complaints or confidential inquiries may be referred to the Office of Human Resources & Institutional Equity.
Sexual harassment involving students and university personnel or among students is equally impermissible and shall not be tolerated. The University is committed to providing an environment to study free of discrimination and sexual harassment.
Reporting the Complaint: It is not necessary to first confront the harasser prior to instituting a complaint under this policy. However, it is appropriate to promptly report a complaint so that a full and complete investigation is possible. Any person designated to receive complaints from students, employees, or faculty must notify the Office of Human Resources & Institutional Equity within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving a harassment complaint.
Complaints by students: A student who believes she or he has been harassed or is being harassed may report the alleged harassing behavior to any of the following individuals or agencies:
- Dean of the Newcomb-Tulane College, Dean of the school, or Dean of Students (or person designated by same) with which complaining student is affiliated.
- Vice President for Student Affairs (or person designated by same), 504-314-2188
- Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs, Tulane University School of Medicine, 504-988-3710
- Office of Human Resources & Institutional Equity, 504-865-6727 or 504-247-1760
- Tulane University Department of Public Safety, 504-865-5381
- Tulane University Health Sciences Center Security Services, 504-988-5531
- Contact the Office of Human Resources & Institutional Equity for additional information about Tulane University's Equal Opportunity and Harassment Policies. 1555 Poydras St., Suite 964; 504-865-6727.
Tulane University complies with the provision of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), which was enacted to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data. Students have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education Family Policy Compliance Office concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the Act. Information concerning the rights and protection under the Act, the types and locations of education records maintained, and the procedure to be used by the institution for compliance with the provisions of the Act can be obtained from the following offices: Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Student Services and Registrar's Office. Tulane University's FERPA policy may be found here. Grievances or confidential inquiries concerning the Act may be referred to the Office of Human Resources & Institutional Equity.
It is the policy and practice of Tulane University to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and all state and local requirements regarding individuals with disabilities. Under these laws, no qualified individual with a disability shall be denied access to, or participation in, services, programs, and activities of Tulane University. Accommodations are provided to those with documented disabilities through the Goldman Center for Student Accessibility. This office can be reached at (504) 862-8433.
Grade Change
A student who believes that a final grade was assigned incorrectly may request a final grade change. Final grades can be changed only in exceptional circumstances and only with the approval of the instructor, the chair of the department, and the dean or dean’s designee of the college/school who offered the course. Grade changes are not allowed once a degree to which that grade applies, has been awarded.
Tulane University permits students to request a Leave of Absence (LOA) when circumstances require a temporary interruption in their academic studies. This policy establishes a consistent university-wide framework governing student leaves of absence across all schools and programs. The policy is intended to provide students with a clear process for stepping away from their studies while preserving institutional consistency and compliance with federal Title IV financial aid regulations.
Students approved for a Leave of Absence may be eligible to return to the academic program from which the leave was granted, provided they comply with applicable school, program, and University return requirements. Students whose enrollment is interrupted by service in the uniformed services may have additional federal readmission rights.
This policy also addresses federal readmission protections for students whose enrollment is interrupted by service in the uniformed services.
Scope
This policy applies to all enrolled undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at Tulane University who wish to take a temporary break from their studies and intend to return to complete their degree.
The Military Service and Readmission Following Uniformed Service provisions also apply, as required by federal law, to eligible individuals who were admitted to Tulane but were unable to begin attendance because of an obligation to perform service in the uniformed services.
Individual schools and colleges may maintain additional procedures or requirements related to leave requests, documentation, approval, and reentry. Such procedures must remain consistent with this university-wide policy and applicable federal regulations.
Definitions
Leave of Absence (LOA)
A Leave of Absence is a temporary interruption in a student’s academic program approved by the student’s school or college. During an approved leave, the student is not actively participating in coursework.
Approved Title IV Leave of Absence
An institutionally approved Leave of Absence is not necessarily an Approved Title IV Leave of Absence.
An Approved Title IV Leave of Absence is a leave that complies with federal Title IV regulations. To qualify, the leave must:
- Be requested in writing by the student before the leave begins, unless unforeseen circumstances prevent it;
- Include the reason for the leave;
- Be approved by the student’s school or college;
- Include a reasonable expectation that the student will return; and
- Not exceed 180 days within a 12-month period.
Students approved for a Title IV-compliant leave are considered eligible for reentry into the same coursework and academic program without additional admission requirements. No additional institutional charges may be assessed because of the leave.
Extended Non-Title IV Leave of Absence
An Extended Non-Title IV Leave of Absence is an institutionally approved leave that does not satisfy one or more requirements for an Approved Title IV Leave of Absence. This may include a leave exceeding 180 days, a leave under which the student returns in a later term to begin new coursework, or another leave that does not meet federal Title IV requirements.
The student is treated as withdrawn for federal Title IV purposes, and a Return of Title IV Funds calculation may be required.
Unapproved Leave of Absence
An Unapproved Leave of Absence occurs when a student stops attending without requesting or receiving approval for a leave. Such absences are treated as withdrawals and may result in federal financial aid recalculation.
Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4)
Return of Title IV Funds refers to the federally required recalculation of financial aid eligibility when a student ceases enrollment before completing a payment period or term.
Acceptable Reasons for Leave
Students may request a Leave of Absence for reasons including, but not limited to:
- Medical or health-related circumstances;
- Personal or family obligations;
- Financial hardship;
- Academic or professional development opportunities, including internships or research;
- Military service or active-duty obligations. Students whose enrollment is interrupted because of service in the uniformed services may have additional rights under the Military Service and Readmission Following Uniformed Service section of this policy.
Supporting documentation may be required depending on the reason for the leave.
Eligibility and Request Process
Students requesting a Leave of Absence are generally expected to be in good academic standing, although schools and colleges may exercise discretion based on individual circumstances.
Students must submit a written request through the procedures established by their school or college. Requests should include the reason for the leave and the anticipated return term.
The request should include:
- the reason for the leave;
- the anticipated start and end dates; and
- the expected term of return.
Except when unforeseen circumstances make an advance request impossible, students must request and receive approval before ceasing attendance.
The written-request requirement applies to an ordinary institutional or Title IV leave, but not necessarily to military-service notification. Military notices may be oral or written and cannot be required to follow a particular format.
Before approval, students are encouraged or required, as applicable, to consult with the following offices:
- Academic advising;
- Financial Aid;
- The Office of International Students and Scholars (for international students);
- Other offices as required by the student’s school or program.
Approval of a leave requires a reasonable expectation that the student will return to continue their program.
Title IV Compliance Requirements
To qualify as an Approved Title IV Leave of Absence under federal regulations (34 CFR §668.22(d)), the following conditions must be met:
- The student submits a written, signed, and dated request explaining the reason;
- Approval for the leave must be obtained before the leave, absent unforeseen circumstances;
- The school or college approves the request.
- The school or college has a reasonable expectation that the student will return.
- The leave does not exceed 180 days within a 12-month period.
- The institution does not assess additional institutional charges during the leave.
- The leave complies with Tulane University's written Leave of Absence policy.
For programs using standard academic terms, a leave requiring the student to return in a later semester and begin new coursework will generally not qualify as an Approved Title IV Leave of Absence.
When a leave does not satisfy the federal requirements, the student is treated as withdrawn for Title IV purposes, and Tulane may be required to perform an R2T4 calculation.
Financial Aid and Enrollment Status
Students on an approved Leave of Absence are not actively enrolled and are not eligible to receive federal financial aid disbursements while on leave.
Students should consult with the Office of Financial Aid before beginning a leave to understand the impact on:
- Financial aid eligibility;
- Loan deferment and repayment obligations;
- Scholarship or grant eligibility;
- Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
Students who do not return within the approved timeframe may be subject to Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculations.
Return from Leave
Students planning to return from a Leave of Absence must notify their school or college by the applicable deadline for the intended term of reentry.
Schools and colleges may require students returning from a leave to complete additional steps before reenrollment, including but not limited to:
- Confirmation of intent to return;
- Medical clearance documentation;
- Complete academic advising or program review;
- Resolve registration or financial holds;
- Compliance with school-specific return procedures.
These requirements do not apply to the extent they conflict with an eligible student’s federal right to readmission following service in the uniformed services.
Tulane University will promptly readmit an eligible student whose attendance was interrupted by qualifying service in the uniformed services. Readmission will be provided in accordance with applicable federal law, including 34 C.F.R. § 668.18.
The protections in this section are separate from Tulane’s general Leave of Absence and readmission policies. When applicable, these federal protections supersede any otherwise applicable University, school, college, or program requirement that would reduce, limit, or eliminate an eligible student’s right to readmission.
Applicability
This section applies to an eligible student who was enrolled at Tulane University, or who had been admitted to Tulane but was unable to begin attendance, because the student:
- was a member of the uniformed services;
- applied to become a member of the uniformed services;
- performed service in the uniformed services;
- applied to perform service in the uniformed services; or
- had an obligation to perform service in the uniformed services.
Qualifying service may be voluntary or involuntary and includes service in the United States Armed Forces, including qualifying service by members of the National Guard or Reserve, active duty, active duty for training, or full-time National Guard duty under federal authority.
The federal readmission requirements generally apply when the student’s absence from Tulane was necessitated by a period of service of more than 30 consecutive days under a call or order to active duty of more than 30 consecutive days.
To qualify for readmission under this section, the student must:
- provide notice of the student’s service, unless an exception applies;
- provide notice of the student’s intent to return within the applicable timeframe;
- have a cumulative length of absence for uniformed service that does not exceed the applicable limit; and
- have been released from service under conditions that do not disqualify the student from readmission under federal law.
Notice of Service
The student, an appropriate officer of the uniformed services, or an official of the U.S. Department of Defense should provide Tulane with advance oral or written notice of the student’s service as far in advance as is reasonable under the circumstances.
Advance notice is not required when:
- military necessity prevents the student from providing notice; or
- providing notice is otherwise impossible or unreasonable under the circumstances.
A student who does not provide advance notice does not automatically forfeit eligibility for readmission. At the time the student seeks to return, Tulane may request documentation establishing that the student’s absence was due to qualifying service in the uniformed services.
Tulane will not require a notice of service to follow a particular format.
Notification of Intent to Return
A student seeking readmission under this section must provide oral or written notice of the student’s intent to return to Tulane no later than three years after completing the applicable period of uniformed service.
A student who is hospitalized or convalescing because of an illness or injury incurred or aggravated during the performance of uniformed service must provide notice of intent to return no later than two years after the end of the period necessary for recovery from the illness or injury.
A student who does not provide notice of intent to return within the applicable period does not automatically forfeit eligibility for readmission. The student will, however, become subject to Tulane’s generally applicable Leave of Absence, readmission, and academic policies and practices.
Tulane will not require a notice of intent to return to follow a particular format.
Designated Tulane Office
The Office of the University Registrar is Tulane’s designated office for receiving:
- notice of a student’s service in the uniformed services;
- notice of a student’s intent to return;
- requests for readmission under this section; and
- supporting documentation related to a student’s eligibility for readmission.
Notices and requests must be in writing. The Office of the University Registrar will coordinate with the student’s school or college and other appropriate University offices to facilitate the student’s return.
Students may contact:
Office of the University Registrar
Tulane University
110 Gibson Hall
6823 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118
registrar@tulane.edu
Timing of Readmission
Tulane will promptly readmit an eligible student into the next class or classes in the student’s academic program beginning after the student provides notice of intent to return, unless:
- the student requests a later date of readmission; or
- unusual circumstances require Tulane to readmit the student at a later date.
The obligation to readmit an eligible student applies even when the applicable class or classes have otherwise reached an established enrollment limit.
When unusual circumstances require readmission at a later date, Tulane will work with the student to identify the earliest appropriate date on which the student can resume the academic program.
Same Academic Status
Tulane will readmit an eligible student with the same academic status the student held when the student last attended Tulane or when the student was last admitted but could not begin attendance because of a uniformed-service obligation.
Readmission with the same academic status means that the student will be readmitted:
- to the same academic program to which the student was last admitted or, if that exact program is no longer offered, to the program that is most similar, unless the student requests or agrees to admission to a different program;
- at the same enrollment status the student previously held, unless the student requests or agrees to a different enrollment status;
- with the same number of credit hours previously completed, unless the student is admitted to a different program to which some or all of the previously completed credit hours do not apply; and
- with the same academic standing the student previously held, including the same Satisfactory Academic Progress status, as applicable.
A student readmitted under this section will not be required to reapply for admission or satisfy additional admission requirements that would conflict with the student’s federal right to readmission.
Tuition and Fees
When an eligible student is readmitted to the same academic program, Tulane will, for the first academic year following the student’s return, assess the tuition and fee charges that the student was or would have been assessed for the academic year during which the student left Tulane.
Tulane may instead assess the tuition and fee charges applicable to other students enrolled in the program for the academic year of the student’s return when veterans’ education benefits or other servicemember education benefits will pay the amount by which the current charges exceed the tuition and fees the student was or would have been assessed for the academic year during which the student left Tulane.
When a student is admitted to a different academic program, Tulane will assess no more than the tuition and fee charges assessed to other students in that program for the applicable academic year.
For academic years after the first academic year following a student’s return to the same program, Tulane will assess no more than the tuition and fee charges assessed to other students in that program for the applicable academic year.
Preparation to Resume the Academic Program
If Tulane determines that a student is not prepared to resume the academic program with the same academic status at the point at which the student’s attendance was interrupted, or that the student may be unable to complete the program, Tulane will make reasonable efforts, at no additional cost to the student, to help the student become prepared to resume or complete the program.
Reasonable efforts may include, but are not limited to:
- providing refresher instruction or coursework at no additional cost;
- permitting the student to retake an examination, pretest, or other academic assessment at no additional cost;
- providing academic advising or other appropriate academic support; or
- identifying other reasonable steps that would enable the student to resume or complete the program.
Tulane is not required to readmit the student when:
- after making reasonable efforts, Tulane determines that the student is not prepared to resume the program with the same academic status at the point at which attendance was interrupted;
- after making reasonable efforts, Tulane determines that the student will be unable to complete the program; or
- Tulane determines that no reasonable efforts are available that would prepare the student to resume or complete the program.
For purposes of this section, reasonable efforts are actions that do not impose an undue hardship on Tulane. An undue hardship is an action requiring significant difficulty or expense when considered in light of the University’s overall financial resources and the effect of the action on University operations.
Tulane bears the burden of demonstrating, by a preponderance of the evidence, that a student is not prepared to resume the program with the same academic status or will be unable to complete the program.
Five-Year Cumulative Limit
The cumulative length of a student’s current and previous absences from Tulane for service in the uniformed services generally may not exceed five years.
Only the time the student actually spends performing uniformed service is included when calculating the five-year period.
The five-year limit does not include a period of service that:
- is required, beyond five years, to complete an initial period of obligated service;
- is required because the student was unable, through no fault of the student, to obtain orders releasing the student from service before the expiration of the five-year period;
- is performed by a member ordered to or retained on active duty under circumstances specified by applicable federal law;
- is performed during a war or national emergency declared by the President or Congress;
- is performed in support of an operational mission for which members of the uniformed services have been ordered to active duty without their consent;
- is performed in support of a critical mission or requirement of the uniformed services;
- is performed by a member called into federal service as a member of the National Guard to respond to an invasion, rebellion, insurrection, or other emergency; or
- is otherwise excluded from the five-year calculation under applicable federal law.
Documentation
Tulane may require a student seeking readmission under this section to provide documentation establishing that:
- the student’s request for readmission is timely;
- the student’s cumulative absence for uniformed service does not exceed the applicable five-year limit, excluding periods of service that federal law requires Tulane to disregard; and
- the character and circumstances of the student’s separation from service do not make the student ineligible for readmission.
Tulane will not delay or deny readmission when documentation establishing the student’s eligibility is not readily available or does not yet exist.
If documentation later becomes available establishing that the student was not eligible for readmission, Tulane may terminate the student’s attendance and apply the University’s otherwise applicable tuition-refund and withdrawal policies.
Disqualifying Separation from Service
A student’s eligibility for readmission under this section terminates when the student is separated from the uniformed services under a disqualifying condition established by federal law.
Disqualifying conditions include:
- a dishonorable discharge;
- a bad-conduct discharge;
- dismissal following a general court-martial;
- commutation of a court-martial sentence to confinement in a federal or state correctional institution; or
- another condition or circumstance that terminates readmission eligibility under applicable federal law.
When the character or circumstances of the student’s separation from service are unclear, Tulane may request appropriate documentation before making a final determination regarding the student’s continued eligibility under this section.
Students seeking to provide notice of service, provide notice of intent to return, or request readmission should contact the Office of the University Registrar.
Tulane University
Office of the University Registrar
6823 St. Charles Ave.
110 Gibson Hall
New Orleans, LA 70118
registrar@tulane.edu
Failure to Return
Students who do not return within the approved Leave of Absence period and who have not requested an extension will be considered withdrawn from the university.
Failure to return may result in:
- A change in enrollment status to withdrawn;
- Financial aid recalculation under federal regulations;
- Loan repayment obligations;
- Requirement to reapply for admission if permitted by the school or college.
Administrative Responsibilities
Administrative responsibility for Leave of Absence processing is shared across schools, colleges, and central administrative offices.
- Schools and colleges are responsible for reviewing and approving leave requests, maintaining records, monitoring return dates, and ensuring compliance with school-specific procedures.
- The Office of Financial Aid is responsible for counseling students regarding financial implications and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
- The Office of the University Registrar is responsible for institutional reporting, including enrollment reporting to the National Student Clearinghouse.
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For military service-related leaves, students may provide notice of military service and notice of intent to return to the student’s school or college, the Office of the University Registrar, or another office designated by the university. Notice may be provided orally or in writing and is not required to follow a particular format.
Military Benefits
Veterans and Family Members
Tulane University is fully approved to offer instruction to students attending college under the provisions of the United States Code, Title 38, and Chapter 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 1606, and 1607.
Students planning to use Veterans Administration (VA) benefits should contact their respective Veterans’ Certifying Officials in the following locations:
Newcomb-Tulane College - Undergraduate & Graduate, SoPA - Undergraduate/Graduate, Law, School of Social Work, School of Medicine (non-MD), and School of Business
Office of the University Registrar
110 Gibson Hall
6823 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 865-5231
veterans@tulane.edu
School of Medicine (MD Only)
Office of Admissions and Student Affairs
131 S. Robertson St., Suite 1550
New Orleans, LA 70112
School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (Grad Only)
Office of Student Affairs and Admissions
1440 Canal St., Suite 2460-8329
New Orleans, LA 70115
An individual planning to attend Tulane University using VA benefits must complete the following procedures:
- Complete all requirements for admission to the University as a degree-seeking student or as a visiting student with an approved formal degree plan from another university.
- Have an evaluation of service schools/experiences completed by the respective Office of Admission to determine any awarding of military credit.
- In coordination with an assigned academic advisor, register for only courses that are required for completion of your selected degree.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
In compliance with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, section 3679(e) of Title 38, United States Code, Tulane University will permit any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the University a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 (a "certificate of eligibility" can also include a "Statement of Benefits" obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) website - eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for Chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
- The date on which payment from VA is made to the University.
- 90 days after the date the University certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.
Tulane University will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual's inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the University due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapter 31 or 33.
As allowed under the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, section 3679(e) of Title 38, United States Code, the covered individual will be required to:
- Submit a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance no later than the first day of a course of education.
- Submit a request for certification each semester.
- Provide additional information necessary for the proper certification of enrollment by the University (for example, official transcripts from all previously attended institutions).
- Pay any difference between the amount of the student's financial obligation and the amount of the VA education benefit disbursement.
Note: A Covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or Chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Tuition Assistance
Tulane University is approved through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) enforced by the Department of Defense (DOD) to facilitate Tuition Assistance (TA) benefits for Service members.
To receive Tuition Assistance benefits:
- Complete all requirements for admission to the University as a degree-seeking student or as a visiting student with an approved formal degree plan from another university.
- Complete admission requirements through the Go Army Ed Portal.
- Have an evaluation of service schools/experiences completed by the respective Office of Admission to determine any awarding of military credit.
- Register for classes through the Go Army Ed Portal to secure available Tuition Assistance benefit.
- Send a copy of the Tuition Assistance Voucher to the appropriate Veteran School Certifying Official to forward to Accounts Receivable.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.
To be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program:
- Complete all requirements for admission to the University as a degree-seeking student or as a visiting student with an approved formal degree plan from another university.
- Eligibility for Chapter 33 Post 9/11 veteran benefits at the 100% rate (as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs). Chapter 33 Post 9/11 100% rate eligibility must be verified by the DD-214 Member-4 and Certificate of Eligibility (provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs).
Note: According to VA, Active Duty Service members and their spouses are not eligible to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
This program allows Tulane University to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the annual cap for private institutions. The institution can contribute up to 50% of those expenses and VA will match the same amount as the institution.
Conditions are as follows:
- The Yellow Ribbon Grant is applied as a credit to the student’s account, and no cash and/or check payments will be awarded to the student.
- The Yellow Ribbon Grant is used exclusively towards prior or current program charges.
- The Yellow Ribbon Grant is awarded for each period in the program that the student is determined eligible and where the grant is needed.
Name Changes
Students who wish to change their legal name must supply supporting legal documentation and complete the request for name change form with the Office of the Registrar. Staff or faculty members who have a student record must change their legal name with the Office of the Registrar prior to making a name change request with Human Resources.
Overlap Policies
If a student earns more than one degree at Tulane, (simultaneously or sequentially), and the same course(s) is required by both degrees, the student cannot count more than 25% of the total credit hours required for the smaller degree, not to exceed 12 credit hours. This rule also applies to courses across majors and minors. Students may not count the same course(s) toward a minor and a certificate.
Posthumous Degrees
On rare occasions, a student meets an untimely death before their degree is conferred. In such cases, normally within one semester of degree completion, it may be appropriate for this student to be recognized for their work by means of conferring a degree posthumously. In all cases, the awarding of a posthumous degree requires Provost approval.
With the support of the academic unit and the family of the student, a request is initiated by the student’s dean. Students who are in good academic standing and are within a semester of completing their degree requirements may be recommended for a posthumous degree. The college dean will provide a recommendation along with a verification of the student’s academic standing and degree progress. Petitions shall be forwarded to the student’s dean for review and recommendation, then to the Provost for approval. If approved, the Provost will notify the appropriate dean to certify this student’s degree for degree conferral. The student’s dean will inform the Registrar’s Office of the posthumous degree certification award, and the Registrar’s Office will be responsible for the posting of the degree to the student’s record.
Registration Policies and Procedures
All students must register by the last day to add classes each semester. Students register online by accessing Gibson Online, which can be found via the University Registrar's website at www.registrar.tulane.edu. Gibson Online is a gateway to online services such as registration, grades, degree audit, Canvas, and the Schedule of Classes. Registration can also be accessed by logging directly into the Schedule of Classes. Summer and Fall semester course offerings are typically available for review in March, and Spring semester courses are typically available in October. The Schedule of Classes contains live data and reflects course availability at that moment in time. The convenience of registration online coupled with the delivery of tuition bills via email greatly reduces the time each student must spend on campus dealing with administrative details. By registering for classes, students assume full financial responsibility and assume the responsibility of informing the university of any changes in address via Gibson Online so that bills may be delivered promptly.
Students are required to confirm their attendance at the beginning of each semester. Each term, enrolled students will be notified via email when confirmation is made available on Gibson Online. In addition, they must consult the official Academic Calendar on the University Registrar's webpage for important registration and refund deadlines. Failure to heed the dates set forth in the official academic calendar could result in academic or financial penalty.
Religious Observation
Both Tulane’s policy of non-discrimination on the basis of religion and our core value of fostering a welcoming community require instructors to make reasonable accommodations to help students avoid negative academic consequences when their religious obligations conflict with academic requirements. Every reasonable effort should be made to allow members of the university community to observe their religious holidays without jeopardizing the fulfillment of their academic obligations. It is never acceptable for an instructor to compel a student to choose between religious observance and academic work. Absence from classes or examinations for religious reasons does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence. It is the obligation of the student to provide faculty within the first two weeks of each semester their intent to observe the holiday so that alternative arrangements convenient to both students and faculty can be made at the earliest opportunity. Students who make such arrangements will not be required to attend classes or take examinations on the designated days, and faculty must provide reasonable opportunities for such students to make up missed work and examinations. Exceptions to the requirement of a make-up examination must be approved in advance by the dean of the school in which the course is offered.
Residency
At least half of the credits required for each degree or certificate must be completed at Tulane University.
The exception is the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) program within the School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) which requires 45 of the 120 credits required for the degree to be completed at Tulane University.
Transfer Credit Acceptance After Matriculation
- Transfer credit must be from an institution accredited by one of the following institutional accrediting agencies*: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
- Courses evaluated for transfer must be evaluated based on course content and suitability for the discipline.
- Once accepted for transfer, articulations are valid for five years, regardless of when or how often Tulane offers a course.
*Referred to as "regional accreditors" prior to 2020.
