The following is a non-exhaustive list of academic polices that are frequently referenced. Refer also to the Directory of Policy Statements (DOPS) Section I: Academic Policies and Procedures, Undergraduate Catalog, and the Graduate Catalog.

ACADEMIC POLICES

FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act)
Complaints, Grievances, Appeals
Students Unable to Attend Class on Certain Days Because of Religious Beliefs

● Registration

● Adding or Dropping Courses

● Course Load:

●Leave of Absence, Withdrawal from College:

● Academic Probation and Dismissal:

● Repeating Courses:

● Transferring Credit:

● Alternate Methods of Earning College Credit, Graduate Courses:

● Assessment and Continuous Improvement

● Collegewide Degree Requirements:

● Graduation Preparation

● Annual Spring Commencement Ceremonies

Faculty Responsibilities in Student Advisement

The administration recognizes the importance of academic advising in the well-being, development, retention, and graduation of Buffalo State students. The quality of a student's experience at Buffalo State depends heavily on good advisement, and the primary responsibility for student advisement is with the faculty.

All faculty members are required to play a role in student advisement and must be familiar with college and departmental requirements and policies so that they can intelligently guide students.

Advising Resources

Advisement Policy (DOPS)
Advisement (Undergraduate Catalog)
Role of Undergraduates and Faculty (in the advisement process)
Advisement (Graduate Catalog)
Academic Advising (Academic Success Office)
Student Audit System (Degree Works)
Bengal Success Portal (Communicate with Students)

Student Access to Academic Policies

The Undergraduate Catalog and the Graduate Catalog each include a section for students detailing academic policies.

DOPS

The Directory of Policy Statements (DOPS) includes a detailed section on Academic Policies.

Highlighted policies of particular interest to faculty in student grading and academic distinction are linked below to DOPS, Undergraduate Catalog, Graduate Catalog, Administrative Policy Library, and other sources. The Handbook for Faculty and Librarians, Instruction Policies and Procedures provides additional resources.

Grading

Transcripts

Order transcripts through the Registrar's Office.

Academic Distinction

Honor Societies

DOPS Policy VIII:0400

The Academic Standards website provide a policy summary and a statement of resolution for faculty.

Graduate Programs
  • Master's Degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Certificate of Advanced Study
Graduate Academic Policies
Graduate Faculty
Graduate Advisement
Teacher Certification

The Teacher Certification Office recommends Buffalo State graduates to the New York State Department of Education for teacher certification after they have completed an approved teacher preparation program. The Teacher Certification Office also serves as a resource for teacher certification requirements and a variety of certification related topics.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACADEMIC POLICIES

Buffalo State academic procedures, policies, and guidelines apply to all students and all college sessions. Students are responsible for determining their academic programs and for meeting each degree requirement. Faculty or professional staff who serve as advisers are obligated only to assist students in meeting this responsibility.

  • Clarification of any requirements for the baccalaureate degree may be obtained from the academic adviser, department chair, or academic dean.
  • For clarification of other regulations or procedures regarding baccalaureate degrees, contact the Academic Standards Office, South Wing 100, (716) 878-5222.
  • Graduate students may consult the Graduate Studies Office, Cleveland Hall 204, (716) 878-5601.