FAQs

How do I register for classes?
How do I change my major?
What if I am undecided about my major?
When do I have to declare a major?
How do I compute my cumulative quality point average?
What is the minimum CQPA required for graduation?
How do I withdraw from a class after the semester has started?
What is an 'I' grade?
What are the consequences of 'F' grades?
What are perequisites and why do I need to take them?
When is a student placed on academic probation?
What are the requirements for dean's list?
What are the requirements for graduating with honors?
What should I do if I am unable to take a final exam?
Who should I contact if I must be absent from classes for several days/weeks during a semester?

• 1. How do I register for classes?
  You will receive a class schedule and registration number and date in the mail. Use your Pace Portal to access registration information and to register online. Make an appointment to see your advisor and plan your schedule.
  
  
• 2. How do I change my major?
  For Students wishing to change their major or declare a major, a Change of Major form is available from the Office of Student Assistance (OSA) or the Office of Undergraduate Academic Advisement.
  
  
• 3. What if I am undecided about my major?
  • It is perfectly okay to be undecided about your major during your first two years at college. Most freshman are undecided about their major or change their major several times before making a final decision. We understand that it may take time to select a major or even to decide which school within the University is best for you.
  
  • The office of Transitional Advising is available to discuss all majors available to you at Pace.
  
  
• 4. When do I have to declare a major?
  All students are required to declare a major by the end of their sophomore year (completion of 64 credits). Changing your major during the first semester of your junior year is possible, but becomes more difficult to do without losing credits.
  
  Questions and Answers about Acadmic Policies and Regulations
  
  
• 5. How do I compute my cumulative quality point average?
  The cumulative quality point average (CQPA) is obtained by dividing the total number of grade quality points achieved by the total number of course credits attempted at Pace University. Details can be found in your Pace catalogue.
  
  
• 6. What is the minimum CQPA required for graduation?
  A CQPA of 2.00, overall, as well as a 2.00 average in your major, is required for graduation.
  
  
• 7. How do I withdraw from a class after the semester has started?
  • During the fall or spring semester, you may withdraw from a class during the first 8 weeks of the semester without any special permission. However, it is required that you consult with your advisor or your instructor before making this decision. You can drop via the Pace Portal but you should get a print out of your transaction for your file.
  
  • During the 9th and 10th weeks of the term, you must have the approval of your instructor and the Dean of Lubin Advisement to withdraw from a course without academic penalty.
  
  • After the 10th week of the semester, withdrawals are only permitted when there are extenuating personal or medical circumstances (which must be documented).
  
  • The specific withdrawal deadline dates for each semester are listed in the Academic Calendar in the Pace Portal.
  
  • Students who stop attending courses during the semester and do not follow these withdrawal procedures will receive a failing grade for the course.
  
  • Students who receive an authorized withdrawal, however, will receive a grade of 'W' for the course, which carries no academic penalty.
  
  
• 8. What is an 'I' grade?
  A grade of 'I' represents incomplete work or an unauthorized withdrawal. If you do not complete the requirements for a course in which you have received an 'I' grade within six weeks of the end of the semester, the grade will become an 'I-F'. This is averaged into your CQPA as a failing grade.
  
  
• 9. What are the consequences of 'F' grades?
  Courses in which grades of 'F' or 'I-F' have been received must be repeated. Further, if the 'failed' course is a prerequisite for another course then the next course may not be taken until the prerequisite course has been passed. For example, ACC 204 may not be taken until ACC 203 has been passed; ENG 120 requires successful completion of ENG 110 or placement, and MAT 104 must be passed before beginning MAT 117. Failing courses will also lower your CQPA and may result in your being placed on Academic Probation.
  
  
• 10. What are prerequisites and why do I need to take them?
  • Prerequisites are specific courses and class standing that must be satisfied before you can enroll in a course. The prerequisites for each course are listed in the Class Schedule and the Undergraduate Catalog. Students without the proper prerequisites will not be prepared for the higher-level course and consequently, may encounter academic difficulty.
  
  • For example, in order to take FIN 301, a junior level course, ACC 204, ECO 105, and MAT 117 must be completed first. Student registrations are checked randomly prior to the beginning of each semester, and those students who do not have the proper prerequisites will be withdrawn from the class.
  
  
• 11. When is a student placed on academic probation?
  • Any student whose CQPA falls below 2.00 is automatically placed on Academic Probation. Full-time Probation students are limited to four courses (no more than 13 credits), and part-time students are limited to two courses (no more than 8 credits).
  • A 'Hold' is placed on each student's registration preventing him/her from registering without approval from the Office of Undergraduate Academic Advisement.
  
  
• 12. What are the requirements for Dean's List?
  • Matriculated students who achieve a high standard of scholarship in a semester are named to the Dean's List at the end of each fall and spring semester. Honors are awarded to students who have completed at least 9 credits (excluding grades of 'P') in a given semester and have attained the following QPAs:
  
  First Honors: 3.85 – 4.00
  Second Honors: 3.65 – 3.84
  Third Honors: 3.50 – 3.64
  
  • Students who receive grades of 'D' or 'F' are not eligible for honors that semester.
  
  
• 13. What are the requirements for graduating with honors?
  A student needs to complete at least 60 credits at Pace in a bachelor's degree program and must achieve a minimum final CQPA of 3.50. Graduation Honors are awarded as follows:
  
  Summa cum laude: 3.85 – 4.00
  Magna cum laude: 3.65 – 3.84
  Cum laude: 3.50 – 3.64
  
  
• 14. What should I do if I am unable to take a final exam?
  • Students are permitted to take a deferred examination with the approval of their instructor for compelling reasons only, such as illness, emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances.
  
  • Students who have sufficient reason to request a deferred examination are required to complete a deferred examination application form and have it approved by their instructor. If the instructor is not available, students should contact the appropriate academic department for assistance.
  
  
• 15. Who should I contact if I must be absent from classes for several days/weeks during a semester?
  • If you need to be absent from classes for several days/weeks during a semester due to a serious illness, unexpected business trip or other emergency, you should contact the Lubin Office of Undergraduate Advisement on your home campus. A counselor will be able to contact your instructors, and let them know about your extended absence.
  
  • Upon your return, it can then be determined if you can make up the missed work or if you should withdraw from some or all of your courses.