Welcome to the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health!
Policies & Procedures
Undergraduate Policies
IU Indianapolis Resources
IU Resources
The following academic policies of the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health are applicable to all School of Public Health undergraduate programs.
Policies for Academic Standing: Dean's List, Good Academic Standing, Academic Review, Academic Release, and Reinstatement
Dean's List
A student will be named to the Dean’s List if they have completed 12 or more credits with a semester GPA of 3.5 for that semester. Dean’s List is published each regular semester (fall/spring) by the Division of Undergraduate Education.
Good academic standing
A student is considered in good academic standing with FSPH when maintaining a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.
Academic review
- Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.5 at the end of a regular semester (fall/spring) will be placed on academic review.
- Students will continue on academic review when their semester GPA is at least 2.5, but their cumulative GPA is below 2.5.
- Students will be removed from academic review status once their cumulative GPA is at least 2.5.
- A student will be notified of academic review status via IU email from the Fairbanks School of Public Health and must follow conditions as established by FSPH during this review period.
Academic release
- Students on academic review will be released from their program of study if they fail to attain a semester GPA of at least 2.5 in any two consecutive regular semesters (fall/spring) and the cumulative GPA is below 2.5.
- Students who are released for the first time cannot enroll until one regular (fall/spring) semester has elapsed since being released and must petition by the established deadlines to be considered for reinstatement.
- Students released two or more times cannot enroll for the next two consecutive regular (fall/spring) semesters and must petition by the established deadlines to be considered for reinstatement.
- A student will be notified of academic release status via IU email from the Fairbanks School of Public Health.
First semester student academic release
- A first semester student who has completed a minimum of 12 IU Indianapolis credit hours will be dismissed if they fail to attain a GPA of at least 1.0.
- Students who are released for the first time cannot enroll until one regular (fall/spring) semester has elapsed since their academic release and must petition by the established deadlines to be considered for reinstatement.
- First semester student is defined as a first-year, transfer, or intercampus transfer student that is enrolled int their first semester at IU Indianapolis.
- A student will be notified of first semester academic release status via IU email from the Fairbanks School of Public Health.
Reinstatement
- Students seeking reinstatement should contact FSPH academic advising to verify their eligibility for reinstatement and obtain the reinstatement petition form.
- To allow sufficient time for considering a petition for reinstatement, an eligible student should submit a petition before June 15 for the fall semester and October 15 for the spring semester. FSPH does not review students for reinstatement for the summer semester.
- Students who are reinstated will be notified via IU email from the Fairbanks School of Public Health. The email will indicate any conditions and restrictions affecting readmission and continuance in the degree program.
Conditions for reinstated students
- Students who are reinstated will be classified as under academic review until their cumulative GPA is at least 2.5.
- During the first regularly enrolled term in academic review status, students will be strongly encouraged to enroll in no more than 12 credit hours and must achieve a semester GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Each subsequent academic review semester, students will be permitted to enroll full-time but must continue to attain a 2.5 semester GPA. Failure to meet the semester GPA requirement while under academic review status will result in academic release.
- Reinstated students who achieve good academic standing, a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA, but then subsequently fall below this standard in a following semester will be held to the normal academic review terms as outlined in the academic review and release policy.
- Reinstatement after a second academic release is extremely rare and only considered in extenuating circumstances with supporting documents (doctor’s notes, court papers, etc.). Students released two or more times who are reinstated must remain in good academic standing each semester as there will be no further reinstatements.
Sanctions
Students may be academically released from FSPH if they do not make appropriate academic progress as described above. Being released from FSPH does not prevent a student from pursuing another program at IU. Dismissal is a campus level-action and may be invoked only by the standards noted in the IU Indianapolis Academic Policy statement. Students not meeting the academic requirements specified in this procedural document will generally be academically released by FSPH but not dismissed by the campus.
Policies for Grading, Grade Replacement, Grade Appeal, Incomplete, Withdrawal, Fresh Start
Grading Policies
The Fairbanks School of Public Health follows the official grading system of Indiana University, described in the introductory section of the bulletin.
Grade Replacement
Undergraduate FSPH students seeking their first degree may grade replace a maximum of 15 credit hours. If a student chooses to repeat a course and achieves the same or higher grade, both attempts will appear on their transcripts. On the transcript, the original grade will be replaced by an X, and only the second grade will be counted in the cumulative GPA. Students may “replace” the same course twice.
Grade replacement is not automatic. Students must contact their academic advisor to initiate this request.
Grade Appeal (Grade Change Request)
The Fairbanks School of Public Health follows the IU Indianapolis grade appeal process. Under certain circumstances, students can petition for a grade change for a course that has been completed if the student believes that a grade has been calculated or assigned incorrectly. A student who is seeking a grade change must first contact the instructor and ask for the grade changes. A student has 90 days after the conclusion of a course to appeal a grade. In cases of extenuating circumstances, petitions filed after this date may be considered.
Occasionally a student may seek a withdrawal after a course has been completed. Changing a grade to a "W" after the grade is issued is rarely granted and only in extraordinary circumstances that prevented the student from officially withdrawing or would have imposed an unreasonable hardship on the student.
Incomplete
A grade of incomplete (I) indicates that a "substantial portion" of the work in a course has been satisfactorily completed by the student as of the end of the semester. The incomplete can be given to a student facing a hardship such that it would be unjust to hold the student to the established time limits for completing the work. Students should contact their instructor to determine if they are eligible for the incomplete. Poor performance is not grounds for an incomplete.
In some cases, the instructor may recommend or require a student to attend another term (or portion of a term) of the course to remove the incomplete. In this case, the student should not register for the course a second time. Instead, they should make arrangements with the instructor to remove the "I." Note that sitting in on a course to remove an "I" does not count as part of a full-time or part-time load for financial aid purposes or for loan deferments.
Once the student has completed the work the instructor will change the incomplete to the appropriate letter grade.
A grade of incomplete must be removed within the time specified by the instructor of the course; if not, the grade automatically changes to an F one calendar year after the incomplete was given.
Withdrawal
Students must formally withdraw from courses in the timeframe allowed by the Registrar's office. Failure to withdraw properly will result in receiving grades of F in your courses. Students are responsible for all course fees, plus any applicable late fees, through the time of official withdrawal. This information including deadline dates can be found at Student Central.
Dropping classes during the automatic W period: After the 100 percent refund period, all drop requests require the approval of an academic advisor. Students will receive a W (withdrawn) on their transcript.
Dropping classes after the automatic W deadline: After the automatic W deadline students will need approval from their academic advisor, instructor, and school's dean. Additional information may be required to consider a drop this late in the semester. These requests are considered only in extraordinary circumstances beyond the student's control. Students may contact their instructor for other options such as obtaining an "I" incomplete grade. No drop requests will be processed once final exams begin.
Fresh Start through Academic Renewal Policy
The Fairbanks School of Public Health follows the IU Indianapolis policies and processes for the Fresh Start through Academic Renewal program.This policy offers students a second chance through a reset of their GPA. This policy applies to undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree and have not enrolled at any IU campus for 36 or more consecutive months. Students should contact their academic advisor to review their eligibility and initiate this process. For further information visit A Fresh Start to College..
Policies for Student Rights and Responsibilities, Confidentiality, and Academic Integrity
Student Rights and Responsibilities
The School of Public Health fully supports the rights and responsibilities of students as defined in the IU Indianapolis Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct. The Student Code spells out the expectations for faculty and students, and it provides the framework for the School of Public Health's judicial process, which can be accessed at the School of Public Health website.
A student is entitled to rights in the pursuit of his or her education; freedom from discrimination and harassment; and freedom of association, expression, advocacy, and publication. A student also has the right to contribute to University governance, to receive accommodations for disabilities, and to access records and facilities. In accordance with federal law, student records are confidential and are available to other persons only under specific conditions as outlined in university regulations.
A student is responsible for upholding and following all applicable codes of conduct, including the IU Indianapolis Student Code and course policies on classroom etiquette and disorderly conduct, and for obeying all applicable policies and procedures and all local, state, and federal laws. A student is responsible for facilitating the learning process, attending class regularly, completing class assignments and coming to class prepared. In addition, a student is responsible for planning his or her own academic program, planning class schedules, and for meeting the requirements for his or her degree or certificate programs.
Faculty and academic advisors are available to assist students in meeting degree requirements. A student is responsible for maintaining and regularly monitoring his or her university accounts including email and bursar accounts. A student is responsible for using university property and facilities in the pursuit of his or her education, while being mindful of the rights of others to do the same. A student is responsible for upholding and maintaining academic and professional honesty and integrity.
Confidentiality of Student Records
In accordance with Indiana University regulations, student records are confidential and are available to other persons only under specific conditions as outlined in university regulations.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a basic principle of intellectual life that holds students responsible for taking credit only for ideas and efforts that are their own. Academic dishonesty violates that principle and undermines the bonds of trust and cooperation among members of the university community, and it is not tolerated. Academic misconduct includes cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, interference, violation of course rules, and facilitating academic dishonesty.
Students are responsible for knowing what behaviors and activities constitute these different forms of academic misconduct. Penalties and procedures that are applicable when academic misconduct or dishonesty occurs are described in the IU Indianapolis Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct. More information about the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health policy and procedures is available in the school's Student Handbook.
Sex Offenders Screening Policy for Students/Applicants
Students and applicants should be aware that criminal convictions may result in ineligibility for participation in certain courses/activities within the School of Public Health. Questions regarding the school's policy on such matters should be addressed to the appropriate program director.
Policies Concerning Degree Requirements
Applicability of Degree, Certificate and Minor Requirements
Students may choose to complete either the specific degree, certificate, or minor requirements published in the appropriate bulletin at the time of entry into the university or those in the bulletin current at the time of graduation.
General Minor and Certificate Policies
Declaring Minors and Certificates
Students who choose to pursue an FSPH minor or certificate must officially declare the minor/certificate on their IU Indianapolis record. The minor declaration form can be found on the Fairbanks School of Public Health website.
FSPH students pursuing FSPH minors and certificates
Undergraduate students pursuing an FSPH bachelor’s degree program may not earn an FSPH minor or certificate in the same area of study as their major. For example, health services management students may not earn a health administration minor or health administration certificates.
Bachelor of Science in Public Health students are eligible for FSPH minors in health data sciences and health administration. These students are also eligible for a maximum of one of the following FSPH minors:
- Community Health
- Epidemiology
- Global Health
BSPH students may double count a maximum of 12 credit hours, total, of FSPH minor coursework toward their BSPH major core irrespective of how many FSPH minors they pursue.
Minor and Certificate Residency Policies
Students must complete at least 9 credit hours of any FSPH minor through the IU Indianapolis campus. Students pursuing a FSPH certificate must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours through the IU Indianapolis campus.
Application for Degree
All students must fill out an online Graduation Form at the School of Public Health website. This application should be completed by May 15 for a December graduation, October 15 for May graduation, or January 15 for August graduation.
Degree Completion
Students are expected to complete the requirements for their undergraduate degree within 10 years of admission to the School of Public Health. Students are allowed to continue beyond this time period only at the discretion of the director of undergraduate education. If a student has not taken classes for three years or more, they must satisfy program requirements of the School of Public Health in effect at the time of reactivation. Requests for deviation from requirements listed in the bulletin must be approved in writing by the director of undergraduate education, whose decision is final.
Course Substitution and Course Waiver
Requests for course substitutions and course waivers must be made to the academic advisor.
Degrees Awarded with Distinction
The IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health recognizes outstanding performance by awarding bachelor's degrees with three levels of distinction to students who rank in the upper 10 percent of their IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health graduating class by major and have completed a minimum of 60 hours at Indiana University for a B.S. The levels of distinction are as follows: highest distinction, 3.90 and above; high distinction, 3.70 through 3.89; distinction, 3.50 through 3.69.
Grade Point Average Requirement
Matriculation
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for the Bachelor of Science degree.
Hours/Residency Requirement for degree
The Fairbanks School of Public Health requires at minimum 30 of the 120 required credit hours earned for bachelor's degrees be credits earned at the institution itself, through arrangements with other accredited institutions, or through contractual relationships approved by the commission. Any variation from the typical minimum must be explained and justified.
Internship Credit
With IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health faculty approval, a student in good standing may earn 3-6 credit hours through the Fairbanks School of Public Health internship program. The Fairbanks School of Public Health internship program is described in more detail in the Undergraduate Internship Handbook.
Other Academic Programs
School of Public Health students may choose to pursue a minor, certificate, or second bachelor’s degree from a school outside of the School of Public Health. Students interested in this option should contact that department for additional information.
Pass/Fail Credit
Deadlines for exercising this option are published on the IU Indianapolis website and are strictly enforced. A student in good academic standing may choose to take a maximum of four elective courses (one per academic year) but not to exceed 12 credit hours total pass/fail for their degree.
Requirements for a Second Bachelor's Degree
Students must petition the School of Public Health for approval to work toward a second bachelor's degree within the Fairbanks School of Public Health. If permission is granted, students are required to take a minimum of 30 credit hours beyond the credits used for the first bachelor's degree and to satisfy all the requirements for the second degree. Generally, the School of Public Health encourages students to work toward a graduate degree or graduate certificate rather than a second bachelor's degree within FSPH. Petitions should be submitted to the Undergraduate Program Committee.
Honors Program
The School of Public Health offers an Honors program in collaboration with the IU Indianapolis Honors College for academically competitive students who are interested in an enhanced, academically challenging program. Interested students should visit the FSPH website for additional information.
4+1 Accelerated Degree Program
The 4+1 Accelerated Degree Program is a competitive program for outstanding School of Public Health students who are seeking an advanced degree in health administration or public health. Participation in this program allows students to fulfill some graduate program requirements as undergraduates, and the graduate courses count for both graduate and undergraduate degree requirements. Specific GPA minimums are required. Additional information can be found on the FSPH accelerated degree webpage. Interested students should contact their academic advisor.
Updated: April 2025
