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Academic Rules and Regulations

Article 1: Admission Procedures

Candidates may enroll as regular students in an accredited university degree program provided they meet the applicable admission requirements.

In accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Antonine University (UA) Council establishes the general admission criteria, while faculty boards define program-specific requirements. The UA Counci l retains final authority to validate these criteria at the end of each year.

UA offers two main admission procedures: ordinary admission and admission by transfer. Both are managed by the Office of Orientation and Admissions (OOA), under the supervision of the Secretary General (SG), in coordination with the faculties responsible for the relevant programs.

Applications may be submitted online or through the OOA. Candidates may also apply for admission to a double major program.

1.1 Ordinary Admission

Ordinary admission applies to candidates who meet the entry requirements of their chosen academic program or major. The procedure varies according to the cycle of study:

First Cycle: Candidates must hold a Lebanese Baccalaureate or an equivalent qualification and submit the required admission documents. Depending on the undergraduate program, they must also complete placement tests, which may include written examinations, oral assessments, or interviews.
Second Cycle: Candidates deemed eligible for an undergraduate degree, whether at UA or another university, must submit the required admission documents, attend an interview with an academic representative, and, where applicable, pass an entrance examination.

1.2 Admission by Transfer

Transfer admission applies to candidates who meet the entry requirements of their chosen program and have successfully completed coursework at another university that may be recognized as equivalent to courses within the UA curriculum.

Candidates must provide the relevant course descriptions, certified academic transcripts, and diploma supplement. The OOA compiles the supporting documents into a transfer application file and forwards it to the dean of the relevant faculty. The dean submits the file to the faculty and the transfer committee for review.

Once the committee reaches a decision, the dean validates it and formally communicates it to the OOA. Before notifying the candidate, the OOA obtains final validation from the Secretary General.

Transferred courses are assigned the notation T (Transfer) under the complementary grading system and do not receive numerical grades.

The University permits the transfer of up to 49% of credits, subject to the applicable academic requirements.

Article 2: Enrollment and Academic Standing

2.1 Enrollment Procedures

Following admission, students must complete the enrollment process, which consists of three components: financial, administrative, and academic.

2.1.1 Financial Requirements

Students must pay the applicable tuition fees and deposit to UA’s Accounting Department, generally through a bank.

Tuition fees are calculated each semester based on the courses in which students enroll and their corresponding credit values.

If a student drops a course before the end of the designated Add/Drop Period, the tuition fees for that semester are adjusted to exclude the cost of the dropped course (see Section 3.1).

Students must also complete the required procedures concerning the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), either by enrolling or by providing the relevant supporting documentation.

2.1.2 Administrative Requirements

Once the financial requirements have been fulfilled, students complete the administrative enrollment procedures through the Office of the Registrar (OOR), which operates under the Secretariat General.

The OOR assigns each student an identification number and an official UA email address. Students also receive a UA identification card, which enables them to proceed with academic enrollment.

2.1.3 Academic Registration

Under the guidance of their faculty, students register for the courses offered within their approved study plan.

Students are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account credentials. Sharing passwords is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.

2.2 Academic Advising

Each student is assigned an academic advisor who provides guidance throughout their studies. In each faculty, full-time faculty members serve as academic advisors to designated groups of students.

The responsibilities of academic advisors include:

monitoring students’ academic progress throughout their studies;
guiding students in selecting and pursuing their academic programs;
advising students on appropriate course selection during registration periods;
reviewing students’ course selections through the Student Information System (SIS);
assisting students on academic probation with course registration and prioritizing courses they previously failed;
serving as intermediaries between students and the relevant academic bodies, upon request;
assisting students with academic administrative procedures and managing their academic and professional workloads;
ensuring that students register for appropriate courses, including language courses and those with prerequisite requirements, within the relevant deadlines;
Guiding students enrolled under the new academic system in maintaining the GPA required for good academic standing.

2.3 Semester Credit Load

For undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, the regular course load ranges from 9 to 18 credits per semester, excluding summer semesters. In exceptional circumstances, particularly when students are approaching graduation, the dean may authorize a course load outside these limits.

2.4 Changes to the Study Plan

Students may request a change of academic program, concentration, or language section (e.g., from French to English) by submitting an application to the OOR. This procedure also applies to students transitioning from a common core to a concentration within certain faculties.

Requests must be approved by the dean or the head of the department concerned.

Changes of academic program or language section may incur additional fees, as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Other changes to the study plan are generally free of charge.

2.5 Suspension and Resumption of Studies

2.5.1 Voluntary Suspension of Studies

Students may voluntarily suspend their studies for justified reasons. They must notify the OOR, which subsequently informs the dean of the faculty concerned.

A voluntary suspension may not exceed four consecutive semesters, excluding summer semesters. A suspension extending beyond this limit results in dismissal from the University.

2.5.2 Resumption of Studies

Students who have voluntarily suspended their studies may request to resume their previous academic status. The request must be submitted to the OOR before the enrollment period of the semester in which they intend to return.

The OOR processes the request provided that:

The suspension has not exceeded four consecutive semesters, excluding summer semesters.
There are no outstanding academic, administrative, or financial issues.

If the study program has been modified during the suspension period, returning students must comply with the academic requirements of the updated program.

When the conditions for resuming studies are not met, the dean reviews the request and determines whether an exception may be granted.

2.6 Academic Standing

For programs subject to academic standing regulations, students are classified into four categories: Good Academic Standing, Academic Probation, Academic Suspension, and Dismissal.

2.6.1 Good Academic Standing

Students are considered to be in Good Academic Standing when they meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirements applicable to their level of study.

Bachelor’s Degree Students

Validated Credits	Minimum Cumulative GPA
1–30 credits	1.6/4
31–45 credits	1.8/4
46 credits or more	2.0/4

Master’s Degree Students: Regardless of the number of validated credits, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0/4.

In addition, students must have no more than three UW (Unofficial Withdrawal) grades that have not been converted into F grades to qualify for Good Academic Standing.

2.6.2 Academic Probation

Students are placed on Academic Probation when they fail to meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirements applicable to their academic progression.

For bachelor’s degree students, the following thresholds apply:

Validated Credits	Cumulative GPA
1–30 credits	Below 1.6/4
31–45 credits	Below 1.8/4
46 credits or more	Below 2.0/4

Students on Academic Probation may register for a maximum of 12 credits per semester. This reduced course load is intended to help them improve their academic performance and cumulative GPA, including by repeating courses when appropriate.

2.6.3 Academic Suspension

Students who remain on Academic Probation for three consecutive semesters are placed on Academic Suspension. Their academic situation and prospects for continuing their studies are reviewed by the faculty council.

Following this review, the faculty council may decide to:

authorize the student’s conditional return, subject to specific academic requirements; or
dismiss the student from the University if continued enrollment is no longer considered academically appropriate.

2.6.4 Academic Dismissal

Students enrolled under the new academic system who fail to improve their academic standing following the suspension and conditional return process may be permanently dismissed from UA.

Permanent dismissal means that the student is no longer permitted to continue their studies at the University.

2.7 Other Grounds for Dismissal

2.7.1 Exceeding the Maximum Duration of Studies

Students who exceed the maximum number of semesters permitted for enrollment at UA, as specified in the applicable regulations, are subject to dismissal.

Students may, however, submit a justified request for an exception to the dean, who may grant it following a review of their academic record.

2.7.2 Repeated Failure in a Course

Under the new academic system, students who fail the same course three times are subject to dismissal from UA. They may submit a justified request for an exception to the dean. Following a review of the student’s academic record and supporting arguments, the dean may grant an exception with the approval of the Secretary General.

Under the former academic system, the maximum number of failures permitted in the same course is six. Students who reach this limit may also request an exception from the dean, supported by relevant academic or personal justifications. The dean may grant an exception following a review of the student’s record and with the approval of the Secretary General.

Article 3: Course Withdrawal and Attendance

Students may discontinue enrollment in a course through three distinct procedures:

Add/Drop: Dropping a course during the designated Add/Drop Period, without academic penalties.
Official Withdrawal (W): Formally withdrawing from a course to avoid a potential negative impact on the cumulative GPA.
Unofficial Withdrawal (UW): A sanction imposed when a student fails to comply with attendance requirements.

Each procedure is subject to different academic and administrative conditions.

3.1 Dropping a Course During the Add/Drop Period

Students may drop a registered course during the designated Add/Drop Period at the beginning of the semester. This procedure is processed automatically and does not incur academic penalties.

A course dropped within this period does not appear on the student’s academic transcript, and the corresponding tuition fees are excluded from the semester’s tuition charges.

3.2 Official Course Withdrawal

Students experiencing significant academic difficulties, an excessive workload, or circumstances that may compromise successful course completion may consider officially withdrawing from a course.

Although the decision rests with the student, consultation with the course instructor and academic advisor is strongly recommended.

Before proceeding, students should consider their current performance, opportunities for improvement, available academic support, the course’s role in their study plan, and the potential consequences for their academic progression and standing.

Official withdrawal may help students manage their academic workload and limit the impact of an unsuccessful course on their cumulative GPA. However, it should be regarded as an informed academic decision rather than an automatic response to academic difficulties.

Once officially approved, the withdrawal is recorded on the student’s academic transcript with the notation W (Withdrawal). The withdrawn course is excluded from the calculation of the cumulative GPA.

Students should also consider the potential consequences of withdrawal for prerequisite requirements, future course registration, academic progression, and financial aid eligibility.

For application instructions, the relevant form, and the applicable refund schedule, students should consult the Official Course Withdrawal page.

3.3 Attendance and Unofficial Withdrawal

In accordance with the directives of the Directorate of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, attendance is mandatory for courses taught at Lebanese universities.

Article 140 of UA’s Organic Statute further establishes that:

Students must comply with the University’s regulations and schedules, as specified in Articles 130 and 131.
Students who arrive late to a class session are not permitted to participate.
Students may not leave a class session before it ends.

3.3.1 Attendance Responsibilities

Regular attendance, active engagement, and compliance with academic deadlines are essential to successful learning.

In the event of an absence, students must notify the course instructor by email and take responsibility for making up missed coursework. This includes reviewing the material covered, completing required assignments, and fulfilling any other academic obligations associated with the missed session.

3.3.2 Class Participation

Students are expected to participate actively in class discussions, ask questions, and contribute constructively to the learning environment. They must also bring or provide the materials required by the instructor, including textbooks, supplementary readings, or other course-related resources.

3.3.3 Minimum Attendance Requirements

Students must attend at least 70% of the scheduled sessions for each course. Arriving more than 15 minutes late or leaving before the end of a session is counted as an absence.

The maximum permitted absences are:

Course Credits	Maximum Absences
3 credits	9 sessions of 1.5 hours
2 credits	6 sessions of 1.5 hours
1 credit	3 sessions of 1.5 hours

Graduate students may be granted an additional exception to the attendance requirement, capped at 50%.

In all cases, students must compensate for missed learning through additional coursework, online assignments, or intensive sessions integrated into their programs, where applicable.

For students who register after the semester has begun, any sessions missed before registration are counted as absences.

3.3.4 Attendance Recording

Course instructors are responsible for recording student attendance in the SIS during each class session.

3.3.5 Attendance Warnings

When students exceed the established thresholds for cumulative or consecutive absences, the SIS generates a warning notification for the student, course instructor, and academic advisor.

The warning thresholds depend on the course’s credit value:

Course Credits	Cumulative Absences	Consecutive Absences
3 credits	5	4
2 credits	4	3
1 credit	2	0

These warnings alert students and the relevant academic staff to attendance concerns and provide an opportunity to take corrective measures.

3.3.6 Unofficial Withdrawal Due to Excessive Absences

Under Article 61 of UA’s Organic Statute, the dean consults the relevant academic board regarding student absences and submits the resulting decision to the Secretary General for validation.

When a student exceeds the permitted absence threshold, the OOR notifies the student through the SIS of an Unofficial Withdrawal (UW) from the course. The UW notation is recorded on the student’s academic transcript.

Students may appeal an unofficial withdrawal by submitting a justified request to the OOR within:

three days of notification, if the decision is communicated during the semester;
24 hours of notification, if the decision is communicated at the end of the semester.

An appeal must be supported by the following grounds:

The average of the student’s previous assessments exceeds the passing threshold.
The student provides documented justification for at least two absences.

The OOR forwards the appeal to the dean, who consults the course instructor before deciding whether to reverse the unofficial withdrawal. If the appeal is accepted, the student is reinstated in the course through the SIS, and one of the absences that led to the withdrawal is canceled. If the dean does not respond within 48 hours of receiving the appeal, the unofficial withdrawal remains in effect.

Beginning with the 2023–24 academic year, a UW grade is converted into an F (Fail), which is included in the calculation of the student’s GPA.

3.3.7 Repeated Removal From Class

A course instructor may impose an unofficial withdrawal sanction when a student is repeatedly removed from class. Each removal must be reported to the OOR. Upon reaching three removals, the student is deregistered from the course.

3.3.8 Use of Electronic Devices and Recording

Mobile phone use during class is generally prohibited unless expressly authorized by the instructor for a specific purpose. Laptops and other electronic devices may be used for learning activities directly related to the course, such as taking notes or completing classroom exercises. Using these devices for entertainment or unrelated activities is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action under the applicable University regulations.

Audio or video recording of class sessions is permitted only with the instructor’s prior written consent.

These rules are intended to preserve a respectful and productive learning environment.

3.3.9 Independent Study Requirements

In addition to scheduled class sessions, students are expected to devote sufficient time to independent study. This includes completing assigned readings, consulting library and digital resources, conducting research, and preparing other coursework required by the instructor.

Article 4: Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Assessment is designed to measure students’ achievement of the learning outcomes established for each course and to determine whether they have earned the corresponding credits within their academic program.

4.1 Assessment Methods

Learning outcomes may be assessed through diagnostic, formative, or summative methods.

Assessment activities may include written examinations, oral examinations, practical tests, essays, presentations, master’s thesis defenses, or other methods appropriate to the course.

A course may include several assessment components; each assigned a specific weighting toward the final grade.

4.2 Coursework and Submission Deadlines

Assignments and other coursework established by the instructor form an integral part of the course requirements.

Students must submit their work by the designated deadlines. Students who have valid reasons for being unable to meet a deadline may request an extension from the instructor within the applicable timeframe.

Late submissions may result in grade deductions, depending on the circumstances and duration of the delay. Penalties may range from 5% of the assignment grade, for example, for a three-day delay, to 100%, for example, for a two-week delay.

4.3 Course Grading

The course instructor is responsible for assessing student performance and recording the grades assigned to each assessment activity. These grades are compiled to calculate each student’s final course grade out of 100.

For anonymously assessed activities, such as certain midterm or final examinations, grades are entered into the SIS by an academic assistant. For non-anonymous assessments, instructors enter the grades directly into the SIS.

4.4 Course Validation and Grade Recording

A course and its corresponding credits are validated when the student achieves the established passing grade.

If the student does not meet the passing requirements by the end of the semester, the result is recorded as F (Fail), unless another applicable grade designation is assigned.

The following designations may also apply:

PR (In Progress, Re-enrollment): Used when the assessment process remains ongoing, particularly for research supervision or graduation projects.
I (Incomplete): A provisional grade assigned when a student has not completed the course requirements within the specified timeframe. This grade is excluded from the GPA calculation.

An Incomplete grade is converted into an F by the OOR when the applicable deadline, generally the eighth week of the following semester, has passed, unless exceptional circumstances justify a voluntary suspension of studies.

Further details are provided in the Policy on Assessment of Learning Outcomes and Graduation.

Once grades have been entered into the SIS, they are communicated to the dean, the relevant instructor, and the course coordinator, where applicable.

In accordance with Article 61, Paragraph 1 of the Organic Statute, the dean reviews the assessment results in consultation with the instructors concerned and may organize collective deliberations when necessary.

The results are then forwarded to the OOR for final verification or validation and inclusion in the student’s official academic records.

Validated grades appear in the SIS, on academic transcripts, and on any relevant certificates issued by the OOR.

Official academic documents are authenticated by the signature of the Secretary General.

4.5 Organization of Examinations

All faculties follow a centralized and standardized procedure for organizing anonymous final examinations for courses taught in person. Midterm examinations may also be organized centrally, although faculties may choose to manage them internally.

Under Article 61, Paragraph 1 of the Organic Statute, the dean is responsible for ensuring the proper organization and conduct of examinations.

For final examinations, the dean works with the Office of Examinations (OOE), which operates under the authority of the Secretary General, to coordinate examination logistics.

4.6 Preparation of Examination Papers

Instructors are responsible for preparing midterm and final examination papers approximately one month before the scheduled examination dates. When several parallel sections offer the same course, the course coordinator ensures consistency across examination papers.

The dean reviews and validates the examination papers before forwarding them to the faculty assistant and the OOE.

The OOE manages the reproduction and distribution of examination papers according to its annually established schedule.

4.7 Examination Procedures and Instructions

4.7.1 Examination Scheduling

Course assessments generally include a midterm examination and a final examination.

Examination schedules are established at the beginning of the semester. Students are expected to respect these schedules and prepare accordingly.

4.7.2 Examination Rules

Students must comply with the following instructions during examinations:

Identification and Entry

Students must present their UA identification card to sit for an examination. Those without a valid UA ID card will not be admitted.
Before entering the examination hall, students must verify their identity using the designated tablet-based attendance system. They are then assigned a seat.
After completing the examination and submitting their papers, students must verify their identity again before leaving.
Students may not enter or leave the examination hall during the first 30 minutes after the examination begins. No additional time will be granted.

Authorized and Prohibited Materials

Mobile phones must be switched off and placed on the designated central table following identity verification. Students may not access them during the examination.
Electronic calculators, books, digital storage devices, communication tools, and materials providing access to external information are prohibited unless expressly authorized.
Possession of unauthorized materials constitutes a disciplinary offense. Examination supervisors may confiscate prohibited items.
Students must bring the required writing instruments, laboratory tools, rulers, and other equipment specified for the examination.
Any additional materials or equipment must be authorized by the OOE.
Food and beverages are prohibited in examination halls, except for bottled water.

Writing and Submission Instructions

Students may begin writing only when authorized by the supervisor and must stop immediately when instructed.
Students must write their name and identification number on their examination papers.
At the end of the examination, students must submit their answers and the examination questionnaire to the supervisor before leaving.
Students must write using a single ink color, either black or blue, with a gel or ballpoint pen.
Pencils are permitted only for graphic work or specialized assessment requirements.
Correction pens, correction tape, and erasable pens are permitted.
Students may cross out incorrect answers or text they do not wish to have considered during grading.
All written responses must be legible.

Conduct and Disciplinary Requirements

Communication between students during an examination is strictly prohibited.
Students who disturb or distract others may be required to change seats or may be removed from the examination hall.
Failure to comply with examination instructions constitutes a disciplinary offense.
Students taking practical examinations must comply with the applicable laboratory safety regulations.
Supervisors must report any violations to the OOE and inform the student concerned that the incident will be reported.
The University maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward examination fraud.
Disciplinary sanctions are applied in accordance with the relevant procedures established by University regulations.

4.8 Absence From Examinations

Students who do not attend a midterm or final examination receive a grade of zero for that examination, except in cases of exceptional circumstances beyond their control. Such circumstances may include hospitalization or the death of an immediate family member, such as a parent, spouse, or sibling. Students must provide appropriate supporting documentation to justify their absence.

When the circumstances are accepted, students may be authorized to take a make-up examination within the applicable timeframe, subject to payment of the fees established by the Financial Administration.

If the make-up examination is scheduled after the semester has ended, the course result is temporarily recorded as I (Incomplete) in the SIS. Following successful completion of the make-up examination, the final course result is recorded in the SIS.

4.9 Appeals of Final Examination Results

Following midterm examinations, instructors provide students with copies of their examination papers. Final examination papers, however, are archived by the OOE and are not made available to students, in accordance with the University’s ownership of examination materials under Lebanese law.

Students wishing to contest a final examination result may submit a formal appeal to their faculty. The OOE reviews the request by verifying the grades assigned to the examination’s different components and checking the accuracy of the final calculation. If a calculation error is identified, the OOE corrects the result in consultation with the dean concerned. If the review confirms the original grade, a penalty equivalent to 25% of the final examination grade is applied.

4.10 Thesis and Final Project Assessment

Each faculty establishes its own procedures for assessing research theses and final-year projects. Assessment generally involves a defense before a panel, whose members collectively evaluate the student’s work.

While procedures may vary between faculties, all assessments aim to determine the academic quality, relevance, and contribution of the thesis or project in accordance with the applicable academic standards.

Article 5: Graduation Requirements and Procedures

5.1 Graduation Requirements

5.1.1 Students Enrolled Under the Former Academic System

To qualify for graduation, students initially enrolled under the former academic system must:

validate all credits required by their study plan;
fulfill all academic requirements, including any mandatory remedial or intensive refresher courses;
meet all other admission requirements established by the University;
maintain appropriate conduct on campus;
settle all outstanding tuition fees and financial obligations to the University.

5.1.2 Students Enrolled Under the New Academic System

To qualify for their first diploma, students initially enrolled under the new academic system must:

validate all credits required by their study plan;
fulfill all academic requirements, including any mandatory remedial or intensive refresher courses;
meet all other admission requirements established by the University;
achieve the minimum overall cumulative GPA or general average required by their program;
achieve the minimum discipline-specific cumulative GPA required by their program;
maintain appropriate conduct on campus;
settle all outstanding tuition fees and financial obligations to the University.

5.2 Diploma Issuance

Once students have fulfilled the applicable graduation requirements, they may submit a diploma request to their faculty. The faculty forwards the request, together with confirmation that all academic program requirements have been satisfied, to the OOR.

After verification of the academic, administrative, and financial requirements, the diploma is issued and signed by the Rector, the Secretary General, and the dean. The diploma is then delivered to the student through the Secretariat General.

The Secretariat General also issues an official academic transcript detailing the student’s performance in the courses included in their study program. This document bears the signature of the Secretary General.

The original diploma is issued only once. Certified copies may be requested when necessary.

Academic Rules and Regulations | Antonine University