Changing to Degree Candidacy (Matriculation)
Audit and Alumni Audit
Credit by Nontraditional Means
Old Credits Policy
Changing to Degree Candidacy (Matriculation)
Non-matriculated students interested in degree candidacy should consult an academic advisor before applying for admission to a degree program. An applicant for matriculation must have at least a 2.0 average at Rider and meet the admissions requirements as described for degree candidates. (Specific majors may require a higher grade point average.)
When students qualify for matriculation, they will receive credit toward their degrees for all applicable courses previously completed satisfactorily. Students are bound by the degree requirements and transfer credit policy in effect at the time of matriculation.
Students who have earned more than 21 credits at Rider as non-degree candidates may be asked to explain their educational goals and, if appropriate, to matriculate.
Audit and Alumni Audit
Students who want to attend classes without taking examinations or receiving grades may audit courses when class space allows. Audited classes will be indicated with the notation of “X” on the transcript.
The extent to which an auditor may take part in a course’s activities is determined by the student and the instructor. In addition to the audit fee, students auditing a course carrying separate fees must pay all such required fees.
Students who want to enroll as auditors should apply and register with the CEP admissions counselor during the scheduled evenings of the first week of class. Students who register on an audit basis may not change from audit to credit during a semester. However, a student who has audited a course may take that same course for credit in a later semester at full tuition.
Students who register on an audit basis may not change from audit to credit during a semester, except during the add period. Students originally registered for credit may change to audit status during the add/drop period. Students should refer to the academic calendar of each term [Spring, Summer, Fall, JTerm] for specific add and drop/add dates.
Rider alumni who want to audit courses receive a special discount and should contact a CEP admissions counselor.
Credit by Nontraditional Means
Credit earned for college-level knowledge obtained through means other than traditional classroom work at an accredited college may be considered for transfer. Students should consult with a CEP admissions counselor to discuss the transferability of nontraditional credit.
Nontraditional transfer credits include:
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College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits;
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Advanced Placement credits;
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Formal military credits which meet Rider standards and procedures;
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DANTES Subject Standardized Test that meets credit recommendations established by the American Council on Education;
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Validation or assessment of specific courses approved by a Rider faculty member;
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Prior learning assessment (PLA) based on demonstrated learning acquired through life and work experience approved by Rider faculty.
Old Credits Policy
The academic record of a student returning to Rider after an absence of 10 years or more will be re-evaluated to determine the applicability of old courses to present requirements. Grades earned in courses taken 10 years or more before returning will not be counted in the student’s present grade point average. Old courses that are judged applicable to current degree programs will be used to meet degree requirements.