Academic Policies & Catalog

USV maintains clear academic policies to ensure student success, uphold integrity, and provide a safe, equitable learning environment.

Overview

The University of Silicon Valley is committed to high standards of creativity, professionalism, and academic integrity. These policies are designed to support student growth, foster a collaborative community, and maintain the credibility of our degrees.

Full policy details, including GPA calculations, attendance rules, and graduation audits, are published in the official USV Catalog.

Key Policies

Statement of Nondiscrimination

USV is an equal opportunity institution and employer, committed to nondiscrimination in admissions, employment, and access to programs. Decisions are made regardless of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, or any other protected status.

Class Standing

Freshman: 0–30 credits

Sophomore: 31–60 credits

Junior: 61–90 credits

Senior: 90+ credits

Attendance

On-Campus: Students are expected to attend all class sessions. Missing 14 consecutive days may result in withdrawal.
Online/Hybrid: Students must submit at least one gradable item per week in online courses; hybrid students must attend in-person at least once a week. Non-participation for 14 consecutive days may result in withdrawal.
On-Campus: Students are expected to attend all class sessions. Missing 14 consecutive days may result in withdrawal.
Online/Hybrid: Students must submit at least one gradable item per week in online courses; hybrid students must attend in-person at least once a week. Non-participation for 14 consecutive days may result in withdrawal.

Grading System

USV uses a 4.0 GPA scale. Letter grades (A–F) are included in GPA calculations; other designations (e.g., W, P, T) are not.

Midterm Academic Performance

Students below a “C” average at midterm are contacted and supported through Student Success Plans.

Graduation Requirements

Undergraduate: Complete catalog requirements with a 2.0 GPA.
Graduate: Complete catalog requirements with a 3.0 GPA.
Undergraduate: Complete catalog requirements with a 2.0 GPA.
Graduate: Complete catalog requirements with a 3.0 GPA.

All degrees must be finished within 150% of published program length.

Academic Honors

President’s Honor Roll: 3.80+ GPA (12+ credits)
Dean’s Honor Roll: 3.50–3.79 GPA (12+ credits)
Graduation Honors: Cum laude (3.50), Magna cum laude (3.80), Summa cum laude (4.0)
President’s Honor Roll: 3.80+ GPA (12+ credits)
Dean’s Honor Roll: 3.50–3.79 GPA (12+ credits)
Graduation Honors: Cum laude (3.50), Magna cum laude (3.80), Summa cum laude (4.0)

Academic Honesty

Cheating, plagiarism, falsifying records, and similar misconduct are strictly prohibited. Violations may result in failing grades and disciplinary action per the Student Handbook.

Academic Freedom

Faculty and students may explore and discuss controversial or dissenting views in class, provided reasoning and communication are evaluated fairly.

Independent Study

Available to students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who wish to pursue approved projects outside the standard curriculum, with faculty sponsorship and dean approval.

Student Responsibilities

Students are Responsible For

Knowing and following USV’s academic policies and procedures.
Monitoring their progress toward graduation.
Complying with the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.
Maintaining honesty and integrity in all academic work.
Knowing and following USV’s academic policies and procedures.
Monitoring their progress toward graduation.
Complying with the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.
Maintaining honesty and integrity in all academic work.