Academic Regulations

General Regulations

  1. The university reserves the right to modify its regulations in accordance with accepted academic standards and requirements.
  2. Students are expected to acquaint themselves with the university’s overall academic policies and with the policies relevant to the specific academic discipline.

Admission

  1. The graduate division is open to all students regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, age or handicap who hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Specific admission requirements appear under each graduate division.
  2. All documents pertaining to admission to the graduate division should be submitted via www.niagara.edu/graduate.
  3. Applicants for nonmatriculated status are required to submit a completed application for nonmatriculated status and all undergraduate and graduate transcripts. An application fee of $30 (U.S. funds), payable to Niagara University, must accompany the application.
  4. English Language Proficiency: Nonnative English speakers seeking admission to Niagara University must verify their proficiency in English by
    NU Admission Requirement
    Exam Score
    TOEFL Paper 550
    TOEFL iBT 79-80
    IELTS 6.0
    CETS 450

    taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A TOEFL score of 550+ (paper exam) is required for admission. Students may take the TOEFL PBT until it is discontinued in their area and submit the scores for two years after the test date. Niagara University will also accept TOEFL internet-based, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the College English Test. Students meeting the admission requirements will also need to provide a writing sample and a conversation evaluation before classes begin. 
  5. Niagara University will offer Conditional Admission to applicants who meet our academic coursework requirements, but need additional English language training. Applicants may apply for Conditional Admission and if granted, must enroll in an accredited language training program approved by Niagara University, i.e. Embassy English. Students who successfully complete the program at the advanced level, C1 or above meet the equivalency of our language proficiency requirement. Conditional Admission may not be used for I-20 issuance.
  6. All credentials submitted for admission become and remain the property of the university.
  7. See specific program for additional admissions requirements.
  8. Challenge exams are not permitted at the graduate level.
  9. Misrepresentations on application forms may result in expulsion or degree revocation.

Immunization Requirements

New York State Public Health Laws 2165 and 2167 require students attending colleges and universities in New York taking six or more credit hours and born on or after Jan. 1, 1957, to demonstrate immunity to measles, mumps and rubella and to be educated about the risk of meningococcal disease.

  1. Measles, Mumps and Rubella:
    First Dose — no sooner than four days prior to the first birthday.
    Second Dose — administered more than 30 days after the first dose and after the age of 15 months.
    As an alternative, the student may present laboratory proof of immunity. The student must submit a dated, legible copy of the lab report that is signed by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant to the office of health services for review and approval.
  2. Meningitis: A record of meningococcal meningitis immunization within the past 10 years, or acknowledgment of meningococcal disease risks and a signed refusal of immunization by the student. Additional information is available at www.niagara.edu/attendancerequirements/

An informational letter explaining all medical requirements is provided to all graduate students by the department with which they have registered or is available at www.niagara.edu/healthcenter. Students must submit required forms directly online at www.niagara.edu/healthcenter and access the link: Required Student Health Forms, then Graduate Forms.

Deadline for submission of all immunization requirements is 30 days before the first day of classes. As per New York state law and university policy, students who fail to submit required documents by the first day of classes will be withdrawn from classes, removed from campus housing and prohibited from campus until their records have been processed. This may have implications for financial aid.

Medical Insurance

As per US Federal Law, medical insurance is required for attendance. Students without coverage may choose to purchase a plan available to NU students. Find out more information about obtaining coverage by contacting Health Services directly at 716.286.8390 or visiting the clinic in the Butler Building. Or go to their website: www.niagara.edu/health-insurance/. In addition, insurance providers may be found directly online at: www.gallagherstudent.com/students/student-home.php?idField=1290 or https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/individual/. The cost of medical insurance and knowledge of the coverage of a specific insurance plan are the sole responsibilities of the student. Students are required to have insurance before attending class.

International Student Medical Insurance

University attendance policy mandates that all international students must purchase the school sponsored U.S.-based health insurance plan. However, students may request a waiver if they carry a U.S.-based health insurance plan, have OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) insurance coverage, or an “unlimited” international plan (meeting all U.S. criteria for health insurance) with a U.S. based claims processing center.

Students who have an "unlimited" international plan with a non-U.S. based claims processing center may also request a waiver, but are encouraged to review all information about the costs of such plans. Please review the International Insurance Fact Sheet found at: www.niagara.edu/assets/healthservices/International-HealthInsurance-Fact-Sheet-2014.pdf.

Students who have OHIP health insurance and would like to request a waiver must submit a copy of their OHIP card and a signed Form 1 Insurance waiver to health services for approval. No other Canadian health insurance plans will be granted a waiver. Deadline to submit such a waiver is 30 days prior to the first day of classes.

For all other non-U.S. based international plans, in addition to unlimited coverage, the student’s insurance must provide at least $5,000 in both repatriation and medical evacuation expenses. No international student shall be permitted to check into the residence halls until all of the specified information is part of the student's permanent record. If the insurance policy lapses, the student will be subject to suspension from NU until health coverage is renewed.

To Purchase the School Sponsored Fairmont Specialty Plan

  • Click the Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (plan administrators).
  • Create an account.
  • Click on “Student Direct Pay Enroll” after you create an account.
  • Choose the coverage option That includes the time period you will be a student at Niagara and process your payment.
  • It will take 24 hours for your payment to process. (ID Cards are usually available 5-7 business days after your eligibility is confirmed).
  • You will need to supply the following documents directly to Health Services:
  • A photocopy of your insurance card, front and back
  • A completed Form 1 — Insurance Waiver

Ontario, Canada, Students Must Provide the Following to Health Services

  • A copy of your OHIP card, front and back
  • A completed Form 1 — Insurance Waiver

Students Not Purchasing the School Sponsored Insurance Plan Must Provide the Following to Health Services

Certification from your insurance company that they offer unlimited coverage as well as at least $5,000 in both repatriation and medical evacuation expenses.

  • A copy of your insurance card, front and back
  • A completed Form 1 — Insurance Waiver