Inspiring Greatness Graduate Academic Catalog 2009–10
Information in this document is intended to accurately represent the philosophy and process of graduate education at Cedarville University. However, the University reserves the right to change, without notice, statements in this catalog concerning policies, fees, curricula, course offerings, and other matters. 2009–10 Graduate Academic Catalog A Baptist University of Arts, Sciences, and Professional Programs Established in 1887 Introduction...................................................... 2 Profile.............................................................................. 2 History............................................................................. 2 Mission............................................................................ 2 Accreditation. .................................................................. 2 Distinctives...................................................................... 3 Campus Setting...............................................................3 The Cedarville Graduate Experience..............3 Community Covenant......................................................3 Standards of Conduct.....................................................3 Admissions....................................................... 4 General Information........................................................4 Standards........................................................................ 4 How to Apply...................................................................4 Conditional Acceptance...................................................5 Academic Information.....................................5 Registration Process.......................................................5 Drop/Add Policy...............................................................5 Continuation As an Active Student..................................6 Withdrawal Policy............................................................6 Grading System..............................................................6 Grade Points and Point Averages...................................7 Probation and Suspension Policies.................................7 Attendance...................................................................... 7 Controlling Catalog..........................................................8 Course Load....................................................................8 Repeating Courses.........................................................8 Independent Study..........................................................8 Transfer Credits...............................................................8 Transient Study...............................................................8 Graduation Requirements and Procedure.......................8 Second Graduate Degree...............................................8 Student Responsibility....................................................8 Academic Misconduct.....................................................9 Academic Advising..........................................................9 Financial Information........................................9 University Financial Operating Policy..............................9 Financial Registration Policy...........................................9 Making Payment.............................................................9 Notification of the University Bill......................................9 Payment Penalties..........................................................9 Interest Rates..................................................................9 Financial Aid.................................................................. 10 Veterans Training Benefits and Dependents Educational Assistance..................................................................... 10 Refund and Withdrawal................................................. 10 Federal Refund..............................................................11 Federal Refund Policy for Stafford Loans.......................11 Academic Programs........................................12 Master of Education......................................................12 Licensure and Certification...........................................13 Admissions Standards..................................................13 Admissions Process......................................................13 Background Checks for Clinical Experiences................13 Tuition Cost...................................................................13 Financial Aid and Scholarships..................................... 13 Accreditation. ................................................................ 13 Academic Course Load.................................................13 Transfer Credits.............................................................13 Graduation Requirements.............................................13 Program Delivery...........................................................13 Housing for M.Ed. Students.......................................... 13 Campus Services............................................14 Summer Housing Information.......................................14 Library........................................................................... 14 Computer Services.......................................................14 Computer Help..............................................................14 E-mail............................................................................ 14 Recreation Center.........................................................14 Food Services...............................................................14 Campus Safety..............................................................15 Course Descriptions.......................................15 Contents
2 Cedarville University Graduate Education 2009–10 Graduate Education Introduction Introduction Profile Cedarville University is a Christ-centered, Baptist university of arts, sciences, graduate, and professional programs. Since its founding, Cedarville has coupled a balanced liberal arts program with a conservative, theological position in regard to doctrine and patterns of conduct. All classes are taught by dedicated Christian professors who integrate the knowledge of their respective fields with biblical perspectives. History Cedarville College was established on January 26, 1887, through the vision of five godly men who dreamed of a college that would provide Christian young people with education that was offered within a spiritual framework. Affiliated with the Reformed Presbyterian Church, the College attracted many area students and built its first building, “Old Main,” now called “Founders Hall,” in 1895. Year after year, Cedarville attracted a record number of students and soon gained a reputation not only for its Bible teaching but also for its liberal arts program. The turbulence of the first 50 years of the 20th century led to hard times for the College. Following WWII and one final attempt at revitalization, the trustees realized that the enrollment could not support expenses. The College would have to find another church group to assume its operation or close its doors. At that time the trustees of the Baptist Bible Institute of Cleveland, Ohio, were seeking a campus on which to expand. Hearing of Cedarville College, they visited the campus and were convinced that Cedarville was the site that God had chosen for their school. Upon mutual agreement by both trustee boards, ownership of the College was transferred on April 4, 1953. Cedarville College became a Baptist college of arts and sciences. James T. Jeremiah, the pastor who first suggested the Baptist Bible Institute-Cedarville College connection, was called to be the College’s president. Soon the College was alive and flourishing. By 1959, the enrollment had grown to 255. Faculty, staff, and facilities were added. Six years later the student body had nearly tripled to 763. By the end of Dr. Jeremiah’s 25-year tenure as president in 1978, the College’s enrollment had grown to more than 1,200 students. Paul Dixon was then called to lead Cedarville College. Through his leadership, the College flourished in every area, with nearly 3,000 students, more than 100 programs of study, and many new facilities. During the 1998–99 school year, the College initiated its first graduate degree program and, in 2002, graduated its first class to receive the Master of Education degree. In April of 2000, the board of trustees voted to change the designation of the institution from college to university effective September 1, 2000. Under the leadership of the current University president, Dr. William Brown, the future looks bright for Cedarville University as it seeks God’s continued blessing. Mission Cedarville University is a Christ-centered learning community equipping students for lifelong leadership and service through an education marked by excellence and grounded in biblical truth. To achieve this purpose, the University seeks to accomplish the following objectives: 1. To undergird the student in the fundamentals of the Christian faith and to stimulate each student to evaluate knowledge in the light of scriptural truth. 2. To encourage growth in Christian character in each student and to help the student accept responsibility in faithful Christian service. 3. To increase the student’s awareness of the world of ideas and events which are influencing our contemporary culture and to prepare the student to knowledgeably participate in our society. 4. To enable the student to develop sound critical and analytical reasoning. 5. To provide sufficient opportunities for students to practice the skills of communication. 6. To offer opportunities for academic specialization and preparation for graduate study and to assist the student in selecting and preparing for a vocation. 7. To foster the student’s appreciation of and participation in wholesome avocational and cultural activities. Accreditation Cedarville University is a four-year and graduate degreegranting institution chartered by the state of Ohio and certified by the Ohio Board of Regents. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, web: www.ncahlc.org, phone: 312-263-0456. Accreditation information for individual programs is included in the Academic Programs section in this catalog. Cedarville University also holds membership in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. For a listing of additional memberships, visit www.cedarville.edu/accreditation. Information concerning accrediting agencies and respective accreditation requirements is available in the office of the academic vice president.
2009–10 Cedarville University Graduate Education 3 Graduate Education The Cedarville Graduate Experience Distinctives The primary intention of all graduate and professional programs at Cedarville University is to provide educational programs characterized by four distinctives: • Biblical integration: Consistent with the University’s primary mission to “provide an education marked by excellence and grounded in biblical truth,” all graduate and professional programs seek to integrate the knowledge base of their disciplines with the principles and precepts of Scripture. Students are encouraged to develop a biblically based faith and life perspective concerning material presented in all graduate courses. • Practical intervention: Graduate and professional programs at Cedarville University are created to meet the needs of Christians as they wrestle with the opportunities and challenges presented in a variety of profit and nonprofit career fields. Students are encouraged to focus on problem-solving approaches to real issues in all graduate courses. • Personal interaction: Graduate and professional programs at Cedarville University are designed to promote interaction among students and teachers as a learning community committed to articulating, assessing, and acting on ideas. Students are encouraged to engage in team-based cooperation in all graduate courses. • Technological innovation: Graduate and professional programs at Cedarville University build upon the capabilities provided by the University’s CedarNet computer network to empower both program participants and instructors to calculate, communicate, collaborate, and contribute more effectively and efficiently. Students are encouraged to aggressively use computer technology in course assignments and educational teaching environments. Campus Setting Cedarville University is located on 400 acres at the north edge of the village of Cedarville, Ohio, a quiet town with a population of approximately 4,000. Founded in 1816 at the junction of two state routes, the village and its surrounding area have long provided a wholesome environment for learning. This pleasant setting continues today. Downtown Cedarville features the historic Cedarville Opera House, Cedarville Hardware, two banks, haircutting establishments, post office, pharmacy, convenience store/gas station, a few restaurants, and two coffee shops. Within a mile of the University, Massie Creek and an adjacent park offer recreation and picnic facilities alongside the Little Miami Bike Trail. Rolling hills and farms border the village and University. This beautiful area, which extends westward to John Bryan State Park, has been recognized as one of the most scenic in the Midwest. Cedarville University is conveniently situated with easy access to shopping areas in the cities of Xenia, Beavercreek, Dayton, and Springfield. The University lies in the center of a triangle formed by three interstate highways, I-70, I-75, and I-71, and thus enjoys quick access to Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati. These metropolitan areas offer fine dining, professional sporting events, concerts, and employment opportunities. The Cedarville Graduate Experience Community Covenant The Cedarville University community, as brothers and sisters in Christ, covenants together to uphold the following core values as an important part of the mutual support and accountability that we extend to one another. We do not view these core values as matters of mere convenience or personal preference. We believe they are essential marks of lives transformed by God’s grace. As a community of born-again believers, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of these marks of spiritual growth and maturity so that God may be glorified on our campus. • We covenant together to express our love for God through our obedience to the authority of His Word, our practice of spiritual disciplines, and regular expressions of worship and Christian service. • We covenant together to express our love for others through acts of kindness, wholesome and uplifting speech, redemptive expressions of confrontation and forgiveness, merciful acts to those in need, and loving proclamation of the Gospel. • We covenant together to be people of integrity and selfcontrol, truthful in our speech, honest in our conduct, and morally pure in both thought and action. • We covenant together to pursue excellence in all that we do as an expression of our gratitude to God and our desire to be good stewards of all God’s gifts, including our talents, time, and resources. Standards of Conduct At Cedarville University, we believe that the principles found in the Bible should govern our daily lives. We recognize that our appearance, words, and actions are a manifestation of our relationship to Christ and a testimony to believers. In addition, we believe that regular attendance and involvement in a local church is evidence of a maturing relationship with Christ. All graduate students are expected to adhere to the guidelines below. You may access these guidelines online at www.cedarville.edu/gradapply/studentlife. • As a community of born-again believers, we believe that pleasing and glorifying God in all that we do and say is an expression of our gratitude to God’s grace and love in our lives (1 Cor. 10:31; 2 Cor. 5:9). We believe it is important to be people of integrity who are truthful in speech and honest in conduct. Therefore, all should seek to serve Christ in an atmosphere free from attitudes of distrust, dishonesty, selfishness, damaging criticism, disrespect, favoritism, unethical conduct, and irreverence (Psalm 15; Matt. 5:33–37; Prov. 15:4; Rom. 13:9–10; Col. 3:8–9; James 2:1–13; Gal. 3:26–29; Rom. 13:1–2; I Tim. 2:8). • The University affirms its belief that our interpersonal relationships are to reflect the biblical principle that all people are made in God’s image and are equal in value. We believe it is important to express our love for others through acts of kindness as well as wholesome and uplifting speech (I Peter 5:5; Eph. 5:21; Phil. 2:3–11; Rom. 14:1–23; I Thess. 4:9; Col. 3:12–13). Therefore, it is the expectation that all forms of harassment (which include racial/ethnic, and sexual- and gender-based harassment) are prohibited. In addition, we believe threatening, intimidating, coercing, using abusive or vulgar language, violence or violent threats, or interfering with the performance of other employees are neither God-honoring nor acceptable behaviors within or outside the work place.
4 Cedarville University Graduate Education 2009–10 Graduate Education Admissions • Because of our commitment to moral purity in both thought and action (2 Cor. 7:1; 1 John 3:3), all acts of sexual immorality are viewed as unacceptable behavior (I Cor. 6:18–20; 1 Thess. 4:3–8). • Because of our commitment to moral purity in thought and action (2 Cor. 7:1; 1 John 3:3; Matt. 5:27–28), accessing, possessing, and distributing or downloading pornography is prohibited. • We believe that God has given the gift of intimacy to marriage (Hebrews 13:4). Therefore, we believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should occur outside of marriage. We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman (Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; I Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22–23). Based on our commitment to moral purity and the gift of intimacy in marriage, we believe that all acts of sexual immorality are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex, i.e., homosexuality, lesbianism, incest, fornication, adultery (Rom. 1:21–27; I Cor. 6:9; Gen. 2:24; Eph. 5:31). Therefore, engaging in, living a lifestyle characterized by, or promoting a lifestyle that is in contradiction to this biblical position is prohibited. Graduate students living on campus will have additional standards of conduct expectations as a member of the Cedarville University residential community. Behavior that is not in compliance with the above standards of conduct or that are a felony violation of state or federal law can result in corrective action up to and including expulsion from the University. Admissions General Information Admission to Cedarville University graduate and professional programs is managed by the associated academic department in cooperation with the graduate admissions office. Some programs have distinctive requirements, but the application process is similar. All admissions are competitive and reflect the judgment of the academic department for which admission is being sought. Those making admission decisions take into account the student’s potential to complete a particular program. Standards The Graduate Admissions Committee carefully considers each applicant’s total record, seeking to make admission decisions that will result in the best fit between the applicant’s interests and abilities and the University’s expectations and values. Cedarville University invites applications for its graduate and professional programs from college graduates who are able to present strong academic records and a testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. Applicants generally have a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university, or an institution specially recognized by Cedarville University. How to Apply All forms including the admissions application are available at www.cedarville.edu/academics/graduate/admission. 1. Complete and submit the Graduate Programs Application for Admission along with a $30 non-refundable application fee. The essay section should be typed (1000-word maximum). The essay will be used to assess both content and communication factors in evaluating your potential success in completing the graduate program. 2. Submit completed recommendation forms from the following: a. Supervisor/employer b. Church leader c. Colleague 3. Request an official transcript to be sent to Cedarville University from each college and/or university attended. The transcript for your baccalaureate degree must indicate the month and date the degree was granted. 4. Submit the appropriate standardized test score as required by your particular field of study. The test must have been taken within the last five years prior to applying. Please note: The GRE is required of all degreeseeking students. However, a student who is granted conditional acceptance may take up to 11 credit hours before completing the GRE requirement. (See Conditional Acceptance.) Successful applicants typically have received competitive scores on their program-appropriate nationally standardized exams. The organizations sponsoring these national exams explicitly discourage the use of absolute cutoff scores and urge all educational institutions to consider the scores within the context of the student’s entire application package. Accordingly, scores from nationally standardized exams will be considered along with other factors in making final admission decisions. 5. International students must submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores when English is a second language. Typically a web-based score of 80 is required. The test must have been taken within the last five years unless the applicant has completed an entire baccalaureate or graduate program in residence in the United States. Applicants for graduate and professional programs may be interviewed by a member of the graduate admissions committee and, where beneficial, by representatives from the graduate program for which admission is being sought. The director of graduate admissions will be responsible for arranging these interviews. The application, its supporting documents, and a course registration form should be submitted to the graduate admissions office a minimum of two weeks before the first class session. Extenuating circumstances for late acceptance will be considered on a case-by-case basis, enabling a student to temporarily attend classes before being officially accepted. However, any student who has not completed the admissions process by the start of the second class in either the fall or spring term or by the start of the second week of the summer session will not be permitted to attend further classes. In this case, tuition payments will not be refunded.
2009–10 Cedarville University Graduate Education 5 Graduate Education Academic Information Conditional Acceptance A student may be granted conditional acceptance and permitted to take up to 11 credit hours (unless otherwise stipulated) for any of the following reasons: • Official copies of transcripts have not yet been received by the University. • GRE scores have not yet been received by the University. • The student’s academic record does not meet typical graduate admission standards but shows potential for success. The decision to grant conditional status is made by the Graduate Admissions Committee. Applicants should feel free to contact the graduate admissions office to check on the status of materials received. Academic Information Cedarville University graduate and professional programs are designed to meet the professional, personal, and spiritual needs of adults who desire to honor God with their careers and lives. Truth from Scripture is integrated with the knowledge taught in each course to provide effective learning and enduring life values. The knowledge and skills learned from the curricular experiences provide adults with an excellent background for professional competence in their chosen fields. Registration Process Registration dates for each session are listed in the University academic calendar and on the graduate admissions website at www.cedarville.edu/graduate. Early registration periods may be designated for currently enrolled students. Registration materials are distributed by mail prior to the respective registration periods. These materials include the appropriate registration forms, instructions, and a class schedule for the semester. Additionally, registration information, including available course offerings and sections, are available online at www.cedarville.edu/graduate. Prior to submitting a course registration form, the student is encouraged to consult with his/her academic advisor to discuss course options and class schedules. Although each student has an academic advisor to help with scheduling, the student is responsible for the chosen class schedule and course of study. Completed course registration forms should be mailed, faxed, or brought to the graduate admissions office. Course selections are then checked against available openings, and a final course schedule is confirmed. To complete registration, students must make financial arrangements for payment of the amount due. (See Financial Registration Policy.) Classification of Students Graduate students are classified by the number of hours for which they are enrolled, as follows: • Full-time students are those who have met the requirements for admission as determined by the Graduate Admissions Committee, are enrolled in a degree program, and are carrying at least eight semester hours of credit in that academic semester. • Part-time students are those who have met the requirements for admission as determined by the Graduate Admissions Committee, are seeking a degree, and are taking fewer than eight semester hours. • Non-degree seeking students are those who are taking courses but not working toward a graduate degree. Since degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students complete the same application, written permission from the dean or director of a graduate program is all that is needed for a student to become degree-seeking. Graduate students are also classified according to their relationship to formal programs, as follows: • Regular status: the student has met all of the requirements for admission to the graduate program. • Conditional status: the student has applied for admission to the graduate program at Cedarville University but must meet some prerequisite of his/her graduate program or must complete some part of the application process (see Conditional Status). • Transient status: the student is enrolled and in good standing in a graduate degree program at another institution, has written authorization from the appropriate officials at that institution to take graduate courses at Cedarville University, meets all the registration requirements for the course (for example, prerequisites), and has been accepted for transient status by the Graduate Admissions Committee. Drop/Add Policy Changes in the course schedule may be made through the drop/add process. Course drop/add forms are available in the office of the registrar. The form must be signed by both the course instructor and the appointed representative of the graduate program. The effective date of the course change is the date the registrar receives the completed form. When adding a class, the student is required to make up any work missed because of late entrance, assuming that the instructor is willing to allow late entrance into his/her course. No courses may be added without the approval of the appointed representative of the particular graduate program and the approval of the faculty member teaching the course.
6 Cedarville University Graduate Education 2009–10 Graduate Education Academic Information Grading System A This grade is given in recognition of excellent achievement by those at the very top of their class. A- This grade is given in recognition of excellent achievement. B+ This grade is given in recognition of achievement distinctively above that expected at the graduate level. B This grade indicates achievement expected of graduate students. B- This grade is given for achievement somewhat less than that expected of most graduate students. C+ This grade indicates below average achievement but somewhat more than minimal meeting of the course requirements. C This grade indicates below average achievement and a minimally satisfactory meeting of requirements. This is the lowest grade for which credit can be earned toward a graduate degree. F This grade reveals accomplishment that is inferior in quality and is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of course requirements. Grades at this level will not be accepted for credit toward a graduate degree. At the graduate level of study at Cedarville University there is no provision for grades of “D.” I An “I” signifying “incomplete” is a temporary grade given when a student is unable to complete the work for a course on time because of extraordinary circumstances, such as illness, emergency, or other reasonable cause. This temporary grade does not influence the student’s grade point average. To be considered for an incomplete, the student must be passing the course and have completed the majority of the coursework. An incomplete should not be given merely because a student fails to complete all the course requirements on time. The instructor giving the incomplete will establish an appropriate completion date with the student by using the Incomplete Contract form which is available at www.cedarville.edu/registrar. This date may extend to the end of the semester following the one in which the course was taken. If the work is not completed by the designated date, the incomplete will be changed to an “F” and will be calculated as such in the student’s grade point average. INC This notation indicates a “permanent incomplete,” a grade assigned in special situations by the faculty member with the approval of the dean or director of a particular graduate program. This permanent grade does not influence the student’s grade point average. To receive a permanent incomplete, the faculty member should submit the appropriate form to the academic vice president identifying the circumstances warranting this special grade. If a permanent incomplete is awarded, the grade may not be changed at a future date. To receive credit for the course, the student must again register for the course and complete the course requirements. K The notation “K” signifies credit and accompanies courses transferred from other colleges or universities. It has no affect upon cumulative grade point average. CR The mark of “CR” means that credit hours have been earned for a course for which a letter grade was not deemed appropriate during development of the course. Courses for which a “CR” is possible must be so designated prior to the offering of the course. That is, a teacher cannot award a “CR” in a course in lieu of a grade unless that course has been administratively declared as having a “CR” option before the course began. Courses for which a “CR” is awarded do not count in the computation of the grade point average. NC The mark “NC” means that no credit has been earned. Credit hours for which an “NC” has been earned are not used in the computation of grade point averages. Failure to properly drop a class will result in a grade of “Z.” (See Grading System.) When a course is dropped properly during the fall or spring terms, the action is recorded as follows: Fall and Spring Saturday-Only Format Week Course Is Dropped Action Before the start of the second class No record on transcript After the start of the second class W – Withdrawn Summer Modules Week Course Is Dropped Action Before the start of the second class No record on transcript After the start of the second class W – Withdrawn but before the start of the third class (one-week module) or second week (two- or three-week module) Changes in a schedule caused by cancellation of courses by the University will not result in financial penalty. For information concerning refunds due for dropped courses, see Financial Information. Continuation As an Active Student Graduate students who fail to take courses or otherwise choose not to pursue their graduate education (for example, as a transient student at another college/university) for a period exceeding two calendar years will automatically be retired from the active files of the office of the registrar. Reapplication for admission will be required to reactivate the student’s records. Withdrawal Policy The following procedure must be followed to properly withdraw from the University: 1. Obtain an official withdrawal form from the office of the registrar. 2. Request a refund for any funds due from the cashiers office at least three days prior to withdrawal. See Refund and Withdrawal in the Financial Information section of this catalog. Student transcripts will be marked with the appropriate grade once withdrawal is complete in accordance with established University policy. (See Drop/Add Policy.)
2009–10 Cedarville University Graduate Education 7 Graduate Education Academic Information NP The mark “NP” is used to indicate that the student did not pass a prerequisite skill course. P The mark “P” is used to indicate that the student passed a prerequisite skill course. W The mark “W” is used to indicate that the student withdrew from the course during the second, third, or fourth week. WP The mark “WP” is used to indicate that the student is “passing” when a course is dropped following the fourth week and before the week of final examinations. WF The “WF” is used after the fourth week of the semester if the student is “failing” at the time of withdrawal. A “WF” is treated in the same manner as the “F” grade when figuring the grade point average. Z The mark “Z” indicates that the student did not complete the course but did not officially withdraw. A “Z” is treated in the same manner as the “F” grade when figuring the grade point average. Grade Points and Point Averages Cedarville University uses the four-point system to determine academic averages. Grade points are awarded as follows: Grade Grade Points A 4.0 A- 3.7 B+ 3.3 B 3.0 B- 2.7 C+ 2.3 C 2.0 F 0.0 The grade point average is computed by dividing the total grade points earned by the total hours attempted. Grades are issued at the end of each semester. It is the responsibility of each student to discuss his/her academic achievement with his/her instructor. Grade Appeal Process Grading system and criteria used by each faculty member should be included in the syllabus distributed to the class at the beginning of the term. Any modifications of such criteria or system should be explained publicly to the students in the class. Each student in the class is to be evaluated on the same basis, unless there are alternative options which are available to each student in the class. A student who believes that a grade received is incorrectly recorded, inaccurate, unfairly awarded or based on criteria different than that applied to other students in the same class may initiate a grade appeal. The process for grade appeals is available on the website of the Academic Vice President (www.cedarville.edu/academics/avp) using the “Policies” link from that page. That information may also be obtained by calling the office of the academic vice president at 937-766-7770. Probation and Suspension Policies The minimum cumulative grade point average required to maintain good academic standing is 3.0. A student whose cumulative grade point average falls below a 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students may be placed on academic suspension if • their cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.5 at any time, • they receive grades of less than B- for 25% or more of the total credit hours required for their graduate program, or • they remain on academic probation after completing 50% of the semester hours required for their graduate degree program. Academic suspension occurs upon evaluation by the dean or director of a particular graduate program (in consultation with the departments sponsoring either the degree or the career concentration of a degree). A student receiving veterans benefits who is on academic probation after half of the hours for a given degree program are completed, or whose cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.5, will be reported to the Veterans Administration. The veterans’ benefits for such a student will be terminated unless the student is making progress toward meeting the minimum academic requirements for graduation. A student on academic suspension may apply for readmission during any semester in the regular academic year following the semester of suspension. If a period of less than two years has transpired from the time of the suspension, the student may apply by simply sending a letter to the dean or director of the particular graduate program requesting readmission. Before that letter is written, the student must contact the dean or director of the particular graduate program for information which must be addressed in the letter. If a period greater than two years has transpired since the time of suspension, the student will be considered as a new student and will be asked to complete all the materials required of first-time applicants. Attendance Regular attendance is necessary for the student to receive full benefit from the University experience. University policy allows each faculty member to determine and develop reasonable attendance standards which will meet the particular needs of the course. See syllabi for attendance requirements for individual courses.
8 Cedarville University Graduate Education 2009–10 Graduate Education Academic Information Controlling Catalog The Graduate Catalog in use when a student first enrolls governs his/her graduation requirements unless that catalog is over five years old or that student has left and then sought to reenroll more than two years later. Consequently, that catalog should be retained and used as a guide in case changes are made in course or graduation requirements during the time the student is enrolled. A student may select a subsequent catalog if the student wishes, but all requirements from that catalog must be completed. Course Load A student’s academic load for any given term is subject to reduction or limitation by the dean or director of a particular graduate program for poor scholarship or excessive work responsibilities outside of school hours. Students who wish to take more than 12 credit hours in a given term must obtain permission from the dean or director of their graduate program. Repeating Courses Any course may be repeated once with the approval of the dean or director of the program sponsoring the course. When a student repeats a course, both grades are calculated into the cumulative grade point average. Credit hours for a repeated course count only once toward the credits needed for graduation. Independent Study On occasion special student circumstances may suggest that an independent study course option should be considered. Such an option might recognize opportunities to explore areas not covered in normal course structure, rewarding self-motivated students and encouraging joint study by faculty and students on specialized projects. Individual students and faculty members develop the specific criteria that must be met for the successful completion of independent study projects. However, the following guidelines govern the independent study program: • Only one independent study project may be undertaken in an academic term. • The maximum credit that may be earned for any one independent study project is three semester hours. • The faculty member supervising the independent study and the dean or director of a particular graduate program must sign the student’s independent study form. Registration for the independent study must occur at the beginning of the semester in which the work is to be completed. • No more than six semester hours in independent study may be counted toward the graduate degree. • In general independent study projects cannot be taken in lieu of required courses unless special arrangements have been made through the department sponsoring the course and the director of that particular graduate program. • It is the prerogative of individual faculty members to offer independent study courses or not. • Participating faculty members determine the letter grade. Transfer Credits Transfer credit is allowed at the discretion of the University for courses that clearly correspond to required/elective courses offered in the graduate and professional programs at Cedarville University. The dean or director of the academic program is responsible for evaluating all requests for transfer credit within that program. Courses will be considered for transfer evaluation only if: • they were taken at regionally accredited colleges/universities (unless otherwise accepted by the academic department), • a “B” or higher was earned, and • the course was completed not more than seven years prior to the time of the transfer request. Transient Study Coursework to be completed at other institutions by a student enrolled at Cedarville University must be approved by the dean or director of the graduate program at Cedarville that would accept the transfer credit. This approval must occur before the course is taken. Students enrolled in other colleges or universities may take courses at Cedarville University on a “permission to take courses” basis. The application to take courses may be obtained from the graduate admissions office. Graduation Requirements and Procedure Students are responsible to see that all graduation requirements are met. A degree candidate should carefully study the requirements for his/her desired degree (see Academic Programs) as well as the general requirements listed below. • Meet all admission and proficiency requirements. • Submit an application for graduation to the office of the registrar by February 1 of the year the candidate plans to participate in the spring commencement ceremony. This includes graduates who plan to complete their degree programs in the fall following commencement. • Pay any applicable graduation fees. Second Graduate Degree A student who earns a graduate degree from Cedarville University, or any other regionally accredited institution of higher education (or one otherwise recognized by Cedarville University), may apply up to nine semester hours of credit from that degree’s requirements toward the second master’s degree if the receiving department determines the coursework to be equivalent. Student Responsibility Each student assumes full responsibility for knowing Cedarville University standards, regulations, and procedures along with those of the graduate and professional programs. While all personnel at Cedarville University endeavor to help students in every way possible, the responsibility for meeting requirements stated in this catalog rests with the student and not the advisor or the University. Students are responsible for tracking their progress toward meeting all graduation requirements.
2009–10 Cedarville University Graduate Education 9 Graduate Education Financial Information Academic Misconduct All forms of academic misconduct are prohibited by the standards of conduct for graduate students at Cedarville University. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, cheating on examinations or quizzes, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the University by forgery, alteration, or misuse of documents, records, or identification. Typical penalties assigned by the faculty for academic misconduct include, but are not limited to, the following: • Reduction of the letter grade for the work involved • Reduction of the letter grade for the course • Assignment of a failing grade for all work involved • Assignment of a failing grade for the course Any student involved in academic dishonesty is also subject to suspension or dismissal by recommendation of the chair of the department in which the student is enrolled and upon approval of the dean of the respective school. The procedure to address academic dishonesty is as follows: When a faculty member suspects a case of academic dishonesty, the faculty member will confront the student(s) involved. If a faculty member concludes that academic dishonesty has occurred, then the student(s) will be informed in writing of the faculty member’s academic penalty and any other recommended disciplinary action. The faculty member will also provide written notification to the chair of the faculty member’s department and the chair of the department of the student’s major (in the case they are different) to inquire about any previous involvement in academic dishonesty. The faculty member will also provide a copy of the notification to the office of the dean of the school in which the student is enrolled. Any disciplinary action beyond a grade penalty is to be recommended to the chair of the department in which the student is enrolled (e.g., suspension or dismissal). The process for appeals of decisions related to academic misconduct, is available on the website of the academic vice president (www.cedarville.edu/academics/avp) using the “Policies” link from that page. That information may also be obtained by calling the office of the academic vice president at 937-766-7770. Academic Advising Each student is assigned to an academic advisor by the dean or the director of a particular graduate program. The academic advisor offers counsel concerning course scheduling. Students are encouraged to consult their academic advisor prior to registration, whenever an academic problem is encountered, or when considering any changes in their educational program. Financial Information University Financial Operating Policy Tuition and fees are kept as low as possible to be consistent with responsible operation of the University. The revenue from students does not cover the total cost of operation. The University is partially supported by individuals and churches who desire to share in the preparation of young people for effective Christian service in all walks of life. Some funds are received from interested businesses, industries, and foundations. Student costs are subject to change upon reasonable notification by the University. See the Academic Programs section of this catalog for costs associated with specific programs. Financial Registration Policy To enable the University to be responsible in meeting its financial obligations, students must make provision for the payment of their bill at the beginning of each term. A student’s registration for classes indicates a commitment to pay for related charges as stated in this catalog (see Payment Penalties). Students must be financially registered prior to the start of classes each semester. To be financially registered, a student must either • Pay his or her bill in full within the first two days of the start of class, or • Make arrangements with the cashiers office for payment (www.cedarville.edu/cashiers). Students who do not make financial arrangements for the payment of their bill within the first two days of the start of class may not be permitted to attend classes and may be asked to withdraw from the University (see Payment Penalties). Making Payment Payment can be made by check, cash (in person at the cashiers office), or online through our EZPAY system at www.cedarville.edu/ezpay. For your protection, please do not mail cash. Please send payments made payable to: Attn: Cashiers Cedarville University 251 N. Main St. Cedarville, OH 45314 *Please remember to include your student ID number and student name on all checks. Notification of the University Bill Students who pre-register for classes will normally receive a statement based on their pre-registration schedule 10 to 15 days before the semester begins or on the first day of class. A statement of the student’s account is generated each month when that account has activity. Invoices and account statements are directed to students at their current home residence. Students may view their student accounts online using CedarInfo. Payment Penalties Students not making financial arrangements within the first two days of the start of class will be charged a $25 late payment fee. Students with unpaid balances at the end of a semester may be denied enrollment in the next semester or denied grade reports, transcripts, and/or a diploma. Students will be responsible for any fees incurred in the collection of past due accounts. Interest Rates An annual interest rate (currently 15% or 1.25% per month) will be charged from the beginning of the term in which the student first enrolled on any unpaid balance due.
10 Cedarville University Graduate Education 2009–10 Graduate Education Financial Information Financial Aid Financial aid information can be obtained from the financial aid office. The financial aid office serves as a resource center to assist students and their families in exploring alternative sources of educational funding. All questions may be directed to the financial aid office at 937-766-7866 or 1-800-444-2433. Visit Cedarville’s financial aid website at www.cedarville.edu/finaid and the FAFSA website at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Student Rights • You have the right to know what financial aid programs are available at your school. • You have the right to know the deadlines for submitting applications for each of the financial aid programs available. • You have the right to know how financial aid will be distributed, how decisions on that distribution are made, and the basis for these decisions. • You have the right to know how your financial need was determined. This includes how costs for tuition and fees, room and board, travel, books and supplies, personal and miscellaneous expenses, etc., are considered in your budget. • You have the right to know what resources (such as other financial aid, scholarships, your assets, etc.) were considered in the calculation of your need. • You have the right to know how much of your financial need as determined by the institution has been met. • You have the right to request an explanation of the various programs in your student aid package. • You have the right to know your school’s refund policy. Student Responsibilities • You must complete all application forms accurately and submit them on time to the right place. • You must provide correct information. In most instances, misreporting information on financial aid application forms is a violation of law and may be considered a criminal offense which could result in indictment under the U.S. Criminal Code. • You must return all additional documentation, verification, corrections, and/or new information requested by either the financial aid office or the agency to which you submitted your application. • You are responsible for reading and understanding all forms that you are asked to sign and for keeping copies of them. • You must accept responsibility for all agreements that you sign. • You must perform the work upon which you agreed in accepting a University employment award. • You must be aware of and comply with the deadlines for application or reapplication for aid. • You should be aware of your school’s refund procedures. All schools must provide information to prospective students about the school’s programs and performance. You should consider this information carefully before deciding to attend a school. Veterans Training Benefits and Dependents Educational Assistance Cedarville University is approved under Title 38, Chapters 30, 31, 32, 35, 1607, and 1606 U.S. Code for education of veterans and their dependents. Students under Chapters 30, 32, 35, 1606, and 1607 are required to pay the school for all charges. The Veterans Administration in turn pays the students a monthly allowance based upon their training load. Veterans under Chapter 31 are paid a monthly allowance, and the Veterans Administration pays the school for tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Inquiries concerning eligibility should be directed to the contact office of a Veterans Administration regional office. Students planning to study under one of the education laws should receive approval prior to enrolling. A Veterans Administration training officer will contact the University in the case of disabled students’ cases to accomplish this requirement for the student. Cedarville University students who are eligible for veterans’ benefits should contact the office of the registrar. Refund and Withdrawal Students who are either dropping a course or withdrawing from the University before the end of a semester may be eligible for a full or partial refund for tuition. Registration deposits are not refundable. The effective date of withdrawal from the University is the last day of class attendance as determined by the office of the registrar. Tuition and course fee refunds are granted on the following schedule: Fall and Spring Saturday-Only Classes Amount Dates 100% After the first class but before the second class 25% After the second class but before the third class None Any time after the start of the third class Summer One-,Two-, and Three-Week Modules 100% After the first class but before the second class 50% After the second class but before the third class 25% After the third class but before the fourth class None Any time after the start of the fourth class
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