2009-2010 Graduate Academic Catalog

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.