Academic Progress
Grade Point Average (GPA)
In each course, a student earns honor points (grade points) equal to
the product of the arithmetic value of the student's grade in that course
and the credits carried by that course. Grade point averages, both
cumulative and for each term, are then computed based on their arithmetic
values. Graduate students are expected to maintain a GPA of at least 3.0.
Completion Rate
The timely and orderly completion of degree requirements (i.e.,
selection of an advisor, appointment of an advisory committee, filing a
plan of study, completion of any qualifying examinations, and defense of
thesis or other research) also significant measures of completion rate.
Repeating Courses
Students have a right to repeat any course. When a course is repeated,
the new earned grade will replace the original grade. Nevertheless, an
earned grade remains viable on the student’s record until a new grade is
recorded.
Maximum Timeframe
Graduate students are expected to complete the master’s degree within
two academic years of matriculation. Students must complete the master's
degree within five years from the date of initial registration. A student
who exceeds five years of residency in graduate study will be dismissed
from the Division of Graduate Studies for Unsatisfactory Academic
Progress and all credits earned will be voided. A Leave of Absence
granted for academic reasons may automatically extend the maximum
timeframe without negatively impacting this measure of academic progress,
at the discretion of the Graduate Council. Frequent leaves or an extended
(longer than two trimesters) Leave of Absence for non-academic reasons
may represent unsatisfactory academic progress, as determined by Dean of
Graduate Studies or the dean’s designate.
Grades
The recommended grading scale for the Division of Graduate Studies is:
| Grade |
Value |
Description |
|
*A+ |
4.5 |
95%-100% |
Passed with highest honors. |
|
*A |
4.0 |
90%-94% |
Passed with honors. |
|
*B+ |
3.5 |
85%-89% |
Passed with high superior. |
|
*B |
3.0 |
80%-84% |
Passing superior. |
|
*C+ |
2.5 |
75%-79% |
Passing above average. |
|
*C |
2.0 |
70%-74% |
Passing. Less than acceptable performance for
graduate studies. Because of the impact of an additional grade C,
this grade carries indirect potential for dismissal. |
|
F |
0 |
Below 60% |
(No credit) Failing. Signifies failure to fulfill
the objectives of the course, and will result in academic dismissal. |
|
P, PH |
0 |
Pass, Pass Honors: Used only in courses with ‘Pass
or Fail’ grading and can serve to achieve advance standing or fulfill
a prerequisite. |
|
I |
0 |
Incomplete signifies that a serious cause prevented
the student from completely fulfilling the objectives of the course.
This grade will not be awarded unless the student can achieve a
passing average. The student must complete the missing requirements
during the first 10 days of the subsequent term of enrollment or the
Grade ‘I’ will convert to Failing (No Credit). Because of its
convertibility, this grade carries indirect potential for dismissal. |
|
W |
0 |
Withdrawn signifies that the student has officially
withdrawn from the course at or before the institution drop date of
the academic term. (Contact the Institute of Graduate Studies for
proper procedure.) This grade awards no credit for the course.
Students are allowed to voluntarily withdraw from a class twice. |
|
*Carry hours and credits earned, and produce
honor points toward GPA.
|
Academic Status
Academic Probation: When a graduate student earns a
grade “C” in any course taken for graduate credit, that student is placed
on Academic Probation. While on Probation, the student may register for
graduate courses as determined by their Advisory Committee, but must earn
at least a grade “B” in each course taken in the next term of
registration to be eligible for restoration to good academic standing.
Additional remediation may be required at the discretion of an Advisory
Committee or the Graduate Council.
Academic Dismissal: When a graduate student grade “F” in
a course taken for graduate credit, or earns a second grade “C” in any
course taken for graduate credit, that student will be dismissed.
Grade Reports: At the end of each academic term, the
student receives a grade report. A computerized record of the report is
also maintained. If a student believes that there is a discrepancy in the
grade report, that student should immediately contact the Division of
Graduate Studies. Grade reports contain:
- Grade and credits earned in each course taken that term
- GPA for that term
- Cumulative GPA and credits earned
- Notation of any/all grade changes implemented during the term
- Notation, as needed, of Academic Warnings, Academic Probation or
Academic Dismissal
Program Interruption
Leave of Absence: A maximum of two, one-trimester breaks
is allowed during the course of graduate study. Students must petition
for a leave of absence with the graduate office, indicating a start and
projected end date for the leave. Up to three years of leave may be
granted at the discretion of the Graduate Council, under special
circumstances, including research grants, sabbatical, or other academic
endeavors.
Students who have not been enrolled in the graduate program within
three calendar years are ineligible to continue in the program and their
previous academic record will be voided. These students must apply for
admission as an entering student. The request will be evaluated by the
Dean of Graduate Studies or his/her designee for action.
Program Withdrawal: A student withdrawing from any
program in the Institute of Graduate Studies must do five things. They
must:
- Notify the Division of Graduate Studies in writing;
- Notify the Financial Planning Department in writing (if receiving
assistance through that office);
- Notify the instructional department in writing;
- Return their student ID to the Division of Graduate Studies;
- Return office, laboratory and building keys to the Division of
Graduate Studies.
If the student fails to comply with these instructions, the student
may be charged with a Grade 8 (No Credit) for all current courses, and
all transcript requests will be refused until the above requirements are
rectified.
Readmission
A student, whose program of studies has been interrupted by a Leave of
Absence for more than two consecutive terms but less than three years,
may be re-matriculated in the Division of Graduate Studies through the
Dean of Graduate Studies.
However, students who have not been actively enrolled in the
graduate program within three calendar years are ineligible to
re-matriculate in the program. These students must apply for admission,
according to the requirements and deadlines for new applications existent
at that time. New letters of recommendation are required, one of which
must be from a member of the Graduate Faculty. If the student has
completed coursework at other institutions during the hiatus, transcripts
must be forwarded directly from those institutions to the Division of
Graduate Studies, however, other documentation on file (transcripts and
exam scores) may be re-used to complete the new application.
The new materials submitted, existing files and the student’s past
graduate record will be reviewed by the Graduate Council, which will
determine if the student will be re-admitted to graduate study, and if
admitted, to what degree previous coursework may be used in pursuit of
the degree. The College reserves the right to require re-admitted
students demonstrate competency before resuming their studies.
Students who interrupt their graduate education for five or more years
will retain no course credits.
Students who have been academically dismissed from the Graduate
Program at Palmer College or any other college are ineligible for
re-admission into the Graduate Program at Palmer College.
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