The Graduate School Academic Policies

Click on any of the following links for information:

• Academic Advising
• Academic Course Load
• Academic Course Taxonomies for Non-Traditional Coursework
• Academic Grievance Policy - The Graduate School
• Academic Probation and Dismissal
• Attendance Policy
• Auditing Courses
• Business Division Placement Policy
• Capstone Project Requirement
• Degree Time Limits
• Grading System and Grade Policies
• Graduate Dual Master’s Degree Policy
• Graduate Credit Hour Definitions
• Graduation Requirements and Information
• International Travel
• Internship Policy
• Leave of Absence
• Online Programs - Course Week Definition
• Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for Graduate School
• Registration and Enrollment Policies
• Simultaneous Program Enrollment Policy
• Transfer Credit Policies
• Withdrawal From the Graduate School
• Disclaimer

The administration and faculty of Friends University attempt to outline clearly and advise consistently concerning requirements for graduation and the student’s progress in meeting these requirements. Part of the student’s personal development, however, is the recognition and acceptance of responsibility in meeting all graduation requirements. The student is expected to take the initiative and to follow through in the completion of all requirements and details of the academic program.

KEY TO COURSE NUMBERS

Courses numbered 001 - 099 represent remedial work and carry no credit toward a degree or credential.  Generally these courses are developmental, remedial, or pre-college in content.

Courses numbered 100 to 299 are designed for freshmen and sophomores but are available to other students.

Coursed numbered exactly 300EX designate experimental courses.  Such courses are not listed in the Catalog since they arise out of special needs and are offered a limited number of times.  The subject area will indicate the discipline to which this experimental course pertains.

Courses numbered exactly 400EX designate experimental courses. Such courses are not listed in the Catalog since they arise out of special needs and are offered a limited number of times. The subject area will indicate the discipline to which this experimental course pertains (ACCT, BMGT, MGMT, etc).

Courses numbered 301 to 499 are designed primarily for juniors and seniors but are available to qualified sophomores and freshmen if all prerequisites have been met.

Courses numbered exactly 600EX designate graduate experimental courses.  Such courses are not listed in the Catalog since they arise out of special needs and are offered a limited number of times.  The subject area will indicate the discipline to which this experimental course pertains (ACCT, BSAD, MIS, etc.).

Courses numbered 500 to 699 are designate graduate-level offerings. Such courses are open to undergraduates by special arrangements only.

The number following the course title indicates the semester hours of credit and in most cases the number of class meetings per week.

Academic Advising

Program Directors and Academic Success Coaches serve in advisory capacities to graduate students.

Academic Course Load

Effective Fall 2014 for all Graduate Students **

Enrollment for Graduate programs is on a semester basis.  In most cases, programs are offered on a 16-week semester basis which includes two 8-week terms.   All Master’s degrees require the completion of a minimum of thirty (30) hours of graduate credit.  Specific program requirements are listed in the program descriptions.

Graduate Student Enrollment Status Definitions

Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress Definitions

Load requirements for financial aid programs vary, and each student should check this requirement individually with the Financial Aid Office.

Academic Course Taxonomies for Non-traditional Coursework

Friends University classifies online course and program offerings according to four discrete taxonomies. These taxonomies are consistent with many other colleges and universities that offer online courses and programs.

• Online Course/Program (ONL): Online courses have all content delivered online through a Learning Management System (LMS) and do not have regularly scheduled classroom meetings.
• Blended Course / Program - BLD (formerly Hybrid Course/Program - HYB): Blended courses are a mix of classroom meetings and technology mediated distance delivery.   Those courses through which a predominance of the instruction (50% or more) is delivered at a distance are considered blended.
• Web Facilitated Course / Program (formerly Web-Enhanced Course/Program - WEB): Web facilitated courses are traditional courses that use a LMS to facilitate communications and content delivery.  Regularly scheduled meetings are not substituted with technology mediated content delivery.
• Traditional (TRA):  Traditional courses are delivered as regularly scheduled classroom meetings that utilize methodologies such as lecture, discussion, group work, writing, etc.  and do not use a LMS to support communications or content delivery.

Online and Blended delivered courses are managed through specific University policy and approval processes.  Web Facilitated courses are guided and managed by University policies consistent with on-ground courses.

Academic Grievance Policy - The Graduate School

If a graduate student determines that a complaint warrants action, the student should be advised of the following Graduate School procedure to be followed within 16 weeks from the end date of the course in question.

Should a student desire action on a complaint, an advisor (success coach) should inform the student of the following correct procedure for seeking such action.

1. Confer with the instructor involved.  If such a conference does not resolve the situation;
2. Confer with the instructor’s Division head. If still no resolution;
3. Confer with the Dean of the instructor’s college. The Dean’s decision is final.
4. Should a student wish to appeal the Dean’s decision, an appeal must be made in writing to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, who, in consultation with the President of the University, will respond for the University.

Academic Probation and Dismissal

Academic probation serves as an academic warning system for students who are failing to maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Effective for all Graduate Students entering Fall 2014:  **

Academic Probation

Any graduate student whose current cumulative graduate program GPA falls below 3.0 shall be placed on academic probation.

Students on probation will have one semester of attendance to remediate probationary status.

Failure to bring the current cumulative graduate program GPA to 3.0 or higher by the completion of the subsequent semester of attendance will result in dismissal from the Graduate School and Friends University.

Academic Dismissal

Students shall be dismissed from graduate programs upon:

1. Failure of students placed on academic probation to achieve a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the end of any semester.

Students who receive a dismissal letter will have 10 business days to appeal the dismissal in writing.  If the appeal is denied, petition to return to the graduate program may be made after 16 weeks following the dismissal.  Petitions for re-admission must be in writing and addressed to the Program Director or Academic Success Coach.

** Effective for the duration of the Graduate School Cohort Teach-Out:

Academic Probation

Any graduate student whose current cumulative graduate program GPA falls below 3.0 shall be placed on academic probation.

Students on probation will have the following term of attendance to remediate probationary status.

Failure to bring the current cumulative graduate program GPA to 3.0 or higher by the completion of the subsequent term of attendance will result in dismissal from the Graduate School and Friends University.

Academic Dismissal

Students shall be dismissed from graduate programs upon failure to achieve a 3.0 current cumulative graduate program GPA at the end of any term of attendance following placement on academic probation.

Students who receive a dismissal letter will have 10 business days to appeal the dismissal in writing.  If the appeal is denied, petition to return to the graduate program may be made after 16 weeks following the dismissal.  Petitions for re-admission must be in writing and addressed to the Graduate School Academic Council.

Attendance Policy

Students in the Graduate School are required to attend all scheduled course meetings in all courses.  Graduate School faculty will take attendance in each meeting in all courses.  Specific course attendance requirements are at the discretion of the instructor and are posted in the syllabus for their particular course.

Auditing Courses

Current graduate students may audit coursework in undergraduate and graduate courses.

Auditing Undergraduate Coursework:  Current graduate students may audit undergraduate coursework for which they meet the prerequisites.  Students must have the permission of the course instructor to enroll.  A graduate student’s load (total credit hours) will not include undergraduate audit enrollments.  Audit registration may not be converted to credit registration after the second week of the course.  The desire to audit a course must be declared at the time of enrollment in the course to be audited.  Tuition is charged at current audit rates as established by the tuition and fees schedule.

Auditing Graduate-level Coursework:  Current graduate students may audit graduate-level coursework with the permission of the Program Director in whose program the course resides and with the permission of the instructor of the course.  The student must meet the course prerequisites in order to enroll.  Tuition is charged at current audit rates as established by the tuition and fees schedule.  No credit is awarded.

Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Students:  Non-Degree seeking graduate students may audit graduate-level coursework.  The student must have the permission of the Program Director and the instructor of the course to enroll.  The student must meet the course prerequisites in order to enroll.  All non-degree seeking students are ineligible for financial aid.  Tuition is charged at current audit rates as established by the tuition and fees schedule.  No credit is awarded.  Limited to 12 credit hours with or without an undergraduate degree.

Business Division Placement Policy

Student Placement

To ensure compliance with ACBSP Criterion 6.3.3., the Graduate School Division of Business, Technology, and Leadership (BTL) Division will place students in appropriate foundational courses based on criteria that traditionally indicate student preparedness for graduate level business courses.  The proposed placement guidelines are based on practices of ACBSP and AACSB accredited universities.  The determination of placement in foundational courses will be made by the Graduate School.

Qualification Standards

1. Students entering a degree program in the Graduate School BTL Division with a bachelor’s degree in business or accounting from an ACBSP, AACSB, or IACBE candidate or accredited institution will be enrolled in the courses associated with the graduate degree they seek.  No BTL Foundations courses are required.
2. Students entering a degree program in the Graduate School BTL Division with a bachelor’s degree in business or bachelor’s from an institution without secondary business accreditation or candidacy who do not have a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in the field of study they enter at Friends will be required to take courses in BTL Foundations in order to proceed with studies in their chosen graduate business program.
3. Students entering a degree program in the Graduate School BTL Division without a bachelor’s degree in business who do not have a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in the field of study they enter at Friends will be required to take courses in BTL Foundations in order to proceed with studies in their chosen graduate business program.

   Clarification on when students required to take BSAD 500 and/or BSAD 501 Foundation courses must have completed the courses.

   All BTL division students required to take the foundation courses must do so within the first 12 hours of their program requirements. Note: According to the course descriptions:BSAD 500 and / or BSAD 501 many not be used to satisfy any elective requirements toward a Master’s degree offered by the Business, Technology, and Leadership Division of the Graduate School.

    

Capstone Project Requirements

Some graduate programs are structured to require a capstone project in addition to the required coursework.

Where required, students are expected to prepare, on an independent basis, a capstone project.  This project is an outgrowth of coursework in the program.  The work must be approved by the Program Director and, upon completion, must be presented per program guidelines.

Details of the capstone project requirement are stated in the respective program descriptions.  Individual counseling with the program director is advised.

Degree Time Limits

Work for the Master’s degree should be completed within five (5) years of the first registration as a graduate student at Friends University. Additional course requirements may be imposed by the Academic Graduate School Council of the program extends beyond this limit.  Students must complete all graduate degree requirements within five (5) years of their first registration in the program.  Additional course requirements may be imposed upon the student by the Program Director or designee in consultation with the Dean if the student fails to complete the program within the time frame allotted.

Grading System & Grade Policies

Grades for graduate work are A, B, C, and F. The grades receive the following grade points:

Grading Authority

Faculty have the primary authority for the assignment of grades.  Students have the right to appeal grades through the University Exceptions process.

Certain approved courses numbered 500 and above are graded P (satisfactory) or F (unsatisfactory) for all students enrolled. Such courses are identified in the schedule of classes and/or announced by the instructor. Pass/No Credit courses may affect the student’s GPA.

The graduate grade point average includes only those courses taken at Friends University for which graduate credit is earned and for which a regular letter grade is assigned. Credit is transferred with the grade and hours earned in the course at the institution where the course was taken.

Grade Changes

All requests for a grade change must be initiated within one year of completing the course and prior to receiving the degree.

Satisfactory Progress Grades

SP is the grade submitted by an instructor to indicate satisfactory progress in a course. This grade may only be submitted for internship or practicum courses that have been approved by the instructor and Graduate School Academic Council as a two-term study, or for a course which continues for more than one term. At the end of the next term, or end of the program, a grade of A, B, C, F, P or I will be recorded. If this grade is changed to an I, the student follows the regular incomplete procedure.

Incompletes

Effective for all Graduate Students entering Fall 2014: **

Grade “I” indicates an Incomplete.  A grade of “I” may be given by the course instructor if circumstances beyond the student’s control prevent completing the coursework.  The student must have started the course to receive the grade of “I”.  The instructor of record for the course will work with the student to complete any remaining coursework.  Only one grade of “I” will be given per term.  A grade of “I” must be changed to a letter grade at the conclusion of the following semester from the date the “I” was given.  If the coursework is not completed by the following semester and the instructor has not indicated a replacement grade, the outstanding grade of ‘I’ will be changed to a grade of ‘F’.

** Effective for the duration of the Graduate School Cohort Teach-Out:

Grade “I” indicates an Incomplete.  A grade of “I” may be given by the course instructor if circumstances beyond the student’s control prevent completing the coursework.  The student must have started the course to receive the grade of “I”.  The instructor of record for the course will work with the student to complete any remaining coursework.  Only one grade of “I” will be given at any time.  A grade of “I” must be changed to a letter grade at the conclusion of 8 weeks from the date the “I” was given.  If the coursework is not completed by the end of the 8 weeks and the instructor has not indicated a replacement grade, the outstanding grade of ‘I’ will be changed to a grade of ‘F’.

Incomplete Grade Policy for Graduate Project or Thesis

Effective for all Graduate Students entering Fall 2014:  **

Graduate students who have not completed their graduate project or thesis at the end of the respective course will receive a grade of “I”.  The policy on incompletes applies.

Effective for the duration of the Graduate School Cohort Teach-Out:

Graduate students who have not completed their graduate project or thesis at the end of two calendar years will be allowed a one term grace period under an incomplete (I) grade to finish the project.  This one term will coincide with the standard undergraduate fall, spring or summer term.  After this grace period expires the student must re-enroll in the project course and pay tuition for that course.  This re-enrollment must be for the total number of hours in the project course (3-4) but may be completed in increments totaling 3 (or 4) hours. Minimum enrollment per term (semester or summer) must be 1 credit hour.

Graduate Dual Master’s Degree Policy (CoP)

Friends University offers a limited number of second master’s degree business programs that complement one another and prepare students for unique professional and educational opportunities.

All dual degree programs will require a minimum of at least 48 hours of graduate level coursework and students must complete no less than 18 hours or fifty percent (50%) of discipline or program specific coursework for each degree program, whichever is higher.  Finally no more than fifty percent (50%) of the courses can be double counted or applied toward either degree program.

Graduate Credit Hour Definitions

The credit hour system provides a uniform metric for determining a ratio of academic work relative to identified learning outcomes and to determine progress toward degree completion and for the forms of academic progress.

Credit Hour Definition

Friends University defines the unit of credit hour as follows:  A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:

(1) one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or (2) at least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other activities as established by an institution, including laboratory work, internships, practical, studio work, experiential and prior learning, and other academic work leading toward the award of credit hours.

Graduate Credit

Courses carrying graduate credit are listed in the graduate section of the Catalog. Other courses may be taken in support of a specific course of study but are not counted toward an advanced degree and are not computed in a student’s graduate grade point average. Only courses numbered 500 and above carry graduate credit.

Independent/Directed Study Credit

A primary goal of graduate study is to encourage independent study under the supervision of members of the graduate faculty. In addition to research projects, internships and practicums, the graduate programs use individual study, case studies and directed readings as the basis for various independent study offerings. The following requirements govern enrollment for credit in independent study.

1. The consent of the instructor must be obtained before enrollment.
2. The content of the study should differ from the content of the regular course offerings.
3. The contact hours between student and professor must be sufficient to ensure consistency with credit earned in regular course offerings.

Graduation Requirements and Information

Effective for all Graduate Students entering Fall 2014:  **

Graduation Requirements

Requirements for graduation stipulate minimum expectation for students to be awarded the degree as per a stipulated program of study.

The following requirements must be met in order to be awarded a degree from The Graduate School:

1. The completion of a planned program of required graduate credits with a GPA of 3.0 or above.
2. If required by the program, satisfactory completion of comprehensive examination or review.
3. If required by the program, satisfactory completion of an exit evaluation (oral or written).
4. The submission and oral presentation of an acceptable Thesis/Project (for programs with this requirement).
5. Any additional program requirements specifically outlined by the program and designated as required for degree completion.
6. Additionally, students must be in good academic standing in order for a graduate degree to be awarded by Friends University.

Minimum Graduate Program Requirements

Graduate students must have an earned Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours to be awarded a Master’s degree from Friends University.

Outstanding Student Designation

Graduate Faculty in certain programs recognize an outstanding student who has demonstrated achievement beyond standard expectations and excels in and out of the classroom.  These designations are generally announced as a part of the annual commencement activities.

Commencement Exercises

Friends University holds commencement exercises in May of each year.  All graduates are invited to participate in the May exercises.

Effective for the duration of the Graduate School Cohort program Teach-Out:

Graduation Requirements

The following requirements are required for degree completion and graduation from The Graduate School:

1. Good academic standing (3.0 GPA or better).
2. The completion of a planned program of required graduate credits with a GPA of 3.0 or above with no more than 6 hours of C to be counted toward the degree.
3. Satisfactory completion of comprehensive examination or review.
4. Satisfactory completion of an exit evaluation (oral or written).
5. The submission and oral presentation of an acceptable Thesis/Project (for programs with this requirement).
6. Any additional program requirements specifically outlined by the program and designated as required for degree completion.

Minimum Graduate Program Requirements

Graduate students must have an earned Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours to be awarded a Master’s degree from Friends University.

Exit Evaluation

Each degree program requires an exit evaluation. The form and expectations differ according to the design of the program. The candidate should confer with the program director in his/her academic area for specific details.

The exit evaluation, oral or written, must be scheduled no later than three weeks prior to the date on which the degree is to be conferred.

Outstanding Student Designation

Graduate Faculty in certain programs recognize an outstanding student who has demonstrated achievement beyond standard expectations and excels in and out of the classroom.  These designations are generally announced as a part of the annual commencement activities.

Commencement Exercises

Friends University holds commencement exercises in May of each year.  All graduates are invited to participate in the May exercises.

International Travel Policy

Required International Travel Courses - For Program-Specific, Course-Specific Degree-Seeking Graduate students only enrolled in said course:

Students traveling internationally as part of any Friends University course, regardless of college, for the purposes of meeting a requirement for graduation will enroll in the Friends University course for the term of travel and pay the standard tuition and fees for their college in addition to any direct costs associated with the trip.

Students traveling as part of a program in partnership with another university or institute where contractual agreements regarding tuition, fees, and other direct expenses are in place will enroll in the appropriate Friends University course(s) and pay the tuition, fees, and other direct expenses set by the partnership agreement.

Policy for International Travel Courses where students do not fall into the above categories:

All persons wishing to travel with a Friends University international course but where the course does not fall under one of the cases listed above must enroll in the course for (graded) credit.

This includes each of the following:

• Students wishing to travel with, and earn credit for, a course in their current college of enrollment but not for graduation credit.
• Students wishing to travel with, and earn credit for, a course in their current college of enrollment but beyond the current package load.
• Students wishing to travel with, and earn credit for, a course outside of their current college of enrollment where the course will not apply toward graduation credit.
 

Note: Those persons not currently enrolled as a student at Friends University, who wish to audit an international travel study course, must apply to and be accepted by the University as a “Non-Degree Seeking Special Student” or a “Non-Degree Seeking Guest Student” and must obtain a student ID. The fee for admission to the University will be waived if admission is solely for the purpose of participation in a travel course.

For these Non-Degree Seeking students, tuition will be assessed a per credit hour fee set at the current Education Workshop rate for the number of hours of the course.

Internship Policy

All graduate programs that offer internship courses as a part of their curriculum will establish procedures and guidelines for the internship.  Internship will be assessed on a regular rotation to ensure that they continue to meet their stated outcomes and that students receive the appropriate number of credit hours.

Internship Assessment and Other Information

Internship will be assessed on a regular rotation to ensure that they continue to meet their stated outcomes and that students receive the appropriate number of credit hours.  Students are subject to any/all employer and/or internship policies established by the external entity (employer/organization/institution) in the administration of the internship.

Operational Guidelines for Internships:

All graduate programs that offer internships as a part of their curriculum will establish procedures and guidelines for the internship.  These must include the following:

1) A syllabus outlining:

• The purpose of the internship
• The established criteria for earning internship credit
• Stated outcomes
• Relevant dates
• Grading Criteria

2) An Internship Agreement that includes:

• Internship/Project Title
• Description of Internship
• Description of Student involvement
• Name and title of the agency/company sponsor
• Agreement section that includes:
• Signatures of student, agency/company sponsor and Program Director
• Dates

3) An Internship Performance Record that includes:

• Main project description and duties
• Log of activities. dates and hours spent on the project
• Attached summary report prepared by the student
• Signature area for student, agency/company sponsor, internship supervisor and program director

Leave of Absence

In the event that significant unforeseen circumstances prevent a student from attending class for an extended period of time, the student may request a leave of absence. Circumstances which would qualify for a leave could include but are not limited to: 1) serious illness of the student or immediate family member; 2) temporary employment relocation and/or reassignment; 3) birth of a child, or 4) parenting.

A student who does not return to class following an approved Leave of Absence will be withdrawn from the University as of the last date of class attendance prior to the start of the Leave of Absence.

Coursework missed during a student’s Leave of Absence is graded as ‘LA’. A final letter grade will be issued to the student following their completion of the coursework required upon their return from Leave.

Students who wish to remediate a Leave of Absence with a course offered through an online program will be subject to an additional online technology fee for that course.  Students will also be responsible for obtaining any books required for the course.

A student who returns from a Leave of Absence but later withdraws from the University prior to completing the coursework missed during the Leave period will have the grade of “LA” converted to a final grade of “WF”.

Only two leaves of absence will be approved during the length of the student’s graduate program.

Online Programs and Courses - Course Week Definition

An academic class week is defined as Monday through Sunday for all online courses.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for Graduate School

The Graduate school at Friends University recognizes that graduate-level learning may be acquired beyond the institution.  Many adult students have acquired knowledge from professional training and experience that is equivalent to learning provided in the graduate classroom.  Where graduate-level learning from these experiences can be articulated as academic accomplishments, Friends University will award up to six (6)* hours of graduate-level credit to students pursuing a master’s degree through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).  A fee will be charged for the evaluation and recording of prior learning credit.

*A maximum of six (6) credits can be obtained through transfer credit, the use of PLA, or a combination of both, excluding the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MSFT) degree program.  This policy is only applicable to non-cohort programs of study.

Process for PLA

Program recruiters may share (with well qualified candidates) the opportunity of prior learning credit to be awarded.  Candidates will express their interest in PLA to the program director at the time of their interview.  Program directors will determine if the candidate should be referred to the Director of PLA for further information.  Faculty members (approved by program directors) in the Graduate School will evaluate a student’s competency level based on the ability to demonstrate equivalent or greater academic learning aligned to the learning objectives from one or more designated graduate-level courses.  Review of the submitted documents demonstrating equivalence is achieve through a series of assignments, to determine whether or not the learning is graduate-level work.

Appeal Process for PLA

Students who wish to appeal the denial of credit for PLA evaluations must contact the PLA coordinator.  The appeal must be in writing and address why he/sh feels credit should have been awarded.  PLA appeals must be received within four (4) weeks of the date of denial notification.  The PLA coordinator will discuss the appeal with the faculty evaluator and make the decision concerning the appeal.  Students may be required to present additional evidence to verify learning.  If the denial decision stands, students may submit an additional appeal to the Dean or Associate Dean of the College.  The Dean or Associate Dean’s decision on the PLA credit denial is final.  The student will be informed in writing of the decision for the requested appeal.  Additional fees are not required for the appeals process.

Transcription of PLA Credit

PLA credit is recorded as Prior Learning Assessment/Portfolio credit with the course/subject title and number of credit hours awarded.  PLA credit is not issued a grade and does not affect GPA.  PLA credit does not meet residency requirements.  Duplicate credit will not be granted for courses already recorded on a student’s transcript.

Registration & Enrollment Policies

Students are listed on official class rosters upon completion of their registration, which includes course selection and the payment of fees and tuition.

Add/Drop Course Registration

Changes in Course Registration - Adding a Graduate Course

8 week courses: 

1. No addition to a student’s schedule may be made after the 1st week of classes has passed in an 8 week term.
2. Any exception must be approved by the Dean of the College (or designee) as well as the instructor of the course.
3. A student who does not properly add a class to their registration will not receive credit or a grade for the class.
4. Attendance in a class does not constitute addition or withdrawal from a class.

* The Marriage and Family Therapy program (MSFT) is exempt from the ‘Adding a Graduate Course’ policy.

Changes in Course Registration - Withdrawing from/Dropping a Graduate Course

8 week courses:

1. Students may not drop a course after the end of the 5th week of the term.
2. Grades will not be recorded for courses dropped by the end of the 100% refund period of the term.
3. Courses dropped after that period will be recorded with a WD (withdrawn) grade.
4. Any exceptions must be approved by the Dean of the College (or designee).
5. A student who does not properly withdraw from a class will receive a failing grade (F) in the course.
6. Attendance in a class does not constitute addition or withdrawal from a class.
7. All drops will be subject to the refund policies in effect at the time of the drop.  Students are responsible for impacts that schedule changes may have to their current financial aid awards.

Maximum Enrollment per Semester

The maximum number of credit hours a graduate student can take each semester is 13 credit hours.

Course Retakes

Students may retake coursework during and following the end of their academic program.  Students must register for courses taken as retakes and will be financially responsible for the any costs associated with a course retake.  A student who has earned a degree may not repeat courses to improve their Graduate Degree Grade Point Average.

Moving from Cohort Delivery to Communities of Practice Delivery:

Students with more than four (4) completed courses in their cohort cannot move to a Communities of Practice - CoP (term-based) program of study without first dropping out of the cohort program and re-applying for a new program of study.

Change of Major/Program

Students may change programs with permission of the Program Director.  Course substitutions may be allowed.

Effective for the duration of the Graduate School Cohort program Teach-Out:

Students are listed on official class rosters upon completion of their registration, which includes course selection and the payment of fees and tuition.

Add/Drop Course Registration

Students in a Graduate program, with permission from their Academic Success Coach and in consultation with the Program Director, may add or drop a course within their program.  If a course is being added, the instructor of the course must also give permission.  To add or drop a class in a Graduate program, a student must complete the proper forms, obtain the necessary signature of their Program Director and contact Financial Aid and Student Account Services.  Attendance in a class does not constitute the adding to the student schedule of that class.  Non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal from a class.

Course Retakes

Students may retake coursework during and following the end of their academic program.  Students must register for courses taken as retakes and will be financially responsible for the any costs associated with a course retake.  A student who had earned a degree may not repeat courses to improve their Graduate Degree Grade Point Average.

Changing Cohort Groups in Same Graduate Program

Students may transfer from one cohort group to another within the same graduate program.  Students must be in good academic standing and work with their Program Director to ensure a smooth academic transition. Students may also want to consult with the Offices of Financial Aid and Student Account Services when considering this option.

Taking Courses with Different Cohort Groups in Same Academic Program

Students may complete one course with a different cohort group within the same Academic program.

Early Program Completion

Students may not enroll in additional coursework in order to complete their academic program earlier than the cohort’s scheduled completion date.  Requests to do so require an exception from the Graduate School.

Simultaneous Program Enrollment Policy

Students pursuing a graduate degree at Friends University must be admitted to the specific program from which they are planning to graduate.  Students may not be admitted to more than one graduate degree program at the time of their initial admission to the Graduate School.

New Program Admission prior to Completion of Current Program

Students desiring to start an additional Graduate program prior to the completion of their initial program will require an approved exception from the Graduate School to begin the new program.  Student must be in good academic standing to initiate this exception.

Transfer Credit Policies

Credit Transfer from External Institutions:

Students may transfer, with Program Director approval, up to 6 hours of graduate credit under the following conditions:

1. The institution of origin is accredited by its appropriate accrediting association to offer graduate-level instruction.
2. The credit is fully acceptable to the institution of origin in satisfaction of its advanced degree requirements.
3. The credit is applicable to the student’s program of study at Friends University.
4. The official transcript of the credit to be transferred is on file in the Registrar’s Office at Friends University.
5. Written approval of the credit to be transferred has been filed by the student’s program with the Registrar’s Office.
6. The credit to be transferred carries a minimum grade of B.
7. The credit to be transferred was taken in courses completed within five years of the semester in which the degree work at Friends University was begun and the academic credit was earned at a regionally accredited institution.
8. The Program Director’s signature must be on the completed form and the form must be received by the Registrar’s Office before the start of the graduate student’s program.

Requests for the transfer of more than 6 credit hours of graduate work will require an exception from the Graduate School.

Requests for the transfer of credits that are more than five years old will require an exception from the Graduate School.  Requests for exception must be made in writing and directed to the Dean of the Graduate School.

Internal Institutional Credit Transfer:

Upon approval of the program director, equivalent hours of work earned in one Friends University Master’s degree program may be applied to a second Friends University Master’s degree program. If two degrees are to be awarded, the student must earn a minimum of 48 credit hours. Friends University courses may be substituted at the discretion of the program director and in accordance with all academic policies

Course Equivalencies, Substitution and Waiver Policy:

For degree auditing purposes, the following course definitions will be used:

Equivalent:  The course is considered to be the same in description, academic credits, rigor, pre-requisites / co-requisites, and learning outcomes.  Any student who has taken a course considered equivalent to another will only have the most recent grade and hours calculated into the earned hours and GPA.  This will be processed as a ‘repeated’ course.

Substitution:  The course is determined not to be equivalent in nature, but comparable in breadth/depth, content, learning outcomes, level and academic credits.  The student will receive earned hours and the grade will calculate into the GPA for both courses.  The course will replace a current or prior degree requirement, or a discontinued course that is part of the student’s degree program.  An approved course substitution form must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar.  A substitution will not be processed as a ‘repeated’ course.

Waiver:  A course waiver will be considered if a student has documented prior knowledge (coursework, test scores, experience, or other evidence) that has been determined to satisfy a particular degree requirement.  The student is required to submit all required documentation to support the request.  No earned hours or GPA will be awarded.  A waiver does not exempt the student from satisfying the total number of hours required for the degree.  An approved waiver form must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar.

Withdrawal from The Graduate School

Effective for all Graduate Students entering Fall 2014:

To withdraw completely from the University, a student must notify the Graduate Program Director in person, in writing, by e-mail or by fax that they are withdrawing. The student or Program Director will complete a withdrawal form and forward the form to the Office of the University Registrar for final processing.  Student Account Services, Financial Aid, Admissions (if applicable) and Vice President of Student Affairs offices will be notified of the withdrawal.  Discontinued class attendance does not constitute an official withdrawal. The official withdrawal date will be the date this procedure is initiated by the student. If a student is no longer attending any class, the University may withdraw the student’s enrollment (see Administrative Withdrawal).

Re-Entry into Same Program following Withdrawal

A student must re-apply to return to their original Graduate program if they have not enrolled in one or more courses for more than three (3) consecutive semesters.

Re-Entry into a New Graduate Program following Withdrawal

Students may apply to a new Graduate program after withdrawing from the University at any time. Students must meet the admissions standards of the new program to which they are applying.  Students who are not in good academic standing must obtain an exception from the Graduate School in order to be considered for re-admission to a new graduate program.

Effective for the duration of the Graduate School Cohort program Teach-Out:

To withdraw completely from the University, a student must notify the Graduate Program Director in person, in writing, by e-mail or by fax that they are withdrawing. The student or Program Director will complete a withdrawal form and forward the form to the Office of the University Registrar for final processing.  Student Account Services, Financial Aid, Admissions (if applicable) and Vice President of Student Affairs offices will be notified of the withdrawal.  Discontinued class attendance does not constitute an official withdrawal. The official withdrawal date will be the date this procedure is initiated by the student. If a student is no longer attending any class, the University may withdraw the student’s enrollment (see Administrative Withdrawal).

Re-Entry into Same Program following Withdrawal

A student may re-apply to return to their original Graduate program if they are not absent for longer than 6 credit hours and are in good academic standing at the time of their withdrawal.  Students must contact the Offices of Financial Aid and Student Account Services prior to initiating their re-application.  Students who are absent for more than 6 credit hours or who withdrew while not in good academic standing will require an exception from the Graduate School to return to their original Graduate program.

Re-Entry into a New Graduate Program following Withdrawal

Students may apply to a new Graduate program after withdrawing from the University at any time. Students must meet the admissions standards of the new program to which they are applying.  Students who are not in good academic standing must obtain an exception from the Graduate School in order to be considered for re-admission to a new graduate program.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to modify or change policies, programs, curriculum and schedules contained in this catalog at its sole discretion at any time without further notice. Further, the University reserves the right to correct data entry issues or correct erroneous information contained in this catalog at its sole discretion at any time without further notice.The contents of this catalog do not constitute a contract between students or prospective students and the University.

Friends University does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding this policy: EEOC/Title IX Coordinator, Friends University, 2100 W. University Ave., Wichita, KS 67213, 316-295-5000.