Attendance

Students are expected to attend each lecture on a regular and punctual basis and to complete assignments in a timely fashion. Excessive absences or failure to complete assignments may lead to a reduction of grade or failure of the course. Repeated absences may lead to dismissal.

Good Academic Standing

All students in the M.A. program are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.000 at all times. Students who fail to do this will be placed on academic probation and are subject to dismissal for academic deficiency.

Grades

Grades are assigned on the following scale:

A = Excellent (4.000)

B = Good (3.000)

C = Fair (2.000)

F = Failed (0.000)

WU= Failed (0.000) (Withdrawal without permission)

N= No grade submitted by instructor

INC = Incomplete

P = Passed

W = Withdrew with permission

+ = +.333 (No A+)

- = -.333

Grade computation: A grade point average may be calculated by dividing the total number of quality points by the number of course credits completed.

For example:

3 credits A- 3 X 3.667 = 11.001

3 credits B 3 X 3.000 = 9.000

3 credits C 3 X 2.000 = 6.000

2 credits F 2 X 0.000 = 0.000

= 26.001

Quality points (26.001) / credits (11) = 2.363 (G.PA.)

Incomplete

Any student who has an approved petition on file with the Office of the Dean authorizing the rescheduling of an examination will receive a grade of INC-Incomplete. A grade of INC will also be issued if the student has received an extension to complete a paper.

A student may be granted permission by the instructor to submit his or her paper at a later date, beyond the end of the semester. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the instructor forwards a memorandum to the Office of the Dean authorizing such extension and specifying a date by which the paper will be completed, and a grade submitted for the student. Incomplete grades must be resolved no more than two semesters (excluding summer session) from the conclusion of the course. Students who fail to complete the course work by the date specified by the instructor shall receive a grade of F for the incomplete work.

Transfer Credit

Students may transfer a maximum of six graduate credits toward the Master of Arts degree. All transfer credit must be approved by the Dean. No credits may be transferred for courses in which the student received a grade below B. Students wishing to take courses at another institution while attending the Graduate School must obtain permission in advance in writing.

Credit Load

During the Fall and Spring semesters, the minimum credit load for a student who wishes to be considered full time is 12 credits. Six credits is considered a normal course load for summer sessions.

Completion of Requirements

A student must complete all requirements for a Master's degree within six years of admission to the program.

Adding a Course

A student may change his/her program by adding a course(s) within the first two weeks of the Fall or Spring semester and within the first week of the Summer semester. The student must file an add form signed by the Dean or his representative with the Registrar’s office.

Dropping a Course

A student may drop a course(s) within the first eight weeks of the Fall or Spring semester and no later than the fifth session of the Summer semester. A drop form must be filed following the procedure described above. Withdrawals during the first two weeks of classes will not appear on a student's permanent record. A withdrawal after this time will appear on the record.

Unauthorized Withdrawal from Courses

Students who register for a course and do not complete the examination or submit the required papers or projects will receive a failing grade of WU if:

1) The student has neglected to withdraw from the course by the deadline indicated on the Academic Calendar.

2) The student was not excused from the examination/paper requirement.

3) The student was not officially granted an Incomplete in the course.

Leave of Absence

A student in good academic standing who, for personal reasons, cannot continue attendance may request permission from the Office of the Dean to take a leave of absence. The student should fill out a Leave of Absence form, and specify a definite time for his/her return to the Graduate School, such time not to exceed two years. After two years the student must apply for readmission.

Maintenance of Status

Students who have completed all of their course work but have not yet submitted the thesis, must submit a maintenance of status request form and pay the required fee. Failure to do so will jeopardize the student's eligibility for his/her degree.