ACADEMIC CATALOG >>
2008-2009

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6-3: Academic Policies - College of Adult and Graduate Studies

6-3-1: Catalog as Guide and Agreement
6-3-2: Registration
6-3-3: Non-traditional Credit
6-3-4: Grading System
6-3-5: Academic Standing
6-3-6: Academic Advising
6-3-7: Graduation
6-3-8: Graduate Studies Policies

6-3-1: Catalog as Guide and Agreement

The catalog provides students with the best information available concerning the University and its programs at the time of publication. While every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, the University reserves the right to change without notice statements in the catalog regarding policies, academic offerings, standards of conduct, and charges for tuition, fees, and room and board. Since the University continually modifies and improves the curriculum to meet the needs of students, the catalog serves not only as a guide, but as an agreement between the student and Colorado Christian University. A student who enrolls in the University will be allowed to graduate under the policies in the catalog published at the time of his or her initial enrollment or selection of a major, as long as the student has maintained continuous enrollment. A student who has not been enrolled for 366 days must apply for readmission and complete a degree program under the regulations published in the catalog that is in effect at the time of re-enrollment.

6-3-2: Registration

The College of Adult and Graduate Studies operates its programs on terms that vary from week long intensive classes to ten-week blocks. Students may choose to take several of these sessions during the course of a traditional semester.

6-3-3: Non-traditional Credit

Advanced Placement Examinations (AP)
A high school graduate who has taken Advanced Placement Examinations conducted by the College Entrance Examination Board and passed with a score of 3, 4, or 5 may receive University credit. Credit awarded will be treated as transfer credit and will count toward graduation.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP/DANTES)
Colorado Christian University will grant credit to students who score at or above established levels on many College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Defense Activities for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) examinations. Credit received will be treated as transfer credit and will count toward graduation. Applicable information about specific CLEP and DANTES equivalents and scores may be obtained from the Service Central office or Student Service Advisors at the various centers.

Armed Forces Educational Credit
Veterans may receive undergraduate credit for Basic Training and other formal educational experience gained while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Basic Training is credited as an elective. Credit awarded will be treated as transfer credit and will count toward graduation. Veterans must submit a certified original of their ARTS/ACE transcript, or other documentation of their experience, to receive credit. To evaluate credit, the University utilizes the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services.

Independent and Directed Study
Independent or directed studies may be available, with approval, to students upon request or upon institutional need. An independent study is intended to provide the student with an opportunity to investigate an area of academic interest not available through the regular curriculum, but which meets the requirements of the student's degree program. CCU faculty supervises the Independent Study and grading follows accepted University policies. The investigation may include a planned program of readings or may involve research in a specific discipline. Independent studies are available to juniors or seniors with a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

A Directed Study is a regular CCU course offered based on institutional need or to assist a student in maintaining adequate progress toward completion of their degree. Directed studies are available to juniors or seniors with a 2.0 cumulative GPA. The studies require periodic conferences between the student and the instructor. Before the student registers for an independent or directed study, conference times that are mutually agreeable to the student and the instructor should be arranged. The conferences provide an evaluation of the student's progress in the study. In addition to course assignments, a paper describing the student's findings is ordinarily required at the conclusion of the study. A listing of specific readings and assignments, schedule of meetings with instructor and grading is included in the course syllabus. An independent or directed study must be concluded within the semester. Enrollment requires the approval of the dean or director under whose department the course is offered. The Independent/Directed Study Form must be completed before the student can register.

Prior Learning Credit (PLC)
The University may award credit for knowledge and skills developed in corporate training or other nontraditional educational experiences. Credit is awarded on the basis of careful evaluation of prior learning that documents content, quality, and the extent of the learning experience. It is possible to earn up to 34 credits through the Prior Learning Credit (PLC) process. To receive credit for prior learning, a student must be a CCU degree-seeking student, and satisfactorily complete PLC 200. A fee is charged for evaluation of credits. Credit received will be treated as transfer credit and will count toward graduation if it is applicable toward the student's degree program. In assessing and accepting Prior Learning Credit, the University adheres to guidelines and standards delineated by the Council for the Advancement of Experiential Learning (CAEL).

Internship, Student Teaching, Field Experience, Practicum, Thesis
Internships, Student Teaching, Field Experience, Practicum and Thesis are used to fulfill specific requirements of degree programs. Internships are graded Pass/Fail and are available to students with the approval of the Dean. Field experience and Student Teaching generally do not extend beyond a regular semester. A practicum, thesis, or internship may extend beyond a regular semester provided a formal Course Extension has been approved. A field experience, student teaching, practicum, or thesis is graded on the standard A-F grading scale. Requirements for these courses are outlined in the course syllabus and students are closely supervised by University faculty.

6-3-4: Grading System

The University uses a four-point system to calculate semester and cumulative GPAs.

Grading System with Honor Points
Letter (Honor) Points

A (exceptional quality) - 4.0
A- - 3.7
B+ - 3.3
B (commendable quality) - 3.0
B- - 2.7
C+ - 2.3
C (acceptable quality) - 2.0
C- - 1.7
D+ - 1.3
D (below average, but passing) - 1.0
D- - 0.7
F (failing, no credit) - 0.0

Grading System with No Honor Points
Letter

AU - Audit
I - Incomplete
IP - In Progress (internship, thesis, or practicum)
NC - No Credit
P - Pass (indicates grade of C or better)
W - Withdrawal
WP - Withdrawal Passing
WF - Unauthorized Withdrawal
NR - No Report

Audit (AU)
Students may audit Adult Undergraduate course sections that do not have pre-requisites. Students auditing a course are expected to purchase textbooks and materials, meet attendance requirements and complete all assignments and requirements. By arrangement with the Student Service Advisor or the Service Central office, students may change from audit to credit, or credit to audit prior to the drop deadline for the course. Students auditing a course do not get college credit for the course.

Incomplete (I)
Students unable to complete a course for reasons beyond their control may request an incomplete grade (I) before the end date of the course in which they would like to request an extension provided they are making satisfactory progress in the course. Every student petitioning for an incomplete must complete a Course Extension Form. The course instructor and the Dean must approve the extension, and the instructor must assign a new due date. Extensions may not exceed 21 days after the last class day of the course for which the extension is requested. If the extension is not completed by the extension date assigned by the instructor, the student will receive an F. In extraordinary circumstances a student may request a second extension before the first extension expires.

In Progress (IP)
Students who make satisfactory progress in an internship, thesis, or practicum, but do not complete its requirements by the end of the semester may, with the permission of the instructor and appropriate Dean, request an extension into the following semester. A grade of IP is recorded until the internship or thesis is completed, at which time it is replaced by a letter grade. If the internship is not completed by the end of the second semester, the student will receive an F.

No Credit (NC)
Students who are auditing courses will receive a NC for completing the course. No college credit is earned for auditing courses.

Pass (P) and Fail (F)
Certain courses are designated Pass/Fail. A passing grade (C- or better awards) credit but does not impact the student's GPA. A failing grade (D+ or lower) does not award credit but does impact the student's GPA.

Withdrawal (W)
W is assigned when a student voluntarily withdraws from a class after the assigned drop deadline for the course, or when a student has been granted withdrawal from the University. To receive a W, a student must be satisfactorily passing the course at the time of the withdrawal. Courses assigned a grade of W are not counted in the student's GPA.

Withdrawal Passing (WP)
W is assigned when a student, due to emergency, withdraws from a class after assigned drop deadline for the course and has satisfactorily completed passing work. A WP does not factor into grade point calculations.

Unauthorized Withdrawal (WF)
WF is assigned when a student does not attend a class but fails to withdraw from it. A grade of WF does not factor into grade point calculations.

No Report (NR)
NR is assigned when no grade is submitted for a student. A grade of NR does not factor into grade point calculations.

Repeat Privileges
Students may repeat any course in which a grade of B or lower was earned. When the course is repeated, both courses and their grades are shown on the transcript, but only the last grade received will be used in calculating the cumulative grade-point average. If the same grade is earned twice, only one grade will be used to calculate the GPA. The student must pay full tuition for repeated courses.

Filing a grade appeal

  1. Prior to the end of the semester following the course in which the contested grade is issued, the student will request that the faculty member reconsider the grade that was awarded. The student should request a face to face or phone meeting with the faculty. An email appeal is not recommended.
  2. If dissatisfied with the outcome of faculty decision, within 10 days of the faculty member's decision, the student may appeal in writing to the Dean or Program Director.
  3. Within 10 days of the Dean or Program Director's decision, the student may submit a written appeal to the Assistant Vice President of CAGS Academic Affairs.
  4. The student is responsible to monitor email daily throughout the appeals process.

Filing an appeal for other academic decisions

  1. The student will submit a written appeal to the Dean or Program Director before the end of the semester following the one in which the decision was made.
  2. Within 10 days of the Dean or Program Director's decision, the student may submit a written appeal to the Assistant Vice President of CAGS Academic Affairs.
  3. The student is responsible to monitor email daily throughout the appeals process.

6-3-5: Academic Standing

Transfer, testing and prior learning credits are not calculated in the grade point averages of students enrolled in Colorado Christian University degree programs.

Undergraduate Programs:

  1. Regular standing
    A student enrolled in a CAGS Associate or Bachelor degree program is (excluding Education licensing or degree programs and Nursing) is considered to be in good standing if he or she has a cumulative 2.0 grade point average or better. A student enrolled in a CAGS Education major or licensing program, or Nursing program is in good standing if he or she has a cumulative 3.0 grade point average or better.
  2. Probation
    a. An undergraduate student, new to CCU, who earns a cumulative GPA of less than 2.0 (3.0 for Education and Nursing) shall be placed on probation, provided they have completed at least 6 credit hours at CCU.
    b. Thereafter, an undergraduate student who earns a cumulative GPA of less than 2.0 (3.0 for Education and Nursing) or attains a grade point average of less than 1.5 (2.5 for Education and Nursing) in any given semester will be placed on probation.
    c. If, for the probationary semester, the student's grade point average is above 2.0 (3.0 for Education and Nursing) for the semester but the cumulative average is still below 2.0 (3.0 for Education and Nursing), the student will be continued on academic probation.
    d. Regardless of academic standing, any student earning less than a 1.5 (2.5 for Education and Nursing) in a given semester will immediately be placed on probation.
    e. Students on academic probation may register for a maximum academic load of 9 semester hours.
    f. Students on academic probation should contact the Service Central office to determine if their financial aid is affected by their academic status.
  3. Suspension
    a. A student on academic probation will be automatically suspended at the conclusion of any semester in which the student's cumulative GPA earned for the semester falls below 2.0 (3.0 for Education and Nursing).
    b. Students who are academically suspended will be notified after the conclusion of the semester and counseled concerning their rights of appeal.
    c. Suspended students should contact the Service Central office to determine if their financial aid is affected by their academic status prior to making an appeal to be reinstated.
  4. Appeal of Probation and Suspension status
     a. A student on academic probation will automatically be suspended at the end of any semester in which the student's GPA earned for the semester falls below 2.5.
    b. Students who are academically suspended will be notified after the end of the term and counseled concerning their rights of appeal.
    c. Suspended students should contact Student Financial Services to determine if their financial aid is effected by academic status prior to making an appeal for reinstatement into the Graduate program.
  5. Appeal of Probation and Suspension Status
    a. While academic probation and suspension is automatic, suspended students may appeal, in writing, to the Assistant Dean of Academic Services of CAGS.
    b. In a formal written statement, the student should respond clearly to the following:
    • The student's review of their academic efforts, including any explanations, circumstances, reasons, etc. which might explain their past academic performance.
    • The student's plan for future success to include goals for achieving a 2.0 (3.0 for Education and Nursing) semester and cumulative GPA by the end of the semester following the appeal.
    • A statement acknowledging that, at the conclusion of the semester following appeal, if the student's GPA does not reach the required 2.0 (3.0 for Education and Nursing) semester or cumulative, the student understands they will be automatically suspended for at least one calendar year with no rights to appeal.
    c. The Assistant Dean or Program Director may:
    • Act to reinstate the student.
    • Deny readmission.
    • Set conditions to be met before a second appeal will be considered. A second appeal may be considered only if the student has new information to present concerning their academic performance.
    d. A student who is reinstated from suspension will remain on academic probation until a 2.0 (3.0 for Education and Nursing) cumulative grade point average is achieved.
Graduate Programs:
  1. Regular standing
    A student is considered to be in regular standing if he or she has a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.
  2. Probation
    a. A graduate student who earns a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 shall be placed on probation, provided they have completed at least 6 credit hours.
    b. Thereafter, a graduate student who earns a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 or attains a GPA of less than 2.5 in any given semester will be placed on probation.
    c. If, for the probationary semester, the student's grade point average is above 3.0 for the semester but the cumulative average is still below 3.0, the student will be continued on academic probation.
    d. Regardless of academic standing, any student earning less than 2.5 in any given semester will immediately be placed on academic probation for the remainder of that semester and the entire semester following the start of the probation.
    e. Graduate students on academic probation can only register for a maximum academic load of 6 credit hours in the semester immediately following the reduction of their academic standing.
    f. Students on academic probation will undergo a Scholastic Review at the completion of this probationary period regardless of their cumulative GPA. The Scholastic Review will be conducted by the Assistant Dean or Program Director and selected faculty. After the Scholastic Review students may be recommended to continue with a normal graduate student credit hour academic load or may become subject to other official University restrictions.
  3. Suspension
    a. A student on academic probation will automatically be suspended at the end of any semester in which the student's GPA earned for the semester falls below 2.5.
    b. Students who are academically suspended will be notified after the end of the term and counseled concerning their rights of appeal.
    c. Suspended students should contact Student Financial Services to determine if their financial aid is effected by academic status prior to making an appeal for reinstatement into the Graduate program.
  4. Appeal of Probation and Suspension Status
    a. While academic probation and suspension is automatic, suspended students may appeal, in writing, to the appropriate Program Director, Assistant Dean, or other designee authorized by the CAGS Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs.
    b. In a formal written statement, the student should respond clearly to the following:
    • The student's review of their academic efforts, including any explanations, circumstances, reasons, etc. which might explain their past academic performance.
    • The student's plan for future academic success to include goals for achieving at least a 3.0 GPA in the remaining MACI classes.
    • A statement acknowledging that at the end of the appeal semester, if the student's GPA is not maintained at the required 3.0, the student will be automatically suspended with no rights to appeal.
    c. The Assistant Dean or Program Director may:
    • Act to reinstate the student.
    • Deny readmission.
    • Set conditions to be met before a second appeal will be considered. A second appeal may be considered only if the student has new information to present concerning their academic performance.
    d. A student who is reinstated from a first suspension will remain on academic probation until their cumulative GPA has reached 3.0. A student who is reinstated from a second suspension will remain on academic probation for the remainder of the Graduate program.

6-3-6: Academic Advising and Registration

Undergraduate Student Preparedness and Success Student Service Advisors are available to advise students and are assigned at the time of admission. However, responsibilities for selecting courses and maintaining normal progress toward graduation ultimately rest with the student. To prepare students for success, CAGS recommends that students starting college for the first time or transferring to CCU from another college or university complete or transfer the following courses or their equivalents within the first 18 semester hours of enrollment at CCU:

ENG 102 English Composition
MAT 110 Math Concepts
CIS 201 Introduction to Computer Applications
INT 200 Adult Studies Seminar - no transfer or test equivalency. Must be taken within the first semester of enrollment.

Due to the accelerated and compressed nature of CAGS undergraduate courses, it is in the student's best interest to ensure they have appropriate knowledge and skills to succeed in this adult learning environment.

Prerequisites
Many courses will have prerequisites which are intended to prepare the student for successful completion of the advanced course. It is recommended that students work with their Student Service Advisor to ensure their course schedule takes into account any prerequisites needed. Upon successful completion of a prerequisite, students will be able to enroll in the advanced course.

Transfer of Credit
For credits to be accepted for transfer, a course must be assigned a grade of C - or better (C or better for Nursing), must be transferred from a regionally or national accrediting body such as the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges, and must be a relevant or equivalent course required for the student's program of study. It is the student's responsibility to request that official transcripts be sent to Colorado Christian University as decisions about transfer credits are based on official transcripts only. The University will accept credits, but not grades, in transfer; thus, transfer grades will not be calculated in the student's CCU grade point average. Computer Science credits transferred to meet the General Education requirement must have been completed within 5 years of acceptance for admission to CCU. Credit from unaccredited institutions will be accepted only when the Dean's Council has approved a transfer agreement with the unaccredited institution. Students transferring credit must fulfill the CCU Residency Requirement as stated below.

Classification of Students
Students are classified according to their objective, level, load, and progress.

Objective: A regular student is working toward a degree or certification and must meet all standard requirements for admission. A special student (non-degree seeking) is not working toward a degree or certification, but selects courses to meet personal interests.

Level: Students working toward an associate or bachelor degree, or a certification, are classified as undergraduates.

Progress: Student progress is reflected in the number of semester hours completed. A freshman has completed up to 29 hours; a sophomore, 30-59 hours; a junior, 60-89 hours; and a senior, 90 or more hours. All CCU students will be required to complete the Graduation Application by the end of the semester in which they complete 90 semester hours (end of the Junior year). Students who do not complete this process will not be allowed to register for the next semester until this process is completed.

Course Load
The course load for students in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies varies depending on program of study and personal choice. Undergraduate students taking 12 or more hours are classified as full-time students; those taking 6-11 hours are classified as part-time students; and those taking 0-5 hours are classified as less than part-time students.

    Undergraduate
  1. New CAGS undergraduate students admitted in good standing may enroll in no more than 15 semester hours their first semester at CCU;
  2. Continuing undergraduate students may not exceed more than 18 semester hours without written approval from the Assistant Dean of their respective major.
  3. CAGS Academic Standing Policy imposes a maximum of 9 semester hours for students on probation. Courses cannot be taken concurrently.


    Graduate
  1. Graduate students in good standing may not exceed 12 semester hours in any given semester without the written approval from the Assistant Dean of their respective program.
  2. Students on probation may not exceed 6 semester hours during the probationary semester.
  3. Graduate students taking 6 hours per semester are classified as full time and those taking 3 hours per semester are classified as part time.

Adding and Dropping Courses
Students may add courses at any time up to the first session of the course using the online registration system (WebAdvisor). Given the accelerated nature of most CAGS courses, students cannot register after the first session of a course.

Students may drop courses before the 2nd session of the course or the end of the 7th day from the start of the course; which ever comes first (Using the online registration system - WebAdvisor). Courses dropped prior to the deadline will not appear on the student's transcript. The system is real time and students are responsible for confirming their changes at the time of submission. It is the sole responsibility of the student to complete the add/drop action prior to the deadline. Unless a course is officially dropped, the student will remain enrolled in the course and will be responsible for all charges. Failure to drop a course by the established deadlines will result in a grade of F. Students who drop a course after the posted drop date may petition for a late drop, and will receive a "W" on their transcript.

Physical Education Credit
A student may transfer in a maximum of seven hours of elective credit in physical education activity courses toward a bachelor's degree. Activity courses include varsity sports, fitness for life, and sports courses, e.g., skiing.

Residency Requirement
To earn a Colorado Christian University undergraduate degree, the following semester hours must be earned through CCU:

  1. Certificate

    • Depending on the certificate program, a minimum of 15 semester hours.


  2. Associate of Arts Degree

    • A minimum of 30 semester hours.


  3. Bachelor of Science/Arts Degree

    • A minimum of 32 semester credits. (30 semester credits for students eligible under the Servicemembers Opportunity College agreement, SOC)
    • Students are not required to be enrolled in order to graduate, but must submit final transfer credit to fulfill degree requirements within one (1) year of their enrollment at CCU (see Readmission Policies for additional information regarding students returning to complete a degree). A Graduation Application must be submitted upon completion of 92 credit hours or by the end of the second week of class during the semester in which the student plans to graduate.
    Within a major
    • At least 50% of the course requirements in the major field.
    • At least 12 upper division (300 or 400 level) semester hours.

    Within a minor
    • At least 80% of the course requirements in the minor field.

  4. Post-Baccalaureate Licensure Programs

    • A minimum of 32 semester hours.

  5. Graduate Programs

    • A minimum of 30 semester hours.

6-3-7: Graduation

Students are required to file a Graduation Application prior to the end of the semester in which they will complete 92 credits. Graduation applications are active for six months. If the student does not graduate as expected and the graduation application expires, it is the student's responsibility to submit a new graduation application.

Commencement Participation
Students are expected to complete all requirements toward fulfillment of their degree prior to participating in commencement. Because there is only one commencement ceremony per year, CCU will make an exception to this policy under the following conditions:

  1. An undergraduate student who has no more than 6 credits of work outstanding or no more than student teaching remaining and is registered to complete those credits in the upcoming summer or fall semester.
  2. A Graduate student who has no more than 6 credits of work outstanding.

Latin Laude Honors
Because spring semester grades are due after the commencement ceremony, for the purposes of the May commencement ceremony all honors and awards will be based on the calculations of the previous fall term records. Final honors and awards will be posted on the student's transcript at the time that they complete their degree requirements and will be based on the final cumulative grade point average.

Undergraduate students, seeking a bachelor's degree, who have completed at least 60 semester hours of credit at Colorado Christian University, may be eligible for Laude Honors. To graduate with Laude Honors, students must achieve the following cumulative GPAs by the beginning of their final semester of study:

Cum Laude (with honor), 3.5 - 3.69;
Magna Cum Laude (with high honor), 3.7 - 3.89;
Summa Cum Laude (with highest honor), 3.9 - 4.0.

University Honors
Undergraduate students, seeking a bachelor's degree, who have completed less than 60 semester hours of credit at Colorado Christian University, may be eligible for University Honors. To achieve University Honors at graduation, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better while attending CCU.

Alpha Sigma Lambda
To recognize those nontraditional students who have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, servant leadership, and a promise for future community leadership, Colorado Christian University supports the Sigma Nu chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society. To qualify for consideration into ASL, the student must be matriculated in a degree-seeking Bachelor's program and have completed 24 credit hours at CCU with a minimum grade-point average of 3.75 in all major field courses. Students meeting these criteria will be notified and required to submit two professor evaluations before final consideration into ASL. No more than ten percent of the students in the nontraditional program may receive this award. The ASL is granted based on meeting all the criteria and not any one element alone.

6-3-8: Academic Policies-Graduate Studies

Graduate credit is available to students who are qualified for admission to graduate studies. Graduate-level courses are numbered 500 and 600. In some programs, up to 12 hours of courses at the 500-level are open to senior undergraduates of CCU who have a 2.5 (3.25 for the MACI degree) or better cumulative undergraduate grade-point average. If space in such a course is limited, preference will be given to students who are admitted to Graduate Regular Standing. The 600-level courses are normally open only to students who have been admitted to a graduate program with Graduate Regular Standing and to students who have met the prerequisites, if any, which are stated for each particular course. A minimum of six credits per semester is required in the degree programs to maintain full-time status. Permission to enroll in graduate courses as a non-degree seeking student does not imply admission to a graduate degree program. Non-degree seeking students are limited by the number of hours they can complete prior to admission as a degree seeking student. This varies by degree program.

Transfer of Credit
Any credit available for transfer toward a graduate degree (1) must be credit available toward a graduate degree at an accredited institution where it was earned; (2) must have been earned with a grade of A or B; and (3) must meet program requirements at CCU. The student may be required to submit a syllabus or other information regarding the course so that a determination can be made regarding its applicability toward the program. Because of the purpose, length, and intensity of the master's programs, credits from other institutions are rarely transferred in fulfillment of program requirements.

Academic Standing
Students enrolled in a graduate program must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average in the program. Students are advised to check with the Program Director or Assistant Dean for further specifics related to satisfactory progress in the program. Some programs may have more stringent grade point average requirements.

Prior Learning Credit
No credit earned by prior learning assessment may be used toward a graduate degree at Colorado Christian University.