The University conducts quarterly evaluations of student progress, taking into consideration the minimum GPA allowable, the minimum successful units completed (% of courses attempted) and the percent of maximum time frame allowable. Students who complete their programs in a shorter time frame are subject to the same criteria based on the percentages of the maximum time frame allowable.
The following Standards of Satisfactory Progress apply to all graduate students in the degree programs. Students must meet the minimum standards set forth below, or they shall be deemed to be out of compliance in meeting the Standards of Satisfactory Progress criteria.
Maximum Time Frame for Course Completion of Degree
MINIMUM ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Students must achieve cumulative grade point averages (CGPAs) of the following:
2.25 at 25% of the maximum time frame; 2.5 at the midpoint of the maximum time frame; and a 3.0 at the maximum time frame. A student, whose CGPA is below 2.5 at 50% of the maximum time frame, is not eligible for probation and will be suspended for one quarter. Failure to maintain 3.0 for any quarter will result in being placed on probation.
THE EFFECT ON SAP FOR “W” WITHDRAW AND “I” INCOMPLETE GRADES
All courses for which students receive a grade, whether passing or failing, a withdrawal (W), or an incomplete (I), are counted in determining hours attempted for the purposes of establishing SAP under the Maximum Timeframe criterion. All courses for which students receive a grade will be included when calculating students’ GPA, except that a withdrawal (W), or an Incomplete (I), will not be included in determining students’ cumulative GPA.
THE EFFECT ON SAP FOR REPEATED COURSES
Both the grade for the failed course and the repeated course will appear on the transcript but only the higher grade will be used in calculating CGPA. The original course and repeated course credits are included in the maximum timeframe calculation.
SAP FOR NON-PUNITIVE GRADES AND NON-CREDIT COURSES
Audited courses and Pass/No Pass courses count as credits attempted for purposes of calculating the student’s CGPA. The corresponding grades will not count toward the student’s CGPA. Non- credit or remedial course credits are not used in the calculation of CGPA.
THE EFFECT ON SAP FOR EXTENDED-ENROLLMENT STATUS
The California University of Communication does not offer extended-enrollment status.
THE EFFECT ON SAP WHEN STUDENT CHANGES PROGRAMS
If a student is readmitted into the California University and changes program of study, the credits that are applicable to the student’s current program of study will be included in determining the student’s satisfactory academic progress.
THE EFFECT ON SAP WHEN EARNING AN ADDITIONAL CREDENTIAL
A student who completes a program at the California University and enrolls in an additional program at the University may have the ability to transfer units from the previously completed program into the new enrolled program upon evaluation. All transferred coursework will be counted when calculating the student’s CGPA and for determining the maximum time frame.
SAP FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS
This section describes the effect on SAP when a student transfers to the University from another Postsecondary Institution. If a student transfers to the University from another postsecondary institution, the credits that were accepted by the California University of Communication will count as credits attempted and completed for purposes of calculating the student’s CGPA. The corresponding grades will not count toward the student’s CGPA.
MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES
The Dean of Academic Affairs may waive the Standards of Satisfactory Progress for circumstances of personal illness, unusual family responsibilities, military service, unexpected consequences arising in their homeland, or other significant occurrence beyond the control of the students. Students must document these circumstances to demonstrate that they have an adverse impact on their performance. No waivers will be provided for graduation requirements.
WARNING STATUS
Students who do not meet the SAP Minimum Standards will receive written notification stating that he or she is being placed on Warning. A student on Warning who brings their CGPA and completion rate up to SAP standards by the end of the next term is removed from Warning. A student who fails to establish SAP by the end of the next evaluation period will be withdrawn.
APPEALS AND PROBATION
A student, who wishes to appeal determination that he/she is not making satisfactory academic progress due to mitigating circumstances, may submit a written appeal to the Dean of Academic Affairs for review. The written appeal should include a detailed explanation and documentation of the current academic status of the student, mitigating circumstances that led to the student’s current academic status, how the student’s situation has changed, and the student’s plan for achieving required minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress.
The Dean of Academic Affairs is responsible for determining the appropriateness of the mitigating circumstances in regard to severity, timeliness and the student’s ability to avoid the circumstances. The result of the appeal (granted or denied) will be provided to the student and documented in the student’s academic file. If the appeal is granted, the Dean of Academic Affairs will outline the requirements of academic plan that the student must follow. The terms of the academic plan must ensure the student will be able to complete the program within the maximum timeframe. If the student agrees to the academic plan, the student is placed on probation, and allowed to continue at the university.
At the end of the probation period, the student’s progress will be evaluated based on the academic plan. If the student is meeting the SAP standards, or he/she has met the requirements of the academic plan, the student will be eligible to remain at the university. If the student fails to meet the expectations of the academic plan at the end of the probationary period, the student will be terminated.
DISMISSAL
Students who have been dismissed due to the failure to maintain the academic minimum outlined above may reapply for admission after one quarter leave. A meeting will be scheduled between the Dean of Academic Affairs and the student for reapplying to determine whether the student has the academic ability and desire to successfully continue in the program. When a student receives a
written dismissal notice from the school after instruction has begun, the student will receive a pro rata refund for the unused portion of the tuition and other refundable charges if the student has completed 60% or less of the program.
READMISSION
Students who have been dismissed or terminated from the University must wait one quarter before applying for readmission and must submit a Petition for Readmission to the Dean of Academic Affairs. The Petition must include the records of any academic work successfully completed at other institutions as well as present compelling reasons for reinstatement which include the ability to maintain Standards of Satisfactory Progress. The Dean of Academic Affairs will notify the students in writing concerning their readmission. Students who are re-admitted for enrollment will be placed on an Academic Plan and be required to meet the SAP standards. A student on Warning or Probation, who improves their CGPA and completion rate up to SAP standards by the end of the next term, will be eliminated from Warning/Probation status.
REINSTATEMENT
Students who leave the University without filing a Request for Leave of Absence will not be automatically reinstated. Students must file a Petition for Readmission to a degree program, which have the recommendations of the Dean of Academic Affairs. The petition must be submitted to the Admissions Office. Upon reinstatement, students will be subjected to all of the current requirements for the degree effective from the time of reinstatement.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Students, in good standing and making satisfactory progress towards a degree, who must interrupt studies for compelling reasons (e.g. which may include but not be limited to personal illness, unusual family responsibilities, military service, and unexpected consequences arising in their homeland.) must file a Request for Leave of Absence, usually not to exceed four (4) quarters. Students must file this Request with the Registrar’s Office and have approval from the Dean of Academic Affairs.
During the leave of absence, students are not entitled to assistance from the faculty or allowed to use University facilities. If granted, the leave is recorded on the students’ transcripts. The period of leave is not counted in the time allowed for the completion of degree requirements.
Students who do not return to enrolled status at the end of the approved leave of absence are no longer considered to be pursuing a degree. Students who fail to apply for a Request for Leave of Absence or for whom a leave has been denied or has expired should refer to Readmission.
WITHDRAWAL FROM COURSES
Students should review and select classes carefully with their advisers and avail themselves of college counseling services before making a decision to withdraw from classes. Students may drop classes without academic penalty through the fifth week of classes. Due to unforeseen circumstances, students may withdraw from classes from the sixth week through the ninth week of classes and receive a grade of Withdrawal (W) with the permission from the Dean of Academic Affairs. After the tenth week of class, permission will not be granted for a student to withdraw, a letter grade of F or Incomplete (IN) will be assigned to the student.
CLEARANCE FOR GRADUATION
Prospective graduates must obtain an Application for Graduation from the Registrar’s Office and submit it to the Registrar before they can be considered for graduation. Students are advised to file the application in the quarter preceding that in which they expect to graduate. During each registration period, graduating seniors meet with their advisors to determine whether their proposed class enrollments meet all requirements for their degrees.
Graduation ceremonies are held in June. Diplomas will be mailed to those students who have completed their degree programs and must depart prior to the graduation ceremonies.
All fees and tuition debts must be paid in full fifteen (15) days prior to graduation, and all graduating students must pay the graduation fees.