Registration
Procedure / Academic Load / Faculty Advisor / Faculty Directed Study
Auditing / Course Withdrawal / Academic Petition
Auditing / Course Withdrawal / Academic Petition
Procedure: Registration materials are available during the prior term registration period (for returning students) and at the beginning of each term (for entering students). All financial obligations of the preceding semester must be met before the student may register for another term.
Academic Load: Students registered for at least nine semester hours are considered full-time; those registered for seven or eight hours are considered three-quarters-time; and those registered for six hours are considered half-time. During the fall and spring semesters, full-time students are given first priority for on-campus housing; part-time students are eligible for on-campus housing as space is available. During Winterim and Summer Studies, on-campus housing is generally available for all registered students.
Faculty Advisor: Each student is assigned a faculty advisor according to the student’s program preference. The student meets with the faculty advisor prior to registration each term and at other times when counsel is desired. The advisor approves the courses the student selects and keeps a record of the student’s progress.
Faculty Directed Study (FDS): Faculty Directed Study furnishes students the opportunity to pursue, under the direction of a faculty member, subjects of interest and relevance to the student’s academic and vocational goals, but that are not directly covered in a regular course. FDS courses provide opportunities for independent learning to develop creativity of mind, to reinforce the habit of initiative by providing situations that call for it, and to cultivate the capacity to continue the students’ education throughout their life. Students may not elect to take a regularly scheduled course through FDS unless the course has been changed by the Graduate School and created the need for program completion through this alternative.
Students wishing to register for FDS must obtain an FDS form from the academic dean’s office and discuss the proposed study with the appropriate faculty member. The faculty member should make sure the form is completed properly, including the course title, proposed requirements, and hours of credit (check the Course Description section of the catalog for the appropriate course designation and number). Once the instructor has signed the form, it should be signed by the student’s academic advisor and then delivered to the academic dean for final approval. Once the approval has been granted the student must register for the course through the Registration Office. A maximum of 12 semester hours of a student’s program may be taken by FDS. The regular grading system is used for these courses.
Auditing: An auditor is one who registers to attend a class, but not for academic credit. Students wishing to audit a course should indicate this on their registration form. Students may not receive credit for audit courses and audited courses do not appear on transcripts. No more than 25% of students registered for any course may be auditors.
Withdrawal from a Course: In some cases, it may become necessary or advisable for students to drop a course for which they have registered. Prior to the drop/add deadline, students should consult with their faculty advisor for the proper procedure. Between the drop/add deadline and the withdrawal deadline, students must obtain a “Course Withdrawal” form from the Registration Office, complete the requested information, obtain all required signatures, and make fee payment before submitting it to the Registration Office for processing. Course withdrawal should be made as early as possible in the semester. The tuition refund schedule is subject to change; the current rate schedule is available in the Registrar's Office. Students withdrawing from a course after the withdrawal deadline will receive a "Withdrawn Failing (WF)" grade, equivalent to a failing (F) grade. In exceptional cases a withdrawal (W) may still be granted by the Graduate School Dean (i.e. medical emergencies, military deployment. See the registrar’s or academic dean’s office for medical criteria). The course withdrawal deadline in a normal semester format is after the first five weeks. The withdrawal deadline for courses offered in an intensive format is after 2 days for a one-week course (40% of the course), 3 days for a two-week course (30% of the course), and 4 days (20%) for a three or more week course. Students are responsible for following established withdrawal procedures.
Academic Petitions: Students seeking exceptions to program requirements or academic policies may submit an academic petition. The petition must have the signature endorsement of the student’s faculty advisor and, where appropriate, course instructor(s) before submission to the academic dean for approval. Students who wish to take correspondence courses or summer school courses from another institution should consult with their faculty advisor and seek prior permission through an academic petition to transfer the credit to CIU. Courses taken without prior approval through petition may in some cases not be applicable as transfer credit to the student’s CIU program.
Grades
Grading System: It is expected that work done at the Graduate School will represent faithfulness and conscientious application on the part of every student. Although grades are not regarded as an end in themselves, they usually represent not only the students’ knowledge of the subject, but also their diligence in studying it. The grading system is as follows:|
Grade
|
Percentage
|
Points Per Semester Hour
|
Explanation
|
|
| A | 95-100 |
4.0 | Excellent | |
| A- | 93-94 |
3.7 | ||
| B+ | 91-92 |
3.3 | ||
| B | 87-90 |
3.0 | Good | |
| B- | 85-86 |
2.7 | ||
| C+ | 83-84 |
2.3 | ||
| C |
79-82 |
2.0 |
Satisfactory |
|
| C- | 77-78 |
1.7 | ||
| D+ | 75-76 |
1.3 | ||
| D | 72-74 |
1.0 | Passing | |
| D- | 70-71 |
0.7 | ||
| F | 0-69 |
0.0 | Failure | |
| WF | 0.0 | Withdrawn Failing | ||
| I | 0.0 | Incomplete | ||
| S | Satisfactory |
|||
| U | Unsatisfactory |
|||
| W | Withdrawal |
Grade Point Average Computation:
- Formula: The Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by the accepted formula of quality points earned divided by credit hours attempted. Columbia International University has adopted a 4.0 grading system for the computation of quality points.
- Inclusion in Cumulative GPA: The cumulative GPA is calculated only the basis of courses taken at Columbia International University (including courses taken through Columbia Extension and the Korntal branch campus) and institutions with which the University has a joint course registration agreement.
- Transfer Credit Exclusion: Transfer credits may be applied toward the degree program when the grade is C or above, but accepted credits are not computed into the GPA.
- Exceptional Case Exclusions: Courses withdrawn through exceptional circumstances after the normal withdrawal deadline, such as for medical reasons, are not calculated into the GPA.
- Grade Replacements: Courses in which a grade lower than C (C- or below) is earned may be retaken. Courses in which a grade of C or above is earned may be retaken only by permission of the course instructor, the student's faculty advisor, and the Dean of the Graduate School. In both cases, the new grade replaces the former grade in the calculation of the cumulative GPA, regardless of whether it is better or worse than the grade earned in the first attempt; however, the record of the previous grade remains on the student's transcript. A repeated course counts only once toward degree requirements (i.e., students may not receive double credit for a course). A course may be repeated for credit only twice.
Grade Reports: Reports of grades are issued to students within three weeks after the end of each semester. A cumulative permanent record of courses, credits, grades, and grade averages semester-by-semester is maintained for each student. Any student who questions a final grade in any subject should contact the instructor immediately. If the grade is to be changed, the instructor will notify the registrar by means of a Change of Grade form stating the reason for the change. No grade may be contested after three months have elapsed after the date of issue.
Attendance
Policy: The heart of the college experience, in many respects, will be the work done in the classroom. The CIU faculty, therefore, takes a serious view of class attendance. The course offerings are designed to enrich students’ preparation for life. Students will need to absorb and learn more from a course than simply “getting the notes” in order to perform on an examination. Significant insights and perspectives may surface in class and students will also be expected to contribute to class discussion. In certain participatory classes, students must account for all absences. In such cases, teachers will clearly indicate this requirement in the class syllabus. They will also indicate the penalty for noncompliance. Normally the penalty will involve a grade reduction.
Absences: Normally students are not permitted to miss more than 25% of class meetings regardless of the reasons. If absences exceed this number, students will normally receive a grade of F, unless properly withdrawn from the course, in which case a grade of W will be assigned. Where extenuating circumstances are involved, an appeal to the Graduate School Faculty Committee may be made for special consideration.
Tardiness: Three unexcused tardies count as one absence. Although it is important to attend whatever portion of class is possible in case of an unforeseeable emergency, missing more than 25% of the class period is counted as an absence.
Academic Probation: Students on academic probation may not miss any classes without prior approval of the instructor of the course or a written medical excuse.
Testing: Students are not usually permitted to miss a class on the day of a scheduled quiz or exam.
Veterans: If students are veterans and are receiving government benefits, they are responsible to follow the attendance regulations established by the Veterans Administration.
Course Work
Assignments: Due dates for research papers, book reports, and other assignments are normally given in the course syllabus. Students are responsible to plan and pace their work so that assignments will be submitted when due. Any exceptions to the schedule established for a course are at the discretion of the instructor. Late work is not normally accepted. In some cases the instructor may permit an extension at his or her discretion.
Examinations: Examination periods are normally designated in course syllabi. Students who cannot avoid missing a test period should consult the teacher ahead of time to request rescheduling. Normally tests may not be made up if they were missed for personal reasons or social activities. In the case of absence from a test period for other than medical reasons or approved field trips, the teacher has the right to determine whether the reasons given for the proposed absence warrant an excuse. There is no final examination period. Final examinations may be scheduled for one or more class periods near the end of the term. Students may not be excused from classes prior to the last day of the term.
Re-Examinations: If under exceptional circumstances an instructor permits a re-examination, the student must take the exam within four weeks after the end of the semester. If the student passes the examination, the final grade will be adjusted accordingly, but the grade obtained on the re-taken examination will not carry the same value as the original final examination.
Plagiarism: CIU expects students to be honorable in all their academic work. All students are to do and be responsible for their own work. Dishonesty in assignments, examinations, written papers, or any other academic work is contrary to scriptural principles of Christian living and is an affront to fellow students and the faculty. Plagiarism is deliberately presenting another person’s ideas or words as one’s own or unintentionally failing to cite the source of one’s ideas. The following are specific examples of plagiarism:
- The words, sentences, ideas, conclusions, examples, and/or organization of an assignment are borrowed from a source (a book, an article, another student’s paper, tapes, etc.) without acknowledging the source.
- A student submits work done by another student - in part or whole - in place of his or her own work.
- A student submits assignments received from commercial firms or any other person or group.
- A student knowingly aids another student in plagiarizing an assignment as defined above.
(Adapted with permission from the St. Paul Bible College Student Handbook and the Student’s Guide to Public Communication for The University of South Carolina by William M. Strickland.)
Academic Probation
Policy: Students are placed on academic probation at the end of any semester in which they earn a grade point average below 3.0 in the MACNS program or 2.7 for all other programs. If a student is on academic probation, no absences from classes are permitted except for illness or emergency. Students on academic probation may be required to carry a reduced course load, to reduce or eliminate employment, to reduce extra-curricular activities, or to carry out other measures recommended by the academic advisor or administration to help them improve their scholastic standing. In many instances, such students on academic probation will require additional semesters to complete their studies.Removal: Academic probation is removed when students accumulate a satisfactory grade point average.
Suspension: Students on academic probation for two consecutive semesters will receive a written warning from the academic dean indicating that failure to remove themselves from academic probation in the succeeding semester will result in academic dismissal. Students who at the end of any three consecutive semesters have not removed themselves from academic probation will be dismissed from the university.
Readmission: Students suspended for academic reasons may apply for readmission through the academic dean after an absence of one year. At this time, the dean evaluates the causes for the dismissal and any evidence that the student may now be able to make satisfactory academic progress. Students deemed capable of making and maintaining satisfactory progress may be readmitted on academic probation.
Dual Degrees
In preparation for future ministry, some students may find it helpful to complete further training in multiple areas by completing two (or more) advanced degrees. The “Dual Degree” program permits students to apply up to 50% of one graduate degree to another graduate degree at CIU. The required number of credits for completing both degrees may be less than if the two degrees were completed separately; however, students must satisfy all requirements for both degrees, including program admission and completion requirements. Because of the difficulty of insuring that all requirements from both programs are met, students should consult with advisors from both degree programs as soon as possible in their time at CIU.Coursework applied to a degree in the Graduate School can be applied towards equivalent coursework in a degree of different nomenclature in the Graduate School or towards equivalent coursework in a degree at Columbia Biblical Seminary and School of Missions. There are five separate degree nomenclatures in the Graduate School: Master of Arts in Bible Teaching, Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language/Intercultural Studies, and Master of Education. See the seminary catalog for more information on seminary degrees. Students completing degrees in both the Graduate School and the Seminary must be fully admitted to both schools. Students may pursue multiple degrees sequentially or simultaneously, although degrees completed at the same time may be awarded at different times.
Withdrawal from the University
Students who for any reason consider withdrawing from CIU during a semester should consult with the dean of Student Life and take the necessary steps to withdraw officially. Students who fail to withdraw officially forfeit their right to honorable dismissal and will receive a failing grade in each course for which they are registered during the semester. In cases where it becomes necessary or advisable for a student to withdraw from the Graduate School, it is the responsibility of the student to obtain a “School Withdrawal” form from the Registration Office, complete the requested information, and obtain all required authorizations before submitting it to the Registration Office for processing. Failure to attend classes does not constitute withdrawal and failure to follow withdrawal procedures will result in grades of "F" for all courses. Students withdrawing from school after the withdrawal deadline (see under “Course Withdrawal”) will receive a “Withdrawn Failing (WF)” grade, equivalent to a failing (F) grade. A withdrawal (W) may still be given for serious circumstances excused by the academic dean or for medical reasons (see the registrar’s or dean’s office for medical criteria).Dismissal
In addition to dismissal for academic reasons, students may be required to withdraw from CIU when their behavior and attitude are inconsistent with the standards and basic purpose of the university. Such withdrawals may be for a specific time during which the students have opportunity to evaluate their personal goals and relationship to the university. The dean of Student Life serves as the administrator of university policy and the adjudicator in disciplinary matters. (See information regarding student discipline in the Student Life section of this catalog, or consult the student handbook.)Independent Distance Learning (IDL) Courses
CIU offers many IDL courses in audio- and video-based delivery formats. CIU students across the globe are mentored by faculty assistants and have direct access to their professor's e-mail address and telephone extension throughout the course. While enrolled, credit CIU students have access to the resources of the CIU Library for research purposes and the library will ship books anywhere in the world. Courses available in IDL format are noted in the Course Description section of this catalog.IDL courses are specifically designed to serve distance-learning students. Resident students, however, may register for them in order to alleviate schedule conflicts and/or to accelerate progress toward graduation. Resident students wishing to take advantage of the independent learning format have the option of enrolling in IDL courses for resident or non-resident credit. An IDL course may qualify for resident credit if the course is taken at the beginning of the fall or spring semester by simply including the course on their regular registration form. All course requirements must be completed by the last day of the semester and financial aid may apply. Students desiring a more flexible format may enroll in IDL courses at anytime during the year and work according to their own pace within a six month (one and two hour courses) or nine month (three hour course) time frame. Resident credit and financial aid is not available in this format. All IDL students should go to the Columbia Extension office to obtain the syllabus, course materials, and instructions for completing the course.
For more information, visit the Distance Education Center web site at www.ciu.edu/distance or call 1-800-777-2227, ext. 3710.
Summer and Winter Accelerated Studies
Core and elective courses are offered every year in intensive one, two and three week formats during the months of May through August (Summer Studies Program) and two weeks of January (Winter Studies). The abbreviated format of these sessions provides unique opportunities for students to accelerate their programs and for people involved in ministry, missions, and other vocations to fit continuing education into their schedules. Intensive courses require some level of pre- and post-class work. Upon registration, the student should check with the Graduate School office for any required advance reading or written assignments. During Summer and Winter Studies, CIU is able to bring outstanding leaders in various fields to the campus. In the more intimate atmosphere of smaller classes, learning takes place in a close enough relationship to get to know and be influenced by the specialists. Information is available from the Graduate School Admissions Office.Degree Completion
Meaning of a Degree: Because of the whole life training character of the program and its basic objective, “Preparing World Christians To Know Him and To Make Him Known,” earning a degree at Columbia involves more than merely meeting academic requirements. It also requires that the student reflect adequate achievement of CIU objectives (including such nonacademic areas as personal morality, positive interpersonal and family relationships, and local church involvement). Although non-academic objectives cannot be measured with complete objectivity, we believe valid and useful assessment is possible and necessary. All programs provide significant training for vocational Christian service. Criteria for granting a degree are designed to reflect the student's character and the student's competency in both general and professional areas.Community expectation (evangelical or secular) does not ultimately determine the meaning of a degree from CIU. We are responsible to define our own purpose and establish our own achievement standards.
To qualify for a degree doctrinally, students must demonstrate an accurate understanding of basic biblical doctrines and be in agreement with the institution’s doctrinal statement (with the exception of the premillenial statement, which is not a mandatory requirement). Students must also demonstrate an accurate understanding of the doctrine of the inerrancy of the Scriptures and affirm belief in that doctrine. Students will not be accepted as a candidate for a degree who affirm error in Scripture or who believe in the ultimate salvation of all people.
Applying for a Degree: Degrees are awarded at the end of the summer session (August) and fall semester (December) as well as at the May commencement. It is the responsibility of students planning to graduate at the end of any of these terms to file an application for the degree or certificate by deadlines specified in the academic calendar . The university registrar will publicize degree application deadlines each term. If a student fails to complete all requirements by the end of the specified term, the degree will not be issued. The degree application fee is forfeited and another degree application must be filed (and diploma paid for) by the deadline for the new term of expected graduation.
The faculty passes upon each student individually and reserves the right to refuse a degree to any student whom it regards as not meeting the spiritual, academic, or physical standards of the university.
Participation in Commencement: All requirements for graduation must normally be met before the student may participate in the May commencement exercises. Attendance at commencement is expected of all resident students registered for courses during spring semester who have applied for a degree to be conferred at the end of spring or summer term. Requests for exceptions must be submitted by means of an academic petition.
August Graduates: Since commencement is held only once per year, students may request permission to participate in May commencement if they anticipate completing all degree requirements by the end of the summer session. All internship and practicum requirement plans must be approved by April 15 of the year in which the student plans to participate in commencement. Registration forms must be completed, internship or practicum tuition must be paid, and all requirements (including written reports and evaluations) must be completed by the last day of Summer Studies following the commencement in which the student participates.Awarding a Degree: No degree will be awarded until the end of the term in which all graduation requirements have been met and for which a degree application has been properly submitted.
December Graduates: Students who anticipate completion of requirements in December may participate in the following May graduation ceremony.
Student Privacy Rights
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, with which CIU fully complies, protects the privacy of educational records, establishes the rights of students to inspect these records, and provides guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal hearings. Student records include financial accounts and financial aid records, practicum and internship assignments and evaluations, grades, veteran affairs, and Student Life files. Students have the right to file complaints concerning alleged institutional failure to comply with this Act. Copies of the institutional compliance policy are available in the Registrar’s Office.CIU designates the following categories of student records as public “Directory Information” and may use its discretion in disclosing these data:
- Name, address, telephone number, dates of attendance, classification.
- Previous institution(s) attended, major field(s) of study, awards, honors, degree(s) conferred (including dates).
- Past and present participation in officially recognized sports and activities, physical factors (height and weight of athletes), date and place of birth.
