56 / 126
56
2012-2013 Graduate Programs Academic Catalog
Commencement
Applying for a Degree:
Degrees are awarded at
the end of the Summer Studies (August) and at
December and May commencement. It is the
responsibility of students planning to graduate at
the end of any of these terms to file an applica-
tion for the degree or certificate by deadlines
specified in the academic calendar. The university
registrar will publicize degree application dead-
lines 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 appli-
cation fee is forfeited and another degree applica-
tion must be filed (and diploma paid for) by the
deadline for the new term of expected gradua-
tion. The faculty approves each student individu-
ally 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.
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.
Meaning of a Degree:
Because of the whole life
training character of the program and its basic
objective, “To know Him and to make Him
known,” earning a degree at CIU 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 assess-
ment 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 achieve-
ment standards. To qualify for a degree doctrinal-
ly, students must demonstrate an accurate under-
standing of basic biblical doctrines and be in
agreement with the institution’s doctrinal state-
ment (with the exception of the premillenial state-
ment, 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.
Participation in Commencement:
All require-
ments for graduation must normally be met
before the student may participate in the com-
mencement exercises. Attendance at commence-
ment is expected of all resident students who
have applied for a degree to be conferred at the
end of Spring or Fall term.
Since commencement is held only twice per year,
August graduating students may participate in
May commencement if they anticipate completing
all degree requirements by the end of the Summer
Session. M.A. in TEFL/ICS students who are com-
pleting their internship during Spring semester
may request to participate in December’s com-
mencement if their internship is not in a local
placement. All internship and practicum require-
ment plans must be approved by April 15 of the
year in which the student plans to participate in
Spring commencement or Nov. 1 for December
commencement. All registrations must be com-
pleted, internship or practicum tuition must be
paid, and all requirements (including written
reports and evaluations) must be completed by
the last day of the term following the commence-
ment in which the student participates.
Degree change
Students desiring to change their degree within
graduate programs or to Seminary & School of
Ministry should request a degree change form
from the academic dean’s office.
Dismissal
In addition to dismissal for academic reasons,
students may be required to withdraw from CIU
when their behavior and attitude are inconsistent