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Conditions for removal of the “I,” including the time limit for its removal (normally one month after the final exam), will be
decided by the faculty member and documented for the faculty member’s dean. All incomplete grades beyond 30 days after the
end of the course require the approval of the faculty member’s dean. It is the responsibility of the student receiving an “I” to
submit the outstanding assignments to remove the grade at the earliest possible date. In no case will an “I” grade be carried for
more than one year from the assignment of the Incomplete. An “I” grade does not carry quality points and is not calculated in
the GPA. A student need not be enrolled in order to remove a grade of Incomplete. No student may graduate with an “I” on
record.
Graduation
Because of the whole life training character of CIU and its basic objective, “To know Him and to make Him known,” earning a
degree at CIU involves more than merely meeting academic requirements. Students must reflect adequate achievement of CIU
objectives (including non-academic areas such 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 competency in both general and professional areas.
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 section 8). 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 candidates for a degree who affirm error in Scripture or who believe in the ultimate salvation of all people.
Applying for a Degree
: CIU has three graduation dates per year on which diplomas and certificates are issued: one at the end of
the Summer term (in August) one at the end of Fall semester (in December), and one at the end of Spring semester (in May).
Students planning to receive a degree or certificate at any of these graduations are required to submit to the Office of the
University Registrar a completed application for graduation and pay a non-refundable graduation fee by the deadline
specified. If a student fails to complete all requirements by the date set, the degree or certificate will not be issued. A new
application to graduate must be filed and another graduation fee must be paid by the deadline for the new term of expected
graduation.
Undergraduate-level:
Scholastic Honors: Students graduating from undergraduate four-year programs will receive diplomas with scholastic honors
according to the following:
Summa cum laude (highest honor) for a GPA of 3.85 or above
Magna cum laude (high honor) for a GPA from 3.71 to 3.84
Cum laude (with honor) for a GPA from 3.5 to 3.7
Transfer students must have completed at least 48 semester hours at CIU to be eligible for scholastic honors. Grades from a
student’s last semester in the student’s degree program are not included in the determination of scholastic honors.
Delta Epsilon Chi Honor Society:
The undergraduate faculty has established a chapter of Delta Epsilon Chi, the Honor Society of
the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). No more than seven percent of the graduating class for any given year
may be nominated to this group by the faculty. ABHE minimum criteria for nomination by the faculty include a cumulative GPA
of 3.3 or above, positive demonstration of Christian character, and clear exhibition of leadership ability following a biblical
model.
Grievance Procedures (Academic)
See the Academic Grievance Procedure located in the Student Life section of this catalog.
Internships
The purpose of internships is to provide supervised experience in ministry in line with the student’s vocational objectives (see
specific programs for internship details). Such an experience allows the student to engage in professional activities while
receiving feedback and supervision from an experienced mentor. All internships have as their principal component – the
practice of ministry. Internships promote personal growth as the intern integrates the academic and the experiential with the
student as an individual. Internships are planned around specific objectives. Supervision of students before, during, and after
the internship is common to all internships. Another ingredient common to all internships is evaluation from a variety of
sources. CIU personnel work along with field personnel to ensure that students receive maximum benefit from their
internships.
Ministry Skills Development (Undergraduate Program)
Christian Service Learning (CSL)
: All undergraduate students are required to register for CSL for three semesters during their
first and second years. To this end, the focus of the first two years of a student’s bachelor degree program emphasizes biblical
studies, general education courses, and CSL opportunities. The goal in these three semesters of CSL is to encourage students to
build service-oriented relationships within the local church and at least 80 clock hours of Christian service is required.
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