Catalog 73 - National University

Academic Information for Graduate Degrees70Special Consideration Waivers Based on Non-GraduateLevel CourseworkStudents who have a course waiver approved based on a course takenthrough extended learning or continuing education will typically notbe awarded any units. If the issuing institution recognizes the creditsas meeting graduate level academic standards, notates on thetranscript that the course is granted graduate level academic credit,and confirms in an official letter from their Office of the Registrar thatthe course would be accepted to meet a requirement in their owngraduate programs, National University may consider approving andawarding credit.When a student has acquired mastery of a subject through aconcentration of undergraduate courses or through considerableexperience or training, the lead faculty member may recommend thata course be waived. The lead faculty will determine the requireddocumentation that needs to be submitted in support of the waiver.The lead faculty will then make a recommendation, which must besubmitted through an e-form to the Committee on the Application ofStandards.Time LimitCoursework that is more than seven years old cannot be transferredinto post-baccalaureate credential or degree programs. Similarly,coursework completed at National University more than seven yearsago cannot be applied to post-baccalaureate credential or degreeprograms for re-enrolling students. Coursework that is more thanseven years old must be repeated, or, with the approval of the schooldean, a more recent, suitable course may be substituted.Challenge by ExaminationStudents in the School of Education have the option to take aChallenge by Examination for EDT 608 and EDT 655. In order to testout of these courses, students must follow the same procedures asoutlined in Academic Information for Undergraduate Degrees underthe heading “Challenge by Examination.” The fee for each challengeexam is $50 and no credit is awarded. Contact a credential advisor ora local representative for more information.Credit by Examination is not allowed at the graduate level.Grades and Grading SystemStudents who have more than three absences, excused or unexcused,cannot be given a satisfactory grade.A Outstanding AchievementB Commendable AchievementC Marginal AchievementD Unsatisfactory AchievementF FailingIIncompleteA grade of “I” may only be issued when a student has attendedat least two-thirds of the course sessions and is unable tocomplete the requirements due to uncontrollable and unforeseencircumstances. Students must communicate these circumstances(preferably in writing) to the instructor prior to the final day ofthe course. If an instructor decides that an “Incomplete” iswarranted, he/she issues a grade of “I” and notates theconditions for removal of the “Incomplete” in the student’srecord. Students receive notification via e-mail about theassignment of an “Incomplete,” including the conditions for itsremoval. The information remains in place until the“Incomplete” is removed or the time limit for removal haspassed. An “Incomplete” is not issued when the only way thestudent could make up the work is to attend a major portion ofthe class the next time it is offered. Students must resolve“Incomplete” grades no later than six months after the officialcourse end date. Students can be required to remove an“Incomplete” in a shorter period of time at the discretion of theinstructor. The Office of the Registrar sends a courtesy e-mailreminder regarding the “Incomplete” on record when fourmonths has elapsed since the course end date, provided theinstructor has not specified a shorter end date.An “I” that is not removed within the stipulated time becomesan “F“ or a “U” based on the grading criteria of the course. Nograde points are assigned. The “F” is calculated in the gradepoint average.U UnsatisfactoryA permanent grade given indicating that a credit attempt wasnot acceptable. An “Unsatisfactory” grade merits no gradepoints and is not computed in the grade point average.W WithdrawalSignifies that a student has withdrawn from a course aftermidnight of the ninth day of the session. A “Withdrawal” is notallowed after the twenty-first (21st) day of the session. This is apermanent mark with no grade points assigned.SSatisfactoryCredit is granted and no grade points are assigned. This is agrade assigned for satisfactory work in practicum, residencies,and field experience courses.IP In ProgressA designation representing aproject/thesis/research/practicum/internship/field studycourse that allows up to 12 months for completion. No gradepoints are assigned for the “IP” grade.The following grades are assigned for selected project/practicumcourses identified in the course description section of this catalog:H HonorsSignifies outstanding work. No grade points are assigned.S SatisfactorySignifies acceptable work. No grade points are assigned.U UnsatisfactorySignifies unacceptable work. No credit is awarded and no gradepoints are assigned.Plus/Minus GradingNational University uses a plus/minus grading system. The grade ofA+ is not issued. In the plus/minus system, the grade points percredit used in the calculation of the grade point average are specifiedbelow. Instructors may elect not to use the plus/minus systemprovided that they clearly state this in the course outline.Repetition of CoursesStudents are not obligated to repeat a failed course unless it is acourse required for graduation. Students may repeat, at the prevailingcost per quarter unit, any course in which an “F,” “D,” “C”, or “B-“grade was received. The original grade earned remains part of thestudent’s permanent record, but is not considered in computing thegrade point average. In order to properly document the repeatedcourse, students must notify the Office of the Registrar that the coursehas been repeated.No course can be repeated more than twice.