Grading Policies

Grades and Grade Points

The cumulative grade point average (CUM GPA) is computed by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credits attempted, based on CLU and transferable course work. The CLU grade point average (CLU GPA) is computed by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credits attempted, based on CLU course work. CLU policy does not allow for rounding up decimals when computing the GPA. When the GPA is recorded, it is truncated at the second decimal.

Only courses with grades of "C" (2.0) or better will be counted toward the total number of credits required for the degree. Courses resulting in a grade of C- or below must be repeated. A "B" (3.0) average is required for continued enrollment in the graduate program and for receiving the master's degree.

Graduate grades and grade points are assigned according to this scale:

Grade Grade Points
A 4.0
A- 3.7
B+ 3.3
B 3.0
B- 2.7
C+ 2.3
C 2.0
C- 1.7
D+ 1.3
D 1.0
D- 0.7
F 0.0

The following grades are not used in computing the GPA:

IN Incomplete No grade points earned, no credit given
P Passing No grade points, credit given
NC No Credit No grade points and no credit given
W Withdrawal No grade points and no credit given
AU Audit No grade points and no credit given
NR No Report No grade points, no grade report; submitted by faculty

A grade of "IN" (Incomplete) may be assigned only in the case of a student who, for illness or other circumstances beyond his or her control, has missed a final examination or major piece of work. A student may not make up the Incomplete by repeating the course. Make-up work must be evaluated by the instructor who assigned the original grade of Incomplete. If not made up within one year's time, an "IN" automatically becomes an "NC." A student may petition in writing to extend an "IN" beyond one year if there are extenuating circumstances.

Academic Probation and Disqualification

A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA is required of all students enrolled in a graduate program. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation must bring their cumulative GPA up to 3.0 in the following semester. Students who fail to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA are subject to academic disqualification from the University.

Students enrolled in the teacher preparation program must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students on academic probation must bring their cumulative GPA up to 3.0 in the following semester. Students who fail to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA are subject to academic disqualification from the University.

Repeated Courses

Students may repeat a course, unless otherwise specified, regardless of the grade received. Grades of C- or lower, however, cannot be used to meet degree program requirements and must be repeated. Grades for the initial attempt and all subsequent repeats remain on the student's academic record and are factored into the GPA. Credit for the course will be given only once and all repeated courses must be completed at CLU.

Grade Reports and Transcripts

Grades for all courses, including those that may have ended prior to the last day of the semester, are processed at the semester's closing date. Grade reports are issued and mailed to the student's residence.

Official transcripts of a student's complete record may be requested in writing by the student from the Registrar's Office. The transcript charge is $5 per copy requested.

CLU reserves the right to withhold grade reports or transcripts if the student's financial obligations to the University have not been met.

Appeals Process for Challenge of Grades

There may be instances when students take exception to the performance or judgment of an instructor. The University hopes to settle these differences as amicably and quickly as possible. The first appeal is from the aggrieved student directly to the instructor. If no agreement is reached, graduate students may then appeal in writing to the program director. If the issue is still not resolved, the student may appeal to the appropriate dean, whose judgment is final.

Transfer of Credit

Students may petition to transfer up to six semester credits of graduate course work taken at other regionally accredited colleges or universities to their program at CLU. Transfer work must be:

  1. graduate level (applicable to a graduate degree at the institution granting credit);
  2. completed within the seven-year time limit;
  3. completed with a grade of at least a "B";
  4. documented by official transcripts from the institution;
  5. listed on a "Petition for the Transfer of Credit";
  6. approved by the appropriate program director and dean.

Transfer of credit from CLU to another institution requires approval of the receiving institution.

Second Master's Degree

A person seeking to earn a graduate degree at CLU who has already earned a graduate degree may petition to transfer up to nine credits of equivalent course work into the second degree program. The candidate must present satisfactory, official evidence of course work completed in the first graduate program that would equate to the courses exempted in the CLU program. The final determination of degree requirements will be made by the program director and the appropriate dean.

Modification of Academic Requirements

Students who wish to modify course or program academic requirements may submit a "Petition to Modify Academic Requirement" to the Graduate and Adult Programs Office. All requests are reviewed by the appropriate program director and dean. Waiving a course does not grant credit. It simply means the student does not have to enroll in the course and may substitute an elective course, if necessary.

Independent Study

Independent study is research in an area not covered by course work listed in the CLU catalog and is always listed with the appropriate department number as "Independent Study."

Approval of independent study must be obtained by completing the appropriate request form available from the Graduate and Adult Programs Office. The form must be signed by the student, instructor and appropriate program director and submitted to the Registrar's Office by the last day to add a class.

Standards and work requirements for independent study are the same as those for a course which is part of the regularly scheduled curriculum.

Academic Limits

A student's program is limited to a maximum combination of 12 credits of course waivers, transfer of credit, credit by examination, tutorial work and independent study.

Students have seven years to complete a master's degree program after initial registration for courses. Under special circumstances, prior to the end of the seven-year period, students may petition for an extension of time.

A student is considered to not have been continuously enrolled if she or he does not register for classes for one calendar year. Continuous enrollment or re-entry into a program requires normal progress toward a degree.

Students who do not enroll continuously must meet with a university adviser prior to subsequent enrollments to determine if changes in the program have occurred. These students must also complete, with their adviser, a new program advisement form and admission application. Such students are subject to new program requirements and a review of course recency and transfer credit.

Comprehensive Examinations

Several Master's Degree programs offer the option to take comprehensive examinations to complete the degree. Given several times each year, these exams permit students to demonstrate their mastery of the knowledge and skills presented throughout their degree programs.

Students should see their program advisors for additional information about test schedules, formats and preparation.

Thesis or Project

Students in the graduate programs in Education, Psychology and Public Policy and Administration may be required or may elect to do a thesis as part of their degree program. Guidelines for the completion of a thesis are available from the CLU Book Store or on the CLU Web site. Students registering for 599, 599A or 599B have one year to complete all thesis work. The possibility of extending beyond this time limit may be granted upon submission of a petition which must be approved by the committee chair, school or program director and the Registrar. With any unexplained lapse of a term or semester beyond the limit of one year, a student must re-register for the 599 Thesis course.

To be eligible for graduation in a given semester, a student must submit a minimum of three signed copies of the thesis or project for binding at least 15 days prior to the end of that semester.