Academic Policies

General Academic Policies

Student Handbook

2020-2021 Student Handbook

Governing Catalog

The governing catalog is the catalog in effect at the time of first enrollment. A student is subject to the graduation requirements in their governing catalog.

Absences

Students are expected to attend every class session. If a student misses more than 25% of a course schedule, the student may receive an administrative failure for the class.

Leave of Absence

A student may petition the office for permission to take a leave of absence for a period of up to one year while retaining his or her admission status and governing catalog.

• A leave of absence may not be extended beyond 365 days.
• A student’s first leave of absence may not be taken before the completion of at least one course and a leave of absence cannot follow another without the completion of at least one course in between.
• A student whose leave of absence has expired must resume course attendance during the session current at the expiration date of the leave of absence or suffer loss of benefits brought by the approved leave of absence.
• A leave of absence is considered expired on the date a student attends a course.

Make-up work

Absence, regardless of the reason, does not excuse a student from completing all course requirements. Professors may impose a penalty for work due during an absence unless there is a medical or family emergency.

Grading Procedures

Grading System

Grade Scale

Grades are awarded according to the following scale:

GPA

The Grade Point Average (GPA) is determined by dividing the Quality Points by the total number of Attempted Hours. Quality Points are calculated by multiplying each course’s Attempted Hours against the corresponding Grade Points.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to graduate.

Academic Warning

A student is placed on Academic Warning when one session GPA falls below 2.0.

Dismissal

If a students cumulative GPA remains below a 2.0 for three semesters the student will be dismissed.

Registration

Courses are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to register for the next semester as soon as possible during the Registration period listed on the Academic Calendar.

Advising

The student must schedule a meeting with his/her advisor for registration and any other registration adjustments. Advisors provide guidance, unlock the student’s registration, allow the student to edit his/her registration, and lock the registration once the student is finished. Students are solely responsible for the accuracy of their registration and progress toward graduation. Students are responsible for understanding their financial aid status and financial obligations, and should check with the respective offices before the Registration period

Drop/Add and Withdraw Procedures

Adding a Course

A student may add a course during the deadlines stated in the Academic Calendar. To add a course, the student must use the Course Change Form.

Dropping a Course

A student may drop a course in writing by using the Course Change Form. Not attending the course without filing a Course Change Form will result in a failed grade for that course.

Change Form: Add/Drop Petition

The add or drop fee (nonrefundable) will be charged for adding or dropping any course after the closing date of open registration.

Grades Related to Official Drops

There is no academic penalty for dropping a course before the date of the final week of the course.

Graduation Requirements

To be awarded a certificate, the student must:

• Complete all course requirements set forth for the degree in their Governing Catalog.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• Have no grades lower than a “C-” for courses required for the degree.
• Complete at least 50% of the hours of the degree at the Worship Arts Conservatory.
• Complete and submit an “intent to Graduate” form by the last day of the semester.
• Fulfill all financial obligations to the conservatory.

Conditions for Probation or Dismissal

Behavior which does not conform to the above Lifestyle Agreement will be regarded as grounds for probation or suspension. The Dean of Students is responsible for disciplinary action and the maintenance of such records. The Dean’s decision in final in cases resulting in an oral or written reprimand. Students may appeal other penalties. Possible penalties include:

• Oral Reprimand
• Written Reprimand
• Suspension
• Dismissal

Appeals and Grievance

The Worship Arts Conservatory has an established process for resolving concerns and complaints within the college. Any student personally aggrieved by a staff member’s words, actions, or decisions, may submit an appeal or grievance to the Dean of Students. The Academic Council will convene to consider the appeal or grievance.

1. The student must notify the Dean of Students in writing within 30 days of the sanction or the event of personal grievance. If the student does not provide this written notice within 30 days of the sanction notice or event, he or she waives the right to pursue the appeal/grievance.
2. All decisions will be communicated in writing to everyone involved.
3. If a complaint is not settled at the institutional level, the student may contact the State of Michigan at www.michiganps.net.

In Case of Severe Weather

Onsite classes will be held virtually if Wayne State University Cancels their onsite classes due to severe weather. Check their website, wayne.edu, for notification. Notification for morning classes are usually posted by 6:00 am. Evening course cancellations are usually posted by 1:00 pm. If severe weather occurs during a time of instruction, students will be notified. Please remain in the building during severe weather.