Academic Policies and Procedures

In addition to all academic policies and procedures stated elsewhere in the catalog, all graduate students must abide by the following regulations. Please note that specific programs may require additional policies and procedures as noted in their respective sections within the catalog and/or in program student handbooks.

Advisors

Each graduate student at Lenoir-Rhyne University is assigned an academic faculty advisor from their respective degree program. Students are encouraged to meet regularly with their advisors concerning matters related to their academic program and professional development. Academic advisors may refer students to other appropriate campus resources including graduate student success and support services, career counseling, counseling personnel or other resources for specific advice and information.

Application for Graduation

Each candidate for a graduate degree must file the application for graduation. The application is available in the Registrar’s Office and on-line at https://www.lr.edu/academics/registrar under “Forms.” The application for graduation should be submitted two semesters prior to the student’s anticipated graduation date.

Change of Program Procedure

A student enrolled in a graduate program at Lenoir-Rhyne University may only change to another graduate program under the following conditions:

1. The student must be in good standing with the university,
2. The student must complete application to the new program through the Office of Admissions.
3. The student must receive a letter of endorsement from a faculty member from the original program of study and/or the dean of The Graduate School.
4. The student must be available for an interview upon request.
5. The student must submit any supplemental admission documents as requested.

Comprehensive Evaluation

The Graduate School of Lenoir-Rhyne University requires each student receiving a graduate degree to demonstrate cumulative knowledge through a final comprehensive evaluative process. The particular kind of evaluation, relevant policies and procedures vary by program.

Continuous Student Enrollment

A student must maintain continuous enrollment in coursework from the first semester through graduation for each fall and spring term. A student who is unable to maintain continuous enrollment but who wishes to remain in the academic program must request a Leave of Absence (see Leave of Absence policy).

Course Loads

Course loads for graduate students are calculated as follows:

Course Repeats

Graduate students may repeat a course in which a grade of F/0.0 has been earned. A student must request the permission of the advisor to repeat a course in which a grade of C/2.0 has been earned (except in programs that do not permit grades of C/2.0 for progression). The grade earned in the repeated course replaces the first grade. A student may repeat no more than six (6) hours of coursework with grade replacement.

Directed Study

With approval of the advisor, program coordinator, dean of the college and Office of the Provost, a student shall be permitted to enroll in a maximum of six credits of directed study. A graduate student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and the approval of the course instructor to register for a directed study. A graduate student may enroll in only one directed study course per semester. A course may not be taken as a directed study when it is offered on a regular basis or during the semester in which the student wishes to enroll in directed study.

Grades

Grading in individual courses is at the prerogative of the course instructor as provided on the course syllabus. Course grades are averaged on a grade point average (GPA) scale with the following values assigned to each letter grade:

To compute a grade point average (GPA), a student must multiply the credits for the course by point values for each grade received, total those point values and divide that total by the number of graded course hours taken. An academic average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for master’s and doctoral degrees.

No credit toward the degree will be granted for a grade below C-/1.7. No more than two grades below B-/2.7 will be allowed for graduate credit. A student who earns an incomplete grade should refer to the section on incomplete grades. A student who earns a satisfactory progress grade should refer to the section on satisfactory progress grades.

Graduate Course Designation

Graduate courses will be numbered at the 500 level or above. 

Graduate Program Rigor

The institution’s post-baccalaureate professional degree programs, master’s and doctoral degree programs are progressively more advanced in academic content than its undergraduate programs. All graduate programs include demonstrated knowledge of the literature of the discipline, engagement in research and/or appropriate professional practice and training experiences.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for graduation, a student must:

1. Satisfy all program requirements.
2. Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the intended program.
3. Apply no more than two grades below B-/2.7 toward degree requirements. (*Some graduate degree programs will not accept any grades below B-/2.7.)
4. Be enrolled during the semester in which they plan to graduate.
5. Submit the application for graduation two semesters prior to the anticipated graduation date. 

Incomplete Grades (I)

Graduate students may be given an Incomplete grade of “I” if, because of illness or other extreme necessity, some specific portion of their work remains unfinished, provided they are passing the course.

Coursework reported as incomplete must be completed by midterm of the subsequent (fall, spring or summer) semester of the official ending of the course, after which a grade of F/0.0 will be assigned. Students should submit the completed course requirements no less than two weeks prior to the mid-term point of the subsequent semester.

Any grade adjustment requested by the instructor as a result of the student’s completion of additional coursework must be submitted within one year of the original posting of the incomplete grade. After this point the final grade will remain an F/0.0.

A student with two incomplete grades will not be allowed to register for additional courses until at least one of the incomplete grades is removed. Furthermore, students may not begin a final capstone course, final internship, final fieldwork experience or final thesis or project with an incomplete grade on the record. 

If the student who receives the incomplete grade does not plan to enroll in the subsequent semester due to a planned graduation or leave of absence, the student must be registered for a continuation credit course with 1-3 credits depending on the amount of coursework the student must complete. 

Leave of Absence (LOA)

1. If a student desires a leave from their program, they must complete the Leave of Absence approval process.  

• Traditional Leave of Absence (LOA): The student completes and submits the LOA application for review. Upon approval, the student is allotted three semesters (summer, fall, spring) or the equivalent of one year away from the program after which the student may return without reapplication. During the LOA, the student remains on the student list to receive relevant university and program communications.
• Leave of Absence with Incomplete Grade(s)(LOAIG): The student must register for continuation credits (1-3 credits) to complete any remaining incomplete grades prior to the LOA. Upon approval, the student is allotted three semesters of leave without reapplication. During the continuation and LOA, the student remains on the student list to receive relevant university and program communications.  
• Leave of Absence with mid-semester Withdrawal from the University (LOAW): Follows either the LOA or the LOAIG depending on individual circumstances.  

2. If a student is not enrolled in three consecutive semesters (including summer term) within an academic year or approved for a leave of absence (traditional or modified), they must reapply through the Office of Admission with approval from The Graduate School. 
3. The leave of absence form is found at https://www.lr.edu/academics/registrar under “Forms.
4. A leave of absence does not extend the time allowed for completion of the degree.   
5. Failure to complete the request for LOA may result in full reapplication to the university and degree program. This would include all required fees and admission processes. Readmission is not guaranteed.  

Postbaccalaureate Program Rigor

The institution’s post-baccalaureate professional degree programs, master’s and doctoral degree programs, are progressively more advanced in academic content than its undergraduate programs. All graduate programs include knowledge of the literature of the discipline and require student engagement in research and/or appropriate professional practice and training experiences.  

Readmission for Returning Students

When a student has not registered for graduate credits for at least three consecutive semesters because of academic dismissal or because they failed to gain approval for a formal leave of absence, they are discontinued from their program and the university. The student must then reapply for admission.  

Once readmitted, the student is required to complete the curriculum listed in the most recent Graduate Catalog. Course substitutions or waivers may be possible. Course substitutions or waivers must be reviewed by and supported by the student’s program director, faculty advisor, dean of the college, and the assistant provost of graduate education/dean of the graduate school.    

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The main responsibility for satisfactory academic progress rests with the student. Students are reviewed at the end of each semester for satisfactory academic progress.

Academic Warning

1. A student will be placed on academic warning for earning a grade lower than B-/2.7 for the first time. 
2. A student will be placed on academic warning for earning a term GPA below a 3.0. 
3. The status of Academic Warning is listed in self-service but not on the official transcript.

Academic Probation

1. A student will be placed on academic probation for earning two course grades lower than a B-/2.7 since enrollment.
2. A student will be placed on academic probation for earning a cumulative grade point average that falls below a 3.0.
3. A student will be placed on academic probation for earning a grade of F/0.0 in a graduate course.

Continued Academic Probation

1. A student will be removed from academic probation by repeating any graduate coursework with a grade below a B-/2.7 and earning a grade of B-/2.7 or higher.
2. A student will be removed from academic probation by earning a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

Removal of Academic Probation

1. A student will be removed from academic probation by repeating any graduate coursework with a grade below a B-/2.7 and earning a grade of B-/2.7 or higher.
2. A student will be removed from academic probation by earning a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

Students on academic probation are permitted to continue participating in NCAA athletic activities, university club sports, intramural activities and other university clubs and organizations unless a specific organization has a written policy stating otherwise. Students placed on academic probation may not appeal the decision.

Academic Dismissal

1. A student will be dismissed following academic probation if a grade below a B-/2.7 is received in any additional coursework. 
2. A student is subject to dismissal without probation for receiving a grade below B-/2.7 in three or more courses in the same semester.
3. A student is subject to dismissal for receiving a grade of F/0.0 in two or more courses in the same semester.

Academic Appeals

A student who wishes to appeal a decision regarding admission, transfer of credit, dismissal, readmission or graduation must file a written letter of appeal with the assistant provost of graduate education. The Graduate Studies Council will act as the appeals board.

The Graduate Studies Council will meet to review student appeals no later than the Friday preceding the start of classes for the new semester. The Graduate Studies Council will submit their recommendation to the Office of the Provost.

Grade Appeals

A student who wishes to appeal a course grade should, wherever possible and reasonable, attempt to discuss the problem with the instructor and reach an informal resolution.

If the student is dissatisfied with the informal resolution, is unable to reach an informal resolution or chooses not to engage in the informal resolution process, the student should put their course grade appeal in writing (electronic or hard copy) no later than 30 days after the posting of final grades at the end of the relevant semester as defined in The Lenoir-Rhyne University Student Handbook (https://www.lr.edu/student-life/student-handbook).

Non-Academic Probation, Dismissal, And Appeal

Lenoir-Rhyne University reserves the right to exclude from further enrollment any graduate student whose conduct is deemed improper or prejudicial to the best interests of the university. A student may be placed on non-academic probation or dismissed for non-academic reasons based on violation of university and/or program policies.

Non-Academic Appeals

Once notified of the non-academic dismissal the student has three days to initiate the appeal process with the assistant provost for graduate education and dean of the graduate school. The assistant provost of graduate education and dean of the graduate school, together with the Graduate Studies Council, will handle such cases.

The Graduate Studies Council will have two weeks to meet and review the case. During this time, the student can attend didactic courses but may not participate in any community-based coursework such as fieldwork, internship, etc.

If the decision of the Graduate Studies Council is that the dismissal is upheld, a letter is drafted, and the financial aid and registrar’s offices will be notified. If the decision of the Graduate Studies Council is that the dismissal is overturned, a letter is drafted, and the Office of the Provost is consulted for approval. If the reason for the dismissal jeopardizes the safety of the public or existing relationships with community partners, the student will not return to community-based coursework without remediation.

Remediation Plans

Students may be placed on a remediation plan for academic and/or non-academic concerns. In addition, students who are re-admitted after dismissal (see dismissal policies) may be required to complete a remediation action plan. These plans are developed by the academic programs and must be signed/dated by the student and the appropriate academic advisor, program coordinator, department/school chair, college dean and the assistant provost for graduate education and dean of the graduate school. The student and the program coordinator, along with appropriate faculty, must meet in prearranged time increments for documentation of progress. Failure or unwillingness to complete the remediation action plan may result in dismissal. 

Readmission Following Dismissal Policy

A student dismissed from The Graduate School is not eligible for readmission for one full academic year. A student who has been dismissed must reapply for admission with The Graduate School. The request should address remediation of issues and circumstances related to dismissal. 

Satisfactory Progress Grades (SP)

Graduate students may be given a satisfactory progress grade of “SP” if they are enrolled in a thesis or capstone course which requires extensive research and implementation for their final program evaluation. The student then would be enrolled in a continuation credit course with 1-3 credits, as applicable, in the subsequent semester. The original course in which the grade of “SP” is awarded is not subject to be graded until all coursework is complete. 

Second Master’s Degree

A student wishing to obtain an additional master’s degree must meet all admission requirements for the desired program of study. A minimum of 30 unique credit hours must be earned in the student’s second master’s degree program. The majority of the student’s course work must be completed at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Note: Students may be required to repeat coursework older than six years.

Time Limitation

Once a student is admitted to a graduate program at Lenoir-Rhyne University, the student has seven years to complete degree requirements. Any requests for extension of degree program time limitation must be approved by The Graduate School.

Transfer Credit

To receive transfer of credit, the student must complete the appropriate Transfer of Credits Request form. With approval from the program coordinator, a student may include in the program of study up to six (6) semester credits of graduate work completed at another accredited institution or at Lenoir-Rhyne as a degree or non-degree student prior to formal admission.

Exceptions to this limit may only be made with prior approval from the graduate program coordinator, the dean of the college in which the program resides and the assistant provost for graduate education and dean of the graduate school. Without exception, the majority of a student’s program of study must be completed at Lenoir-Rhyne. Under no circumstances will more than two-thirds of the program’s credit hours be accepted. Some programs do not accept any credit by transfer.

The student must complete the Transfer of Credits Request Form-Previous Coursework for work completed prior to admission to Lenoir-Rhyne University. Transfer courses must meet the following criteria:

1. A minimum grade of B/3.0, or equivalent, must have been earned for each course transferred.
2. Transfer credit typically must have been completed within the ten-year period preceding the completion of the program of study (student’s graduation date). Graduate programs may have more or less restricted time limits. Program coordinators will review transfer of credit requests and make decisions accordingly. 

The student must complete the Transfer of Credits Request Form-Future Coursework for any planned transfer credits while enrolled at Lenoir-Rhyne. Transfer courses must meet the following criteria:

1. Prior written approval must be obtained;
2. A minimum grade of B/3.0, or equivalent, must be earned for each course;

1. No course may be taken for transfer credit during the semester in which the degree is to be awarded.