Oct 19, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2024-2025 
    
Graduate Catalog 2024-2025

Academic Policies and Procedures



Catalog Governance

The Lenoir-Rhyne University Catalog is published online annually to describe programs, resources and courses, and each catalog is valid for one year and is superseded by subsequent issues. Changes are primarily reserved for annual catalog publications, but the university reserves the right to make changes as needed and will announce any changes to the university community. All students are required to follow new university policy at the effective date of the policy; however, changes to academic requirements do not affect students already enrolled.

Catalog Year Requirements

For academic requirements, students will follow the catalog in effect at the time of their matriculation unless a change is formally requested. Students must meet the following catalog guidelines:

  • All academic requirements for graduation for major(s), minor(s) and general education must be met from the same catalog.
  • Students may officially change their catalog year by formally requesting this change from the Registrar’s Office with approval from their advisor and dean of the college of the major.
  • Students may only follow a catalog that was in effect during a term in which they were enrolled at the university.
  • Catalogs are valid for a period of 10 years.
  • In the event where programs are discontinued by the university, the college(s) will identify substitutions to meet remaining requirements.

Registration for classes at Lenoir-Rhyne University indicates a student’s acceptance of university policies.

 

HONOR COMMITMENT & ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

 

Each student and faculty member at Lenoir-Rhyne University is expected to exhibit conduct within the dictates of a Christian conscience and do what is right as a matter of choice rather than as a matter of compulsion.

 

Lenoir-Rhyne University, like every academic institution, has certain standards and policies adopted as guides for the conduct of general activities for both students and faculty members. These standards are outlined in the student and faculty handbooks. It is the responsibility of each student to learn and follow the standards, policies and regulations stated in the university catalog and student handbook. The university reserves the right to request the withdrawal of any student who fails in conduct or attitude to meet the regulations and policies adopted by the university.

The institution is under the supervision of the Board of Trustees. The academic programs in all schools are governed by the faculty. The student government constitution is largely administered by the students themselves.

The Lenoir-Rhyne Student Honor Commitment and Statement of Academic Integrity

All students at Lenoir-Rhyne University are expected to know and agree to accept the following Lenoir-Rhyne University Student Honor Commitment and Statement of Academic Integrity:

A fundamental purpose of a liberal education is its attempt to cultivate in the student a sense of honor and high principles pertaining especially to academics but extending to all areas of life. An inherent feature of Lenoir-Rhyne University is its commitment to an atmosphere of integrity and ethical conduct. As a student of Lenoir-Rhyne University, I accept as my personal responsibility the vigorous maintenance of honesty, truth, fairness, civility and concern for others.

My devotion to integrity demands that I will not cheat in academic work and that I adhere to the established and required community code of conduct. I accept the responsibility for upholding the established standards against those who would violate them. And I understand and accept the consequences of infracting upon or assisting others in infracting upon this code. In addition to and beyond the requirements of any code or law, I affirm my own commitment to personal honor and integrity in all matters large and small. Even though the ideal of honor is an abstract one, by implementing this ideal, I join the men and women of Lenoir-Rhyne University in making the concept of honor a reality.

The Academic Integrity System

All contributors to Lenoir-Rhyne University - students, faculty, staff and administrators - are charged to support and to cultivate the principles established in our honor commitment and statement of academic integrity. The Academic Integrity System promotes an educational community based upon honesty, personal and social responsibility and honor. Each participant in this community must understand that it is their responsibility, individually and collectively, to uphold the values of academic integrity at Lenoir-Rhyne University and that all forms of dishonesty profoundly violate these values.

Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to cultivate continually a learning community in which integrity may flourish. To these ends, the university seeks to define academic dishonesty, to establish standards and expectations of action and to develop and utilize consistent and reasonable processes for adjudication of any violations of these values.

The Lenoir-Rhyne University Student Handbook has the full Academic Integrity System policies and procedures in the event there is a violation of these policies.

Catalog Governance

The Lenoir-Rhyne University Catalog is published online annually to describe programs, resources and courses, and each catalog is valid for one year and is superseded by subsequent issues. Changes are primarily reserved for annual catalog publications, but the university reserves the right to make changes as needed and will announce any changes to the university community. All students are required to follow new university policy at the effective date of the policy; however, changes to academic requirements do not affect students already enrolled.

Catalog Year Requirements

For academic requirements, students will follow the catalog in effect at the time of their matriculation unless a change is formally requested. Students must meet the following catalog guidelines:

  • All academic requirements for graduation for major(s), minor(s) and general education must be met from the same catalog.
  • Students may officially change their catalog year by formally requesting this change from the Registrar’s Office with approval from their advisor and dean of the college of the major.
  • Students may only follow a catalog that was in effect during a term in which they were enrolled at the university.
  • Catalogs are valid for a period of 10 years.
  • In the event where programs are discontinued by the university, the college(s) will identify substitutions to meet remaining requirements.

Registration for classes at Lenoir-Rhyne University indicates a student’s acceptance of university policies.

 

HONOR COMMITMENT & ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

 

Each student and faculty member at Lenoir-Rhyne University is expected to exhibit conduct within the dictates of a Christian conscience and do what is right as a matter of choice rather than as a matter of compulsion.

 

Lenoir-Rhyne University, like every academic institution, has certain standards and policies adopted as guides for the conduct of general activities for both students and faculty members. These standards are outlined in the student and faculty handbooks. It is the responsibility of each student to learn and follow the standards, policies and regulations stated in the university catalog and student handbook. The university reserves the right to request the withdrawal of any student who fails in conduct or attitude to meet the regulations and policies adopted by the university.

The institution is under the supervision of the Board of Trustees. The academic programs in all schools are governed by the faculty. The student government constitution is largely administered by the students themselves.

The Lenoir-Rhyne Student Honor Commitment and Statement of Academic Integrity

All students at Lenoir-Rhyne University are expected to know and agree to accept the following Lenoir-Rhyne University Student Honor Commitment and Statement of Academic Integrity:

A fundamental purpose of a liberal education is its attempt to cultivate in the student a sense of honor and high principles pertaining especially to academics but extending to all areas of life. An inherent feature of Lenoir-Rhyne University is its commitment to an atmosphere of integrity and ethical conduct. As a student of Lenoir-Rhyne University, I accept as my personal responsibility the vigorous maintenance of honesty, truth, fairness, civility and concern for others.

My devotion to integrity demands that I will not cheat in academic work and that I adhere to the established and required community code of conduct. I accept the responsibility for upholding the established standards against those who would violate them. And I understand and accept the consequences of infracting upon or assisting others in infracting upon this code. In addition to and beyond the requirements of any code or law, I affirm my own commitment to personal honor and integrity in all matters large and small. Even though the ideal of honor is an abstract one, by implementing this ideal, I join the men and women of Lenoir-Rhyne University in making the concept of honor a reality.

The Academic Integrity System

All contributors to Lenoir-Rhyne University - students, faculty, staff and administrators - are charged to support and to cultivate the principles established in our honor commitment and statement of academic integrity. The Academic Integrity System promotes an educational community based upon honesty, personal and social responsibility and honor. Each participant in this community must understand that it is their responsibility, individually and collectively, to uphold the values of academic integrity at Lenoir-Rhyne University and that all forms of dishonesty profoundly violate these values.

Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to cultivate continually a learning community in which integrity may flourish. To these ends, the university seeks to define academic dishonesty, to establish standards and expectations of action and to develop and utilize consistent and reasonable processes for adjudication of any violations of these values.

The Lenoir-Rhyne University Student Handbook has the full Academic Integrity System policies and procedures in the event there is a violation of these policies.


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:

Full-time study 9 hours and above
Half-time study 6 - 8 hours
Less than half-time 1 - 5 hours

Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing

Drop/Add Policy
Students may change their course schedule during the drop/add period, which is the first five calendar days of each fall/spring term. Summer terms have specified dates to drop, which are published on the academic calendar. A course that is dropped during this period will not be listed on the transcript. Students in courses that meet only once per week may change their schedules at any time during the first two weeks of the term. Courses may not be added after the first week of the term without instructor approval.

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the appropriate paperwork is completed and filed when dropping or adding a course. Appropriate forms may be obtained from the faculty advisor or the Registrar’s Office. Failure to complete the entire drop process could result in the grade of “F” on the official transcript and the student being responsible for tuition and fees.

Withdrawal from a Course
Students may withdraw from courses during the first half of a term or semester with the approval of the advisor and instructor. The exact deadline for withdrawing from courses in a given term can be found on the academic calendar. Withdrawing from courses after the first week of classes (the drop/add period) and prior to mid-term will result in a grade of “W” on the official transcript. It is important to note that withdrawing from a course after the drop/add period still counts towards a student’s billable hours.

A student may not withdraw from any course after mid-term except under extenuating circumstances. Withdrawing from a course after this time requires approval of the faculty advisor and the Registrar’s Office, and for athletes, the NCAA Compliance Officer. If withdrawal after mid-term is approved, the instructor will assign a grade of “WP” or “WF” (according to the student’s performance up to the date of official withdrawal), and the grade will be notated on the official transcript. A grade of “WP” has no influence on the student’s cumulative GPA; however, a grade of “WF” will count the same as an “F” in calculating the student’s GPA. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the appropriate paperwork is completed and filed when withdrawing from a course. Appropriate forms may be obtained from the faculty advisor or the Registrar’s Office. Failure to complete the entire withdrawal process could result in the grade of “F” on the official transcript and the student being responsible for full tuition and fees.

A student may not withdraw from a course after the final day of classes.

Withdrawal from the University
There are several reasons why a student might need to withdraw from the university; however, it is important that a clear understanding of the process and its consequences occurs before a final decision to leave the university takes place. Students are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from their faculty advisor and/or BEAR Central during the decision-making process. Should the final decision be to officially withdraw from the university, students must complete the appropriate paperwork with BEAR Central. The official date of withdrawal is defined as the date in which the student initiates contact with BEAR Central and/or the date in which said office becomes aware of the withdrawal from another university official.

It is important to realize that there are financial consequences to withdrawing after the drop/add period which will vary based upon the official date of withdrawal. These consequences will be discussed during your exit interview with a representative of BEAR Central. (See Refund and Withdrawal Process in the Financial Information section of the catalog.) It is imperative the entire withdrawal process is completed prior to the student’s departure. Failure to complete the process could result in failing grades and responsibility for full tuition and fees for the semester. In considering withdrawal from the university be advised of the following:

  • A student who withdraws from all courses during the drop/add period (typically the first five days of classes) receives no academic or financial penalties. In this case, the student’s class schedule is completely dropped from the academic record, proof of registration will not appear on the student’s official transcript, and the student is eligible for a full refund of any payment made for the semester and any federal financial aid must be returned.
  • A student who withdraws from all courses during the first half of a mini-term or semester must have approval from BEAR Central. Withdrawal from courses after the first week (drop/add period) but prior to mid-term will result in a grade of “W” on the official transcript.
  • A student may not withdraw from any classes after mid-term except under extenuating circumstances. Withdrawing from courses after this time requires approval of BEAR Central. If withdrawal after mid-term is approved the instructor will assign a grade of “WP” or “WF” (according to the student’s performance up to the date of official withdrawal), and the grade will be notated on the official transcript. A grade of ‘WP’ has no influence on the student’s cumulative GPA; however, a grade of “WF” will count the same as an “F” in calculating the student’s GPA. Grade determinations for student withdrawals necessitated by serious illness, injury or similar emergencies will be made at the discretion of the Office of the Provost. 

A student may not withdraw from courses after the final day of classes.

Auditing a Course

Auditing courses will be permitted only on the presentation of a written request stating the reason for the request no later than the end of the drop/add period. This written request must be signed by the university registrar and approved by the instructor. Once a course is selected for audit, it may not be changed back to a credit-earning course. The student will not be given a letter grade or receive credit for the course. A grade of “AU” will be placed on the transcript.

Certain courses involving active student participation (e.g., laboratory courses, physical education activity courses, internships, independent studies) may not be taken under audit.

The student must follow the regular requirements for registration and class attendance. Students must pay regular tuition and fees for audited classes. The hours of the audited course will be counted toward course load and are subject to the overload rules.

Grade Substitution 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:

 

A 4.0 points per semester hour
A- 3.7 points per semester hour
B+ 3.3 points per semester hour
B 3.0 points per semester hour
B- 2.7 points per semester hour
C+ 2.3 points per semester hour
C 2.0 points per semester hour
C- 1.7 points per semester hour
F 0.0 points per semester hour
AU Audit; no credit
FX Failing grade for violation of Academic Integrity Code; 0.0 points per semester hour
I Incomplete; assigned due to unavoidable cause
NG No grade; not calculated in GPA
NR Not reported by deadline for processing; not calculated in GPA
P Pass; not calculated in GPA
SP Satisfactory Progress; indicates positive progress in course with extended work necessary; not calculated in GPA
S Satisfactory; passing grade; not calculated in GPA
U Unsatisfactory; failing grade; not calculated in GPA
W Withdrawal from course; not calculated in GPA
WP Withdrawal Passing from the University; not calculated in GPA
WF Withdrawal Failing from the University; calculated as F/0.0 in GPA

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.  

 

  1. 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. 
  2. The leave of absence form is found at https://www.lr.edu/academics/registrar under “Forms.
  3. A leave of absence does not extend the time allowed for completion of the degree.   
  4. 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 School will act as the appeals board.

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

Grade Appeals

Lenoir-Rhyne University takes seriously the concerns and academic complaints of its students. LR will provide a prompt response to all written complaints, including those challenging course grades.

A student having what they believe to be a substantive reason for a course grade appeal 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) to the college dean of the course in question no later than 30 days after the posting of final grades at the end of the relevant semester. The university reserves the right to dismiss course grade appeals that are not submitted within this time period, and any appeals made later than the mid-term of the following full semester (fall/spring) will not be considered. 

For more information on the grade appeals process, please see The Lenoir-Rhyne University 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.