| Advising |
| A faculty member will guide and assist each student in planning
coursework, both before registration and at any time the need arises. Most
advising can be done at a student’s convenience. |
| |
| Graduation Requirements |
A student must earn 64 quarter credit hours (33 semester credit
hours in School of Education programs and 40 semester hours in the Clinical
Exercise Physiology program) for graduation and must maintain a ‘B’
average (3.00) in all Benedictine coursework.
A student must complete a minimum of 32 quarter credit hours (24 semester
credit hours in School of Education Programs) of coursework at Benedictine
University at the 500 level or above. This requirement is known as the academic
residency requirement. For students in dual degree programs, the residency
requirement is 64 quarter credit hours.
All coursework with a grade below ‘C’ must be repeated for the
course to apply toward graduation and/or certificate requirements. Courses
designated as foundation courses, as identified in the catalog, require
a grade of a ‘B’ or higher to apply toward graduation/certificate
requirements. |
| |
|
|
| Transfer Credit and Course Substitutions |
| Candidates’ previous coursework in related areas will
be evaluated on an individual basis to determine transfer credit and course
substitutions. Requests for transfer credit or course substitution should
be discussed with a faculty advisor. |
| |
|
| |
Transfer Credit |
| |
In order to qualify for transfer credit, the course must
be an appropriate graduate-level course, must have been taken within the
last five years and must have resulted in a grade of ‘B’ or higher.
Students must submit transcripts for departmental approval prior to the
end of the first term after acceptance. |
| |
|
| |
Course Substitution |
| |
Candidates may request permission to substitute an elective
for a required course. |
| |
|
| The Grading System |
| Final grades for courses are as follows: 'A,' 'B,' 'C,' 'D'
(lowest passing grade) and 'F' (failure). Grade point averages are calculated
on an A = 4.0 system and are based on all graduate coursework at Benedictine
University. |
| |
|
| Incompletes |
| Under extraordinary circumstances, when a student is unable
to complete all course assignments by the final date of the term, a grade
of 'I'(Incomplete) may be requested by the student and issued with the permission
of the instructor. The grade of 'I' will become an 'F' unless the student
has removed it within 180 days of the end of that term. It is the student’s
responsibility to complete all course requirements. In order to be eligible
for an Incomplete, a student must be performing satisfactorily in the course,
have completed a sustained portion of the course and be in good academic
standing. |
| |
|
| Deferred Grades |
| In certain courses, because of the structure or timing of
the course, a deferred grade of 'X' will be assigned. A grade of "IP,"
in Progress, is assigned when a course is schedule a meet after the end
of the term in which it is scheduled. |
| |
|
| Audit |
| A grade of Audit (AU) indicates that a student has registered
for a course and was eligible to attend class sessions. It does not necessarily
reflect participation, nor does it indicate anything regarding completion
of assignments. Registration on an Audit basis or change to Audit status
requires the approval of the instructor. Once a grade of Audit is received,
it cannot be changed to a letter grade |
| |
|
| Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy |
| Graduate students are expected to maintain a 3.0 grade point
average to remain in good academic standing. Any student whose cumulative
grade point average falls below a 3.0 will be placed on probation. A notice
of academic probation will appear on the student’s transcript. Students
will not graduate unless the cumulative grade point average is at least
3.0. Students participating in a dual degree program must maintain an overall
grade point average that meets the requirements of both programs. Grade
point averages will not be computed for each program separately. Students
concerned about their academic standing are encouraged to talk to their
academic advisor. |
| |
| Academic Dismissal |
| If a student fails to achieve satisfactory academic standing
for three consecutive quarters (or two consecutive semesters), the student
is dismissed from the University because of poor scholarship. Any student
dismissed for poor scholarship may submit an appeal to the Committee on
Academic Standing for a one-term reinstatement. Criteria that the Committee
on Academic Standing will consider include the student’s current term
grade point average (G.P.A.), cumulative G.P.A., the student's explanation
for the prior G.P.A. and plans to remedy the situation. |
| |
| Withdrawal from Class |
| Students wishing to withdraw from a class must submit the
proper paperwork to Benedictine Central. Students have until the day prior
to the second day of class to drop the class. Students who withdraw on or
after the second of class [and prior to the last day to withdraw] will receive
a ‘W’ on both the grade report and transcript. Students may not
withdraw from a course after the last day to withdraw [which is two-thirds
through the course]. Simply failing to attend class or notifying the instructor
does not constitute an authorized withdrawal and will result in a grade
of 'F.' |
| |
| Repeated Courses |
| In an authorized repetition of a course, the student will
not receive additional credit hours. Only the most recent grade will be
used in computing the grade point average. However, for an accurate record
of the student’s academic history, all attempts in the same course
will be shown on the transcript. Only courses repeated at Benedictine University
are authorized repetitions. |
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|
|
| |
| Academic Honesty Policy |
| The search for truth and the dissemination of knowledge are
the central missions of a university. Benedictine University pursues these
missions in an environment guided by our Roman Catholic tradition and our
Benedictine Heritage. |
| |
| Integrity and honesty are therefore expected of all University
students. Actions such as cheating, plagiarism, collusion, fabrication,
forgery, falsification, destruction, multiple submission, solicitation,
and misrepresentation are violations of these expectations and constitute
unaccepatble behavior in the University community. |
| |
| To access the complete Academic Honesty Policy, which includes
student responsibility, responsibility and authority of faculty, violations,
reporting and communicating, responsibilities of the provost, appeals, composition
of the academic appeals board, procedures of the academic appeals board,
and records, please select the following link: www.ben.edu/ahp. |
| |
| Graduate Student Board of Appeals |
| The Graduate Student Board of Appeals (GSBA) will hear appeals
related to the academic experience of a graduate student when the normal
process for settling disputes has been exhausted. Disputes involving administrative
offices, sexual harassment by a faculty member, nonpayment of debts, etc.,
should not be referred to the GSBA, but should go directly to the Provost
and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Violation of these procedures that
do not prejudice any party will not invalidate the procedure. |
| |
| Membership in GSBA |
When the Associate Provost receives a formal appeal from a
student or faculty member, the GSBA will be constituted. The Associate Provost
shall appoint three members of the graduate faculty to serve on the board.
Each year, the faculty of each program will identify one of their students
for potential service. The Associate Provost will appoint two students (neither
from the same program as the student or faculty member involved in the appeal)
to serve on the GSBA.
The student and faculty member shall each have the right to ask for replacement
of any two members of the original selection. The Associate Provost will
appoint substitutes as needed. Only two such challenges may be used by either
party. |
| |
| Normal Procedure for Resolving Academic Disputes |
Ordinarily, the student must first meet with the faculty member
in question and try to resolve the issue. Failing this, the appellant should
contact the department chair. (If the faculty member in question is the
department chair, the student must first meet with the department chair
to try to resolve the issue.) The department chair should hear from both
the student and the faculty member and try to resolve the issue in a professional
manner. The department chair shall keep a record of the outcome.
If after meeting with the department chair the issue is unresolved, the
appellant should contact the college dean. The college dean should hear
from both the student and the faculty member and try to resolve the issue
in a professional manner. The college dean shall keep a record of the outcome.
If an agreement is not reached after meeting with the faculty member, department
chair and college dean, then the appellant may file a written notice of
appeal. |
| |
| Appeal Process |
If the normal procedure does not resolve the complaint,
the appellant may file a written notice of appeal with the Associate Provost
within one academic quarter of the occurrence of the dispute. Upon receipt
of the written appeal, the Associate Provost will have 15 working days in
which to appoint the GSBA members. The GSBA will meet within 10 working
days, select a chair and interview the student, faculty member and any other
interested parties.
If an informal agreement cannot be reached at this level within 30 working
days of the GSBA’s first meeting, the appeal process will continue
in a formal manner as follows: |
| 1. |
Immediate written notification of the appeal by the GSBA to
the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. |
| 2. |
Immediate written notification by the GSBA to any person charged
in the appeal. |
| 3. |
A formal gathering of data and hearing of testimony. |
| 4. |
A recommendation by the GSBA by a majority vote within 30
working days of the written notification by the GSBA to the Provost and
Vice President for Academic Affairs. This recommendation should include
the GSBA’s rationale for the decision. |
| 5. |
Immediate notification of the recommendation to all interested
parties. |
| 6. |
After consideration of the recommendation from the GSBA, the
Provost Vice President for Academic Affairs will make a decision within
15 working days and inform the student, faculty member, program director,
division chair and chair of the GSBA of his/her action. |
| |
|
| Communication Skills |
Excellence in oral and written communication
skills is characteristic of effective professional leaders. As a consequence,
graduate courses require students to demonstrate a high level of proficiency
in communication skills and encourage the development of these skills throughout
the program.
It is generally assumed that students admitted to a degree program have
developed basic communication skills through undergraduate study and/or
experience. Students who are found to be deficient in these skills may be
required to take additional coursework or self-study in order to continue
in the program. Students who are having difficulty should consult their
advisor. |
| |
| Mathematical Skills |
| The graduate programs at Benedictine University
are not designed to be highly mathematical. However, many programs require
statistics and other courses that rely on a basic knowledge of college algebra.
Students who are deficient in these areas may be encouraged or required
to do additional coursework to resolve the deficiency prior to admission
to the program. Students should consult the department chair for further
information. |
| |
| Prerequisites |
| Course prerequisites are listed in the catalog
to assist students in planning their courses in the optimal sequence. Each
required course in the program has a significant content and role well beyond
preparation for other coursework. As a result, completion of a course out
of sequence does not eliminate the need for its prerequisites. Students
should consult their advisor before registering for courses out of sequence. |
| |
| Program Continuity/Time Limit |
| Each graduate program consists of a series of
interrelated courses and experiences that are designed to assist students
in meeting the program goals. Extended breaks between courses or failure
to complete the program within a reasonable time may interfere with a student’s
ability to accomplish the degree objectives. The following guidelines have
been established: |
| 1. |
Students may choose not to register for a given
term and will continue to receive registration materials. |
| 2. |
Students who do not register for several consecutive
terms may be required to reapply for admission. |
| 3. |
Students are required to complete all coursework
within six years. |
| |
| Student-at-Large Study |
| Graduate students-at-large (GSAL) are those who
enroll for graduate coursework before being accepted or applying for admission
to a graduate degree program. Students must demonstrate proof of a baccalaureate
degree from a regionally accredited college or university and must have
permission from the program director to register. Graduate students at large
do not qualify for financial aid. To become a degree candidate, the graduate
student-at-large must submit a formal application and meet all admission
requirements. Credits earned as a graduate student-at-large do not guarantee
admission into a graduate program. Credits earned as a GSAL may not apply
toward degree requirements. Students may count a maximum of 16 quarter-hour
or nine semester-hour credits earned as graduate students-at-large toward
a degree program. |
| |
| Certificate Programs |
| Students seeking a certificate are not required
to submit an application for degree-seeking status. Hours earned in a certificate
program can be applied toward a degree at the time of acceptance. The application
for certificate programs can be found in the course schedule. A minimum
grade point average of 3.0 in certificate applicable coursework is required
to receive a certificate. |
| |
|
International Graduate Student Applicants
|
Cross your bridge to the world when you apply
for a graduate program at Benedictine University. Our graduate programs,
while providing excellent academic preparation for a future career, also
offer international students opportunities for cultural and social exchange
within the Benedictine community.
International students (non-citizens of the United States) should send
all inquiries and applications to the Enrollment Center:
E-mail: admissions@ben.edu
Phone: (630) 829-6300
Fax: (630) 829-6301
Immigrants and other non-citizen applicants must provide documentation of
INS status. Attach a clear photocopy of the front and back of your Alien
Registration Card or other appropriate INS documentation.
Tuition and fees are charged at the same rate to international students
as American students. Applicants’ admission files should be complete
at least 10 weeks prior to the intended start of classes.
All academic credentials — transcripts, standardized test results and
TOEFL scores — must be original and sent directly from your university
or the testing company to Benedictine University. |
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|
|
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| Admission requirements |
| |
-International Graduate Student Application
-$40 non-refunadeable application fee
-Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended
with Engish translation.
-Official ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) evaluation of any home
country transcripts
-Official results of Standardized test scores
-Letters of references from persons who know the applicant from a professional
or academic perspective (4 - Clincial Psychology; 3 - Education; 2 - MBA,
MCEP, MIS, MOB, MPH, MSNW-Evidence of a high level of English proficiency
demonstrated by TOEFL score of 550 or above (paper based test) or 213 or
above (computer based test)-Written statement of educational and career
goals.
-Resume (required of MBA prgoram only)
-Personal Interview (required of MCP prpgram only)
-Certificate of Finances — You must provide an original or certified
copy of a bank statement, on bank letterhead, showing sufficient funds in
U.S. dollars (checking accounts are not acceptable) to cover at least one
year’s tuition and fees. If your graduate education is being paid for
by a sponsor, we will need a letter from the sponsor stating that they will
be responsible for your educational debts while you are attending Benedictine.
-International Student Health form -Students must fully complete the health
form that includes evidence of all immunizations and a current TB test.
-Proof of Medical Insurance
|
| |
| Admissions Procedures |
| Once all requirements are met and the applicant's
file is complete your file will be reviewed by the specific graduate program
representative affiliated with the program. You will be informed of the
admission decision in writing. If all requirements for international students
have been met, the International Student Advisor will issue letters of acceptance
from the graduate program and Benedictine University and an I-20 for a full
time student visa appliation, along with pertinent arrival and orientation
information. |
| |
If all requirements for international students
have been met, the International Student Advisor will issue letters of acceptance
from the Graduate Program and Benedictine University and an I-20 for a full-time
student visa application, along with pertinent arrival and orientation information.
All I-20 graduate students are required by law to be enrolled full time
(nine or more graduate credit hours each term) during the academic year.
It is the international student’s responsibility to keep the I-20,
visa, passport and I-94 current. Be aware of all expiration dates and allow
ample time for renewal or extension. Failure to do so can result in deportation
or difficulty returning to the United States.
Benedictine University and the International Center look forward to serving
your needs. It is a goal of the University to foster an international, global
perspective throughout all we do, and we encourage your active participation
and welcome your insights as we promote the value of diversity. |
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|
| Required Academic Credentials |
| |
|
| |
English Competency |
| |
International applicants must present evidence
of English competency in one of the following ways: |
| |
1. |
Official score from the Test of English as a
Foreign Language (TOEFL). |
| |
|
a. Benedictine University’s reporting number is 1707. |
| |
|
b.Allow two to four weeks for the official results to be
received. |
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|
|
| |
2. |
Recent completion of full-time study at the
university level in a country where English is the
native language as well as the language of
instruction. A minimum of two years is required
before Benedictine will consider waiving the
TOEFL requirement. |
| |
|
| Educational Credential Evaluation |
| Academic credentials should include: |
- A list of all courses studied each year
- Grades or examination results received (both passing and failing)
in each course
- Maximum and minimum grades obtainable
- Certified English translation of all international academic credentials
- If you have studied at a non-U.S. university, you must have your university
educational credentials evaluated by a U.S. evaluating company. Benedictine
University recommends ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.)
and will provide a form at your request. ECE information and forms also
are available at: www.ece.org; choose the “Course by Course”
evaluation. Read the directions on the evaluation form carefully and
send all information needed and payment for the evaluation directly
to ECE. Allow four to six weeks for your evaluation to be sent to Benedictine
University.
|
| Graduate Entrance Exams |
| For U.S. standardized tests such as the GMAT,
GRE, MAT and TOEFL, contact one of the following in your country: |
- U.S. embassies and consulate offices
- Fulbright commissions
- Bi-national centers
- Private organizations such as the Institute of International Education.
Ask for an international application. Take the test at least five months
before the intended start of school.
|
| |
| For international applicants living in the U.S.,
contact one of the following: |
- 1-800-GRE-Call
- 1-800-GMAT-Now
- 1-800-622-3231 (MAT)
- 001-847-869-7700 (TOEFL)
|
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|
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| Expenses |
| |
Tuition and Fees |
| |
Tuition and fees are incurred at the time of
registration. Graduate Tuition is due seven (7) days after the first day
of class.
A Statement of Accounts is generated the first week of each month. This
statement reflects only that activity which has taken place on your student
account in the last billing cycle (similar to your checking/savings/credit
card statements of account). |
| |
|
| |
Monthly Payment Plans |
| |
Benedictine University partners with Tuition
Management Systems (TMS) to provide interest-free monthly payment options.
Students may create budgets to manage their tuition costs annually or per
term. |
| |
1.
|
Annual budgets - For a fee of $55, students can make monthly
payments toward their full-year's tuition balance (June-May). |
| |
2.
|
Single Term budgets - For a fee of $35, students can make
monthly payments toward their tuition balance for a single term. |
| |
|
| |
Employer Tuition Reimbursement |
| |
For a fee of $35, students can arrange with TMS
a single tuition payment plan due at the end of the term (plus a grace period)
with proper documnetation from their employer. Documentation of your
employer's reimbursement policy must be submitted to Benedictine University
before TMS may authorize a single pay plan. |
| |
|
| |
Withdrawal and Refund Policy |
| |
Students are considered financially responsible
for all institutional charges. Students who withdraw after the first week
of class will receive a ‘W’ on both their grade report and their
transcript. Simply notifying the instructor or failing to attend does not
constitute an authorized withdrawal and will result in a grade of ‘F.’
Institution policy for all students Tuition for partial withdrawals (i.e.,
dropped classes) will be adjusted according to the class
meeting percentage: |
| |
|
From 0 to 6.250 percent – 100 percent refund
From 6.251 to 10.000 percent – 75 percent refund
From 10.001 to 20.000 percent – 50 percent refund
From 20.001 to 25.000 percent – 25 percent refund
More than 25.001 percent – no refund |
| |
Course-related charges (i.e., lab fees) are nonrefundable
after the first week of the term. Students involved in non-term based cohort
programs may follow a modified refund policy. Your cohort director can provide
you with a copy of such policy. |
| |
|
| Federal pro-rata policy (first-time financial
aid recipients only) |
| This refund policy applies only to all first-time
financial aid recipients who withdraw completely on or before the 60 percent
of the term (through the ninth week of the semester). According to the pro-rata
refund, Benedictine University “must refund an amount proportional
to the portion of the enrollment period for which the student has been charged
that was not completed by the student.” (The Federal Student Financial
Aid Handbook 1998-99, Section 3, pg. 94.) The portion that remains is calculated
by dividing the weeks remaining from the date of withdrawal by the total
weeks in the term, then rounded down to the nearest 10 percent. |
| |
|
| Federal policy (returning students) |
| Returning or continuing students will be refunded
in accordance with the federal refund policy and charges based on withdrawal
according to the following schedule: |
| |
- First day of class – 100 percent refund
- Approximately 10 percent enrollment period – 90 percent refund
- From 10.001 to 25.000 percent enrollment period – 50 percent
refund
- From 25.001 to 50.000 percent enrollment period – 25 percent
refund
- More than 50.001 percent enrollment period – no refund
|
Refund checks are issued to students when excess
funds exist on their accounts after crediting Title IV funds. Refunds for
non-term based cohort programs may differ from those above, provided the
refund is as great as calculated under the pro-rata policy for first-time
financial aid recipients of the federal policy for returning students.
Additional information and literature is available in the Financial Aid
office. All drops or withdrawals are dated as of the end of the week in
which the last class was scheduled. No tuition charge will be assessed during
the first week of the term. Whether or not you attend classes, the period
of attendance will be computed as the number of weeks. |
| |
| Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for
Financial Aid Recipients |
| |
|
| Overview |
| Federal regulations require that Benedictine
University establish standards of satisfactory academic progress for students
receiving federal financial aid funds. Minimum standards of academic progress
are established to encourage students to successfully complete coursework
for which financial aid is received and to make progress toward a degree. |
| |
|
| Financial aid programs included under this
policy |
| All federal, state and Benedictine University
financial aid programs are subject to this policy. |
| |
|
| Students subject to this policy |
All students currently receiving federal, state
and/or Benedictine University financial aid funds are subject to this policy.
Benedictine University students who have not previously received financial
aid are required to meet the cumulative grade point average requirement
of this policy prior to receipt of financial aid. |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| Satisfactory Academic Progress
Policy for Financial Aid Recipients |
| Satisfactory academic progress includes three
criteria: |
| |
1. |
Academic standing based on the student’s cumulative
grade point average; |
| |
2. |
The student’s progress towards successful degree completion;
and |
| |
3. |
Degree completion within a maximum timeframe. |
| |
|
|
| In order to maintain satisfactory academic progress,
students must: |
| |
- Remain in good academic standing or on academic probation as defined
in the University catalog;
- Maintain a completion rate of coursework equal to at least 67 percent
of the total number of credit-hours attempted; and
- Complete their degree requirements within 150 percent of the required
hours to complete their degree.
|
| Satisfactory Academic Progress Review Process |
| Satisfactory academic progress is reviewed at
specified times during the award year. Academic standing (cumulative grade
point average) is reviewed at the end of each term. Successful progression
towards degree completion and maximum timeframe criteria are reviewed at
the end of each academic year. |
| |
|
| |
Probation: If a student fails to meet
the requirements of satisfactory academic progress, the student will be
placed on financial aid probation for one academic year. |
| |
Cancellation: If a student on financial
aid probation fails to meet the minimum requirements of satisfactory academic
progress, the student will be ineligible for continued assistance. |
| |
Reinstatement: A student may regain eligibility
for financial aid once the student has met the minimum requirements of satisfactory
academic progress. |
| |
|
If a student fails to make satisfactory academic
progress at the end of an academic year and the student enrolls in summer
school, the summer school credit hours completed will be considered in the
student’s eligibility for continued financial aid.
It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Financial Aid office
to request a review of his/her satisfactory academic progress for reinstatement
of assistance. |
| |
|
| Appeal procedure |
| Cancellation of financial aid because of a student’s
failure to meet satisfactory academic progress may be appealed if extenuating
circumstances (illness, family problems, death of a family member, etc.)
led to academic difficulties. The student’s appeal must be in writing
and submitted to the Financial Aid office. |
| |
|
| Definitions |
| |
Completion of courses |
| |
Hours completed are based on grades of ‘A,’
‘B,’ ‘C,’ ‘D’ and ‘P.’ Hours with
an ‘F’ (failure), ‘W’ (withdrawal), ‘I’ (incomplete),
'IP' (in progress) and ‘X’ (deferred) are counted in the number
of hours attempted, but not in the number of hours completed. Note: It is
the student’s responsibility to notify the Financial Aid office when
an incomplete grade has been satisfactorily completed.
Class repeats, transfer hours and developmental course hours are counted
in the total number of hours attempted/completed. |
| |
|
| |
Full-time/part-time enrollment |
| |
For financial aid purposes, full-time is defined
as enrollment for a minimum of nine credit-hours. Part-time students must
enroll for a minimum of four and one-half credit-hours. |
| |
|
|
