| 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.
At Benedictine University, academic advising is grounded in Benendictne
values and the University mission. It is a interactive process between the
advisor and the student and is supported by technology. The goal is to promote
each student's academic, career and personal development. Faculty and staff
are committed to creating a decisions making framework through which students
can identify and realize their educational goals. Although academic advising
is a collaborative function of both student and advisor, the final responsibilty
for satistfying University and program requirements rests with the student. |
| |
| Graduation Requirements |
A student must earn 64 quarter credit hours (51-53 quarter
credit hours in the Nutrition and Wellness programs, 33 semester credit
hours in all MEd Programs, 38 semester hours in the MAEd Elementary Education
track, 37 semester credit hours in the MAEd Secondary Education track and
57 semester hours in the MAEd Special Education track, 40 semester hours
in the Clinical Exercise Physiology program and 36 semester credit hours
in the Science Content and Process 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 the semester-based 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 scheduled to 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 academic 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 or use MyBenU by logging into BenU
Connect at www.ben.edu. 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 four-fifths 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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|
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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. |
| |
| Academic Accomodation for Religious Observance Policy |
| A student whose religious obligation conflicts with a course
requirement may request an academic accomdation from the instructor. Students
make such requests in writing by the end of the first week of class. Upon
receiving such a request, the instructor will offer reasonable academic
accomodation, whenever feasible, and communicate this to the student. However,
the course requirements listed in the syllabus remain if effect if accomodations
cannot be offered. |
| |
| 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 term 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 with 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 department chair/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. |
| |
|
|
Students (Both U.S. citizens and 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 |
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|
|
| |
| Admission Requirementsfor
U.S. Citizens and U.S. Residents |
| |
-Graduate Application
-$40 non-refundable application fee
-Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended
-Official ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) evaluation of any home
country transcripts, if applicable
-Official results of Standardized test scores, if applicable
-Letters of references from persons who know the applicant from a professional
or academic perspective (4 - Clinical Psychology; 3 - Education; 2 - MBA,
MCEP, MIS, MOB, MPH, MSNW, MSSCP)
-Resume, if applicable
-Personal Interview (required of MCP program only)
|
| |
| International Admission requirements - Non-citizens
and Non-Permanent Residents of the U.S. |
| |
-Submit International Graduate Student Application
-$40 non-refundable application fee payable by personal check or money
order
-Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended
with English translation.
-Official ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) evaluation of any home
country transcripts
-Official results of standardized test scores, if applicable
-Letters of reference from persons who know the applicant from a professional
or academic perspective (4 - Clinical Psychology; 3 - Education; 2 - MBA,
MCEP, MIS, MOB, MPH, MSNW, MSSCP)
-Evidence of a high level of English proficiency demonstrated by TOEFL
score of 550 or above (paper based test), 213 or above (computer based
test) or 79 or above (Internet based test)
-Written statement of educational and career goals
-Resume, if applicable
-Personal Interview, required of MCP program only
-Certificate of Finances - The applicant 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, the file will be reviewed by the specific graduate program.
The applicant will be informed of the admission decision in writing. The
letter will include information about the advising process and course registration
with departmental contact information. |
| |
|
| International Admissions Procedures |
| Once all requirements are met and the applicant's
file is complete, the file will be reviewed by the specific graduate program.
The applicant will be informed of the admission decision in writing. If
the applicant is accepted into the graduate program the letter will include
information about the advising process and course registration with departmental
contact information. The International Student Advisor will issue an acceptance
along with an I-20 document, pre-arrival and orientation information. All
F-1 graduate students are required by law to be enrolled full time (9 or
more graduate credit hours) during the academic year. It is the international
students responsibility to maintain the I-20, passport, visa and I-94 valid.
It is the international students responsibility to be aware of all expiration
dates and allowing ample time for renewal/extensions. Failure to do so can
result in deportation and/or difficulty returning to the United States. |
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|
| Required Academic Credentials |
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|
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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). |
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|
|
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2. |
Recent completion of full-time study at the university
level, minimum of two years, in a country where English is the native language
as well as the language of instruction. |
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|
|
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| 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 for all programs
except M.A.E.D/M.E.D. for which a subject analysis is required. 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). |
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|
| |
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.
|
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|
| |
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 day prior
to the second class meeting 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. |
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| Financial Aid |
| |
| Applying for Financial Aid |
| |
International graduate students are not eligible
for any financial aid at Benedictine University. |
| |
|
| |
All students applying for financial aid are asked
to complete the following documents: |
| |
- Benedictine University Financial Aid Application (available on the
Financial Aid website or by request)
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
|
| |
The FAFSA should be completed as soon as possible
after January 1st. |
| |
|
|
| |
The FAFSA is available online at: www.fafsa.ed.gov. |
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|
|
| |
The student must obtain a Personal Identification
Number (PIN) to electronically sign the FAFSA. Request a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. |
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|
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| |
Include Benedictine University's school code: 001767 to release the results
of your FAFSA application to the Financial Aid Office.
|
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|
|
| Verification |
| |
Some FAFSA forms are selected to complete a process
called Verification. Students selected for verification are required to
submit certain documents, including signed copies of federal tax returns
before financial aid can be finalized. |
| |
|
|
| Notification of Financial Aid Eligibility |
| |
All students who apply for financial aid will
receive a financial aid award letter. The letter will include the types
of assistance and award amounts the student is eligible to receive. |
| |
|
|
| Reapplying for Financial Aid |
| |
Students must reapply for financial aid each
award year. |
| |
|
|
| Award Revisions |
| |
The Financial Aid Office reserves the right to
modify financial aid awards at any time based on the availability of federal
and state funds or if changes occur in the student's financial need analysis,
enrollment or academic status. |
| |
|
|
| |
If financial assistance is received form an outside
source after the financial aid award notification letter has been issued,
a recalculation of aid eligibility will be completed using the additional
financial assistance as a resource. Required financial aid adjustments will
be made in accordance with University policy and state and federal regulations.
All forms of outside assistance must be reported to the Financial Aid Office. |
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|
|
| Employer Reimbursement |
| |
Tuition reimbursement from an employer must be
reported to the Financial Aid Office. Tuition reimbursement may impact a
student's financial aid eligibility. |
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|
|
| Enrollment Requirements |
| |
|
|
| |
To receive financial aid, students must be enrolled,
at least half-time, as a degree-seeking student in an eligible program.
Financial aid awards assume the student will maintain continuous enrollment.
Failure to do so may result in a revision of financial aid awards. It is
recommended that students speak with a financial aid counselor prior to
adding a class or withdrawing from a class. |
| |
|
|
| |
As required by federal regulation, a Return of
Title IV Funds must be calculated when a student withdraws from the University.
If a student does not formally withdraw, but is out of attendance for more
than 30 calendar days, he/she is considered a withdrawn student. The Return
of Title IV calculation may result in reduced eligibility for financial
aid funds already disbursed and require a return of funds to the student
loan lender. In addition, for student loan purposes, the student will lose
his/her in-school deferment status. This may affect the length of the grace
period and repayment status. (further provisions of the Return of Title
IV calculation are detailed below under the section titled, "Financial
Aid Leave of Absence Policy"). |
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|
|
| |
| Federal Stafford Loan Program |
| |
Graduate students are eligible for up a maximum of $18,500 in Federal
Stafford loans per academic year. There are two types of Stafford loans
available:
Subsidized Stafford loans are based on financial need. The federal government
will pay the interest while the student is in school, during the grace
period, and during authorized periods of deferment.
Unsubsidized Stafford loans are not based on financial need. This loan
is available for students who are not eligible or only partially eligible
for a Subsidized Stafford loan. The student is responsible for paying
the interest from the date the loan is disbursed. Repayment of principal
begins six months after the student graduates or does not maintain continuous
enrollment.
Of the maximum $18,500 in total Federal Stafford loan for which graduate
students are eligible, the maximum Subsidized Stafford loan a student
may receive in one year is $8,500.
|
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|
|
| Stafford Loan Deferments |
| |
If you have previous Stafford loans from your undergraduate or graduate
work and are enrolled at least half time you may be eligible for a deferment.
A deferment allows a student to temporarily postpone student loan payments
for a certain period of time. Deferment eligibility depends on the date
the first FFELP loan was disbursed. A number of deferments are available
with the most common deferments being:
|
| |
|
|
| |
- Enrolled in school at least half-time
- Unemployment
|
| |
Deferments are not automatic; there are certain
steps that must be followed. Students should contact their lender to determine
eligibility for a deferment and to obtain the necessary deferment request
form. Students should continue making payments while a deferment request
is being approved. |
| |
|
|
| Graduate PLUS Loan Program |
| |
Beginning with the 2006-07 academic year, graduate
students will be eligible to borrow funds from the Federal PLUS Loan program.
The Graduate PLUS loan has a fixed interest rate of 8.25%. Before applying
for a Federal PLUS Loan, the student must apply for and the school must
determine the student's eligibility for the maximum annual subsidized and/or
unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan amount. However, a graduate student is
not required to receive Federal Stafford Loan funds as a condition for receiving
a Federal PLUS Loan. Graduate students may borrow up to the cost of education
minus estimated financial aid. The student borrower must be credit-worthy.
Repayment begins within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed, while
the student is still enrolled. The borrower has up to 10 years to repay
the loan with a $50 minimum monthly payment. However, as long as the borrower
remains enrolled at least half-time, repayment may be deferred. |
| |
|
|
| Federal Perkins Loan |
| |
The Federal Perkins Loan is awarded to students
based on financial need. The Federal Perkins Loan has a fixed interest rate
of 8.25%. Repayment of the Perkins Loan begins nine months after the student
graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time status. The maximum length
of repayment is 10 years.
Perkins Loan funds are very limited. The maximum loan for a graduate student
is $6,000 per year. |
| |
|
|
| Financial Aid Leave of Absence Policy - Cohort
Student |
| |
A leave of absence is a process designed to allow
students to interrupt their academic program for a limited period of time
without requiring them to reapply for admission to the University. During
the period of the leave, the student is considered to be on active status
with the University awaiting their return to study. A leave of absence is
intended for future courses, but may be requested while a class is in session.
However, a leave of absence is not the same as a request to withdraw from
a single class. Students should not use the leave of absence policy to request
a withdrawal from the class in which they are currently enrolled if the
intent is to remain registered in the following course of the cohort program.
The University's course withdrawal policy, which allows a student to withdraw
from a course prior to two-thirds completion of the course, should be pursued
in that instance. |
| |
|
|
| |
| Required Documentation |
| |
Students requesting a leave of absence must complete and sign an official
Leave of Absence form and submit it to the Financial Aid Office to be
processed no later than the student's last day of attendance in the course
immediately preceding the leave. Students may request a Leave of Absence
form by contacting their academic advisor. Upon completion, forms may
be sent to the Financial Aid Office by mail, fax or delivered in person.
When completing the Leave of Absence form, students should identify the
future class(es) from which they request to be withdrawn. As a general
matter of policy, students may not use the leave of absence policy to
request a withdrawal from classes that are in process or have already
ended.
Once the Financial Aid Office has received the Leave of Absence form,
the request will be processed and notification will be sent to, the student,
Benedictine Central, Cohort Accounting Department and the student's academic
advisor. Benedictine Central will withdraw the student from any future
courses identified on the form.
If unforeseen, emergency circumstances prevent a student from providing
a request for a leave of absence on or before the last date of class attendance
as outlined above, the Financial Aid Office, at its discretion, may approve
the LOA retroactively. If not approved, the student may submit a written,
signed and dated request to his/her academic advisor with appropriate
documentation that substantiates the unforeseen circumstance that prevented
the student from providing a leave of absence request on or before the
last day of attendance. Unforeseen circumstances may include medical and
family emergencies, unexpected business travel, and natural disasters.
The academic advisor will submit the student's request to the Cohort Appeals
Committee for approval. If approved, the student will be granted a leave
of absence retroactive to the student's last date of attendance, the student
will be notified by Financial Aid and the student's academic record will
be adjusted accordingly. Further, if the Cohort Appeals Committee approves
the student's request, no additional fees will be imposed when the student
retakes the course.
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| Length of Approved Leave |
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The Financial Aid Office may grant a qualifying student a leave of absence
of up to 180 days in any 12-month period during which the student is considered
on active status and no Title IV Return of Funds calculation is required.
Time in excess of 180 days will not be approved.
As a matter of policy, the leave of absence period will be calculated
from the student's last date of attendance. The count will be based on
the number of days between the last date of attendance (LDA) and the re-entry
date. The initial LDA is used when determining the start date for the
12-month period referred to above.
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| Request for Multiple Leaves of Absence |
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The Financial Aid Office may grant multiple leaves
at different times as long as all of the leaves added together do not exceed
180 days in a 12-month period. If students request a leave of absence that
would exceed this time period, they will be contacted by the Financial Aid
Office and advised that either the request is denied or the student will
need to officially withdraw from the program. Students who withdraw from
the cohort program may reapply for admission to the University at a later
date. |
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| Completion of Coursework Upon Return |
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Title IV regulations indicate that upon the student's
return from a leave of absence, the student can begin a new course. Therefore,
Benedictine University extends to all students the ability to begin a new
course within their academic plan. |
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| LOA Returns Prior to the Scheduled End Date |
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Students, upon notification to their academic advisor, may return early
from an approved leave of absence prior to the LOA end date as long as
they are able to begin a new course within their program. The LOA will
be shortened according to the student's return date and the 180-day limitation
will be credited accordingly.
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| Failure to Return |
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If a student does not return from an approved
leave of absence on the expected return date, the student will be considered
as withdrawn from the University and a Return of Title IV Funds calculation
will be processed. |
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| Return of Title IV Funds |
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Title IV funds are awarded to a student under the assumption that the
student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance
is awarded. When a student withdraws prior to completing 60% of the payment
period, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title
IV funds that the student was originally scheduled to receive.
If a recipient of Title IV grant or loan funds withdraws from the University
after beginning attendance, the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance
earned by the student must be determined. If the amount disbursed to the
student is greater than the amount the student earned, unearned funds
must be returned. If the amount disbursed to the student is less than
the amount the student earned, and for which the student is otherwise
eligible, he or she is eligible to receive a post-withdrawal disbursement
of the earned aid that was not received.
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- The amount of financial aid earned by the student is determined by
calculating the number of days attended divided by the number of days
in the payment period.
- Institutional breaks of five or more consecutive days, excluding LOA's,
are excluded from the calculation for purposes of determining the amount
of Title IV Aid earned by the student.
- Unearned aid percentage is calculated by subtracting the earned aid
percentage from 100%.
- Institutional charges include tuition and school contracted room and
board charges.
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The procedures followed when a Title IV recipient
withdraws from school or requires an LOA that exceeds Federal requirements
are: |
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- Return of Title IV funds is calculated
- Lender is notified of student's status change
- Post-Withdrawal Disbursements are identified (if applicable)
- Excess funds earned are offered to student (if applicable)
- Refunds and balance due are identified (funds must be returned no
later than 30 days from the date Benedictine University determined the
student withdrew).
- Exit Interview is conducted (by mail if necessary)
- Refunds are applied according to the order of Return of Title IV Funds:
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- Unsubsidized Stafford
- Subsidized Stafford
- Federal Perkins Loans
- Federal PLUS
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal SEOG
- Other Title IV Programs
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| Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for
Financial Aid Recipients |
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| 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. |
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| Financial aid programs included under this
policy |
| All federal, state and Benedictine University
financial aid programs are subject to this policy. |
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| 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. |
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| Satisfactory Academic Progress
Policy for Financial Aid Recipients |
| Satisfactory academic progress includes three
criteria: |
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1. |
Academic standing based on the student’s
cumulative grade point average; |
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2. |
The student’s progress towards successful
degree completion; and |
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3. |
Degree completion within a maximum timeframe. |
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| In order to maintain satisfactory academic progress,
students must: |
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- 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
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| 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Reinstatement: A student may regain eligibility
for financial aid once the student has met the minimum requirements of satisfactory
academic progress. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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| Definitions for Financial Aid Purposes |
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Completion of courses |
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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. |
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Full-time/part-time enrollment |
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For academic 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 a half credit-hours.
For financial aid purposes, full-time is defined as enrollment for a minimum
of eight credit-hours. Part-time students must enroll for a minimum of four
credit-hours. |
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